Unveiling the facts of Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams: A Spiritual Journey

Tirumala, located in the beautiful hill town of Tirupati, is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu. This temple is known for its architectural grandeur and spiritual aura that attracts pilgrims from far and wide. According to Hindu story, Tirumala is considered to be the abode of Lord Venkateswara, who fulfils the wishes of his devotees. Legends speak of divine presence and miraculous powers associated with this holy place.

Table of Contents

1. About Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam
2. Best time to visit Tirumala darshan
3. Does TTD come under government
4. History of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam
5. How was Tirupati temple built?
6. Must visit places in Tirumala
7. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam hair offering
8. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam nitya annadanam
9. Tirumala Tirupati temple steps
10. Was Tirupati a Murugan temple?

About Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam 

A sacred temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, located at green hills of the Eastern Ghats in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a very popular place of worship. Millions of devotees across the globe are attracted towards the temple. 

Best time to visit Tirumala Darshan.

The best time to visit Tirupati Tirumala is during September to February. During this time, the temperature is not so hot and not so cold. Without any discomfort, devotees can visit the temple. Also, Most of the devotees at the time of Brahmotsavam festival (usually in September/October) visit the temple.

Does TTD come under the government?

The Andhra Pradesh government oversees Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which is in charge of Tirupati Balaji temple. The Andhra Pradesh government appoints the TTD chief. The temple is one of the Pancha Kshetras where Maha Lakshmi, the daughter of Maharishi Bhrigu, was born as Bhargavi. Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam, Oppiliappan Temple in Nachiyar Koil, and Sundararaja Perumal Temple in Salem are the other four temples that make up the Pancha Kshetram.

History of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam

The story which was believed behind this temple is that one day, the students of Rishi Bhrigu asked him- who is superior god amongst trimurti (Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva). This question makes him stunned because he himself did’nt know the answer. Then, he decided to take a test of the Trimurty. Firstly, he visits Brahma Lok but Lord Brahma was meditating, so he didn’t notice that Rishi Bhrigu had come to meet him. This gesture of Lord Brahma made Rishi Bhrigu angry. Then, he left Brahma Lok and came to Kailash Parvat to meet Mahadev but Mahadev was spending quality time with Maa Parvati and he even didn't notice him. Once again Rishi Bhrigu was filled with anger. Finally, he came to Baikhund and tried to talk to Lord Vishnu. But he was sleeping at that time. Bhrigu Rishi kicked very hard on Lord Vishnu Chest which was actually the place of Mahalakshmi. After this incident, Mahalakshmi left Baikunth as she felt insulted. Because instead of giving curse to Rishi Bhrigu he is taking care of him and asking him if he is ok? This gesture of Lord Vishnu made Rishi Bhrigu realise his mistake and he said sorry to him and declared him superior amongst the Trimurti.

Lord Brahma and Mahadev went to Mahalakshmi and requested her to come back to Baikhund but Mahalakshmi rejected the request. Mahalakshmi went to Prithvi lok and started meditating. Lord Vishnu and Shrinivas came in search of Mahalakshmi but were unable to find her. Day by day he became weak. One day he fell into the anthill, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma in the form of cow and calf feed Lord Vishnu in the anthill by delivering milk daily. But the owner of the cow and calf traces the path and discovers that she delivers all the milk into the ant hill. This made him angry and he decided to kill that cow. As he stepped forward, Shrinivas came from anthill and killed the owner.

Then, Shrinivas came to Bakula devi which was earlier Yasoda Maiya in Dwapar yug. Bakula devi and Shrinivas lived their lives and one day Shrinivas meet Padmavati. Padmavati actually is Mahalakshmi roop. Then, Padmavati gets attracted towards Shrinivas and tells her father that she wants to marry him. He agrees but Shrinivas is so poor, that makes her father confused at his decision. Shrinivas learned about the fact and went to Kuberji. He took some money and ornaments as a loan from him. It is believed that from that point on, the Lord is gradually paying back the loan that he obtained from Kuber. It is said that the devotees contribute in order to facilitate the Lord's prompt payment.

How was Tirupati Temple built?

According to hindu mythology, the temple was built by Lord Brahma to worship Lord Venkateshwara, incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Over the time the temple evolved and was renovated multiple times by The Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara Empire Rulers. 

Must visit places in Tirumala

Following places are must visit places when you are in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam -
1. Srivari Mettu
2. Sri padmavati Ammavari Temple
3. Sri Varahaswami Temple
4. Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple
5. Japali Teertham

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam hair offering

The custom of donating hair to the temple dates back many years. Before having a darshan of the Lord, people of all ages do this ritual, which involves praying and head shaving close to the temple grounds. To assist the public in donating their hair to the Lord, the temple administration has constructed large facilities.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Nitya Annadanam

Annadaan" or food has special significance in the Tirumala Tirupati temple. Here, a free food facility is provided to lakhs of devotees every day. Under Annadaan, special stores are prepared for food which is offered to God as Prasad and then distributed among the devotees. This Annadaan Seva is very important for the poor and hungry people around the temple and it is done to bless more and more devotees.

Tirumala Tirupati Temple Steps

The Alipiri hike to Tirumala is around 11 kilometres long, with 3550 stairs to ascend and a few walking sections in between. For those devotees who choose to travel to Tirumala on foot, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the organisation that oversees the temple, has made all the required accommodations. Free food and darshan are included with this.

Was Tirupati a Murugan temple?

Thirumala Devistana, a female deity from the Aseevagam (Ajivika) faith, is neither a temple dedicated to Vishnu nor to Murugan. The true facts of this religion are unknown because many of us are unaware of it. The well-known pandya and Chozha dynasty god is Kottravai. Kottravai is closely associated with Lord Subrahmanya. A line in a song dedicated to Lord Muruga reads, "Kotravai magane ko ve potri," which translates to, "Praise the king, son of kottravai." This phrase tells how, according to ancient literature, Lord Muruga was the son of Kotravai. The temple is hence also referred to as the Murugan temple.