Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala

TheVenkateswara TempleofTirumalaorSri Venkateswara Swami Temple, is aHindu templesituated in the hills ofTirumalaatTirupati Urban Mandalin theTirupati districtofAndhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated toVenkateswara, a form ofVishnu, who is believed to have appeared on the earth to save mankind from trials and troubles ofKali Yuga. Hence the place is also known by the nameKaliyugaVaikunthaand thedeityhere is referred to asKaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple and Tirupati Balaji Temple. Venkateswara is also known by other names including Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.The temple is run byTirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD), which is under control of Andhra Pradesh Government. The head of TTD is appointed by Andhra Pradesh Government.
Tirumala hills are part ofSeshachalam Hillsrange. The hills are 853 metres (2,799 ft) above sea level and compriseseven peaks, representing the seven heads ofAdisesha. The temple lies on the seventh peak—Venkatadri, on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, a holy water tank. Hence the temple is also referred to as "Temple of Seven Hills".Tirumala town covers an area of about 10.33 sq mi (26.75 km).
The temple of Venkateswara was built byThondamanking and reformed periodically by Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagar. The temple is constructed inSouth Indian architectureand is believed to be constructed over a period of time starting from 300 CE.TheGarbhagruha(Sanctum Sanctorum) is called Ananda Nilayam. The presiding deity, Venkateswara, is in standing posture and faces east in Garbha Gruha. The temple followsVaikhanasaAgamatradition of worship. The temple is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu (self-manifested) Kshetras and is listed as the 75thDivya Desam, one of the 108 temples mentioned in theNaalayira Divya Prabandham.  The Temple premises have two modern Queue complex buildings to manage the pilgrim crowd, Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam complex for free meals to Pilgrims, hair tonsure buildings and a number of pilgrim lodging sites. The temple is one of the richest in the world in terms of donations received and wealth.
There areseveral legendsassociated with the manifestation of the deity in Tirumala. According to one legend, the temple has amurtiof Venkateswara, it is believed, which shall remain there for the entire duration of the presentKali Yuga.
The total assets of the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Tirupati, are estimated to be over₹2.5lakhcrore(US$29 billion).This includes land parcels, buildings, cash and gold deposits in banks, given as offerings to the temple by devotees. As of 30 September 2022, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body of the temple, had fixed deposits with several PSU and private banks amounting to over Rs 15,938 crore.The gold deposits made by the Devasthanams in banks have also now increased rapidly from 7.3 tonnes in 2019 to 10.25 tonnes.The temple is one of the world's most visited religious sites, attracts around 24 million devotees annually.The average daily pilgrim footfall is above 60,000 devotees, and the number crosses one lakh devotees during the annual Brahmotsavams, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and other festival and holiday seasons.
DuringDvapara Yuga,Adishesharesided on earth asSeshachalam Hillsafter losing a contest withVayu. According toPuranas,Tirumalais regarded as Adivaraha Kshetra. After killingHiranyaksha,Adivaraharesided on this hill. Venkatachala Mahatyam is the widely accepted legend over Tirumala Temple.
DuringKali Yuga,Naradaadvised some sages who were performingyagnato decide who could be given the fruits of yagna amongTrimurtis(Brahma,VishnuandShiva).Bhriguwas sent to test the Trinity. The sage who had an extra eye in the sole of his foot visitedBrahmaandShivaand went unnoticed in both these locations. He cursed Brahma to be not worshipped and Shiva to be worshipped as alingam. At last he visitedVishnuand the lord acts as if he had not noticed Bhrigu. Getting angered by this act, sage Bhrigu kicked Vishnu in the chest, to which Vishnu did not react and instead apologised to the Sage by massaging his feet. During this act, he squashed the extra eye that was present in the sole of Bhrigu's foot. HoweverLakshmifinds it as an insult since Vishnu's chest was considered as Lakshmi's residence (vakshasthala) and Bhrigu kicked it which indirectly insulted Lakshmi. She then leftVaikunthaand came to Earth toKolhapurand started meditating.
Vishnu bore human form asSrinivasa, left Vaikuntha, in search of Lakshmi, reached theSeshachalamhills in Tirumala and started meditating. Lakshmi learned of the condition of Srinivasa and called Shiva and Brahma. Shiva and Brahma then converted themselves into Cow and Calf and Lakshmi had handed over the cow and calf toCholaking ruling over Tirumala Hills at that time. The Cow would provide milk to Srinivasa daily while it was taken for grazing. One day, a cowherd saw this and tried to beat the Cow with his staff but Srinivasa had borne the injury. Getting angered by this Srinivasa had cursed the Chola king to become aDemonas dharma says sins committed by servants (shudras) should be borne by Kings. The king prayed for mercy after which Srinivasa said to him, that the King should take next birth as Akasharaja and should perform marriage of his daughter Padmavati with Srinivasa.
Srinivasa went to his foster-motherVakula Devion Tirumala hills and stayed there for a while. After curse,Cholaking took rebirth as Akasharaja and he had a daughter named Padmavati, who was born in the Padmapushkarini situated at present dayTiruchanurinAndhra Pradesh. Srinivasa married Padmavati who is form of Lakshmi  at present day Narayanavanam in Andhra Pradesh and returned to Tirumala Hills. The Lord's desire to be on the seven hills for the emancipation of mankind from the perpetual troubles ofKali Yuga. Both the Lord and Goddesses  turn into stone deities expressing their wish to be always there.
The temple finds a mention in theSangamepicSilappathikaram, Kovalan meeting a Brahmin asks him where he is from and why did he come here, and he Replied "I came to satisfy my heart's desire, to see with my own eyes the glory ofVishnu, whom many worship with prayer as He reposes withLakshmiin His chest, on the couch of the thousand hooded Serpent, in the temple in island jutting out on the widening waves of the Kaveri, even as the blue clouds repose supine on the slopes of the lofty golden mountain (Meru)." This line mentionsSrirangamand next he mentionsTirumalaas follows, "I also came to see the beauty of the red-eyed Lord, holding in His beautiful lotus-hands the discus which is death to His enemies, and also the milk white conch (to see Him) wearing a garland of tender flowers on His chest, and draped in golden flowers and dwelling on the topmost crest of the tall and lofty hill named Venkatam with innumerable waterfalls, standing like a cloud in its natural hue, adorned with a rainbow and attired with lightning, in the midst of a place both sides of which are illumined by the spreading rays of the sun and the moon.
The first recorded endowment was made by Pallava queen Samavai in the year 966 CE. She donated many jewels and two parcels of land (one 10 acres and other 13 acres) and ordered use of the revenues generated from that land for the celebration of major festivals in the temple.ThePallava dynasty(9th century), theChola dynasty(10th century),Reddi kingdom(12th and 13th centuries) and Vijayanagarapradhans(14th and 15th centuries) were committed devotees of Venkateswara. The temple gained most of its current wealth and size under theVijayanagara Empire, present-dayKarnataka state, with the donation of diamonds and gold.In the 16th century, Vijayanagara EmperorKrishnadevarayawas a frequent donor and visitor to the temple. His donations of gold and jewels enabled theAnanda Nilayam(inner shrine) roofing to be gilded. On 2 January 1517, Krishnadevaraya installed his own statue in the temple.
After the decline of Vijayanagara Empire, rulers from states such as theKingdom of Mysoreand theGadwal Samsthanamworshipped as pilgrims and donated ornaments and valuables to the temple.Maratha generalRaghoji I Bhonsleset up a permanent administration for the conduct of worship in the temple. He donated valuable jewels to the Lord which are still preserved in a box named after him.Between 1320 CE and 1369 CE, idols ofRanganathaswamy Temple, Srirangamwere brought to this temple for safe keeping.
In the 11th and 12th centuries,Ramanujacharyavisited Tirupati thrice. On the first occasion, he spent a year with his uncle, Tirumalai Nambi, learning the esoteric meaning ofRamayana. His second visit was to settle a dispute that arose between theSaivitesandVaishnavitesregarding the nature of the image set up in the Tirumala temple.During the last visit, which was at an advanced old age of 102 years, the acharya installed the image ofGovindarajaand laid the foundations of the present town of Tirupati.Ramanuja streamlined the rituals at Tirumala temple according toVaikanasaAgamatradition and introduced the recitation ofNaalayira Divya Prabandham. He also set up Tirupati JeeyarMuttin 1119 AD in consultation with Tirumalai Ananthalwan to institutionalise service to the deity and supervise the temple rituals. The Jeeyars to this day ensure that the rituals ordained by Ramanuja are observed.
After the end ofVijayanagara Empire, the temple went into the hands ofGolcondain July 1656 and then it was under theFrenchfor a short period of time and underNawab of Carnatictill 1801 CE. With the advent of British during the early 19th century, the management of the temple passed to hands ofEast India Company, who accorded special status to temple and avoided interference in temple activities.Madras government passed Regulation seven of 1817, which passed the temple to Board of Revenue through collector of North Arcot District.In 1821, Bruce, the then East India company commissioner for Chittoor district, had drawn rules for the management of Temple which is referred to asBruce's Code.The 7thNizamofHyderabad,Mir Osman Ali Khandonated₹8,000 to the temple.
In 1843, theEast India Companytransferred the Administration of Temple along withother Temples in TirupatitoMahantsofHathiramji Muth, who acted as Vicaranakartas. It was under the rule of Mahants for six generations until 1933 whenTirumala Tirupati Devasthanamswas formed as a result of the TTD Act in 1933.The Act of 1933 was superseded by Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Act of 1951.Again in 1966, the temple was placed under direct control ofAndhra pradeshState Endowments Department, with Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments act.In 1979, act of 1966 was rolled back with new Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams act, where temple administration was vested to a committee consisting of Executive officer, Chairman and two other members nominated byGovernment of Andhra Pradesh.The temple is run by bodyTirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD) which is under control of Andhra Pradesh Government. The head of TTD is appointed by Andhra Pradesh Government. The revenue from this shrine is used by Andhra Pradesh government.
The temple bears as many as 640 inscriptions inKannada,Sanskrit,Tamil,Telugulanguages.There is a unique collection of about 3000 copper plates on which theTelugu SankirtanasofTallapaka Annamacharyaand his descendants are inscribed.This collection forms a valuable source of material for a historical linguist in Telugu apart from its importance to musicologists.
On 8 January 2025,six people were killed and over forty others were injuredin astampederush to get tickets at the temple.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD) is the trust board which oversees and manages the operations of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. It is operated by a board of trustees that has increased in size from five (1951) to eighteen (2015)through the adoption of Acts. The daily operation and management of TTD is the responsibility of an executive officer, who is appointed by theGovernment of Andhra Pradesh.
Based on analysis of  data during Jan 2022 – Feb 2024, maximum average daily visitors to Tirumala Venkateswara temple is about 87,000.The annual budget, estimated at ₹25301 million for the financial year 2015–16,runs charitable trusts whose funds are derived from the budget and donations from the devotees.The annual income is estimated at ₹10000 million in 2008. Most of its income is derived from the donations in SriVari Hundi. Devotees donate to the TTD, which runs into millions of rupees. TTD, the organisation running the welfare of the temple, runs various charitable trusts, whose funds are derived from the budget and donations from the devotees.
There are threedvarams(entrances) which lead to thegarbhagrihafrom outside.Mahadvaram,also known aspadikavali, is the first entrance which is provided throughMahaprakaram(outer compound wall). A 50 feet, five storiedGopuram(Temple tower) is constructed over this Mahadvaram with sevenkalasamsat its apex.Vendivakili(Silver Entrance), also known asNadimipadikavali, is the second entrance and is provided throughSampangi Prakaram(Inner compound wall). A three storied Gopuram is constructed over Vendivakili with seven Kalasams at its apex.Bangaruvakili(golden entrance) is the third entrance which leads into thegarbhagriha. There are two tall copper images of thedvarapalakasJaya-Vijayaon either side of this door. The thick wooden door is covered with gold gilt plates depicting theDashavataraofVishnu.
The circumambulation around thesanctum sanctorumin the temple or deities is calledPradakshinam. There are two circumbulation paths in the temple. The first one is area between theMahaprakaramand thesampangiprakaram. This path known asSampangipradakshinamhas manyMandapas, advajasthambam, aBali Pitha, kshetrapalika sila, and a prasadam distribution area. TheVimanapradakhinamis the secondpradakshinam, which circumbulates theAnanda Nilayam Vimanam. This path has sub-shrines dedicated to Varadaraja and Yoga Narasimha, a potu (main kitchen), a bangaru bavi (golden well), an Ankurarpana Mandapam, ayagashala, Nanala (coins and Notla (Paper notes) Parkamani, Almyrah of Sandal paste (Chandanapu ara), a cell of records, Sannidhi Bhashyakarulu, a hundi, and the seat ofVishvaksena.
Thegarbhagrihais thesanctum sanctorumwhere the presiding deityVenkateswararesides along with other small deities. The golden entrance leads to the garbhagriha. There are two more doors in between thebangaruvakiliand thegarbhagriha. The deity is in a standing posture with four hands in different postures - one invaradaposture, one placed over thigh and other two holding thePanchajanyaand theSudarshana Chakra. The deity is decorated with precious ornaments. The deity bears thegoddess Lakshmion the right chest and thegoddess Padmavation the left. Pilgrims are not allowed to enter the garbhagriha (beyondKulasekharapadi(path).
TheAnanda Nilayam Vimanamis the main gopuram constructed over thegarbhagriha. This is a three-storied gopuram and has singleKalasamat its apex. It is covered with gilt copper plates and covered with a golden vase. Depictions of several deities are carved over this gopuram. On this gopuram, there is a deity of Venkateswara known asVimana Venkateswara,which is believedto be exact replica of deity inside thegarbhagriha.
Venkateswara, anavatarofVishnuis thepresiding deity of the temple. It is believed that theMoolaviratis Swayambhu (self manifested).
As per Vaikhanasa Agamas, Venkateswara is represented by fivedeities(berams) including the Moolavirat which are together referred to asPancha beramulu(Pancha means five; Beram means Deity).The five deities are Dhruva Beram (Moolavar), Kautuka Beram, Snapana Beram, Utsava Beram, Bali Beram. All the pancha berams are placed in the Garbha griha underAnanda Nilayam Vimanam.
Along with Pancha berams, the garbha griha also hosts thepanchalohadeities ofSita,Rama,Lakshmana,Rukmini,Krishna,Chakratalvar. The temple hosts the deities ofGaruda(Vishnu's vehicle),Narasimha, Varadaraja,Kubera,Hanumanin their respective sub-shrines. The temple also host the deities ofShesha(Vishnu's serpent),Viswaksena,Sugriva,Ramanuja. Vimana Venkateswara is the exact replica icon of Venkateswara carved on the Ananda Nilayam Vimana's second tier north west corner.
The temple followsVaikhanasa Agama(vadakalai) tradition of worship,which is believed to have been revealed by Sage Vikhanasaand propagated by his disciplesAtri,Bhrigu,Marichi,Kasyapa.Vaikhanasa is one of the principal traditions ofHinduismand primarily worshipsVishnu(and his associated Avatars) as the Supreme God. This ancient texts recommendspuja(worship) for Vishnu six times a day, of which at least one puja is mandatory.Rituals are classified as daily, weekly and periodical. The daily sevas in Temple (in order of occurrence) include Suprabhata Seva, Thomala Seva, Archana, Kalyanotsavam, Dolotsavam (Unjal Seva), Arjita Brahmotsavam, Arjita Vasantotsavam, Sahasra Dipalankarana Seva, Ekanta Seva. Weekly sevas of the Temple include Vishesha Pooja on Monday, Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana on Tuesday, Sahasra Kalasabhishekam on Wednesday, Tiruppavada Seva on Thursday, Abhishekam and Nijapada Darshanam on Friday. There are no weekly sevas on Saturday and Sunday. Periodical rituals include Jyesthabhishekam, Aaniwara Asthanam, Pavithrotsavam, Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam. TheNaalayira divya prabandamis undertenkalaitradition, however both traditions are permitted to recite.
TheTirupati Ladduis given at Tirumala Temple asprasadam.Tirupati Laddu received theGeographical indicationtag which entitles onlyTirumala Tirupati Devasthanamsto make or sell it.Many other prasadams are also offered to Venkateswara and they are classified as Anna-prasadams and Panyarams.Annaprasadams include chakerapongal (sweet),Pulihora(tamarind rice), miryala pongal, kadambham,daddojanam(curd rice).Panyarams include laddu,vada,Dosa,Appam,jilebi,muruku,poli,payasam.Free meals are given daily to the pilgrims. On Thursdays, the Tiruppavada seva is conducted, where huge quantity of pulihora is offered to Venkateswara by heaping up into a pyramidal shape in Tirummani mandapam (ghanta mandapam).
To manage the large number of devotees visiting the temple, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam constructed two Vaikuntam Queue Complexes: one in the year 1983 and the other in the year 2000. Vaikuntam Queue complexes have rooms where devotees can sit and wait until their turn for darshan. According to tradition, it is important for a devotee to have darshan of Bhuvaraha swamy temple lying on the northern banks of Swami Pushkarini before having darshan of Venkateswara in the main temple.
In 2013, the administration introduced a separate queue for pedestrian pilgrims. Free but limited number of biometric tokens are issued for the pilgrims to access this special queue. Tokens are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The pilgrims can worshipVenkateswaraon the allotted time slots issued in the token. There are two entry points for the foot-path pilgrims: Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu. Alipiri Mettu is open round the clock, whereas Srivari Mettu is open from 06:00 to 18:00.
To manage the large number of visitors, the temple administration has established various darshan types to ensure an orderly and efficient flow of pilgrims.
Sarva Darshan (Free Darshan): Sarva Darshan is the general queue available to all devotees free of charge. It is the most common and popular type of darshan. Devotees stand in line for several hours, sometimes even overnight, to have a glimpse of Venkateswara. The waiting time can vary depending on the crowd, festivals, and other factors.
Special Entry Darshan (Seeghra Darshan): Special Entry Darshan is a paid darshan option introduced to reduce the waiting time for devotees. By purchasing a ticket, devotees can have a quicker darshan experience compared to the free darshan queue. The cost and availability of the tickets may vary, and they can be booked online or at designated TTD counters.
Many devotees have their head tonsured as "Mokku", an offering to God. The daily amount of hair collected is over a ton. The hair is collected and is sold internationally creating a substantial profit for the temple.As per legend, when Venkateswara was hit on his head by a cowherd, a small portion of his scalp became bald. This was noticed by Neela Devi, aGandharvaprincess. Immediately, she cut a portion of her hair and, with her magic, implanted it on his scalp.Venkateswara noticed her sacrifice. As hair is a beautiful asset of the female form, he promised her that all his devotees who come to his abode would offer their hair to him, and she would be the recipient of all the hair received. Hence, it is believed that hair offered by the devotees is accepted by Neela Devi. The hill, Neeladri, one of the seven hills, is named after her.Traditionally the barbers employed to do the tonsuring were male and from theNayee casteand this caused some discrimination and failed to resolve the requests from women that they would like a female barber.A protest led byKagganapalli Radha Devioverturned the objections and temple agreed to appoint women barbers. Devi was recognised by Andhra Pradesh in 2017 and with an award of theNari Shakti Puraskarby the President of India in 2019.
As per legend, it is believed that Srinivasa had to make arrangements for his wedding.Kuberacredited money to Venkateswara (a form of the god Vishnu) for his marriage with Padmavathi. Srinivasa sought a loan of one crore and 1.14 crore (1,14,00,000) coins of gold from Kubera and hadVishvakarma, the divine architect, create heavenly surroundings in the Seshadri hills. Together, Srinivasa and Padmavathi lived for all eternity while Goddess Lakshmi, understanding the commitments of Vishnu, chose to live in his heart forever.In remembrance of this, devotees go to Tirupati to donate money in Venkateswara's hundi (donation pot) so that he can pay it back to Kubera. The hundi collections go as high as ₹22.5 million a day.
In the Thulabaram ritual, a devotee sits on a pan of aweighing balanceand the other pan is filled with materials greater than the weight of the devotee. Devotees usually offer sugar, jaggery, tulsi leaves, banana, gold, coins. This is mostly performed with newborn babies or children.
In the Venkateswara Temple over 433 festivals are being observed in 365 days of a year suiting the title "Nitya Kalyanam Paccha Toranam" where every day is a festival.
Sri Venkateswara Brahmotsavams, a nine-day event, which is celebrated every year during month of October, is the major event of Venkateswara Temple. During brahmotsavams the processional deityMalayappaalong with his consorts SriDevi and BhuDevi, is taken in a procession in four mada streets around the temple on different vahanams. Vahanams include Dwajarohanam, Pedda Sesha Vahanam, Chinna Sesha Vahanam, Hamsa Vahanam, Simha Vahanam, Muthaypu pandiri Vahanam, Kalpavriksha Vahanam, Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam, Mohini Avataram, Garuda Vahanam, Hanumantha Vahanam, Swarna Rathotsavam (Golden Chariot), Gajavahanam, Rathotsavam (Chariot),  Ashwa Vahanam, and Chakra Snanam. During Brahmotsavams, the temple will witness lakhs of devotees particularly on Garuda vahanam.
Vaikunta Ekadasi, the day on which it is believed that Vaikunta Dwarams will be opened and the most important Vasihnavite festival, is celebrated with grandeur in Tirumala. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple will be flooded with devotees on a single day with numbers reaching up to 150,000, to have a darshan ofVenkateswarathrough special entrance which encircles inner sanctum called "Vaikunta Dwaram".
Rathasapthamiis another festival, celebrated during February, when Venkateswara's processional deity (Malayappa) is taken in a procession around the temple on seven differentvahanamsstarting from early morning to late night.
Other annual festivals includeRama Navami,Janmashtami,Ugadi, Teppotsavam (Float Festival), Sri Padmavati Parinayotsavams, Pushpa yagam, Pushpa pallaki, Vasanthotsavam (spring festival) conducted in March–April, were celebrated with great splendor.
Venkateswara Suprabhatamis the first and pre-dawn seva performed toVenkateswaraat Sayana Mandapam inside sanctum sanctorum of Tirumala Temple. 'Suprabhatam' is a Sanskrit term which literally means 'Good Morning' and is meant to wake up the deity from His celestial sleep.Venkateswara Suprabhatam hymns were composed byPrathivadhi Bhayankaram Annangaracharyaduring the 13th century and consists of 70 slokas in four parts including Suprabhatam(29), Stotram(11), Prapatti(14) and Mangalasasanam(16).The thirteenth sloka of Venkateswara Suprabhatam is as follows:
Tallapaka Annamacharya(Annamayya), the poet saintof the 14th century, one of the greatest Telugu poets and a great devotee of Venkateswara, had sung 32,000 songs in praise of Venkateswara.All his songs which are in Telugu and Sanskrit, are referred to as Sankirtanas and are classified as Sringara Sankirtanalu and Adhyatma Sankirtanalu.
The temple is located on seven hills.The presiding deity is also referred to as Sapthagirishaor Lord of Seven hills.It is believed that seven hills, also referred to as Saptagiri, represent the seven hoods of Adisesha. The seven hills are as follows:
There is a small shrine dedicated to Varadaraja located in Vimana-pradakshinam, towards left of Vendivakili (silver entrance) while entering temple.It is not known when this deity was installed. The stone deityis sitting posture facing west.
A shrine is dedicated to Narasimha in North-east corner of the Vimana-Pradakshina.The shrine is said to have been built between 1330 A.D. – 1360 A.D.The Yoga-Narasimha is seen sitting in cross-legged posture bound by yoga patta and holding Shankha and chakra in upper two hands and two lower hands in yoga mudra.
A small shrine dedicated to Garuda the vehicle of Venkateswara is situated exactly opposite to the Bangaruvakili (Golden Entrance) ofJaya-Vijaya. This sub-shrine is part of Garudamandapam. The Garuthmantha deity is six feet tall and faces west looking towards Venkateswara inside Garbhagriha.
Bhuvaraha Swamy Templeis the temple dedicated to Varaha an incarnation of Vishnu. This temple is believed to be older than Venkateswara Temple. The temple lies on the Northern Banks of Swami Pushkarini. As per tradition, at firstNaivedyamwill be offered to Bhuvaraha Swamy before offering it to Venkateswara in main Temple. And also as per tradition, devotees should have the darshan of Bhuvaraha swamy before Venkateswara.
Bedi-Anjaneya Temple is the sub-shrine dedicated toHanuman. The temple lies exactly opposite to the Mahadwaram near Akhilandam (place where coconuts are offered). The deity in this temple has both of his hands handcuffed (Telugu Language:Bedilu).
Vakulamathais the mother of Venkateswara. There is statue dedicated to her in the main temple just ahead of Varadaraja shrine. The deity is in sitting posture. As per legend, she supervises the preparation of food that is to be offered to her son. For this reason a hole is made to the wall which separates Vakulamatha sannidhi and Srivari potu(Kitchen).
There is a sub-shrine dedicated to Kubera within the Vimanapradakshina. The deity lies to the right side of Garbhagriha and faces south towards preciding deity.
The Shrine ofSri Ramanujais located adjacent to the northern corridor of the Vimana Pradakshinam. It is also known as the Bhashyakara Sannidhi. The shrine was built around in the 13th century A.D.
Ramanuja(1017–1137)the most importantAcharyaofSri Vaishnavism.was responsible for managing the worshipping procedures and other affairs of the Venkateswara temple. He is credited for gifting the holy conch and the discus, the weapons ofVishnuduring his visit. So he is considered as 'Acharya'(Guru or teacher) to the himself.He established the Pedda Jeeyar Matam. He has a sannidhi(shrine) inside the temple which was built by Sri AnanthALwAn.
Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya(or Annamayya) (22 May 1408 – 4 April 1503) was the official songmaster of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, and aTelugucomposer who composed around 36000 keertanas,many of which were in praise of Venkateswara, the presiding deity of the temple.
Hathiram Bhavajiwas a saint fromAyodhyawho visitedTirumalaaround 1500 CEon a pilgrimage and became a devotee ofVenkateswara.
The temple is considered one of the eightSwayambhu Kshetrasof Vishnu where presiding deity is believed to have manifested on its own. Seven other temples in the line areSrirangam Ranganathaswamy temple,Bhu Varaha Swamy temple, andVanamamalai Perumal TempleinSouth IndiaandSaligramainNepal,Naimisaranya,PushkarandBadrinath TempleinNorth India.
The temple is revered byAlvarsinDivya Prabandham. The temple is classified as aDivyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in these books. The benefits acquired by a pilgrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Venkateswara is described as the great bestower of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the at Tirumala.
There are many ancient temples nearbyTirumala.Sri Padamavathi Templeis temple dedicated toPadmavathi, the wife ofVenkateswara, situated atTiruchanurwhich is 5 km fromTirupati.Srikalahasteeswara Templeis the temple dedicated toShivawhich representsVayu(air) form of elements of Nature, is situated atSrikalahastiwhich is 38 km from Tirupati.Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple, situated atKanipakamtown, is a 10th-century Temple dedicated toVinayakaat 75 km from Tirupati. Other than these, temples like Govindaraja Temple, Kalyana Venkateswara Temple(Srinivasa Mangapuram),Kodandarama Temple,Kapila Theerthamare situated within the Tirupati city.