Sri Venkateswara Temple History, Hidden Gems, Best Time to Visit and Photography
Located at
Tirupati
Andhra Pradesh
The Sri Venkateswara Temple, located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most renowned and visited Hindu temples in the world. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, it holds immense religious significance for millions of devotees.
Sri Venkateswara Temple is consider is richest temple in India
Financial Aspects:
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Revenue Generation: The temple generates enormous revenue through various sources, including donations from devotees, offerings, and special rituals. It is estimated that the temple receives hundreds of crores (tens of millions) of rupees annually.
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Offerings: Devotees offer money, gold, silver, and various valuable items. The temple also has a system of hundi (donation boxes) where devotees can deposit their offerings, further contributing to its wealth.
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Assets: The temple management holds significant assets, including gold, jewelry, and real estate. The accumulated wealth is used for the maintenance of the temple, welfare activities, and development projects.
History
Sri Venkateswara Temple, located in the Tirumala Hills of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple history dates back over a thousand years, with significant contributions by rulers of the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara dynasties. The temple is also renowned for its Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: September to February (pleasant weather).
- Special Occasions: Visit during Brahmotsavam (September-October) for grand festivities.
Nearest Attractions
- Akasa Ganga Waterfalls (3 km): A serene spot where the temple priests collect holy water.
- Papavinasam Teertham (5 km): A sacred waterfall believed to cleanse sins.
- Silathoranam (4 km): A unique natural rock formation in the shape of an arch.
- Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple (20 km): A popular Lord Shiva temple in Tirupati town.
Things to Do
- Seek Blessings: Participate in rituals like Suprabhatam and archana at the temple.
- Trek to Tirumala Hills: The Alipiri or Srivari Mettu paths offer spiritual and scenic experiences.
- Prasadam Sampling: Do not miss the famous Tirupati Laddu.
- Visit Museums: Check out the Tirumala Temple Museum to learn about the temples history.
Adventures
- Hiking: Trek the Srivari Mettu path to Tirumala for a rewarding experience with scenic views.
- Nature Walks: Explore the lush greenery around the Tirumala Hills.
- Boating: Head to Tumbhuru Theertham for a serene boating experience.
Packing Items
- Comfortable Clothing: Modest attire for temple visits.
- Shoes: Comfortable footwear for treks (to be removed during temple entry).
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during hikes.
- Snacks: Light food for treks or long waits at the temple.
- Raincoat/Umbrella: If visiting during monsoons.
- Power Bank: For your devices.
- Basic First Aid Kit: Essentials for treks and travel.
Budget
- Accommodation:
- Dormitories (?300–?500)
- Hotels (?1,000–?3,000)
- Luxury stays (?4,000+).
- Food: Simple vegetarian meals (?100–?300 per meal).
- Temple Entry: Free, but special darshan tickets cost ?300.
- Transportation:
- From Tirupati: ?50–?200 (buses/taxis to Tirumala).
- Local travel: ?200–?500/day.
Hidden Gem
- Sri Vari Padalu: Located about 5 km from the temple, this spot is believed to be where Lord Venkateswara first set foot on earth. It offers breathtaking views of the Tirumala Hills and is less crowded compared to other sites.
Photography Rules
- Prohibited Inside: Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.
- Allowed Outside: You can take pictures in the surrounding areas, such as gardens, Silathoranam, or Akasa Ganga Waterfalls.
Safety Rules
- Attire: Modest, traditional attire is mandatory. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and inappropriate clothing.
- Belongings: Lockers are available for personal belongings, as bags, cameras, and electronic devices are not allowed inside.
- Crowds: Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Physical Fitness: If trekking, ensure you are physically fit. Rest stops are available.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep the local police or medical center contact information handy.
Famous Food in Tirupati
- Temple Prasadam: The Tirupati Laddu is iconic.
- Veg Specialties: Andhra-style dosa, upma, and pulihora (tamarind rice).
- Non-Veg Specialties (available outside Tirumala): Chicken fry, mutton biryani, and fish curry.
- Vegan Options: Fresh fruit juices, vegetable curries without dairy, and lentil-based dishes.
Vegan, Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian Restaurants
- Vegan:
- Ruchi Veg: Specializes in vegan South Indian dishes.
- Fruitful Bites: Serves fresh salads and juices.
- Vegetarian:
- Mayura Hotel: Famous for South Indian thalis.
- Annamaya Bhavan: Simple and affordable temple-style food.
- Non-Vegetarian:
- Zodiac Restaurant: Renowned for biryanis.
- Minerva Coffee Shop: Serves a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian Andhra delicacies.
Entry Fee
- Free Entry: General darshan.
- Special Entry Darshan: ?300 per person (includes shorter wait times).
- Other Services: Additional charges for specific poojas and rituals.
How to Reach
- By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport (16 km from the city, 39 km from Tirumala).
- By Train:
- Tirupati Railway Station: Well-connected to major cities.
- By Road:
- Regular buses run between Tirupati and Tirumala.
- Taxis and private vehicles are also available.
Nearest Hotels
- Luxury:
- Taj Tirupati: High-end amenities and proximity to the temple.
- Mid-Range:
- Pai Viceroy: Comfortable and affordable stay.
- Budget:
- Bhimas Residency: Simple, clean, and affordable.
- Temple-Managed Accommodation:
- Available at Tirumala for pilgrims (book in advance).
ATMs
- Multiple ATMs are available in Tirumala and Tirupati, including SBI, HDFC, and ICICI.
Medical Facilities
- Aswini Hospital: Inside Tirumala, offering basic medical care.
- SVIMS Hospital: A multispecialty hospital in Tirupati.
Parking
- Large parking areas are available near the temple complex for private and public vehicles. Pilgrims can also park near Alipiri Gate or Srivari Mettu if trekking.
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