Location : 67-km From
Chittoor, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh
Tourist Attractions : Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami
Temple, Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, Padmavati Devi Temple, Sri
Kapileswaraswami Temple.
Festivals : Brahmotsavam, Vinayaka Chavithi, Maha
Shivaratri, Skhanda Shasthi and Annabhishekam.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Chandigiri fort, Sri
Kalahasthi, Agastyaswamy temple, Kailasakona waterfall, etc.
When to Visit : Through out the year
About Tirupati
Tirupati, located about 130 kms from Chennai, 704 kms from Hyderabad, has
one of the richest temples in the country. It is the most revered
Vaishnavite shrine of Lord Venkateswara. It was ruled by the Pallavas, the
Cholas, the Pandyas and the Vijayanagar kings. This temple is located in the
southern Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. 'Tiru' of the word Tirupati,
means `Sri' in Tamil. Hence Tirupati translates to Sripati or Sri Maha
Vishnu.
Tirupati is a result of contributions made by kings during their rule.
Every ruler of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri
Venkateswara in this ancient shrine of Tirupati. The Pallavas
of
Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later),
the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th -
15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed with one
another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions.
The Brahmotsavam is the most important temple festival celebrated at
Tirupati-Balaji and is celebrated annually in September. This festival is
especially grand every third year when it is called Navratri Brahmotsavam.
On the third day of the Brahmotsavam, the temple car festival called
Rathotsavam is held. Both the temple chariot and the Lord are beautifully
decorated and taken around the streets of Tirumala.
Thus, Tirupati along with its natural beauty and religious significance
attracts innumerable tourists.
Tourist Attractions in Tirupati
Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Temple
This ancient temple is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata
Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami
Pushkarini.
Padmavati Devi Temple
In Tiruchanur, 5-km from Tirupati , is this large temple dedicated to
goddess Padmavati, the spouse of Lord Venkateswara or Venkateshwara
(Balaji). It is also known as "Alamelumangapuram" and it is
believed that a visit to Tirumala is fruitful only after visiting the Sri
Padmavati Devi temple.
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple
It is one of the very important temples in Tirupati , Sri Govindarajaswami
Temple was consecrated by Saint Ramanujacharya in 1130 AD and is located in
the heart of the Tirupati.
Kodandaramaswami Temple
Located in the centre of the Tirupati town, the presiding deities over here
are Sita, Rama and Lakshmana. It was built by the Chola during the 10th
century AD. The temple of Anjaneyaswami, which is directly opposite, is a
sub-shrine of this temple.
Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple
Situated about 3-km to the north of Tirupati, at the foot of the Tirumala
Hills, is the only temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, in Tirupati. The sacred
waterfall called "Kapila Teertham " (also known as "Alwar
Teertham") is located here. It is also the venue of many festivals.
Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple
This sacred temple is located 12-km to the west of Tirupati at Srinivasa
Mangapuram and it is believed that Lord Venkateswara stayed here after his
marriage with Sri Padmavati Devi, before proceeding to Tirumala.
Getting There
Air : Direct flights to Tirupati are available from Hyderabad and
Chennai only.
Rail : Tirupati is the nearest railway station. There are trains
that travel via Renigunta or Gudur, but do not touch Tirupati. In such
cases, Renigunta or Gudur, are convenient points to alight. From Renigunta /
Gudur one can reach Tirupati by train, bus, or taxi.
Road : Buses run from all the important places in the state and
between Tirupati and Tirumala. Buses also ply between Tirupati and Tirumala,
free of cost.
Accommodation
Tirupati has some good accommodation options in Tirupati that offer a wide
choice to the tourists. The hotels range from three star hotels to budget
hotels in Tirupati. There are plenty of dhramshalas and guest houses in
Tirupati offering comfortable stay at reasonable rates, hence accommodation
is not a problem here.
