Tirupati Balaji

Tirupati Venkateswara Temple

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, also known as the Tirupati Balaji Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (a form of Vishnu) located on the seven hills of Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh. It is the richest temple in the world by donation revenue.

Historical Significance

The temple has been a major pilgrimage center for over 1,700 years. The Pallavas (9th century), Cholas (10th century), and Vijayanagara kings (14th–16th centuries) all contributed to its expansion. Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara made the most significant endowments.

Architecture

• Dravidian style vimana with gold-plated dome (Ananda Nilayam)
• Three enclosures (prakarams) around the sanctum
• The gopuram stands 50 feet tall
• The idol of Venkateswara stands 8 feet tall and is made of black stone

Pilgrimage Practices

• Hair tonsure (Mundan): Devotees offer their hair as surrender to the deity
• Hundi: Monetary offerings that make Tirupati the world's wealthiest temple
• Suprabhatam: Early morning waking ritual at 3 AM
• Darshan: Average wait time is 6–12 hours for free darshan

Festival Calendar

• Brahmotsavam (September–October): Nine-day grand festival attracting millions
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi: Special darshan through the northern gate
• Ratha Saptami: Chariot festival in February