Tirupati Travel Guide – A guide to Lord Venkateswara's abode. One of the world's wealthiest and holiest Dhams. This hill town is known for its devotional and cultural heritage, and it is one of my favorite pilgrim destinations in India. As we all know, millions of devotees worldwide visit this holy Dham each year.
Tirupathi and Tirumala are frequently confused by pilgrims. Tirupathi is a town in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Tirumala refers to the seven hills in Tirupathi. Tiru means Shree and Mala mean hill in Tamil.
Journey to Lord Venkateswara's Abode
After the pandemic, I went on a pilgrimage to Tirumala with my family a few days back. After passing through Tirupathi town, which is usually crowded, we arrived at the Seven Hills entrance.
The pilgrims are greeted with folded hands by the majestic white color statue of Garuda (Lord Vishnu's vehicle). All vehicles must be checked at the Alipiri checkpoint, just like anywhere else in India.
Trip from Tirupati to Tirumala
You must purchase a ghat road travel ticket, which is reasonably priced. The primary goal of issuing tickets is to track how long it takes a vehicle to arrive in Tirumala. To avoid accidents on the Ghats, each vehicle must take at least 45 minutes to an hour to reach the exit point.
They register the vehicle's name and the time they enter the entry point. Before allowing the vehicle into Tirumala, the same will be checked at the exit point.
Tirumala stay and Darshan ticket
Getting a rest/guest house and a Darshan ticket on time used to be extremely difficult. TTD, the governing board, made it easier for pilgrims by allowing them to book tickets online. Those planning to visit Lord Venkateswara's abode should book their tickets ahead of time, in my opinion.
Another benefit is that they can choose which Seva they want to perform for the god. If there are no available slots, you can book through the nearest TTD temple board in your area. You can also make donations online.
The guest house where we stayed during our visit was very comfortable, with a lovely view from the balcony. The roads were so clean that you could walk without shoes.
If you want to stay in a luxury hotel, you can choose from Balaji Guest House, Aditya Birla Nilayam, Lakshmi VPR Guest House, or Tirumala Sainik Niwas. The prices for these guest houses range between 2500 and 3000 rupees.
TTD made things simple for followers. Navigate to the TTD office website and select pilgrim services in the rest houses. The price range for various rest houses can be found here. Then, go to advance booking and reserve your desired rooms.
Climbing seven hills on foot and receiving Darshana for free
Many people pray to God that if their wish is granted, they will be able to climb seven hills on foot and have his Darshan. There is a separate route for this that requires approximately 3500 steps. The climb will be painful at first, but as you progress, you will find small roads for about 1km followed by larger steps to climb.
The best part is that, unlike other temples in India, the steps are covered with sheets, so pilgrims do not feel the heat. Aside from that, there are numerous snack shops where you can stop for water and a light snack before continuing your journey.
All devotees who come to Tirumala via the climbing steps will be given a free darshan ticket. After completing the arduous step climbing, pilgrims return to their reserved guest house to freshen up before proceeding to the free darshan.
Another difficult task is that you must stand in line for long periods. TTD members, on the other hand, are constantly providing free water and food to devotees in the queue line. After a long and exhausting journey, arriving at the Lord's abode (Temple sanctum) makes the struggle worthwhile.
The positive energy and devotees shouting "Govinda Govinda" along with the reverberating mantra chanting "Om Namo Venkateshaya" give devotees goosebumps and cause some to cry with overwhelming devotion.
Tirumala Dos and Don'ts
- When traveling to Lord Venkateswara's abode, do not bring any non-veg or masala with you.
- On the hills, drinking alcohol or engaging in any other illegal activity is strictly prohibited.
- Fireworks, flammable items, and weapons are not permitted inside Tirumala.
- Tobacco products of any kind are not permitted here.
- Devotees should wear only traditional attire to Darshan, which applies to both men and women.
- PDA is strictly prohibited on the hills.
Legend of Lord Venkateswara
The story is well-known, but it contains Lord Vishnu's power and love. Once upon a time, Maharishis performed a Mahayajnam at the Naimishrayana. When the rishis were debating who should receive the Yajna Phalam among the trinity?
Narada Maharishi, who happens to be visiting the location, advises Bhrigu Maharishi to determine which diety is the proper recipient of the Yajna Phalam.
All of the other maharishis present at the site agree with this. First, Bhrigu Maharishi visits Brahma Loka, where the Lord of Creation was engrossed in Saraswathi Devi's music and was unaware of Bhrigu's arrival.
This enraged the Maharishi, and he cursed Lord Brahma, saying that no one on earth would pray for him. He then goes to Kalish, where Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi are having a conjugal dance.
They were completely unaware of Maharishi's arrival. As a result, Maharshi was enraged, and he cursed Lord Shiva, saying that people would worship him in the Shiva Linga rupa on Earth.
Later, he travels to Vaikuntam, Lord Vishnu's abode, where he spends time with Lakshmi Devi while lying on Adi shesha. Even Lord Vishnu was unaware of Bhrigu Maharishi's arrival. In a fit of rage, the enraged Maharishi kicks on Lord Vishnu's chest, which is a residence of Maa Lakshmi.
Lord Vishnu, who understands Maharishis' ignorance, pacified him by asking for forgiveness. When Lord touched Maharishi's foot, the rishi's ignorance vanished. Maharishi is ashamed of his heinous actions and begs forgiveness.
Lord Venkateswara's incarnation
But Lakshmi Devi, who witnessed all of this, explodes with rage and flees Vaikuntam for Earth. Lord Vishnu, unable to stay away from Devi, comes to Earth in search of Lakshmi Devi.
He takes on the form of Venkateswara Swami and marries Padmavathi Devi. To bless and protect his devotees, Lord stayed on Tirumala hills with Padmavathi Devi and Lakshmi Devi.
Silathornam
Can you believe this rock arch formation has been around for approximately 2500 million years? This type of arch formation can only be found in three places. Some believe the arch's height corresponds to the height of the temple's main idol.
I had a good time here by taking a few photos with my family. Fortunately, there were only a few pilgrims when we arrived. I had a great time strolling through the rock garden. In addition, I went down the steps to the cave temple.
Though there isn't much to see, one can enjoy the forest and nature; however, it's best to avoid visiting in the afternoon. The Rock Graden is best visited in the evenings and early mornings.
Padalu, Srivari
Srivari Padalu, another must-see in Tirumala, is where Lord Venkateswara first planted his foot. The hilltop offers a panoramic view of all seven hills.
I never got to enjoy the panoramic view of the hill in peace because it was always crowded with pilgrims. Previously, the Padalu (Foot) of God was open, but it is now kept in a glass box so that no one can touch it.
Aside from that, there are numerous other places to visit in Lord Venkateswara's abode. If you have the time, go to Aksha Ganga. Tirumala is well-known for its natural beauty, and there are numerous parks where you can relax and spend quality time alone.
Visit Sri Venkateswara Wild Sanctuary if you enjoy wildlife. If you want to learn about the kings of this region and the history of the temple, go to the museum. Don't forget to pay a visit to the Tiruchanur Temple of Alamelumanga, another name for Padmavathi Devi.
My experience at Tirumala
I'll never forget the evening stroll down a semi-crowded street with a pleasant cool breeze. The mantra "Om Namo Venkateshaya" reverberates throughout Tirumala.
Between ecstatic devotees shouting "Govinda" and the powerful "Om Namo Venkatesya," mantra sound always transports me to a world of devotion I've never known.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (Official Website)
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (Official Website)
Tirupati Silathoranam Timings, Entry Fee, and History – Tirupati Tourism 2021
Before you leave, I hope you enjoyed my Tirupati Travel Guide experience; if you have any questions about Tirumala darshan, please leave them in the comments section. Please give my article a rating by clicking the stars.
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