Overview

Tirupati is famed for the shrine on the Seven Hills of Tirumala dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The town of Tirupati is one of the most ancient and sacred pilgrimage spots in India. The hill near the temple is called ‘Tirumala’ or the “sacred hill.” The temple is said to be the busiest in the world and the Brahmotsavam is undoubtedly celebrated for its oriental pomp and pageantry in September every year.

Places to visit

Asthana Mandapam (Sadas Hall): Devotional programmes, music concerts, harikathas and Bhajans conducted under the auspices of Dharma Prachara Parishad, are organised here.

Chandragiri: Chandragiri was the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, located about 12 kms from Tirupati. The Chandragiri Fort is a living testimony to the greatness of the Vijayanagara Empire, with its palaces and temples.

Lord Venkateswara Temple: Sri Venkateshwara Temple, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara or Lord Balaji, is located at Tirumala, 18 kms. northwest of Tirupati. Within the sanctum is the majestic "Swayambhu" or naturally formed image of the Lord.

Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple: At the foot of Tirumala Hills, Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple is the only temple dedicated to Lord Siva, in Tirupati. Annual Brahmotsavams and festivals like Vinayaka Chavithi, Maha sivaratri and Annabhishekam are performed on a grand scale.

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple: Tiruchanoor, also known as Alamelumangapuram, is about 5 kms. from Tirupati housing this large temple dedicated to goddess Padmavathi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. It is said that a visit to Tirumala is fruitful only after visiting this temple.

Sri Veda Narayanaswami Temple: This temple is located in Nagalapuram, 70 kms. south-east of Tirupati and has an image of the Matsya incarnation of Vishnu, with Sridevi and Bhudevi on either side. It is believed that Lord Vishnu, in the form of Matsya (Fish), killed the rakshasa (demon) Somakudu here, retrieving the Vedas from the latter.

Swami Pushkarini: This sacred tank is adjacent to the Venkateswara temple where pilgrims bathe before entering the main temple. Here the wooden-float festival of Lord Venkateswara and Avabhrudhasnanam or Chakrasnanam during the Brahmotsavam takes place.

Best season to visit

Tirupati experiences a tropical climate and is usually hot most of the year. But on the Tirumala hills, it is quite cool and pleasant in winters. The best time to visit Tirupati is from September to February.

How to reach?

By Air - Tirupati airport is about 15 kms. from the city. There are direct flights from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Bangalore and Chennai.

By Road - Tirupati is the nearest railway station. The city is well connected to all the cities of India.

What is special?

Four grand Bhrammotsavams are celebrated in Tirupati, the most important of which is in the month of Purattasi (Virgo). During this ten day festival, the festival idols of the deity are taken out in procession. The Garuda Seva, The Uyyala Seva, and the Rathotsavam are some of the important events in this celebration. The Adhyayana Utsavam marks the recitation of the Vedas and the Tamil Prabandams.