వేంకటేశ్వర
TIRUMALA – A HEAVEN WITH 1700 YEARS OF ANCIENT RITUALS
Dwaraka Tirumala” is an ancient holy place for pilgrimage in Andhra Pradesh of South India. The temple is not far off the head quarters of West Godavari District, which is more than 39 KM from Eluru. Tirumala Tirupati is 15 KM away from Bhimadole between Vijayawada and Rajahmundry, on Visakhapatnam main Railway line.
In Sastras, rivers like Ganges and Yamuna are considered to be holy as they go upstream towards the origin and south Indian rivers like Krishna and Godavary becomes holier as they flow downstream where it submerges within the Sea. This is the reason for establishing numerous shrines along the holy bathing ghats, at close intervals, on both sides of the great grand rivers – Krishna and Godavary.
- The region covered under Dwaraka Tirumala shows commanding as well as a top most conspicuous position in India, being enriched with great Indian rivers, Krishna and Godavary, as pointed out on Brahma Purana.
Balaji’s image may be carved out of stone, but it is infused with life and is very much alive. The idol of Tirupati maintains a temperature of 110 degrees F, even though the surrounding is much cooler for steep location of the sanctum at 3000 feet.
- The magnificent structures like, Vimana, Mantapa, Gopura, Prakara, the golden ornaments and silver chariots remains testimony of great cultural significance.
Dharma Appa Rao
(1762 – 1827)
Queen Chinnamma Rao of Mylavaram
(1877 – 1902)
The devotees who wish to go and offer their donations, tonsures or offerings to Venkateswara can visit “Pedda Tirupati”.
Venkateshwara is also known as Balaji, Srinivasa and Govind. One amazing fact is that the Tirupati Temple is on of the wealthiest temple of India, because of the sheer amount of offerings given by pilgrims.
July – October: Monsoons start in Tirupati around July and the temperature starts lowering making it more pleasant. Tirupati experiences mild showers and this is a brilliant time for making a trip to the temple town. September is the time for one of the biggest festivities in the region, the Brahmotsavam
Tirumala Tirupati
Pilgrimage
- September to February
- The temple will remain open for darshan between 6.30 am and 7.30 pm every day
Tirupati remains crowded throughout the year; however, the best time for exploring Tirupati is from September – February when the climate is relatively balmy with intermittent showers. The summers with a rigid sweltering weather and humidity offers challenges to devotees, although it is ideal for energetic souls to explore Tirumala Tirupati, whenever they fell to have the blessings of Venkateswara.
