The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple stands majestically atop the sacred seven hills of Tirumala in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, also known as Balaji, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this temple is a revered pilgrimage destination for millions of devotees. With its golden roof and exquisite Dravidian architecture, the main sanctum, Ananda Nilayam, is a symbol of divine grandeur. The temple is not only one of the richest in the world but also one of the most visited, welcoming over 60,000 pilgrims daily, totaling around 24 million annually.
Historical Background
Dynastic Patrons
Tirumala’s history is deeply intertwined with South Indian dynasties. From the 10th century onwards, kings and queens generously endowed the temple with land, jewels, and wealth. In 966 CE, the Pallava queen Samavai donated land and precious ornaments. Later, the Cholas, Reddis, and Vijayanagara rulers expanded the temple. Emperor Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire made significant contributions in 1517, donating gold and jewels that enabled the gilding of the inner sanctum.
Modern Era
After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, the temple came under various kingdoms and eventually the British administration. In 1933, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was established to manage the temple. Today, TTD oversees temple operations, ensuring both spiritual and administrative activities run smoothly. The temple’s wealth—tens of thousands of crores in bank deposits and over 10 tonnes of gold—stems from centuries of devoted offerings. According to legend, Lord Venkateswara took a loan from Kubera, the god of riches, to fund his wedding, and devotees continue this “repayment” through their donations.
Legends and Mythology
Tirumala is steeped in spiritual lore and is also called Venkatachala, an Adivaraha Kshetra where Lord Vishnu’s boar incarnation once appeared. According to the Varaha Purana, Adi Varaha (Vishnu’s Earth-rescuing form) appeared on the western bank of the temple tank, while Lord Venkateswara appeared on the southern bank, making Tirumala a sacred center of divine manifestations.
Another legend narrates the discovery of the idol. Centuries ago, Lord Vishnu meditated on the hill and transformed into stone. An anthill formed over him. A shepherd noticed that his cow kept giving milk to that spot, which led the king to uncover the self-manifested stone image. King Tondaiman then built a temple at the site, which later evolved into the grand shrine seen today.
One of the most celebrated stories involves Sage Bhrigu, who once tested the gods by kicking their chests. Vishnu’s calm response—massaging the sage’s foot—honoured Bhrigu but upset Goddess Lakshmi, who left Vaikuntha. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Srinivasa and descended to Tirumala in search of her. Lakshmi was born as Princess Padmavati, and their divine wedding at Narayanavanam eventually led the couple to reside on Tirumala Hills as eternal stone deities. The idol of Venkateswara, flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi, reflects this divine presence.
The seven hills themselves are considered sacred, believed to represent the coils of Adi Śeṣa, with local myths linking their formation to cosmic battles between Śeṣa and the wind god.
Pilgrim Worship Practices
- Visiting Tirumala is a profound spiritual journey.
- The day begins before dawn with Suprabhatam, the hymn that wakes the Lord. Early morning abhishekas and archana ceremonies like Thomala and Sahasranama Archana prepare the deity for darshan.
- Pilgrims then queue through the Vaikuntam Queue Complex for Sarva Darshan, which remains open nearly 18–20 hours daily.
- During festivals such as Brahmotsavam, the temple extends its hours, while special-entry darshans are available for advance ticket holders.
Tonsure and Offerings
One unique ritual is tonsuring devotees shave their heads as an act of surrender. According to legend, the celestial Gandharva princess Neela Devi once replaced Lord Vishnu’s lost hair with her own, blessing devotees who offer their hair. Every day, over a ton of hair is collected at Tirumala, adding to the temple’s income.
Pilgrims also receive the famous Tirupati Laddu as prasad, a cherished blessing symbolizing the Lord’s grace. Donations to the temple hundi continue the tradition of repaying the Lord for his mythical wedding loan from Kubera.
Visiting Tirumala: Timings and Best Season
- The temple opens very early, around 2:30 AM, for Suprabhatam, and general darshan continues through most of the day. Festival days often see extended hours.
- The ideal time to visit is from September to February, when the weather is pleasant and trekking or queueing is easier. Summers can be hot and humid, while monsoon rains may disrupt travel.
- TTD provides extensive facilities, including free meals (Annadanam), filtered water, medical aid, and simple lodging options.
- Devotees are expected to follow the dress code: men typically wear dhoti or kurta-pajama, and women wear saree or a salwar-kameez. Shoes and ornaments are not allowed in the sanctum.
A Journey of Faith
Visiting Tirumala Tirupati is more than a pilgrimage—it is a journey of devotion and surrender. Climbing the seven hills or travelling by road symbolizes leaving worldly cares behind. Every ritual, legend, and tradition at the temple embodies faith, hope, and grace. For countless devotees, a darshan of Sri Venkateswara on these hills is said to absolve sins and fulfill heartfelt prayers, making Tirumala a timeless center of divine reverence.
