Tirupati Balaji Temple

DEITIES/SHRINES
The Garbha Griha or sanctum is where the main deity of
Lord Sri Venkateswara resides.
The Puranas associate the site with Lord Varaha, a
Dashavatara of Lord Vishnu. The Varaha shrine holds
great importance in Tirupati and is said to be older than
the main sanctum of Venkateswara.
There is also the Ranga Mandapam, which is to the left
side of the temple as one enters. This is where the main
deity, Sri Ranganatha Swamy of Sri Ranganathaswamy
Temple (Trichy), was protected for a period of almost 60
years during attacks by Malik Kafur in the 14th century.

LEGEND
The seven hills around Tirumala-Tirupati also known as Sapthagiri
after the seven hoods of Sheshnag the cosmic serpent. The temple
of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatadri.
There was a huge anthill at Tirupati, and one day a local farmer
heard a voice from the heavens asking him to feed the ants. By
chance the local king heard the voice and began supplying milk for
the ants himself. His compassion resulted in the liquid uncovering
the magnificent idol of Venkateswara hidden within the anthill.
Thondaiman, ruler of Thondaimandalam in ancient Tamil
Nadu (present day Kanchipuram and the surroundings), is believed
to have first built the temple after visualizing Lord Vishnu in his
dream.He built the Gopuram and the Prakhara, and arranged for
regular prayers to be conducted in the temple. Later on, the Chola
dynasty vastly improved the temple and gave rich endowments.

MODE OF WORSHIP
Prathakala Aradhana - Worship should
start after sunrise and finish before
noon
UshaKala Aradhana - Aradhana or
Worship should start and finish before
Sunrise
Madhyanika Aradhana - Worship
should start and finish at noon

LOCATION
Tirupati at Chitoor District in Andhra
Pradesh

ARCHITECTURE
The temple has been built on Tirumala hill at an altitude of 2,800 feet above sea level. It has been
made in the Dravidian style and there are a total of three enclosures in the temple called as
'Prakarams'.

FESTIVAL
Brahmotsavam Festival is the annual festival of Tirupati Temple. It is celebrated in the month of
September. The festival continues for a period of nine days. Devotees from various parts of the
country come to Tirupati to pay their worship.
Magha Shuddha Saptami is another festival, celebrated during February, when Lord
Venkateswara's deity is taken on procession around the temple chariots.