Description:
Situated at the height of 3200 feet above sea level on the seventh peak, is the world's richest temple dedicated to Tirupati Balaji. Tirupati, meaning husband of Goddess Lakshmi. The town is known as Tirupati while the seven hills are known as Tirumala. All the rulers of the great dynasties in the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateshwara in this ancient shrine. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram, the Cholas of Thanjavur, the Pandyas of Madurai and the kings and chieftains of Vijaynagar have been devotees of this shrine. The history of the temple dates back to as far as 9th Century A.D, when Pallavas, the rulers of Kancheepuram, patronized this shrine. But it was not until the time of Vijayanagara dynasty in 15th Century AD that the temple got recognition, and the contributions started pouring in.
Many legends are attached to the temple and the devotees believe that the Lord would fulfill all their wishes, hence a large number of devotees visit this place daily. It is one of the most famous shrines in the country where an uninterrupted worship of the Lord has been carried out for over thirteen centuries. Even today, Tirupati draws enormous crowds throughout the year. The view of the deity profusely ornamented from tip to toe is in itself awe-inspiring. The idol of Sri Venkateswara has attributes of both Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer-two of the three aspects of the Hindu Trinity.
There are many festivals attached with the temple which also draw a huge crowd. One of the most important among these festivals is the Brhamotsav festival. Celebrated annually in September, the festival is especially grand every third year. On the final day of of the festival, the image of Lord Venkateshwara is taken out in procession in a spectacular white horse-drawn chariot. During the spectacular deepakulam ceremony, this ancient temple tank is full of decorated boats and thousands of brass lamps are reflected in the water.
Another important festival taking place is the The Vijayanagar Festival held for three days at the historic Chandragiri Fort near Tirupati-Balaji in the third week of October every year. The fort is a living testimony to the valour of the rulers of Vijayanagar, and the festival coincides with the annual Brahmotsavam at the Tirupati-Balaji Temple. Musicians and dancers from all over the state come here to perform during the festival. The Rayalseema Food Festival is also held at the same time. During this festival, most of the local delicacies of the state are presented.
