Tirumala

Tirumala is a temple town in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is the location of the Sri Venkateswara Temple, a highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (an incarnation of Vishnu). The town is situated in the Seshachalam Hills range.

Overview:

Tirumala is one of the most visited religious sites in the world, attracting millions of pilgrims annually. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which oversees the temple's operations, finances, and related charitable activities.

History:

The history of Tirumala is intertwined with the Sri Venkateswara Temple. While the exact origins are debated, historical evidence suggests the temple's existence dates back to ancient times, with inscriptions indicating patronage from various dynasties including the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara emperors. The Vijayanagara period saw significant expansion and enrichment of the temple.

Significance:

Tirumala holds immense religious significance for Hindus, particularly devotees of Vishnu. The Sri Venkateswara Temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams (holy abodes of Vishnu). Pilgrims visit Tirumala to seek blessings from Lord Venkateswara and fulfill vows.

Administration:

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) manages the town and the temple. It provides various amenities for pilgrims, including accommodation, food, transportation, and darshan (viewing) arrangements. The TTD also operates educational institutions, hospitals, and other charitable organizations.

Transportation:

Tirumala is accessible by road from Tirupati, which is a major railway station and has an airport. The Alipiri footpath and Srivari Mettu are traditional walking routes to reach Tirumala from Tirupati. Regular bus services operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) are available.