Tirupati is situated at 67-km from Chittoor in the state of Andhra Pradesh,India. Tirupati is one of the important pilgrim centres in India. The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak,Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill. This historic shrine of Sri Venkateswara is famous all over the country and attracts pilgrims from all over the country who stand in line for hours together to obtain a glimpse of the presiding deity for a few fleeting seconds.
The shrine is located on a hill at Tirumala,a cluster of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam with an elevation of 853m (2,800ft.) above the sea level. It is said to be the richest temple in the world. This temple is a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution with a grand history spanning several centuries.
All the great dynasties of rulers of the southern peninsula paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD),the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later),the Pandyas of Madurai,and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th - 15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord.
Tirupathi is a fine example of dravidian temple architecture. The 'gopuram' or tower of the Tirupati Temple shows a characteristic feature of Dravidian architecture. The 'Vimana' or Cupola over the sanctum sanctorum is covered entirely with gold plate and is known as "the Ananda Nilayam". The Shrine consists of three 'Prakarams' or enclosures. The outermost enclosure contains the 'Dhvajastambha' or the banner post and,among others,the statues of Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya and his consorts,and of Todarmal,the minister of Akbar.
The idol of the deity,the full figure of Lord Venkateswara or 'Venkataramana' or 'Srinivasa' or 'Balaji' has the attributes of both Vishnu and Shiva,preserving and destroying aspects of the Hindu Trinity.
Padi Kavali Maha Dwara :
The Padi Kavali Maha Dwara or Outer Gopuram stands on a quadrangular base. Its architecture is that of the later Chola period. The inscriptions on the gopuram belong to 13th century. There are a number of stucco figures of Vaishnava gods like Hanuman,Kevale Narasimha and Lakshmi Narasimha on the gopuram.
Sampangi Pradakshinam :
The path for circumnavigating the temple is called a pradakshinam. The main temple has three prakarams. Between the outermost and middle prakarams is the second pathway for circumambulation known as the Sampangi Pradakshinam. Currently,this pathway is closed to pilgrims. The Sampangi Pradakshinam contains several interesting mandapams like the Pratima Mandapam,Ranga Mandapam,Tirumala Raya Mandapam,Saluva Narasimha Mandapam,Aina Mahal and Dhvajasthambha Mandapam.
Ranga Mandapam :
Ranga Mandapam,also called the Ranganayakula Mandapam,is located in the south-eastern corner of the Sampangi Pradakshinam. The shrine within it is believed to be the place where the utsava murti of Lord Ranganadha of Srirangam was kept during the 14th century,when Srirangam was occupied by Muslim rulers. It is said to have been constructed between 1320 and 1360 AD by the Yadava ruler Sri Ranganadha Yadava Raya. It is constructed according to the Vijayanagara style of architecture.
Tirumala Raya Mandapam :
Adjoining the Ranga Mandapam on the western side,and facing the Dhvajasthambha Mandapam is a spacious complex of pavilions known as the Tirumala Raya Mandapam or Anna Unjal Mandapam.
It consists of two different levels,the front at a lower level and the rear at a higher. The southern or inner portion of this Mandapam was constructed by Saluva Narasimha in 1473 AD to celebrate a festival for Sri Venkateswara called Anna Unjal Tirunal. This structure was extended to its present size by Araviti Bukkaraya Ramaraja,Sriranga Raja and Tirumala Raja.
It is in this Mandapam,that the utsava murthi Malayappan,holds His annual darbar or Asthanam during the hoisting of the Garudadhwaja on Dhwajastambham to mark the commencement of Brahmotsavam. Incidentally,the prasadam distributed on this occasion is still called Tirumalarayan Pongal.
Tirumala Raya Mandapam :
The Mandapam has a typical complex of pillars in the Vijayanagara style,with a central pillar surrounded by smaller pillars,some of which emit musical notes when struck with a stone. The main pillars have rearing horses with warriors mounted on them. Some of the best sculptures of the temple are found in bold relief in the Mandapam. The bronze statues of Todermallu,his mother Matha Mohana Devi and wife Pitha Bibi,are kept in a corner of the Mandapam.
The Aina Mahal :
The Aina Mahal is on the northern side of the Tirumala Raya Mandapam. It consists of two parts - an open mandapam in the front consisting of six rows comprising six pillars each,and a shrine behind it consisting of an Antarala and Garbhagriha. It has large mirrors which reflect images in an infinite series. There is an unjal in the middle of the room in which the Lord is seated and festivals conducted.
Saint Ramanujacharya prescribed all the elaborate rituals and mode of worship in the temple that are still followed by the priests and devotees. Anointing the idol with camphor,and the offering by pilgrims of the hair on their heads by getting themselves shaved by licensed barbers are the important customs in vogue at Tirupati Temple.
The most famous is the annual festival called 'Brahmotsavam',which is celebrated on grand scale for nine days in September,attracting pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the country. The fifth and ninth days of the festival are especially significant in as much as Garudostavam and Rathotavam takes place on those days.
Balaji
telugu
Tracking
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
In Hinduism, Ganesha
In Hinduism, Ganesha (Sanskrit: गणेश or श्रीगणेश (when used to distinguish lordly status) (or "lord of the hosts," also spelled as Ganesa and Ganesh, sometimes also referred to as Ganapati) is one of the most well-known and venerated representations of god. He is the first born son of Shiva and Parvati, and the husband of Bharati, Riddhi and Siddhi. He is also called Vinayaka in Marathi, Malayalam and Kannada. Vinayagar (in Tamil) and Vinayakudu in Telugu. 'Ga' symbolizes Buddhi (intellect) and 'Na' symbolizes Vijnana (wisdom). Ganesha is thus considered the master of intellect and wisdom. He is depicted as a big-bellied, yellow or red god with four arms and the head of a one-tusked elephant, riding on, or attended to by, a mouse. He is frequently represented sitting down, with one leg raised in the air and bent over the other. Typically, his name is prefixed with the Hindu title of respect, 'Shree'.
In general terms, Ganesha is a much beloved and frequently invoked divinity, since he is the Lord of Good Fortune who provides prosperity and fortune and also the Destroyer of Obstacles of a material or spiritual order. It is for this reason that his grace is invoked before the undertaking of any task (e.g. traveling, taking an examination, conducting a business affair, a job interview, performing a ceremony,) with such incantations as Aum Shri Ganeshaya Namah (hail the name of Ganesha), or similar. It is also for this reason that, traditionally, all sessions of bhajan (devotional chanting) begin with an invocation of Ganesha, Lord of the "good beginnings" of chants. Throughout India and the Hindu culture, Lord Ganesha is the first idol placed into any new home or abode.
Bodily attributes
Every element of the body of Ganesha has its own value and its own significance:
The elephant head indicates fidelity, intelligence and discriminative power;
The fact that he has a single tusk (the other being broken off) indicates Ganesha’s ability to overcome all forms of dualism;
The wide ears denote wisdom, ability to listen to people who seek help and to reflect on spiritual truths. They signify the importance of listening in order to assimilate ideas. Ears are used to gain knowledge. The large ears indicate that when God is known, all knowledge is known;
the curved trunk indicates the intellectual potentialities which manifest themselves in the faculty of discrimination between real and unreal;
on the forehead, the Trishul (weapon of Shiva, similar to Trident) is depicted, symbolising time (past, present and future) and Ganesha's mastery over it;
Ganesha’s pot belly contains infinite universes. It signifies the bounty of nature and equanimity, the ability of Ganesha to swallow the sorrows of the Universe and protect the world;
the position of his legs (one resting on the ground and one raised) indicate the importance of living and participating in the material world as well as in the spiritual world, the ability to live in the world without being of the world.
The four arms of Ganesha represent the four inner attributes of the subtle body, that is: mind (Manas), intellect (Buddhi), ego (Ahamkara), and conditioned conscience (Chitta). Lord Ganesha represents the pure consciousness - the Atman - which enables these four attributes to function in us;
The hand waving an axe, is a symbol of the retrenchment of all desires, bearers of pain and suffering. With this axe Ganesha can both strike and repel obstacles. The axe is also to prod man to the path of righteousness and truth;
The second hand holds a whip, symbol of the force that ties the devout person to the eternal beatitude of God. The whip conveys that worldly attachments and desires should be rid of;
The third hand, turned towards the devotee, is in a pose of blessing, refuge and protection (abhaya);
the fourth hand holds a lotus flower (padma), and it symbolizes the highest goal of human evolution, the sweetness of the realised inner self.
In general terms, Ganesha is a much beloved and frequently invoked divinity, since he is the Lord of Good Fortune who provides prosperity and fortune and also the Destroyer of Obstacles of a material or spiritual order. It is for this reason that his grace is invoked before the undertaking of any task (e.g. traveling, taking an examination, conducting a business affair, a job interview, performing a ceremony,) with such incantations as Aum Shri Ganeshaya Namah (hail the name of Ganesha), or similar. It is also for this reason that, traditionally, all sessions of bhajan (devotional chanting) begin with an invocation of Ganesha, Lord of the "good beginnings" of chants. Throughout India and the Hindu culture, Lord Ganesha is the first idol placed into any new home or abode.
Bodily attributes
Every element of the body of Ganesha has its own value and its own significance:
The elephant head indicates fidelity, intelligence and discriminative power;
The fact that he has a single tusk (the other being broken off) indicates Ganesha’s ability to overcome all forms of dualism;
The wide ears denote wisdom, ability to listen to people who seek help and to reflect on spiritual truths. They signify the importance of listening in order to assimilate ideas. Ears are used to gain knowledge. The large ears indicate that when God is known, all knowledge is known;
the curved trunk indicates the intellectual potentialities which manifest themselves in the faculty of discrimination between real and unreal;
on the forehead, the Trishul (weapon of Shiva, similar to Trident) is depicted, symbolising time (past, present and future) and Ganesha's mastery over it;
Ganesha’s pot belly contains infinite universes. It signifies the bounty of nature and equanimity, the ability of Ganesha to swallow the sorrows of the Universe and protect the world;
the position of his legs (one resting on the ground and one raised) indicate the importance of living and participating in the material world as well as in the spiritual world, the ability to live in the world without being of the world.
The four arms of Ganesha represent the four inner attributes of the subtle body, that is: mind (Manas), intellect (Buddhi), ego (Ahamkara), and conditioned conscience (Chitta). Lord Ganesha represents the pure consciousness - the Atman - which enables these four attributes to function in us;
The hand waving an axe, is a symbol of the retrenchment of all desires, bearers of pain and suffering. With this axe Ganesha can both strike and repel obstacles. The axe is also to prod man to the path of righteousness and truth;
The second hand holds a whip, symbol of the force that ties the devout person to the eternal beatitude of God. The whip conveys that worldly attachments and desires should be rid of;
The third hand, turned towards the devotee, is in a pose of blessing, refuge and protection (abhaya);
the fourth hand holds a lotus flower (padma), and it symbolizes the highest goal of human evolution, the sweetness of the realised inner self.
TIRUPATI BALAJI WELCOMES 2 YOU
TIRUPATI is the most sacred Vaishnavite temple of Andhra Desa. It has a reputation not only in Andhra but all over India and the presiding deity Lord Venkateswara is worshipped by North Indian pilgrims as ‘Balaji."
Tirupati lies in the midst of the Seshachalam Hills at a distance of seven miles from the Tirupati East Railway Station. To reach it, one has to branch off at Gudur, which is the last but one main station before Madras on the Delhi Madras route, and take a train to Renigunta and Tirupati and then go by road from the foot to the top of the Tirupati Hill, which is called Tirumalai. Direct buses from Madras and other centuries also ply to Tirumalai. Till ten years ago, the pilgrims had to walk up to the top of the hill, by means of steps, but now a regular ghat road has been laid round the hills, and one can reach the top of the hill directly by road
The Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanam is one of the richest Devasthanam of Andhra, as Lord Venkateswara, who is the presiding deity of the shrine at the top, attracts thousands of pilgrims, who pay large sums to the deity as their offering. Any number of Chatrams and Choultries are available, both at the foot of the hill and on the top of the hill, for the convenience of the passengers. In addition the Devasthanam authorities also encourage the construction of self-contained cottages on the top of the hill, so that people who seek solitude may live in complete solitude and in peace. If any devotee contributes six thousand rupees, the Devasthanam will pay an equal amount and a cottage consisting of three rooms with a bathroom and kitchen is constructed in the name of the devotee. When the devotees do not reside in them, they are available for rent for others. There are nearly five hundred such cottages, on the top of the hill, and these are available at a daily rent of four rupees or so per day. There are also Government guesthouse’s as well as Devasthanam Guest Houses both on the top as well as at the foot of the hill, where distinguished visitors can come and stay.
Lord Venkateswara, with the income of the temple, is actually maintaining the University called ‘The Venkateswara University’ in which sciences and arts are taught. In addition, there is an ‘Oriental Manuscripts Library’ at Tirupati, where research into ancient manuscripts is carried on. The Temple is still very active and live, and is probably the richest temple in Andhra Desa, and perhaps in the whole of India.
Tirupati lies in the midst of seven peaks or groups of hills in the Eastern Ghats Range, and lies in the North Latitude 13’41’ and East Longitude 79’24’. The Eastern Ghats break up into a number of parallel ranges in the region south of the river Krishna. The central group is called Nallamalais in the Kurnool District, and these meet the Eastern Range, round the group of hills at Tirupati. The top of the Tirumala Hill is two thousand feet above sea level, and the great temple of Lord Srinivasa or Venkateswara, as he is otherwise called, is on the top of the peak. The group of hills is also called Seshachalam Hills and these seven peaks are said to represent the seven hoods of Lord Adisesha the king of serpents. The consort of Lord Srinivasa is not with him on the top of the hill, but is worshipped at Alamelumangapuram, at the foot of the hills. The shrine of Lord Venkateswara stands over a ciuster of seven hills, which are said to form the Meruparvatha.
According to the legends, this temple is a sacred place in all the four yugas, and was known as Vrishabhachala in the Krithayuga, Anjanachala in the Tretayuga, Seshachala in the Dwaparayuga and Venkatachala in the present Kaliyuga. There is a beautiful legend that the seven Tirupati hills represent the seven heads of Adisesha, Ahobalam, where Lord Narasimha murthy is worshipped, representing the centre of Adisesha, and Srisailam representing the tail end of Adisesha.
One of the legends current at the temple is that a contest once arose between Adisesha, the God of serpents, and Vayu, and the God of winds. Lord Vayu tried as a part of the contest to blow out all the thousand peaks of Meru Parvata but Lord Adisesha covered them with his thousand heads and protected them. Lord Vayu being disappointed in his attempts to destroy the mount, feigned exhaustion, and discontinued his blowing. Adisesha, thinking that all was safe, raised his head, when Vayu once again blew out the peaks, one of which fell at the spot of Venkatachala or Tirupati. This beautiful legend accounts for the connection of Tirupati hills with the Meru Parvata, though geographically they are somewhat distant.
The Puranic conception of the hills is that they represent the body of Adisesha on which Lord Vishnu, the Protector of the world is said to rest. The seven hills of Tirupati are said to represent the seven hoods of Adisesha on which Venkata - chalapati dances, and Adisesha, with his several coils, denotes limitless time as a cosmic concept.
It is generally believed that in some hilly and sacred centres, the Supreme Spirit, the Paramatma makes a manifestation Suo Moto without any initial invocation and such a shrine is known as ‘Swayam-vykta’ or self-manifest God. The foremost instance of this is the shrine of Sri Venkateswara in Tirupati. According to the Visistadvaita system of Philosophy of Sri Ramanuja, who was the patron saint though it is universal, still has to have a seat, which is called Sri Vaikuntam. In Vaikuntam, every thing is good, and there is all knowledge and no ignorance. This centre of centres of the divine is Tirupati. Srivaikuntham is the place manifest as Tirupati Hills and the Parabrahman is the Lord manifest as Lord Venkateswara.
The popular belief is that the first Archa form, which the Supreme Being divulged for the benefit of human meditation, was in the Tirupati shrine. Hence it is that the Dhruvabera of the Mula vigraha presents all the three facets of the Lord and is a Trinity in unity, though only two aspects are physically visible in the manifested form. The Brahma aspect representing creation is unmanifest and the other two aspects of the Lord, namely Vishnu and Siva, are manifest to us in the Dhruvabera. The Jata in Kiritam and the other general features of the image, present us a vision of Lord Vishnu. In other words, this idol combines in itself the Vyakta Vishnu, the Avyakta Brahma, and the Vyaktavyakta Siva, and hence the Lord may be described believed that this spiritual influence is kept up here by the daily worship, not of human Archakas, but of the Nitya Suris, who are the ever-present angels. This is still reflected in the custom of the temple, where every night the vessels tributed as Prasada the next day, at it is said to be the Abhisheka Tirtha used by the Nitya Suris.
Some centuries ago, there would appear to have been some dispute about the identity of the Lord. Saint Ramanuja, the great Vaishnavite reformer of the twelfth century, is said to have settled the dispute and established the worship of Lord Srinivasa here. The idol of the Lord is in the standing posture, with the left hand extended to the left thigh, as if proclaiming that a steady devotion to the Lord's feet will achieve any object. The right hand is in what is known as Varadahasta. The idol is a complete representation of the Supreme Being in all its aspects. At the Dhruva Bera. Is a small silver idol or the Kauthuka, which is used for the daily Abhishekam. There is adjacent to this idol, the Snapana Srinivasa Murthy, and this Murthy is taken out only once in a year on the Kauthuka Dwadasi day at four A.M., and taken back to the temple before sunrise. The idea is that the Parabrahman represented by the Dhruva Bera in constant conjunction with the Purusha viz., the Kauthuka Bera and the Pradhana viz., the Snapana Murthy, is the cause of the creation and sustenance of the world. There is also an Utsava Bera, or the image of the Lord that is taken out for all the festivals and processions.
In this temple, unlike other Vishnu temples, we find no minor shrines or idols of Vaishnava saints, viz., the Alwars and the Acharyas. In this temple, they exist in their original form, as Nitya Suris, and hence there is no other shrine for them. There is only a temple for Sri Ramanuja, the great Vaishnavite saint who is said to have added the Chakra and Sankha to the Lord. The popular legend is that originally the Sankha and Chakra were not in the idol, and that when a dispute as to whether the idol was a Vaishnavite or Saivite one arose, Sri Ramanuja proposed that the Sankha and the Chakra, which are the emblems of Lord Vishnu should be placed before the deity during night, after worship, and that the Lord himself might choose between the two, and declare as to what form he has. It is said that Sri Ramanuja, who is considered to be the Avatara of Adisesha, took the form of a cobra, and went in through the opening intended for the Abhisheka Tirtha, and prayed to the Lord, whereupon the Lord himself took up the two emblems of Lord Vishnu. The pathway through which a great Saint like Ramanuja passed, was then closed and to this day the Abhisheka Tirtha is being taken out only in vessels,
In the temple there are two very important customs, namely, anointing the body of the Lord with camphor, and offering all the hair on the head of the devotee as a sacrifice to the Lord. The custom of anointing the body of the God with camphor has its origin from the fact, that at one time an old Brahmin devotee took up a vow to dig a tank near the temple. Since he was a very poor man, he fiimself did the work, and also pressed into service his wife who was fully pregnant. When the lady began to feel the pangs of labor, the God himself, in the disguise of a Brahmin youth, began to share with her the labor of carrying the earth. On noticing this, the old man became jealous, at some other man sharing the good fortune of service to the Lord, and so hit him with his crowbar. Then within the temple when he went to pray to the Lord he found, to his surprise, blood pouring out at the exact spot from the body of the idol, where the blow fell on the body of the youth. He then discovered that the Lord himself had graced him, by coming to share his labor, and he immediately began to dress the wound of the Lord with camphor. From that time the practice of anointing the body of the deity with camphor has come into vogue. The origin of the other custom, which is very famous and popular, viz., offering the hair on the devotees' head as a sacrifice to the Lord, is shrouded in mystery, and exactly when and how this custom began nobody is able to account for satisfactorily.
There is a work called 'Venkatachala Itibasa Mala,' in which the main items for the conduct of worship at Tirupati are laid down. This work is divided into seven parts, the first three parts being concerned with the Vaishnava characters of the image and the other four being concerned with what Sri Ramanuja, the famous Vaishnavite Saint and. after him, his disciple Sri Anantarya, did for the temple. Sri Ramanuja, restored the rituals of worship according to Vaikhanasa Agama, after performing the purificatory rite, and after repairing the Vimana over the main Shrine which 'Is called the Ananda Nilaya. Ablutions to the God on every Friday were arranged in accordance with the Ananda Samhita Vaikhanasa Agaama. The face mark for the Lord, or the Urdhva Pundra, was prescribed to be a mixture of camphor, for four days, and for three days from Monday white earth, generally called Namam. All the jewels and ornaments of the Lord were to be removed on Thursday and the God was to be dressed only with flowers on that day.
Ramanuja also arranged for the recitation of Nachiyar Tiruppavai, a famous collection in the Prabandbas, for the proper worship of the temple. In the temple, be elitrusted the work to an early Vaikhanasa priest called Bimbadhara. Sri Ramanuja also had the temple of Sri Govindaraja built. Sri Ramanuja also restored the two wells for the temple service and on the bank of the step-well he set up images of Srinivasa and Bhoodevi, and arranged that the flowers used for the temple service should be thrown into the well. Sri Ramanuja's attention was also drawn to a Naga jewel, which was worn, on only one arm of Sri Venkateswara. It was stated that a Gajapathi king by name Veera Narasimha was at Tirupati in the course of pilgrimage, and arranged for the construction of a tower. At this stage, Lord Adisesha appeared before him in a dream, and told him that, since the whole hill was his own body, the weight of the tower was increasing the load on him. The king thereupon stopped the tower and, in token of the Lord Adisesha appearing before him, got a representation of Adisesha made as a jewel and placed it on one of the arms of the God.
There was another tradition that, not one but a pair of Naga jewels was presented to Lord Venkateswara on the occasion of his marriage with Padmavati, by his father -in - law, Nagaraja. Sri Ramanuja also installed within the temple of Srinivasa, an image of Sri Rama as giving refuge to Vibhishana. This manifestation of the Lord was made in response to the prayer of a certain yogi, by name Viswambbara, who lived on the banks of the river Kritamala. Owing to disturbances in that locality, the image was taken for protection to Venkatachala, and Sri Ramanuja arranged to set up the image e of Rama and the image of Sita also. Sri Ramanuja also enforced the old time worship of Varaha on the West Bank of Swamipushkarini, as in Venkatachala. Ramanuja also ordained at the temple of Venkateswara that, after the performance of the last item of worship, garlands should be preserved in the temple of Vishwaksena, the guardian deity. Sri Ramanuja also laid down regulations regarding the residence of the people of Tirupati. He laid down that only those who were engaged in the immediate service of the Lord should reside on the top of the hill and that all other devotees should live only at the foot of the hill. The pilgrims that came to the top of the hill should take for food whatever was provided by the temple after the temple service was over. No flowers should be grown for household worship, but all should be dedicated to the worship of the temple only. No animals or birds should be killed in hunting and no one should be allowed to die on the top of the hill but brought down.
A distance of seven to eight miles round the Swamipushkarini was marked off as reserved for the Lord and within that limit no other temple should be constructed. These are said to be the various reforms introduced by Sri Ramanuja, as seen from the Venkateswara Itihasa Mala. There are many inscriptions in which these are referred to and we can therefore take it that many of these injunctions were in existence either before the time of Ramanuja, or were newly brought by him and placed on a footing of permanence.
The exact period at which the temple was founded is unknown, and tradition has it that the temple is Swayambhustala. The earliest reference that we have to the temple is from the Tamil poet Mamulanar, who is a celebrated poet of the Sangam period. There are any number of references to the temple in the literature of the Alwars and Acharyas, of whom the greatest was Ramanuja.
The Vimana or the Ananda Vimana, as it is called, is the most sacred spot over the Lord Venkatesa. From an inscription of the Varadaraja temple of Conjeevaram, we learn that one Tatacharya built the Vimana of Lord Venkateswara. With gold in the year Pramodoota, corresponding to 1492 Saka Era or 1570 A.D. This Tatacharya was the General Superintendent of the temple affairs of the Vijayanagar king Venkatapathi Deva Maharaja. He was also the spiritual guru of the king and the king is said to have offered his entire kingdom to him in his admiration for the Acharya.
Lord Vishnu as Varahaswami has his shrine on the banks of the Swami - pushkarini Tirtha. At Lower Tirupati the temple is dedicated to Govindaraja Perumal in contradistinction to the Venkatachalapati shrine at the top of the hill. There is also a tower called Galigopuram, which is famous. In the Gopura downhill many puranic legends are commemorated in sculptures. The wealth of epigraphic details in Tirupati takes us to the times of the later Cholas, Yadavarayas, and Vijayanagar and Saluva dynasties.
In the lower Tirupati we have the temple of Sri Kodanda Ramaswami. In Tiruchanur, which is two miles from Tirupati is the temple of goddess Alamelumanga, the consort of the Lord on the top of the bill. A visit to Tirupati will not be complete unless a Darsan of this Goddess is also had. Sri Adisankara in the course of his tours is said to have established a Dhanakarshana. Yantra at Tirupati. This is established by the fact that even today the income of the temple from the offerings of the devotees is going up by leaps and bounds. Lord Venkateswara is a 'Pratyakshamurthi and any prayer made to him in sincerity ond utter surrender is never denied. Many instances of miracles said to have been done by prayer to the Lord are current in the place.
The puranas are full and replete with the great deeds of the Lord. The Lord is worshipped with one hundred and eight names, each one of which has a reference to the Puranas.
As the shrine of Lord Venkateswara is one of the most celebrated shrines in India, a few of the Puranic legends, which are well known, are given below:
The Puranic legend on the above is contained in the Brahmanda Purana, in which, the sport of the Lord in hunting in the forests, and in killing Vrishabhasura is described. Vrishabhasura was a great Bhakta of Siva, and was living in South Tirupati, and was giving trouble to the Rishis etc. Suddenly one day he found a hill growing up, and Vrishabbasura, thinking that it must be the result of some magic, wanted to give battle to whoever it was that created that hill. He therefore went in search of the creator of the hill, and found the Lord who was hunting in the forests of the hill, and mistook him for the creator of the hill and started giving battle. The Lord with the help of Vishwaksena destroyed the entire army of Vrishabhasura. There upon Vrishabhasura created a second huge army through his Maya, and himself disappeared into it. The Lord thereupon began to attack that army with his Chakra. Vrishabhasura then understood that it was Lord Narayana who was his opponent and, being a good Bhakta, thought that death at the hands of the Lord would lead him to salvation. There fore he prayed that the Lord should kill him.
Accordingly the Lord killed him with Chakrayudha and got the name Vrisha bhasurahari. This legend is given in Brahmanda Purana.
This same legend is given in Bhavishya Purana in a different manner. According to this Purana. Vrishabhasura was doing daily puja with Tapascharya for five thousand years to a saligrama idol created by Lord Narasimha at Tirumalai. Every day be cut off his own head and offered it as a sacrifice’s the Lord and every day a fresh bead began to grow through the grace of the Lord. Lord Srinivasa doing who was pleased with his austerity appeared before him, and asked him what he wanted. Thereupon Vrishabhasura, who was a great Bhakta, wanted Yuddha Bhiksha, or an opportunity to fight with the Lord, so that he might attain salvation at the hands of the Lord. His request was granted and so the Lord was known as Vrishabhasurahari.
In the above story there is a reference to the name of the hill, which is Vrishabhachala. In Tretayuga the same hill is called Anjanachala and corresponding to this the Lord is known as Ananagotrapati The lengend about this is given in Brahmanda Purana, and the legend is as follows:
In Tretayuga there was an Asura called Kesari who was a great Siva Bhakta. He did Tapascharya and wanted from the Lord the boon of a son. The Lord however told him that he was not destined to have a son, but only a daughter, through whom he would get a grandson. The daughter was called Anjana and when she became of age a Vanara, also called Kesari, sought the hand of Anjana and this was granted. However, Anjana Devi did not have a child for long, and one day the Dharma Devata came in disguise and told her that she would have a child provided she did Tapascharya on the banks of Akasa Ganga in the Venkatachala hill. She did Tapascharya for seven thousand years, and every day Lord Vayu gave her a fruit as food. Pleased with her Tapascharya Lord Siva and Parvathi gave her the boon of a child, and in Sravana masa and Sravana nakshatra.
At the time of sunrise, she gave birth to Anjaneya. Who was otherwise known as Hanuman. The child saw the beautiful rising sun in the sky and, thinking' it to be a ripe fruit, flew towards it and, not being able to bear the heat, fell back to the earth. The Purana therefore declares that, since Anjana Devi gave birth to her child on account of Tapascharya on this hill, the hill is called Anjanachala. The following verses from the Bralimanda Purana give us the legend, and tell us how the hill came to be named as Anjanachala.
There is also a reference in the Brahmanda Purana about how the hill came to be called as Vrishabhachala. Vrisbabhasura at the time of his death represented to the Lord that, since he died on the top of the hill, the hill should be named after him as Vrishabhachala, and the Lord also granted this boon. This legend is seen from the follow ing verses of Brahmanda Purana.
The religious service in the temple is conducted in a very elaborate manner. There are morning Darsans of the Lord known as Tomalaseva and Archana. A free Darsan follows this to all the worshippers. This is again repeated in the evening ending in another free Darsan. The pilgrims perform special services on payment of proper sacrificial offerings. In the morning, there is a special service to the Lord under which the daily accounts are rendered to the Lord and the Almanac or the Panchangam is also read out to Him. This is in-recognition of the fact that the Lord is a king and all royal honors should be shown to Him. The most important festival here is the Brahmotsava Festival which lasts for ten days.
Tirupati lies in the midst of the Seshachalam Hills at a distance of seven miles from the Tirupati East Railway Station. To reach it, one has to branch off at Gudur, which is the last but one main station before Madras on the Delhi Madras route, and take a train to Renigunta and Tirupati and then go by road from the foot to the top of the Tirupati Hill, which is called Tirumalai. Direct buses from Madras and other centuries also ply to Tirumalai. Till ten years ago, the pilgrims had to walk up to the top of the hill, by means of steps, but now a regular ghat road has been laid round the hills, and one can reach the top of the hill directly by road
The Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanam is one of the richest Devasthanam of Andhra, as Lord Venkateswara, who is the presiding deity of the shrine at the top, attracts thousands of pilgrims, who pay large sums to the deity as their offering. Any number of Chatrams and Choultries are available, both at the foot of the hill and on the top of the hill, for the convenience of the passengers. In addition the Devasthanam authorities also encourage the construction of self-contained cottages on the top of the hill, so that people who seek solitude may live in complete solitude and in peace. If any devotee contributes six thousand rupees, the Devasthanam will pay an equal amount and a cottage consisting of three rooms with a bathroom and kitchen is constructed in the name of the devotee. When the devotees do not reside in them, they are available for rent for others. There are nearly five hundred such cottages, on the top of the hill, and these are available at a daily rent of four rupees or so per day. There are also Government guesthouse’s as well as Devasthanam Guest Houses both on the top as well as at the foot of the hill, where distinguished visitors can come and stay.
Lord Venkateswara, with the income of the temple, is actually maintaining the University called ‘The Venkateswara University’ in which sciences and arts are taught. In addition, there is an ‘Oriental Manuscripts Library’ at Tirupati, where research into ancient manuscripts is carried on. The Temple is still very active and live, and is probably the richest temple in Andhra Desa, and perhaps in the whole of India.
Tirupati lies in the midst of seven peaks or groups of hills in the Eastern Ghats Range, and lies in the North Latitude 13’41’ and East Longitude 79’24’. The Eastern Ghats break up into a number of parallel ranges in the region south of the river Krishna. The central group is called Nallamalais in the Kurnool District, and these meet the Eastern Range, round the group of hills at Tirupati. The top of the Tirumala Hill is two thousand feet above sea level, and the great temple of Lord Srinivasa or Venkateswara, as he is otherwise called, is on the top of the peak. The group of hills is also called Seshachalam Hills and these seven peaks are said to represent the seven hoods of Lord Adisesha the king of serpents. The consort of Lord Srinivasa is not with him on the top of the hill, but is worshipped at Alamelumangapuram, at the foot of the hills. The shrine of Lord Venkateswara stands over a ciuster of seven hills, which are said to form the Meruparvatha.
According to the legends, this temple is a sacred place in all the four yugas, and was known as Vrishabhachala in the Krithayuga, Anjanachala in the Tretayuga, Seshachala in the Dwaparayuga and Venkatachala in the present Kaliyuga. There is a beautiful legend that the seven Tirupati hills represent the seven heads of Adisesha, Ahobalam, where Lord Narasimha murthy is worshipped, representing the centre of Adisesha, and Srisailam representing the tail end of Adisesha.
One of the legends current at the temple is that a contest once arose between Adisesha, the God of serpents, and Vayu, and the God of winds. Lord Vayu tried as a part of the contest to blow out all the thousand peaks of Meru Parvata but Lord Adisesha covered them with his thousand heads and protected them. Lord Vayu being disappointed in his attempts to destroy the mount, feigned exhaustion, and discontinued his blowing. Adisesha, thinking that all was safe, raised his head, when Vayu once again blew out the peaks, one of which fell at the spot of Venkatachala or Tirupati. This beautiful legend accounts for the connection of Tirupati hills with the Meru Parvata, though geographically they are somewhat distant.
The Puranic conception of the hills is that they represent the body of Adisesha on which Lord Vishnu, the Protector of the world is said to rest. The seven hills of Tirupati are said to represent the seven hoods of Adisesha on which Venkata - chalapati dances, and Adisesha, with his several coils, denotes limitless time as a cosmic concept.
It is generally believed that in some hilly and sacred centres, the Supreme Spirit, the Paramatma makes a manifestation Suo Moto without any initial invocation and such a shrine is known as ‘Swayam-vykta’ or self-manifest God. The foremost instance of this is the shrine of Sri Venkateswara in Tirupati. According to the Visistadvaita system of Philosophy of Sri Ramanuja, who was the patron saint though it is universal, still has to have a seat, which is called Sri Vaikuntam. In Vaikuntam, every thing is good, and there is all knowledge and no ignorance. This centre of centres of the divine is Tirupati. Srivaikuntham is the place manifest as Tirupati Hills and the Parabrahman is the Lord manifest as Lord Venkateswara.
The popular belief is that the first Archa form, which the Supreme Being divulged for the benefit of human meditation, was in the Tirupati shrine. Hence it is that the Dhruvabera of the Mula vigraha presents all the three facets of the Lord and is a Trinity in unity, though only two aspects are physically visible in the manifested form. The Brahma aspect representing creation is unmanifest and the other two aspects of the Lord, namely Vishnu and Siva, are manifest to us in the Dhruvabera. The Jata in Kiritam and the other general features of the image, present us a vision of Lord Vishnu. In other words, this idol combines in itself the Vyakta Vishnu, the Avyakta Brahma, and the Vyaktavyakta Siva, and hence the Lord may be described believed that this spiritual influence is kept up here by the daily worship, not of human Archakas, but of the Nitya Suris, who are the ever-present angels. This is still reflected in the custom of the temple, where every night the vessels tributed as Prasada the next day, at it is said to be the Abhisheka Tirtha used by the Nitya Suris.
Some centuries ago, there would appear to have been some dispute about the identity of the Lord. Saint Ramanuja, the great Vaishnavite reformer of the twelfth century, is said to have settled the dispute and established the worship of Lord Srinivasa here. The idol of the Lord is in the standing posture, with the left hand extended to the left thigh, as if proclaiming that a steady devotion to the Lord's feet will achieve any object. The right hand is in what is known as Varadahasta. The idol is a complete representation of the Supreme Being in all its aspects. At the Dhruva Bera. Is a small silver idol or the Kauthuka, which is used for the daily Abhishekam. There is adjacent to this idol, the Snapana Srinivasa Murthy, and this Murthy is taken out only once in a year on the Kauthuka Dwadasi day at four A.M., and taken back to the temple before sunrise. The idea is that the Parabrahman represented by the Dhruva Bera in constant conjunction with the Purusha viz., the Kauthuka Bera and the Pradhana viz., the Snapana Murthy, is the cause of the creation and sustenance of the world. There is also an Utsava Bera, or the image of the Lord that is taken out for all the festivals and processions.
In this temple, unlike other Vishnu temples, we find no minor shrines or idols of Vaishnava saints, viz., the Alwars and the Acharyas. In this temple, they exist in their original form, as Nitya Suris, and hence there is no other shrine for them. There is only a temple for Sri Ramanuja, the great Vaishnavite saint who is said to have added the Chakra and Sankha to the Lord. The popular legend is that originally the Sankha and Chakra were not in the idol, and that when a dispute as to whether the idol was a Vaishnavite or Saivite one arose, Sri Ramanuja proposed that the Sankha and the Chakra, which are the emblems of Lord Vishnu should be placed before the deity during night, after worship, and that the Lord himself might choose between the two, and declare as to what form he has. It is said that Sri Ramanuja, who is considered to be the Avatara of Adisesha, took the form of a cobra, and went in through the opening intended for the Abhisheka Tirtha, and prayed to the Lord, whereupon the Lord himself took up the two emblems of Lord Vishnu. The pathway through which a great Saint like Ramanuja passed, was then closed and to this day the Abhisheka Tirtha is being taken out only in vessels,
In the temple there are two very important customs, namely, anointing the body of the Lord with camphor, and offering all the hair on the head of the devotee as a sacrifice to the Lord. The custom of anointing the body of the God with camphor has its origin from the fact, that at one time an old Brahmin devotee took up a vow to dig a tank near the temple. Since he was a very poor man, he fiimself did the work, and also pressed into service his wife who was fully pregnant. When the lady began to feel the pangs of labor, the God himself, in the disguise of a Brahmin youth, began to share with her the labor of carrying the earth. On noticing this, the old man became jealous, at some other man sharing the good fortune of service to the Lord, and so hit him with his crowbar. Then within the temple when he went to pray to the Lord he found, to his surprise, blood pouring out at the exact spot from the body of the idol, where the blow fell on the body of the youth. He then discovered that the Lord himself had graced him, by coming to share his labor, and he immediately began to dress the wound of the Lord with camphor. From that time the practice of anointing the body of the deity with camphor has come into vogue. The origin of the other custom, which is very famous and popular, viz., offering the hair on the devotees' head as a sacrifice to the Lord, is shrouded in mystery, and exactly when and how this custom began nobody is able to account for satisfactorily.
There is a work called 'Venkatachala Itibasa Mala,' in which the main items for the conduct of worship at Tirupati are laid down. This work is divided into seven parts, the first three parts being concerned with the Vaishnava characters of the image and the other four being concerned with what Sri Ramanuja, the famous Vaishnavite Saint and. after him, his disciple Sri Anantarya, did for the temple. Sri Ramanuja, restored the rituals of worship according to Vaikhanasa Agama, after performing the purificatory rite, and after repairing the Vimana over the main Shrine which 'Is called the Ananda Nilaya. Ablutions to the God on every Friday were arranged in accordance with the Ananda Samhita Vaikhanasa Agaama. The face mark for the Lord, or the Urdhva Pundra, was prescribed to be a mixture of camphor, for four days, and for three days from Monday white earth, generally called Namam. All the jewels and ornaments of the Lord were to be removed on Thursday and the God was to be dressed only with flowers on that day.
Ramanuja also arranged for the recitation of Nachiyar Tiruppavai, a famous collection in the Prabandbas, for the proper worship of the temple. In the temple, be elitrusted the work to an early Vaikhanasa priest called Bimbadhara. Sri Ramanuja also had the temple of Sri Govindaraja built. Sri Ramanuja also restored the two wells for the temple service and on the bank of the step-well he set up images of Srinivasa and Bhoodevi, and arranged that the flowers used for the temple service should be thrown into the well. Sri Ramanuja's attention was also drawn to a Naga jewel, which was worn, on only one arm of Sri Venkateswara. It was stated that a Gajapathi king by name Veera Narasimha was at Tirupati in the course of pilgrimage, and arranged for the construction of a tower. At this stage, Lord Adisesha appeared before him in a dream, and told him that, since the whole hill was his own body, the weight of the tower was increasing the load on him. The king thereupon stopped the tower and, in token of the Lord Adisesha appearing before him, got a representation of Adisesha made as a jewel and placed it on one of the arms of the God.
There was another tradition that, not one but a pair of Naga jewels was presented to Lord Venkateswara on the occasion of his marriage with Padmavati, by his father -in - law, Nagaraja. Sri Ramanuja also installed within the temple of Srinivasa, an image of Sri Rama as giving refuge to Vibhishana. This manifestation of the Lord was made in response to the prayer of a certain yogi, by name Viswambbara, who lived on the banks of the river Kritamala. Owing to disturbances in that locality, the image was taken for protection to Venkatachala, and Sri Ramanuja arranged to set up the image e of Rama and the image of Sita also. Sri Ramanuja also enforced the old time worship of Varaha on the West Bank of Swamipushkarini, as in Venkatachala. Ramanuja also ordained at the temple of Venkateswara that, after the performance of the last item of worship, garlands should be preserved in the temple of Vishwaksena, the guardian deity. Sri Ramanuja also laid down regulations regarding the residence of the people of Tirupati. He laid down that only those who were engaged in the immediate service of the Lord should reside on the top of the hill and that all other devotees should live only at the foot of the hill. The pilgrims that came to the top of the hill should take for food whatever was provided by the temple after the temple service was over. No flowers should be grown for household worship, but all should be dedicated to the worship of the temple only. No animals or birds should be killed in hunting and no one should be allowed to die on the top of the hill but brought down.
A distance of seven to eight miles round the Swamipushkarini was marked off as reserved for the Lord and within that limit no other temple should be constructed. These are said to be the various reforms introduced by Sri Ramanuja, as seen from the Venkateswara Itihasa Mala. There are many inscriptions in which these are referred to and we can therefore take it that many of these injunctions were in existence either before the time of Ramanuja, or were newly brought by him and placed on a footing of permanence.
The exact period at which the temple was founded is unknown, and tradition has it that the temple is Swayambhustala. The earliest reference that we have to the temple is from the Tamil poet Mamulanar, who is a celebrated poet of the Sangam period. There are any number of references to the temple in the literature of the Alwars and Acharyas, of whom the greatest was Ramanuja.
The Vimana or the Ananda Vimana, as it is called, is the most sacred spot over the Lord Venkatesa. From an inscription of the Varadaraja temple of Conjeevaram, we learn that one Tatacharya built the Vimana of Lord Venkateswara. With gold in the year Pramodoota, corresponding to 1492 Saka Era or 1570 A.D. This Tatacharya was the General Superintendent of the temple affairs of the Vijayanagar king Venkatapathi Deva Maharaja. He was also the spiritual guru of the king and the king is said to have offered his entire kingdom to him in his admiration for the Acharya.
Lord Vishnu as Varahaswami has his shrine on the banks of the Swami - pushkarini Tirtha. At Lower Tirupati the temple is dedicated to Govindaraja Perumal in contradistinction to the Venkatachalapati shrine at the top of the hill. There is also a tower called Galigopuram, which is famous. In the Gopura downhill many puranic legends are commemorated in sculptures. The wealth of epigraphic details in Tirupati takes us to the times of the later Cholas, Yadavarayas, and Vijayanagar and Saluva dynasties.
In the lower Tirupati we have the temple of Sri Kodanda Ramaswami. In Tiruchanur, which is two miles from Tirupati is the temple of goddess Alamelumanga, the consort of the Lord on the top of the bill. A visit to Tirupati will not be complete unless a Darsan of this Goddess is also had. Sri Adisankara in the course of his tours is said to have established a Dhanakarshana. Yantra at Tirupati. This is established by the fact that even today the income of the temple from the offerings of the devotees is going up by leaps and bounds. Lord Venkateswara is a 'Pratyakshamurthi and any prayer made to him in sincerity ond utter surrender is never denied. Many instances of miracles said to have been done by prayer to the Lord are current in the place.
The puranas are full and replete with the great deeds of the Lord. The Lord is worshipped with one hundred and eight names, each one of which has a reference to the Puranas.
As the shrine of Lord Venkateswara is one of the most celebrated shrines in India, a few of the Puranic legends, which are well known, are given below:
The Puranic legend on the above is contained in the Brahmanda Purana, in which, the sport of the Lord in hunting in the forests, and in killing Vrishabhasura is described. Vrishabhasura was a great Bhakta of Siva, and was living in South Tirupati, and was giving trouble to the Rishis etc. Suddenly one day he found a hill growing up, and Vrishabbasura, thinking that it must be the result of some magic, wanted to give battle to whoever it was that created that hill. He therefore went in search of the creator of the hill, and found the Lord who was hunting in the forests of the hill, and mistook him for the creator of the hill and started giving battle. The Lord with the help of Vishwaksena destroyed the entire army of Vrishabhasura. There upon Vrishabhasura created a second huge army through his Maya, and himself disappeared into it. The Lord thereupon began to attack that army with his Chakra. Vrishabhasura then understood that it was Lord Narayana who was his opponent and, being a good Bhakta, thought that death at the hands of the Lord would lead him to salvation. There fore he prayed that the Lord should kill him.
Accordingly the Lord killed him with Chakrayudha and got the name Vrisha bhasurahari. This legend is given in Brahmanda Purana.
This same legend is given in Bhavishya Purana in a different manner. According to this Purana. Vrishabhasura was doing daily puja with Tapascharya for five thousand years to a saligrama idol created by Lord Narasimha at Tirumalai. Every day be cut off his own head and offered it as a sacrifice’s the Lord and every day a fresh bead began to grow through the grace of the Lord. Lord Srinivasa doing who was pleased with his austerity appeared before him, and asked him what he wanted. Thereupon Vrishabhasura, who was a great Bhakta, wanted Yuddha Bhiksha, or an opportunity to fight with the Lord, so that he might attain salvation at the hands of the Lord. His request was granted and so the Lord was known as Vrishabhasurahari.
In the above story there is a reference to the name of the hill, which is Vrishabhachala. In Tretayuga the same hill is called Anjanachala and corresponding to this the Lord is known as Ananagotrapati The lengend about this is given in Brahmanda Purana, and the legend is as follows:
In Tretayuga there was an Asura called Kesari who was a great Siva Bhakta. He did Tapascharya and wanted from the Lord the boon of a son. The Lord however told him that he was not destined to have a son, but only a daughter, through whom he would get a grandson. The daughter was called Anjana and when she became of age a Vanara, also called Kesari, sought the hand of Anjana and this was granted. However, Anjana Devi did not have a child for long, and one day the Dharma Devata came in disguise and told her that she would have a child provided she did Tapascharya on the banks of Akasa Ganga in the Venkatachala hill. She did Tapascharya for seven thousand years, and every day Lord Vayu gave her a fruit as food. Pleased with her Tapascharya Lord Siva and Parvathi gave her the boon of a child, and in Sravana masa and Sravana nakshatra.
At the time of sunrise, she gave birth to Anjaneya. Who was otherwise known as Hanuman. The child saw the beautiful rising sun in the sky and, thinking' it to be a ripe fruit, flew towards it and, not being able to bear the heat, fell back to the earth. The Purana therefore declares that, since Anjana Devi gave birth to her child on account of Tapascharya on this hill, the hill is called Anjanachala. The following verses from the Bralimanda Purana give us the legend, and tell us how the hill came to be named as Anjanachala.
There is also a reference in the Brahmanda Purana about how the hill came to be called as Vrishabhachala. Vrisbabhasura at the time of his death represented to the Lord that, since he died on the top of the hill, the hill should be named after him as Vrishabhachala, and the Lord also granted this boon. This legend is seen from the follow ing verses of Brahmanda Purana.
The religious service in the temple is conducted in a very elaborate manner. There are morning Darsans of the Lord known as Tomalaseva and Archana. A free Darsan follows this to all the worshippers. This is again repeated in the evening ending in another free Darsan. The pilgrims perform special services on payment of proper sacrificial offerings. In the morning, there is a special service to the Lord under which the daily accounts are rendered to the Lord and the Almanac or the Panchangam is also read out to Him. This is in-recognition of the fact that the Lord is a king and all royal honors should be shown to Him. The most important festival here is the Brahmotsava Festival which lasts for ten days.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Tirupathi Navratri Brahmaotsavam
Tirumala has seven hills, representing the seven heads of a huge serpent called Sesha Saye on which Lord Vishnu rests resides. The black idol of Balaji is covered in gold, jewellery and previous ornaments and is 2 metres high.
Tirupathi is believed to be the richest temple in the country with picturesque surroundings. The temple is also a fine example of Dravidian Art & Style. It is also a famous center for wood carving.
In this service we arrange to offer an easy darshan & accommodation for the devotees of any far off places – both out of state and out of country devotees. Right from the Train Ticket Reservations of your choice (including return tickets) to the accommodation (cottage booking) and darshan of the Lord we can arrange things done precisely. If you wish so, a four-wheeler will also be at your service. As the need arises we may also arrange a guide to make the devotees quite acquainted with the place.
We hope to extend this facility to other pilgrimage places in India shortly.
TIRUMALA – The Abode of Lord Venkateswara
Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam, is one of the most popular Hindu shrine in the country. The temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara at Tirumala is perched at height of 874 metres above mean sea level and 15 km. North-west of Tirupati, the temple town is located at the foot of the seven hills of the Eastern Ghats in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.
The 12th century Vaishnavite shrine is one of the richest shrine of the world, with annual income of the temple being more than two billion rupees. Often referred as the ‘Vatican of the East’, the size of the visiting pilgrims and the wealth the temple town offers in terms of religious, cultural and natural splendour, make it an unsurpassed pilgrimage site.
HISTORY: The exact period in which the temple was founded is not known, and tradition has it that the temple is Swayambhustala, meaning, it came into existence on its own without anyone making it. As per folk legends there was a huge anthill at Tirupati. A farmer heard a voice from the heavens asking him to feed the ants. By chance the local king heard the voice and began supplying milk for the ants, himself. His compassion resulted in the liquid uncovering a magnificent idol of Lord Venkateshwara hidden beneath the anthill.
According to some evidences the history of the temple dates back to almost 2,000 years. In the ancient times a queen called Samavai belonging to Pallava dynasty (614 AD.) is said to have consecrated the first silver image here. The temple is also mentioned in the Sangam poetry (500 BC. – 2000 AD.). Numerous temple inscriptions from the 9th century record details of the temple and contributions made by both Pallavas and Chola Kings. It is believed tat originally there was only one shrine at Tirumalai. When the Vaishnavite saint, Ramanuja, visited Andhra in the 12th century, the temple at Tirupathi was built. The Chola period saw the temple complex prospered and expanded. In 1517, Krishnadevaraya, on one of his many visits to the temple, donated gold and jewels enabling the Vimana (inner shrine) roofing to be gilded. The Maratha general Raghoji Bhonsle visited the temple and set up a permanent administration for the conduct of worship in the temple. Among the later rulers who endowed large benefaction were the rulers who endowed large benefaction were the rulers of Mysore and Gadwal. In 1843 with the coming of the East India Company, the administration of the Shri Venkateshwara temple and a number of shrines was entrusted to Seva Dossji of the Hathiramji Mutt at Tirumala as Vicaranakarta for nearly a century, till 1933 when the temple was under the administrative charge of the mahants. The Madras legislature passed a special act in 1933 whereby the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) committee was invested with powers of administration and control through a commissioner appointed by Govt. of Madras. A Ryot Advisory Council was formulated for the management of the estates of the TTD, this was assisted by Religious Advisory Council with regard to religious matters.
The Tirumala Temple: The Tirumala temples nestles amidst the peaks of the seven hills of Tirumala. The temple can be approached from Tirupati by a 15 km. Road, it is a pleasant drive many pilgrims even today take this path by foot making a 11 km. trek to the temple. For the devotees, the deity Venkateshwara symbolizes goodness, with his conch he creates the cosmic sound that destroys ignorance. Venkateshwara is considered to be the most powerful Hindu deity, he is believed to be the fulfiller of every wish made to him by the devotees.
There are never less then 5,000 pilgrims here at any time. In a single day. The total number of pilgrims even goes upto 10,000 in a day. The temple staff alone accounts to a number of 18,000. The popularity of the temple can be judged by the annual income which is around two billion rupees per annum. The devotees offer money, precious articles etc. in the hundi or collection box placed at various sites in the temple. Silver model of the feet or a silver heat are also put in the hundi, these models are available outside the temple. This entire sum is administered by a temple trust, who plough this bulk of money back into hundreds of choultries and charities such as schools, colleges, art academies, craft training centers and in the homes of the poor and orphans.
It is considered to be very auspicious to have your head shaven when visiting the temple. People donate their hair to the deity, as an act symbolic of renouncing the ego, this applies to men, women and children alike.
The temple is very large and has a huge courtyard. Te main shrine which contains the image of Sri Venkateswara is a complex of structure. It begins with the sanctum at the western end and ends with the Tirumamanimandapam at the eastern end. The main temple is a masterpiece of the Dravidian architecture. Its glittering gold Vimanam, rising protectively over the sanctorum seems to be lit with some inner fire touched glow. It is called as Ananda Vimanam. The innermost enclosure ‘Vaikunda Pradakshinam’ is opened only once a year. Splendid gold covered gates guard the entrance of the main sanctum sanctorum.
The ‘Swayambhu’ or naturally formed two metres high idol of Sri Venkateswara depicts the Lord’s standing image on a lotus. It has four arms and on the chest are the images of Goddesses Lakshmi and Padmavati. The majestic jet black idol is adorned by a mass of gold and precious stones. Most striking is the fabulous crown which is said to be the costliest single ornament ever made in the world. The darshan of the deity is a heavenly experience. The aura created by the magnificent jewellery adorning the deity, the powerful vibrations of the prayers offered day in and day out is overwhelming, every devotee coming out of the sanctum sanctorumhas the feeling of being special.
The prasad cooked in the temple kitchens is also of great value among the devotees. The prasad is first offered to the deity before distribution, it is not only of special significance to the pilgrims but also a great delicacy. The pilgrims enjoy the bracing climate on the hill. Comfortable and reasonably priced accommodation are available, alongwith delicious South Indian food and coffee.
The Festivals: The Brahmosavam festival is celebrated here in Sept./Oct. Sacred texts are recited each day. Every morning and evening images of the deities are taken in a colourful procession around the temple. The chariot of Lord Brahma believed to be the instigator of the festival, leas the procession. On account of Adika-masam which comes in every third year.
A second Brahmaotsava is held which is known as Navratri Brahmaotsavam. These festivals attract thousands of pilgrims from various parts of the country.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Thirupati and Thirumala Hotels
The Indian city of
Hotel Bhimas
| Hotel Name | Hotel Star Category | Hotel Rooms | Hotel Location | Hotel Facilities |
| Hotel Bhimas | 2 Star (Government Approved) | 90 | 14 km from Airport; 1/2 km from Tirupati & 10 km from Ranigunta Railway Stations; Few yards from Central Bus Stand | Swimming pool, Travel desk, In-house laundry, CCTV, Doctor on call, Money exchange |
Bhimas Deluxe Hotel:
| Hotel Name | Hotel Star Category | Hotel Rooms | Hotel Location | Hotel Facilities | Hotel Services |
| Bhimas Deluxe Hotel | 2 Star (Government Approved) | 69 | 13 km from | 24 hours room service, H/C running water, C.C.T.V. with Star Channel, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Shopping Arcade, Covered Car Park, Books & Curio Shop, Servicing Pure Veg. | Doctor on call, Car Rental |
Hotel Bliss:
| Hotel Name | Hotel Star Category | Hotel Rooms | Hotel Location | Hotel Facilities | Hotel Services |
| Hotel Bliss | 3 Star (Government Approved) | 49 | | Lord Venkateswara & Padmavathi temple view Rooms, Special Darshan Assistance | Separate Vegetarian & Non Vegetarian Restaurants and Kitchen |
| |
Hotel Guestline:
| Hotel Name | Hotel Star Category | Hotel Rooms | Hotel Location | Hotel Facilities | Hotel Services |
| Hotel Guestline | 3 Star (Government Approved) | 140 | 17 km from | Specially Designed Rooms for Families | |
Hotel Mayura:
| Hotel Name | Hotel Star Category | Hotel Rooms | Hotel Location | Hotel Facilities | Hotel Services |
| Hotel Mayura | 3 Star (Government Approved) | 65 | 15 km from | | |
| |
| Hotel Name | Hotel Star Category | Hotel Rooms | Hotel Location | Hotel Facilities | Hotel Services |
| | 3 Star (Government Approved) | 54 | 14 km from Airport; Opp. to Railway Station; Few yards to Tirumala Bus Stand, 0.2 km to Main Bus Stand | Business centre, Internet facilities to the rooms, 24 hrs hot and cold water running, Telephone direct dialing, Pushkarini lake view, Lord Venkateswara temple hill view, Lord Govindaraja Swamy temple view, T.V., Separate executives floor, Non smoking rooms, Banquet & Conference hall facilities, Executive lounge | Doctor on call, House laundry, Money changer, Safe deposit lockers, Airport transfers, Closed car parking, Valet, Travel desk service, Shopping arcade, Pearl shop |
Kalyan Residency:
| Hotel Name | Hotel Star Category | Hotel Rooms | Hotel Location | Hotel Facilities | Hotel Services |
| Kalyan Residency | 3 Star (Government Approved) | 58 | 18 km from | H/C running water, Telephone, C.T.V., Telemute, Internet Ready, Business centre | Room service, Airport / Station transfers, Doctor on call, Laundry, Fax, E-mail, Internet access, Safe deposit, Valet, Travel desk |
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Annamayya Keerthanalu : బ్రహ్మ కడిగిన పాదము
బ్రహ్మ కడిగిన పాదము
బ్రహ్మము తానెని పాదము
చెలగి వసుధ కొలిచిన నీ పాదము
బలి తల మోపిన పాదము
తలకగ గగనము తన్నిన పాదము
బలరిపు గాచిన పాదము
కామిని పాపము కడిగిన పాదము
పాము తలనిడిన పాదము
ప్రేమతొ శ్రీ సతి పిసికెడి పాదము
పామిడి తురగపు పాదము
పరమ యోగులకు పరి పరి విధముల
పరమొసగెడి నీ పాదము
తిరువేంకటగిరి తిరమని చూపిన
పరమ పదము నీ పాదము
బ్రహ్మము తానెని పాదము
చెలగి వసుధ కొలిచిన నీ పాదము
బలి తల మోపిన పాదము
తలకగ గగనము తన్నిన పాదము
బలరిపు గాచిన పాదము
కామిని పాపము కడిగిన పాదము
పాము తలనిడిన పాదము
ప్రేమతొ శ్రీ సతి పిసికెడి పాదము
పామిడి తురగపు పాదము
పరమ యోగులకు పరి పరి విధముల
పరమొసగెడి నీ పాదము
తిరువేంకటగిరి తిరమని చూపిన
పరమ పదము నీ పాదము
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Tirupati temple and Important places in near visinity
Kapilatheertham:
A sacred Tank a mile and a half distant from Tirupati, where Lord Shiva is said to have blessed Sage Kapila with a vision of himself and his concert.
Govindaraja Sway Temple:
The temple is dedicated to Govindaraja Perumal in contradistinction of the Venkatachalapathi shrine at the top of the hill. There is also a tower called Galigopuram, which is very famous. There are shrines of Sri Andal, Sri Parthasarathy and Sri Venkateswara in the temple.
Sri Kondandarama Swamy Temple
This temple is dedicated to Sri Rama is situated with n a distance of about a kilometer from Tirupati railway station. This temple was built to commemorate the visit of Sri Rama, Laksmana and Sita to Tirupati, while returning from Lanka.
Regional Science Center
The Regional Science Center is established by the Central Government for the benefit of School Children in particular and public in general to create the awareness about the scientific procedures and importance of Science education to human life. The Science Center conducts different Programmes for Teachers and Students regularly to improve the quality of Science Education. The Science Center also conducts science Exhibitions at least once a quarter, where in, they propagate the recent innovations in Science and Technology and provide guidance to the teachers in exploring the locally available resources and improvisations to make their Class room teaching effective.
S.V.Zoological Park
The changed concept of exhibiting wild animals in cramped cages to that of vast natural and simulated enclosures, has established the zoological Parks world over as centers of wild life conservations and environmental education in addition to research and recreation. The Andhra Pradesh Forest department which had two of India's Best Zoos to its credit at Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, has set up its third venture at Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, with a daily visitation of about fifty thousand people from all
corners of the Country and a number of Academic and Professional Educational Institutions, Ideally suited to achieve the objectives of an ideal Zoological Park, named as Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park extending an area of 5532 acres.
Srinivasa Mangapuram:
It is a place where a temple dedicated to Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy, situated at a distance of 12 km on Tirupati Madanapalli Road. Puranas says that Lord Venkateswara Swamy after his Kalyanam with goddesses Padmavathi Devi at Narayana Vanam while proceeding to Tirumala Hills had stayed here for six months on the bank of the river Kalyani on the advice of Agastheeswara Maharshi. Hence this temple is named Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy.
Tiruchanur
In Tiruchanur which is five kilometers from Tirupati is the temple of Alamelumaga, the consort of the Lord on the top of the hill. A visit to Tirupati will not be completed unless a Darshan of this Goddess is also had.
Chandragiri Fort:
Chandragiri came in to prominence during the last days of Vijaya Nagar Empire. The Fort is said to have been built in 1000 A.D. and was later improved by the Vijaya Nagar Kings. The Fort is built on a Huge rock above 183 mts height. With in the wall of this fort lie the ruins of Palaces and Temples. Near the Fort there are two big Buildings, known as Mahals which are formerly used by the memebers of the Royal Families. They present good examples of Vijaya Nagar architecture.
Kalyani Dam:
The scenic, Picturesque Tourist and Picnic spot Kalyani dam constructed on the river Kalyani, is located at a distance of 25 km from Tirupati on Tirupati - Madanapalli Road, attracts number of Tourists from Tirupati and sorrounding villages of Chittoor District
Srikalahasti:
This picturesque religious centre is famous for the temple dedicated to Vayu, the wind god. It is said that the Linga was worshipped by a spider, by spinning a web over it, a snake by placing gem upon the Linga and an Elephant by washing the Linga with water from its trunk and attain Mukti. Hence this place is called Srikalahasthi.
Karvetinagar:
Karvetinagar earlier ruled by Suryavamsa Dynasty with Narayanvanam as their capital. Having special importance of this place due to rabit hunding dog, the rulers of surya dynasty later built their new capital Nagaram at this place by clearing the forest. In Tamil Kadu means forest, and vetti means clearing. Hence this place is known as Kaduvettinagaram and later known as Karvetinagaram which is now the mandal headquarters. The Venugopala Swamy Temple, Skanda pushkarani and the Old Palaces are worth seeing here.
Narayanavanam:
The importance of this village is due to big temple dedicated to Lord Kalyana Venkateswara swamy. It is believed that the marriage of Lord Venkateswara Swamy with Goddess Padmavathi Devi took palce here. This is the temple where in we can see both Venkateswara Swamy along with Padmavathi Devi in one temple complex. This place is famous for handlooms.
Kailasanathakona:
Kailasanathakona water falls are situated in the valley of Nagiri hills near Puttur. The water here is said to be rich in minerals and possess curative properties. Puranas reveal that Lord Kailasanatheswara Swamy attended the marriage of Lord Venkateswara Swamy and Goddess Padmavati at Narayanavanam and selected this water fall for meditation for sometime. Hence this place is called Kailasanathakona which is a picnic, scenic and pituresque spot.
Nagalapuram:
Nagalapuram Temple is said to have been built by Sri Krishnadeveraya in memory of his mother Nagamba. It contains a few rare stone images such as Vinachara, Dakshinamurthy, Hayagriva, Bhuvarbha and Trivikrama. The sun festival is March is very important here. During the festival the first rays of sun falls on the feet of the first day, on the abdomen on the second day, and on the face on the face on the third day. The temple is maintained by the T.T.D and annual Brahmostavam is being celebrated in large scale.
Talakona:
Talakona is famous for the temple of Sri Siddheswara Swamy and the scenic and picturesque water falls in the midst of thich forest. People from Chittor district and neighboring districts will gather on 1st January and Mahasivaratri festival days and week ends to pray god and enjoy the water falls. Puranas says that those who do not have children come here and pray god for children and name their children as Siddaiah or Siddamma. The water falls are four km from the temple.
Gurramkonda:
Gurramkonda is located in between Madanapalli - Rayachoti - Cuddapah road at a distance of 29 km from Madanapalli and 12 km from Vayalpad. This place was ruled by Lieutenants of Tippu Sultan of Mysore and they built a Fort on a huge hill and the Ragini Mahal and used to go to the Fort on Horses. Hence this place is called Gurramkonda, which has got historical and archaeological importance. The Ragini Mahal and Maqbara Tomb and the Fort are worth seeing here.
Reddemmakonda:
Reddemmakonda, the famous Pilgrim center is situated on Madanapalli - Gurramkonda - Cherlopalli - Rayachoti - Cuddapah road. The preceding deity here is a glorified and sanctified village "Lass Reddemma", Who lost her life in an attempt to escape molestation by sensuous lieutenants of Tippu Sultan, who chased her. On reaching huge rock during chase, finding no way to escape, she prayed protection in a sheer helpless state and the rock before her, left a cleavage enabling her to pass through it. Soon after she entered inside the cleft closed affording no entry for chasers. Ever since that time, people around started praying the sacrificed Lass Reddamma for begetting children.
Sompalyam:
Sompalli, which has got architectural importance, is situated in between Mulakalacheruvu and Thambalpalli civil road at a distance of 6 km from Mulkala Cheruvu. A temple of Chennakesava swamy is claimed as one of the finest temples in Andhra districts. A monolith of the most graceful proportions stand in front, presenting a beautiful spectacle. The rich carvings on the kalyana Mandapam are very attractive. According to local tradition a shepherd was responsible for the construction of this temple during Vijayanagar period.
Horsley Hills:
The most picturesque, scenic, picnic and summer resort, Horsley Hills is situated near Madanpalli in Chittoor District at an altitude of 4200 feet above sea level. Mr.W.D.Horsley, a British member of the civil service and then the District Collector of Cuddapah, who found the climate very hot, selected this part as his summer resort on the top of the hills. He constructed two houses, the Kachari Room and Milk Bungalow and developed as summar resort. The Governor's Bungalow, the Forest Bungalow, and Microwave station, View point, Enugumallamma Temple are worth seeing here.
Madanapalli:
Madanapalli is an educational and cultural center from the days of Dr.Anneie-Besant, the great theosophist. The medical institutions like the Government Hospital, M.L.L Hospital, and Rajkumari Amrutkour T.B.Research Center are worth mentioning. Here the climate is pleasant through out the year. The old house of Jiddu Krishnamurthy, the great Philosopher and the founder of Rishi valley public school is also worth seeing here. The said house is now renovated and proposed for housing of Public Library.
Boyakonda:
The famous hill located in between Madanapalli - Punganur - Chowdepalli called Boyakonda, came into prominence in the recent years. Because of location of the famous Gangamma temple on the top of the hill, attracted by more than 20,000 devotees per day, mostly from karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. People will visit this place for praying Gangamma for getting the grievances redressed. The devotees will ask the Ammavaru for flower (Pushpam Aduguta) to know whether their vows will be fulfilled or not.
Gudimallam:
Gudimallam is well known for its unique Sivalinga in the Parasurameswara Temple. The tmeple is of granite stone dated back to the Pallavas - Bana times. An insciption dated 1127 A.D. belongs to the period of Vikrama Chola records the reconstruction of the temple in stone. The sanctum enriches the unique Linga square at the bottom, seven sided in the middle and nut shaped at the top, corresponds to the errect of male organ containing the standing figure of Sivaparameswara over a stumpy dwarf figure in the front side. At present the temple complex has main Parasurameswara shrine.
Kanipakam:
Kanipakam is located on the northen banks of the river Bahuda at a distance of 13 km from Chittoor. The famous shrine of Varasiddhi Vinayaka, the deity of which is believed to be self manifest (swayambhu) and the annual celebrations of Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Brahmostavam on the eve of Vinayaka Chaturthi (Aug - Sep) of the special attractions of this place attracted by about 15,000 devotees from all over the District on this special occation.
Mogili:
Mogili is situated at a distance of 30 km from Chittoor and 10 km from Palamaner on the Chennai - Bangalore highway. It is one of the sacred places in Chittoor District on account of the existence of the Mogileeswara Temple. Shiva is worshipped here under the title of Abbreswara, the Sanskrit form of Mogileeswara or Iswara of the Skies. There is Pushkarini in the premises of the temple with perennial water flow from the mouth of Nandi (the sacred bull) which is a good source of drinking water for public irrespective of seasons. The water coming from Nandi is also a good source of irrigation to local people. On the eve of 1st January, Sivarathri and other festivals about 15,000 tourists per day will visit this place.
Kalyanarevulu - Ganganasirassu Waterfalls Koundinaya Elephant Sanctuary:
The Ganganna Sirrassu and Kalyanarevulu water falls are located on the border of Tamilnadu and Karnataka which form part of the Kaudinya Elephant sanctuary. Both the waterfalls are seasonal, scenic and picturesque. The water flows at a height of 200 feet are attracted by number of tourists, mostly from Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Chittoor District. The four water pools formed due to flow of water on a single rock at Kalyanarevulu (popularly known as Kalyanarevulu). At a distance of 200 feet from Ganganna Sirassu the flow of water stream to a narrow valley, known as Ganganna Valley, shut on all sides by precipitous walls of rock is worth seeing.
Kaigal Water Falls (Dumukurallu Water Falls):
Kaigal Water Falls is popularly known as Dumukuralla water falls located at a distance of 2.5 km from Kaigal village on the Palamner - Kuppam Highway. The popular name Dumukurallu water falls came into Prominence because of its sound resembling the fall of stones from above. The water fall is natural, perennial and water comes from a big rock at a height of 40 feet, irrespective of seasons. The formation of lovely natural pond at water falls and water passing through sand plains with beautiful shrubs are other attractions of this place.
Kangundi:
Kangundi is located at a distance of 16 km from Kuppam on Kuppam - Vijalapuram Road. It is having a great Historical value since 11th century with its Ruined fort, Beautiful temples of excellent artistic value, structures of archeological importance, valleys, forests and Palar river etc., The Kangundi fort is situated on a white granite rocky hillock at the entrance of Kangundi village and it is circular in shape and the bottom resembles a coach.
Kuppam:
Kuppam, the headquaters of the Kuppam Mandal, lies in the South West corner of the Chittoor District is a busy Railway station on the Bangalore - Chennai Railway line. A bone meal Fertilizer factory, Scandal wood oil mills, and Dravida University are located here. Stone cutting and polishing is an important industry at this place. The Someswara Anjenaya, Tirupati Gangamma and Subramanyaswamy are the Temples worshipped here.
Gudivanka:
Gudivanka is located at a distance of 16 km from Kuppam on the borders of Andhra and Karnataka. Here the Subramanyam Swamy Temple (gudi) is located on the top of a hillock, and at the foot of the hillock a small stream called Vanka is flowing. Hence this place is called Gudivanka. People in large numbers do gather here on Adikritika (Kavadi) Festival, during the month of August every year. On the back side of the temple a Reservoir, belongs to Karnataka state is located. It is a religious and picnic spot. The TTD has constructed a Guest House here to provide accomation to the visiting Tourists.
Ideal Time To Visit Tirupati Balaji
India - Andhra Pradesh - Tirupati Temple
Tirupati Temple
Location : 67-km from Chittoor in Chittoor district
Famous For : Architecture and Festivals
Ideal Time To Visit : October To March
¤ A Sacred Monument
Considered as the most sacred and the richest temple in the world, Tirupati temple is situated in the town of Tirupati. It is located 67-km away from Chittoor in Chittoor district of southern Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Tirupati Balaji Temple, it is a major pilgrimage center of south India. Besides, Tirupati also focous on other attraction of this place, the ancient and famous shrine of Sri Venkateswara, the Lord of Seven Hills are worth a viist.
The temple is located on a hill at Tirumala. It is a conglomeration of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam having an height of 853m (2,800ft.) above the sea level. The temple boasts of a vibrant and colorful culture also speaking volumes about its grand past. It is an important pilgrimage center, where devotees stand for long hours waiting to get a glance of the presiding deity.
¤ Highlight of The Temple
The temple is the most popular and most visited temples in India. Being situated on a hill of Tirumala, it is climbed up by pilgrims, which is not an easy task.
Sri Venkataswara temple or the Tirupati temple is the richest temple in India. It is said that people drop bags of diamonds at the feet of Sri Venkataswara. Devotees flock this temple in huge numbers. In fact there are two lines to enter the temple, one is a free line, where you don' t pay anything to get a view of the deity. But, for the second line, which takes less time to get a glance of the deity, you have to pay a minimum amount of Rs. 50.
¤ Temple Architecture
The ancient Tirupati temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture. The gopuram of this temple is its highlight. The 'Vimana' or Cupola, named the "the Ananda Nilayam" is placed over the sanctum sanctorum. It completely veiled with gold plate.
There are three 'Prakarams' or enclosures in the temple, among them the outermost enclosure boasts of the 'Dhvajastambha' or the banner post. Apart form these, other highlights of the temple are the statues of Vijayanagara king, Krishnadevaraya and his spouse. There is also an idol of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar.
¤ A Day At Tirupati Tirumala
A day at Tirupati Tirumala temple begins with 'Suprabhatam' (awakening the Lord) as early as three in the morning. The day ends with the 'Ekanta Seva' ( putting the Lord to sleep) at around 1 O'clock in the night.
Prayers are offered daily, weekly and periodically in the form of 'Sevas' and 'Utsavams' to the Lord. Devotees who want to pay homage to the Lord can do it by giving a small amount in return of the Sevas or Utsavams done on their name. The gifts and donations offered to the deity, is known as the 'Hundi'. It is the main source of income of the Temple.
¤ Festivals
Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Temple celebrates many festivals but the annual festival of 'Brahmotsavam' is particularly important. This festival is celebrated extravagantly for nine days in the month of September every year. The Garudostavam and Rathotavam rituals take place on the fifth and sixth day of the festival. Thus, attracting flocks of tourists and devotees to the temple.
¤ Reach Tirupati Temple
By Rail : Tirupati temple is well connected by roads and proper transport services to the nearest railway station situated at Tirupati. This place is connected by rail with Hubbi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolhapur , Mumbai, Puri, Tiruchirapalli, Varanasi and Vijayawada.
By Road : To reach Tirupati temple, one should first reach Tirupati. It is linked with important cities like Hyderabad (617), Banglore(248), Chennai(151 km), Vijayawada(380 km) and Lepakshi (379 km) through good roadways.
TOURIST PLACES AROUND TIRUMALA / TIRUPATHI
SRIKALAHASTI
From among the legends lying behind temples, one of the
strangest is Srikalahasti,36 km from the temple town of Tirupathi.
There is a temple of Shiva in the form of a Vayu Linga and the
legend behind it is that the deity was worshipped by a Spider (Sri)
that spun a web over it, while a Snake (Kala) placed a gem on
top of the linga and Elephant (Hasti) washed the Linga with
water. The temple lies on the banks of the river Swarnamuki a
valley. There are frequent buses from Tirupathi to the temple
town.
CHANDRAGIRI
Though theVijayanagar Empire ruled for only 20 years in the16th century, It contributed vastly to Telugu culture, art and literature. The last capital of Vijayanagar kings was Chandragiri, which is situated on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi in Chitoor District, ruins of the exist to this day and amidst them stand the Raja mahal and Rani mahal palaces that have been given a facelift and beauty. The fort atop a huge rock that stands 56metres tall is just 12km from the temple town of Tirupati.This is best historical place must to see.
KAILASAKONA
TALAKONA
HORSLEY HILLS
This perennial waterfall located in the Nagari Valley near toTirupathi in Chittoor District originates from a fracture in a sheet rock. The water is clear and is considered sacred, said to be of substantial mineral value, the water is believed to have curative powers.
This waterfall is considered the threshold of the seven hills of Tirumala on which the shrine of lord Venkateswara is located, nestled in lush forests the 60 meter fall is a perennial one and standing under the cascade is said to cleanse the mind and body. Local transport can be engaged from Tirupathi to reach here.
One of the best-known Hill Resorts in AP,the place is named after
a British Collector of cuddapah retreat there in summer. Nestled in
the Hill ranges near Madanapalli in Chitoor District at an altitude of
1265 metres,it has a cool climate throughout the year. The delightful vegetation attracts exotic species of birds and the greening of the rishi valley nearby has attracted a large number of birds,rishi valley houses ect .The famous educational Institution founded by the modern day philosopher Jiddu Krishamurthy.The hills used to also be the summer so journ of the governor of the state, but the practice has been discontinued.Regular bus services are run from Madanapalle and private transport can be engaged from Tirupati,about 140 km away
From among the legends lying behind temples, one of the
strangest is Srikalahasti,36 km from the temple town of Tirupathi.
There is a temple of Shiva in the form of a Vayu Linga and the
legend behind it is that the deity was worshipped by a Spider (Sri)
that spun a web over it, while a Snake (Kala) placed a gem on
top of the linga and Elephant (Hasti) washed the Linga with
water. The temple lies on the banks of the river Swarnamuki a
valley. There are frequent buses from Tirupathi to the temple
town.
CHANDRAGIRI
 | ||
Though theVijayanagar Empire ruled for only 20 years in the16th century, It contributed vastly to Telugu culture, art and literature. The last capital of Vijayanagar kings was Chandragiri, which is situated on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi in Chitoor District, ruins of the exist to this day and amidst them stand the Raja mahal and Rani mahal palaces that have been given a facelift and beauty. The fort atop a huge rock that stands 56metres tall is just 12km from the temple town of Tirupati.This is best historical place must to see.
KAILASAKONA
TALAKONA
HORSLEY HILLS
This perennial waterfall located in the Nagari Valley near toTirupathi in Chittoor District originates from a fracture in a sheet rock. The water is clear and is considered sacred, said to be of substantial mineral value, the water is believed to have curative powers.
This waterfall is considered the threshold of the seven hills of Tirumala on which the shrine of lord Venkateswara is located, nestled in lush forests the 60 meter fall is a perennial one and standing under the cascade is said to cleanse the mind and body. Local transport can be engaged from Tirupathi to reach here.
One of the best-known Hill Resorts in AP,the place is named after
a British Collector of cuddapah retreat there in summer. Nestled in
the Hill ranges near Madanapalli in Chitoor District at an altitude of
1265 metres,it has a cool climate throughout the year. The delightful vegetation attracts exotic species of birds and the greening of the rishi valley nearby has attracted a large number of birds,rishi valley houses ect .The famous educational Institution founded by the modern day philosopher Jiddu Krishamurthy.The hills used to also be the summer so journ of the governor of the state, but the practice has been discontinued.Regular bus services are run from Madanapalle and private transport can be engaged from Tirupati,about 140 km away
Tirupati (Andhara Pradesh)
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, IndiaTirupati and Tirumala are places well known all over India. Sri Venkateshwara, the presiding deity of Tirumalaor engadam, is revered by lakhs of people all over the country who visit His famous temple throughout the year, traveling long distances. The chief centers of pilgrimage are Sri Venkateshwara's temple on the Tirumala hill, the shrine of Govindaraja in the town of Tirupati and the shrine of Padmavati, situated in Tiruchanur, three miles to the south of Tirupati. Of minor temples, mention may be made of the Kapileshwara temple at Kapilatirtham, the Rama temple in the town of Tirupati and the Parasareshvara temple at Jogi- allavaram, situated a furlong to the west of Tiruchanur. The Hill on which the temple of Sri Venkateshwara stands popularly known as Venkatachalam is low and surrounded by many hills of an altitude, as is the case with the hill on which is located the Mallikarjuna temple
Of Srisailam, The hill to the north is 3426' high, the height to the east is 2750' high, the hill to the south is 2920' high and the hill to the southeast is 3620' high. There are five well-known paths leading to the Temple. Of them, two routes start from the town of Tirupati, the stepped pathway, seven miles long and the motor road, twelve miles long. The third route is from Chandragiri. The fourth starts from the Mamandur Railway station and the fifth pass by Nagapatla.
General Information
* Area: Tirumala Hills- 26.97 Sq. kms
* Altitude: Triupati - 150 metres
* Population: Approx. 1,560,000
* Temparature (°C): Summer: Max. 43, Min 22.3 Winter: Max. 32, Min 14.0
* Main Languages : Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and English
* Season: Throughout the Year Throughout the Year
WHAT TO SEE
* Govindarajaswamy Temple
* Kapilathiraham
* Kodandaraswamy Temple
* Padmavati temple
EXCURSIONS
* Chandragiri (11 km)
* Kalahasthi (37 km)
* Kalyani Dam (18 km)
* Narayana Vanam (36 km)
* Kailesanathakona ( 43 km)
* Nagalapuram (65 km)
* Horsley hills (145 km)
* Kanchipuram (112 km)
* Perumallapalli (8 km)
HOW TO GET THERE?
Air: Tirupati is connected by Vayudoot Services with Hyderabad
Rail: Tirupati is connected by rail with Hyderabad, Madras, Madurai, Puri etc.
Road: Tirupati is well connected by road to Ahobolam-272 km, Bangalore-248 km, Horsley Hill-145 km, Hyderabad-617 km, Kalahasti-36 km, Lepakshi-379 km, Madras-151 km, Srisailam-436 km, Vijayawada-380 km, Renigunta-55 km etc.
Bus Services: There are regular bus services between Tirupati and Hyderabad, Bangalore, Madras, Mysore, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Kanyakumari, Hassan, Vijayawada, Srisailam, Hindupur, Guntur, Madanpalle, Kurnool, Cuddapah, Renigunta, Puttaparthi, etc.
Local: Tourist Taxis, Unmetered Taxis, Rickshaws, City bus services, Transport and buses on hire are available.
Of Srisailam, The hill to the north is 3426' high, the height to the east is 2750' high, the hill to the south is 2920' high and the hill to the southeast is 3620' high. There are five well-known paths leading to the Temple. Of them, two routes start from the town of Tirupati, the stepped pathway, seven miles long and the motor road, twelve miles long. The third route is from Chandragiri. The fourth starts from the Mamandur Railway station and the fifth pass by Nagapatla.
General Information
* Area: Tirumala Hills- 26.97 Sq. kms
* Altitude: Triupati - 150 metres
* Population: Approx. 1,560,000
* Temparature (°C): Summer: Max. 43, Min 22.3 Winter: Max. 32, Min 14.0
* Main Languages : Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and English
* Season: Throughout the Year Throughout the Year
WHAT TO SEE
* Govindarajaswamy Temple
* Kapilathiraham
* Kodandaraswamy Temple
* Padmavati temple
EXCURSIONS
* Chandragiri (11 km)
* Kalahasthi (37 km)
* Kalyani Dam (18 km)
* Narayana Vanam (36 km)
* Kailesanathakona ( 43 km)
* Nagalapuram (65 km)
* Horsley hills (145 km)
* Kanchipuram (112 km)
* Perumallapalli (8 km)
HOW TO GET THERE?
Air: Tirupati is connected by Vayudoot Services with Hyderabad
Rail: Tirupati is connected by rail with Hyderabad, Madras, Madurai, Puri etc.
Road: Tirupati is well connected by road to Ahobolam-272 km, Bangalore-248 km, Horsley Hill-145 km, Hyderabad-617 km, Kalahasti-36 km, Lepakshi-379 km, Madras-151 km, Srisailam-436 km, Vijayawada-380 km, Renigunta-55 km etc.
Bus Services: There are regular bus services between Tirupati and Hyderabad, Bangalore, Madras, Mysore, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Kanyakumari, Hassan, Vijayawada, Srisailam, Hindupur, Guntur, Madanpalle, Kurnool, Cuddapah, Renigunta, Puttaparthi, etc.
Local: Tourist Taxis, Unmetered Taxis, Rickshaws, City bus services, Transport and buses on hire are available.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams online darshan ticket counter
Posted by nanz on May 19th, 2007
Mr. N.Srikanth joint executive officer of TTD said that online darshan ticket counters will be opened with in couple of months in Srirangam, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli.
Mr. Srikanth told reporters that there was encouraging response to the sale of such tickets. Out of about 7,500 online tickets priced at Rs. 50 for Sudarshan Darshan, over 200 tickets are sold in Erode alone. Similarly, over 1,500 are sold at other centres.
“At present in Tirumala, the TTD has buildings to accommodate over 6,000 pilgrims a day. Following heavy rush additional rooms to accommodate 1,000 more pilgrims will be constructed and the work will be completed before 2009,” Mr. Srikanth said.
On the conduct of Thiru Kalaya Utsavam in rural areas by the Devasthanams, he said: “If people wanted to conduct it, the TTD is ready to arrange the Utsavam.”
He also said investigation was in progress in the case of missing jewels. All security arrangements in and around the temple had been strengthened.
Sri Vari Seva Trust managing trustee R. Umapathy said the trust had decided to construct a Mandapam in Erode to conduct atavism for Lord Venkateswara and an online counter would also be opened in the Mandapam.
Mr. Umapathy said a minimum of 200 devotees from Erode were visiting Tirupati every day. He appealed to the Andhra Pradesh State Transport Corporation and also Andhra Pradesh tourism department to operate more buses from the trust office to Tirumala. He said already representations had been made with the Railway Ministry to operate a daily train service either from Coimbatore or from Erode to Tirupati. TTD liaison officer Haridev Prasad, Trust secretary R. Mohanraj and others were also present.
67 Responses to “Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams online darshan ticket counter”
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May 25th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Sir, I desperately want to visit Tirupati with my family but I don’t know if there is any online darshan booking facility from Mumbai. Knowing that it is summertime, it gets difficult without such an arrangement.
Humbly yours,
Pramod
May 26th, 2007 at 3:51 am
Hey Pramod,
Good to know that you are planning a trip to thirupathi with your family.
pl. check this site http://www.tirumala.org/travel_mumbai.htm
Also for online booking here is the link
http://www.ttdsevaonline.com/
Hope you have a good dharshan at thirumala.
-Nanz
June 3rd, 2007 at 2:01 pm
i want to visit tirupati for balajee darshan with my family.can i purchase darshan ticket at banglore?
June 4th, 2007 at 10:47 am
Sir, Please let me Know whether i can book online darshan tickets for early morning Darshan. If possible then what are the documents to be done. What is the cost of the Darshan and what is the the early morning seva (5 am) called as. I am from Cuttack.
June 4th, 2007 at 11:09 am
Sir, Please let me Know whether i can book online room at Tirumala on 10 night upto 11 evening of july . I am from Cuttack.
June 6th, 2007 at 4:33 am
Sir,
Please let me know the prices for the following Sevas.
Suprabatha Seva
Kalyanotsavam
June 6th, 2007 at 4:43 am
Hey Venkat,
Here is the price for Suprabatha seva
1.Children under 10 not allowed
2.Starts at 2:30
3.Cost per ticket is 120 INR per person
4.only 1 person per ticket
5.Prasadam 2 small laddus
Kalyana utsavam
1.Time 10 hrs
2.Cost 1000 INR
3.2 persons allowed
4.Vastra Bahumanam (one silk dupatta and one cotton blouse piece)
1 big laddus,1 small laddus,5 vadas
Have a good dharshan at Thirupathi.
June 6th, 2007 at 4:48 am
Hello,
U can easily book thirumala tickets online.I usualy do that n it works out fine,
u can check this site for more further details
http://www.ttdsevaonline.com/
June 11th, 2007 at 5:42 am
Hello
How can i book ticket for Tirupati Darshan from Indore?
I am planning to visit in the month of mid August.
What is diff betn Sevas and darshan?
June 13th, 2007 at 9:40 am
can i have a online booking facility from thanjavur to visit thirumala
June 16th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
Hello
Good to know that ttd has aranged a online ticket counter.
sir/madam
I have planned to visit thirumalai thirupathi.Sir i need some help in getting those tickets out can u please help.
I planned to visit thirupathi in next month around second weak. please help it
June 17th, 2007 at 12:39 am
Hello sir,
I am visiting India this week from USA. After my marriage I haven’t visited Swamy in Thirupathi. Coming August my wife and I will be celebrating 10th year of our wedding aniversary. If I could get tickets for Seva it would be great. PLease help.
Thanks,
Nambi
June 17th, 2007 at 7:21 am
want to visit tirupati for balajee darshan with my family.can i purchase darshan ticket at mumbai?
June 19th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
This is M.B.Venkatarao from pune,basically i am from Visakhapatnam.recently i joined in pune.all the members are from different places, so , we are planning to come to tirupati to Lord Balaji Darshan.the people who are coming with me they dont know anything.we are starting here on 23th june on saturday morning we will reach there. so, please guide me to get the darshan tickets and for accomodation.
June 20th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
hello sir,
we are in chennai.we want 25tickets on 30th june 2007.how can we book from online… it is possible to get 25 tickets from online? tell me some suggestion…
June 20th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Can I get darshan ticket in Mumbai and were will i get.
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:57 am
I want to book ticket for darshan in july.Can i book on line?If yes then please send me website link from where i can book ?
June 24th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
i am from pune. i want to know the details of poojas performed in the morning. can i book it on line.can i get vip darshan ticket.
June 27th, 2007 at 8:49 am
DearSir,
I am Asmita Iyer , I & my Husband would like to take darshan of Balaji on month of August 12th , Kindly advise me the timing s & from where to purchase ticket & cost of Adult.
June 28th, 2007 at 7:18 am
I want to book 18 darshan tiket to my family. We are planning to go during august 1st week. Please communicate how can we book a tiket. We are planning for nijapadha darshan
Regads
Naredran.k
June 29th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
dear/sir
i want come with my old mother &father for darshan to lord balaji
i want book room &darshan ticket on line please tall me wich side can book
June 30th, 2007 at 6:08 am
i want 5 darshan ticket to my family. we are planning to go third week of december. please communicate how can we book a ticket and also a room.
July 1st, 2007 at 3:16 pm
I am from Surat.From where i can get tickets for tirupati darshan
July 3rd, 2007 at 8:38 am
I want to book 15 tickets online on 19th or 20th july, Kindly guide me about online booking.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:32 am
please tell me about sevas of lord venkateswara and also the cost of sevas ,how many numbers of each seva
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Hi respected Sir,
Can you please tell me that how can I book darshan tickets from internet? How can I book accomodation at Tirumala?I am waiting for your reply.
Thanks,
Satyendra.M
July 5th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
please let me know how to book darshan tickets from mumbai ? we are going t
to tirupati on 10 july 07. we all will be greately thankful to you. jayendra
July 5th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Want to book tickets for darshan Online
July 6th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
HI,
I WANT TO BOOK 7 TICKETS TO TIRUMALA FOR DHARSHAN ON 10TH JULY.
HOW CAN WE BOOK A TICKET. PLEASE REPLY ME URGENT
July 6th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
sir i want suprabatham ticket on 22nd july 2007 pl advice were to book frm trichy
July 6th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
we required sudarshan darshan on 16/july/2007 for 10 members please guide us.
July 6th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
i am from mumbai i want 08 tickets of sudarshan darshan on 16/07/2007
July 7th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
oct 16 2007
July 7th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
iam from chidambaram i want 2 tickets of sudaran on oct 10/10/2007
July 10th, 2007 at 5:01 am
TTD has started e-Darshan counters in 3 cities in Maharashtra..
1. Mumbai - at Siddivinayak temple.
2. Pune - http://www.ttdsevapune.com
3. Kolhapur - Mahalaxmi Temple.
July 16th, 2007 at 9:12 am
Is gas-fitted allowed to enter to Tirumala in Tirupathi ?
July 16th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
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July 16th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
I need 5 tickets on 19.07.07.
July 17th, 2007 at 6:45 am
dear sir,
my self laxman limkar. i want to take tirupati balaji darshan. plz phone me at 09823426104.
July 17th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
I need 2 tickets for darshan on 6th sep’07.Plz help
July 19th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Sir,
Please let me know how to book the kalyanavutsavam tickets online
plz help
July 19th, 2007 at 11:17 am
Please let me know the procedure to book for Suprabhatam Darshan, and also Dates for the availability of the tickets.
July 19th, 2007 at 11:19 am
i need 4 Tickets for Suprabhatam Darshan on 23.07.07 or 24.07.07
July 20th, 2007 at 3:00 am
i need to book online dharshan Rs 50 from mysore where can i book it
July 20th, 2007 at 3:05 am
please tell me balagi ( tirumala )dharsan booking centrs at mysore so that i can reserve my tickets in advance
July 20th, 2007 at 3:54 am
PLEASE LET ME KNOW ABOUT THE TICKETS FOR SUPRABHATAM DARSHAN ON 1ST SEPTEMBER 2007
July 20th, 2007 at 6:48 am
Dear Sir,
Good morn.
Plz. let me know how to book darshan tkts on-line, and oblige.
Thank you,
regards,
Mrs.Purushothaman.
July 20th, 2007 at 7:37 am
dear sir,
Plz. let me know how to book darshan tkts on-line, and oblige.reply me soon.
Thank you,
regards,
girish..
July 20th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
I want 8 tokens of sudarsanam darsan online dated 12/08/07 from which site i will get it
July 22nd, 2007 at 7:06 am
sir Iwant 3 tokens of sudharsanam darsan date 29/07/07 from which site I will get it sir.
July 22nd, 2007 at 2:41 pm
good evening,
can i know how to book the online darshan tkts at tirupati? the availability? and on which day the darshan is open for general public? we r planning to come there on 30th aug?
July 23rd, 2007 at 5:24 am
I want to know the url of online ticket booking for tirumala tirupaty.
July 23rd, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Please let me know the procedure to book for Suprabhatam Darshan, and also Dates for the availability of the tickets
positvily 10/08/07, 11/08/07 August and also tell how to get the mundan (first hair cutting) of my 2years old doughter.
Thanking you.
July 23rd, 2007 at 4:02 pm
i want to have reservation for darshan and accommotation on 18th,20th september 2007 at tirumala (anandaarchana darshan on 20th september.
July 23rd, 2007 at 5:42 pm
is there anything online dharshanam in mumbai, & online accomadation? What are the timings for siddhivinayak temple ? is there any other place in mumbai??? we Have 40 of us pls help us.
July 24th, 2007 at 10:47 am
SIR, I’M RAJESH AND I’M WORKING IN MUMBAI. I WANT TO BOOK MY DARSHAN FROM MUMBAI ITSELF SO THAT I CAN COME DIRECTLY THERE AND HAVE MY DARSHAN WITHOUT STAYING FOR A LONG TIME THERE AS I GET A VERY LITTLE LEAVE. I WANT TO HAVE MY DARSHAN ON 27 JUL AT 11′O CLOCK IN THE NIGHT. CAN U PLEASE TELL ME THE ADDRESS WHERE THE TTD OFFICE LOCATED IN MUMBAI . I’M IN HURRY PLEASE.
July 26th, 2007 at 6:30 am
SIR, I AM SURESH KUMAR WHAT ARE THE TIMINGS FOR SRIVARI TEMPLE I WANT TO HAVE MY DARSHAN ON 30 JULY 10′O MA CLOCK PLEASE.
July 26th, 2007 at 7:35 am
sir i want to book line no. for darshan of tirupati balaji & know that in how many days my no. will come so that i can book my railway ticket from indore to tirupati
i m coming with my family consisting 4 members
please reply me soon
no.9301016165
July 26th, 2007 at 9:34 am
how to book dharsan tokens from online in bangalore
July 27th, 2007 at 7:10 am
Sir,
Many of us desperately need a ticket booking counter at coimbatore for tirumala darshan. We request you to do the needful to start a seva booking counter at coimbatore.
July 28th, 2007 at 3:33 am
hello sir,
we want to visit tirupati on 4th of August 07. How can i buy online tickets for A A D darshan and room facility. please send details.
July 28th, 2007 at 3:36 am
how can i book online tickets from hyderabad
July 28th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
We our family planning to make a trip to tirupathi.can i know how to book the online darshan tkts at tirupati? the availability? and on which day the darshan is open for general public? we r planning to come there on 3rd aug?
July 28th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
I want to book ticket for darshan in august.Can i book on line?If yes then please send me website link from where i can book ?
July 29th, 2007 at 5:30 am
sir
I am from Hyderabad i want accomidation & darshan tickets on 2-8-2007 at 5-am earlimornig 5 tickes
July 30th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
sir how can i visit the online book of the tirupati darshan
July 31st, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Dear Sir,
I am arriving Tirupati on 02/08/2007 along with my family for Darshan & Pooja. Please guide us for Darshan tickets, Pooja along with cost. Please advice if I can book tickets on line.
Warm Regards,
Ramesh