Tirupati Pilgrimage Places

Tirupati: One of the most important pilgrimage centres in the world

Tirupati is one of the holiest and most visitied temple town in Andhra Pradesh. Sri Venkateswara Temple is considered to be very sacred and people come and worship here, from all walks of life, because their prayers are often answered here. It is one of the most important pilgrimage centres in the world. The administration of the temple is taken care of by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam which was formed in 1933.

History reveals that the famous Sri Venkateswara Temple had been maintained and adorned by several kingdoms like the Pallavas, Cholas and even the Vijayanagara Empire. The custom of Vaishnavism developed approximately in the 5th century AD. Vaishnavite saint Ramanujacharya himself had formalised the temple rites in 11th century AD.

Following are the main attractions of Tirupati

Tirupati Balaji Temple: This Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is the main highlight of Tirupati. It is perched on the Tirumala Hills. The purely gold laden idol of Lord Vishnu embelishes the Temple. This temple is the richest and the most visited temple in India.  The Dravidian style of archiecture is prominent in this temple.

Sri Govindrajaswamy Temple: This temple is the most visited after the Tirupati Balaji Temple. It worships Lord Krishna, the re-incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Its imposing gopuram (the monumental tower adorning the temple) is one the prime attractions. Saint Ramanujacharya had sanctified the temple in 1130.

Tiruchanur: Located 5 km away from the main town, Tiruchanur is known for being the home temple of Sri Padmavathi Devi. The famous practice of Tonsure also is one of the prime attractions of this place in which people donate their cut hair in the process of worshipping the almighty. It is also known as Alamelumangapuram.

Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple: Located at the foothills of the Tirumala Hills, the  Kapileswaraswami Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Kapila Teertham or the sacred waterfall further makes the ambience of the temple quite sacred and soothing.

Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple: This holy temple has a long history, as it was built by the Chola king in the 10th century. The idols of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshamana are worshipped here. It is believed that this temple commemorates the holy visit of Lord Rama to Tirupati.

Shopping in Tirupati: Kalamkari (hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile) and woodcarvings are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Tirupati. The Tanjore style Gold Leaf paintings are the other favourite. Shoppers hunt for souvenirs in the Bazaar Street of Chandragiri.

Excursions from Tirupati: The nearby locations to Tirupati are Sri Venkateshwara Temple (27 km), Chittoor (70 km), Vellore (105 km), Chennai (156 km), Bangalore (250 km).

When to Reach: The best time to visit Tirupati is between November and March. Several devotees come to Rameswaram during the Brahmotsavam festival in the month of October.

How To Reach
Air: Regular flights from Hyderabad and Delhi are available at the Tirupati Airport, which is approximately 14 km away from the town.
Rail: The Tirupati Railway Station is located in the town and falls in the Katpadi-Renigunta rail route. There are regular trains connecting Tirupati with Bangaluru. Chennai, Mumbai and Hyderabad.
Road: Intercity and inter state buses connect Tirupati with other cities in Andhra Pradesh.