Thirumala Venkateswara.

Garuda
Lord Venkateswara or Balaji is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu himself. It is believed that he came to reside on the southern bank of Swami Pushkarni, a tank which passes by Tirumala.The seven hills around Tirumala-Tirupati are also known as Sapthagiri after the seven hoods of Sheshnag – the cosmic serpent. The temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatadri.

According one legend, as Saint Ramanuja born in 11th Century AD climbed the seven hills of Tirupati, Lord Srinivas- another name for Lord Venkateswara- appeared before him and gave him his blessings. And after that he is believed to have been blessed to live till the ripe age of 120 years to spread the gospel of Sri Venkateswara.

Main Entrance

People are encouraged to visit Tirumala on the day of Ekadasi in the month of Vaikunta, at which time all pilgrims in the abode of God will be forgiven of all their sins. They also would definitely attain salvation after they die, it is believed.

Temple View

As more than fifty thousand pilgrims visit the Sri Venkateswara Temple every day, TTD has organized efficient systems to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims.Sarvadarsanam, which means 'darshan for all', of Lord Sri Venkateswara begins from 07.30 hrs in the morning till the entrance queue is closed on certain days other than Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Moolasthanam

On lean days 18 hours are allotted for Sarvadarsanam and on peak days, it goes on for 20 hours. The entrance for Sarvadarsanam is through the Vaikuntam Queue Complex. There is now a computerized system in place which allows the pilgrims to book tickets and they are given a specified time slot.

Lord Venkateswara

In addition, there are free darshans, and special darshans, which cost a bit more. There is a special darshan for the physically disabled and the aged through a separate gate at the Maha Dwaram - the main temple entrance. These pilgrims can ask for an escort.

Utsavamurthy

The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatadri Hills on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. Because of this reason, Lord Balaji has been named Venkateswara.

This is one of the few temples in India which allows people of other religious faiths to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Some ancient texts such as Puranas and Alwar hyms assert that attaining mukti (bliss) in Kali Yuga is only possible through the grace of Lord Sri Venkateswara.

Lord Venkateswara or Balaji is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu himself. It is believed that he came to reside on the southern bank of Swami Pushkarni, a tank which passes by Tirumala.

Srivari Pushkarini

The seven hills around Tirumala-Tirupati are also known as Sapthagiri after the seven hoods of Sheshnag – the cosmic serpent. The temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatadri.

Srivari Padalu

ccording one legend, as Saint Ramanuja born in 11th Century AD climbed the seven hills of Tirupati, Lord Srinivas- another name for Lord Venkateswara- appeared before him and gave him his blessings.

Silathoranam

And after that he is believed to have been blessed to live till the ripe age of 120 years to spread the gospel of Sri Venkateswara.

Papavinasanam Dam

People are encouraged to visit Tirumala on the day of Ekadasi in the month of Vaikunta, at which time all pilgrims in the abode of God will be forgiven of all their sins. They also would definitely attain salvation after they die, it is believed.

Elephant At Gosala

Tonsuring – the act of shaving your head to propitiate God - is a long standing ritual associated with Tirumala. As per the Vaishavite tradition, devotees offer their hair to the Lord which symbolizes effacing of the ego.

Kalyanakatta

Tonsuring used to be done at cottages itself in the past where a barber could be summoned, but new addition is a centralized system which has been put in place at Kalyana Katta, a huge building near the temple. Now, all the barbers sit there in along side each other once you enter the complex.

Annamayya

The devotees can pay as per their discretion to the barbers after tonsuring. A bathroom has been provided next to the Kalyanakatta facilitate devotees to take bath. Alternately, a holy dip in the Pushkarini can also be taken, after which the devotees are then supposed to visit the temple for darshan.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam has a Publication Division. This division publishes books on religious treatises in various languages. They also stack audio, videocassettes on various religious functions. The prices of these books are subsidized. The books are available at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Book Stalls in the railway station, on G. Car Street, Tirupati and at RTC bus stand in Tirumala.