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 The abode of the 'Kaliyuga' deity Lord Venkateswara popularly known as Balaji, Tirupati has for centuries remained a destination divine and this feeling grows on one as one goes round the various temples and spots of natural beauty surrounding this major town.
In fact, the government has proposed to give special status to the town on the lines of the Vatican. Lying at the southern tip of the Eastern ghats in Andhra Pradesh, the district has a number of perennial water falls and vast forest cover.
Around 700 kms from Hyderabad, Tirupati is situated amidst the lush green Eastern Ghats in Chittoor district.
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How to reach |
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By Air |
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Tirupati is well connected by air to Chennai and Hyderabad. |
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By Rail |
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Thirupathi is connected to all major cities of India by rail. |
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By Road |
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Tirupati is well connected to all major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Chittoor, Hyderabad, Vijayawada |
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Places to Visit |
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Lord Venketeswara Temple |
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Nestled among high Eastern Ghats, Tirumala can be reached only after covering the range of hills. The presiding deity Lord Venkateswara is also referred to as Lord of the Seven Hills. Patronized by Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas, Vijayanagar kings and later by the king of Mysore, the temple finds a mention in the Sastras and Puranas. The main temple is a magnificent example of the fine Indian temple architecture. Both the Vimana over the sanctum sanctorum and the Dhwajasthambam (temple flag-post) are plated with gold.
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Swami Pushkarini |
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A sacred tank adjacent to the Balaji temple, a dip here is considered a custom before entering the temple. According to legend, Swami Pushkarini was a pleasure tank of Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntam and brought to earth by Garuda for the sport of Lord Venkateswara |
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Akasa Ganga |
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About 3 kms north of the main temple is a perennial stream that is said to flow from the feet of the deity. The Akasa Ganga, as it is called, is considered sacred as the Vedas describe it as flowing from the feet of Lord Vishnu. The water from here is used for the daily rituals in the temple.
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Sila Thoranam |
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Situated on Tirumala, this is a rare geographical arch and the only one of its kind in the whole of Asia. Two other such arches are known to exist in the world - the Rainbow Arch of Utah in USA and the Arch of "Cut Through" of UK.This is one of the rarest 'geological faults' of India and the age of the arch is computed as 1500 million years by geologists. This is also a rare geological feature called 'eparchean unconformity'. This natural arch is believed to have formed due to intensified weathering and erosion of stream action and has withstood the torque of nature. The length of this arch is 25 feet and the height 10 feet. |
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Kanipakam |
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The present temple of Lord Ganesha was constructed in the 11th century by king Kullottunga of the Chola dynasty and further developed in 1336 by the kings of Vijayanagar. One peculiarity of the Idol is that it eternally grows in size. To testify the fact that the Lord is growing, the Silver "Kawacham" that was manufactured 50 years ago is now too small for the idol.
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Kapilatheertham |
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Lord Shiva is said to have appeared before the Saint Kapila at this historic site. The cascading waterfalls from the holy hills are a treat to the eyes.
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Narayanavanam |
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This famous garden is believed to be the venue of the sacred marriage between Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavati.
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Goddess Alamelumanga Temple |
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The temple of Goddess Alamelumanga, the divine consort of Lord Venkateswara, is at Tiruchanur near Tirupati. One more temple is dedicated to the Goddess at Srinivasa Mangapuram, 12 kms from Tirupati.
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