DN Darshan: Tirumala Tirupati temple, Andhra Pradesh

dynamitenews.com
Andhra Pradesh/ 13 Jan. The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. It is popularly known as Tirupati Balaji Temple. The temple is situated in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The main temple complex houses awe-inspiring idol of Lord of Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is also known as the Lord of Seven Hills. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, and Tirupati Balaji Temple. Lord Venkateswara is also known by many other names such as Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa. 

Tirumama Tirupati is the richest temple in the world in terms of donations received and wealth. The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily, while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrim shoots up to 500,000 making it the most-visited holy place in the world.

The architecture 

The Temple is constructed in Dravidian architecture and is believed to be constructed over a period of time starting from 300 AD.There are three entrances which lead to Garbhagriha (sanctum sactorum) from outside. The presiding deity, Venkateswara, is in standing posture with four hands-one in varada posture, one placed over thigh and other two holding Shankha and Sudarshana Chakra. The idol bears Goddess Lakshmi on the right chest and Goddess Padmavathi on the left. Ananda Nilayam Vimanam is the main Gopuram constructed over 'Garbhagriha. This is a three storied gopuram and has single Kalasam at its apex. It was covered with gilt copper plates and covered with a golden vase. There are many idols of gods carved over this gopuram.

The Temple premises had two modern Queue complex buildings to organize the piligrim rusha along with Tarigonda Venkamamba Annaprasadam complex for free meals to Pilgrims, hair tonsure buildings and a number of pilgrim lodging sites.

Significance

It is by the Lord's presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the designation, Venkateswara meaning Lord of the Venkata Hill. The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Shastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alvar hymns declare that, in the Kalyug, one can attain mukti only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara. The benefits acquired by a pilgrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in Rig veda and Asthadasha Puranas. In these epics, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestower of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala. The temple has its origins in Vaishnavism-an ancient religion which advocates the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice. 

The legend

It is believed that in during Dvapara Yuga, Adisesha resided on earth as Seshachalam Hills after losing a contest with Vayu. According to Puranas, Tirumala is regarded as Adivaraha Kshetra. After killing Hiranyakshap, Adivaraha resided on this hill. Sri Venkatachala Mahatyam is the widely accepted legend over Tirumala Temple.

The history

There is plenty literary and epigraphic testimony to the antiquity of the temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara. All the great dynasties of rulers of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th - 15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed with one another in donating the temple with rich offerings and contributions.