Tirumala

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Tirumala
Adivarahakshetram [1] [2]
Venkatadri [3]
Kaliyuga Vaikuntham
Tirumala gopurams.JPG
A view of the Maha Dvaram and the Ananda Nilayam Garbha Griha of the Venkateshvara Temple
India Andhra Pradesh location map (current).svg
Red pog.svg
Tirumala
Location in Andhra Pradesh, India
Coordinates: 13°40′51″N79°21′02″E / 13.680916°N 79.350600°E / 13.680916; 79.350600
CountryFlag of India.svg  India
State Andhra Pradesh
District Tirupati
Mandal Tirupati Urban
Government
  TypeTirupati Municipal Corporation
Area
[4]
  Total32.21 km2 (12.44 sq mi)
Elevation
976 m (3,202 ft)
Population
 (2011)
  Total30,035
  Density930/km2 (2,400/sq mi)
Languages
  Official Telugu
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
517 504
Telephone code +91–877
Vehicle registration AP-03, AP-39

Tirumala is a spiritual place in Tirupati district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the neighbourhoods of the Tirupati city. The town is a part of Tirupati Urban Development Authority and located in Tirupati (urban) mandal of Tirupati revenue division. [4] It is a hill town where Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is located, a popular shrine of Vishnu. The town is strictly vegetarian.

Contents

Etymology

The word Tirumala is of Dravidian origin. The term “Tiru”, means sacred or holy and “Mala”, means mountain or hill. [5]

Geography

Spotted deer in the park Spotted deer in Tirumala.jpg
Spotted deer in the park

Tirumala is located 980 metres (3,200 ft) above sea level and covers an area of approximately 26.8 square kilometres (10.33 sq mi). Surrounding the hills are seven peaks of Seshachalam range, Eastern Ghats namely Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri. The temple of Venkateswara [6] is on the seventh peak (Venkatadri).

At the 12 km (7.5 mi) point on the Tirupati – Tirumala Ghat road, there is a major discontinuity of stratigraphic significance that represents a period of remarkable serenity in the geological history of the Earth. This is referred to as the Eparchaean Unconformity. This unconformity separates the Nagari Quartzite of the Proterozoic from the granite of the Archean, representing a time gap of 800 Mya. [7] In 2001, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) declared the Eparchaean Unconformity to be one of the 26 "Geological Monuments of India".

Silathoranam (natural arch) at Tirumala Hills, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh Natural stone arch in tirumala.JPG
Silathoranam (natural arch) at Tirumala Hills, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Silathoranam, a natural arch and a distinctive geological wonder is located in Tirumala Hills at a distance of 1 km (0.62 mi) from Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The arch measures 8 m (26 ft) in width and 3 m (9.8 ft) metres in height and is eroded out of quartizite of Cuddapah Supergroup of Middle to Upper Proterozoic (1600 to 570 Mya) by weathering agents such as water and wind. [8]

Climate

Deer park near Alipiri Mettu Deer Park near Alipiri Mettu.jpg
Deer park near Alipiri Mettu

Tirumala has a humid subtropical climate designated Cwa, with dry winters under the Köppen climate classification. As the hill shrine is situated amidst the hills, the temperature will go below 10 degrees in winter. Summers are not as hot here, especially compared to Tirupati. The southwest monsoon season starts from June, but rains are not heavy. Occasionally, thunderstorms form and downpours may persist for hours. Pertaining to orographic relief, the northeast monsoon remains active over the region for 2 months. It causes flooding. The highest 24-hour rainfall on record was 459 mm (18.1 in) on 23 November 2005, followed by 307 mm (12.1 in) on 9 November 2015.

Climate data for Tirumala (1987–2010)
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °C (°F)31.1
(88.0)
33.4
(92.1)
35.8
(96.4)
37.0
(98.6)
37.6
(99.7)
36.8
(98.2)
34.0
(93.2)
34.0
(93.2)
35.4
(95.7)
30.4
(86.7)
29.8
(85.6)
27.4
(81.3)
37.6
(99.7)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)22.9
(73.2)
26.0
(78.8)
30.3
(86.5)
32.2
(90.0)
33.0
(91.4)
30.6
(87.1)
28.9
(84.0)
27.9
(82.2)
28.2
(82.8)
26.4
(79.5)
23.2
(73.8)
21.7
(71.1)
27.6
(81.7)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)12.8
(55.0)
14.0
(57.2)
17.3
(63.1)
20.7
(69.3)
22.3
(72.1)
21.9
(71.4)
21.0
(69.8)
20.6
(69.1)
20.3
(68.5)
19.0
(66.2)
16.6
(61.9)
13.1
(55.6)
18.3
(64.9)
Record low °C (°F)7.3
(45.1)
8.0
(46.4)
8.6
(47.5)
15.0
(59.0)
15.8
(60.4)
13.6
(56.5)
15.2
(59.4)
13.0
(55.4)
17.2
(63.0)
12.4
(54.3)
11.6
(52.9)
7.5
(45.5)
7.3
(45.1)
Average rainfall mm (inches)7.2
(0.28)
2.4
(0.09)
8.1
(0.32)
14.8
(0.58)
82.0
(3.23)
93.4
(3.68)
120.0
(4.72)
170.4
(6.71)
140.6
(5.54)
240.4
(9.46)
295.1
(11.62)
162.5
(6.40)
1,336.9
(52.63)
Average rainy days0.50.20.81.23.55.48.37.77.810.410.85.562.1
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST)74635458586669707279848569
Source: India Meteorological Department [9]

Legend

In ancient literature, Tirupati is mentioned as Adi Varaha Kshetra. The Puranas associate the site with Varaha, one of the Dashavatara of Vishnu. In the Varaha Purana, Venkatadri is believed to be a part of Mount Meru, which was brought on to the earth from Vishnu's abode Vaikuntham by his mount Garuda. The seven peaks represent the seven heads of Adishesha. [10]

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [11] Tirumala has a population of 7,741. Males constitute 52 percent of the population and females 48 percent. Tirumala has an average literacy rate of 72.8 percent, higher than the national average of 59.5 percent. The male literacy rate is 57.1 percent and the female rate is 42.9 percent. In Tirumala, 11 percent of the population is under six years of age. Telugu is the major language. Hinduism is the only religion in Tirumala. [12]

Culture

Ganga temple, Papavinasanam Ganga temple, Papavinasanam.jpg
Ganga temple, Papavinasanam
Museum in Tirumala MuseuminTirumala.JPG
Museum in Tirumala

The town of Tirumala is strictly vegetarian. Consumption of non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco products is strictly prohibited in Tirumala, and smuggling any of these is considered a serious offence. [13] Dhotis and Sarees are the traditional popular attire. The practices of tonsure and using tilaka are popular among devotees of Venkateswara.

Festivals

Venkateswara on Gaja Vahanam Lord Venkateswara on Gaja Vahanam..JPG
Venkateswara on Gaja Vahanam

Srivari Brahmotsavams is the most important festival in Tirumala that is celebrated every year during September/October and receives lakhs of devotees over a short span of a nine days. [14] [15] The city celebrates all major Hindu festivals including Sankranti, [16] Ugadi [17] etc. Vaikuntha Ekadashi, the day on which it is believed that Vaikuntha Dvarams will be opened, is celebrated in Tirumala. [18] Rathasapthami is another festival, celebrated during February, when Venkateswara processional deity, (Malayappa) is taken in a procession around the temple on seven different vahanas from early morning to late night. [19] [20]

Cuisine

Tirupati is known for the Tirupati laddu. It is the prasadam at the Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala. Only the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams manufactures and sells this product. [21] [22]

Arts, crafts and architecture

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams established Sri Venkateswara Museum, one at Tirumala and the other at Tirupati. It has a wonderful collection of Tirupati temple architecture and historical artefacts, such as ancient weaponry, pooja items and idols. It has a comprehensive photo gallery that gives a unique insight into the Tirupati region's culture and traditions. It also boasts a meditation centre. [23]

Landmarks

Arjuna's chariot in Geethopadesam park Arjuna's chariot in Geethopadesam park, Tirumala (May 2019) 2.jpg
Arjuna's chariot in Geethopadesam park

Venkateswara Temple is an abode of Venkateswara situated in Tirumala. It is also known as Tirumala Temple. [24] Natural Arch is located north of the temple, which measures 8 m (26 ft) wide and 3 m (9.8 ft) high and was naturally formed from the quartz. Srivari Padamulu (the footprints of Lord) are believed to be the footprints of Venkateswara formed when he first stood on Tirumala Hills. [25] Papavinasanam is a waterfall flowing from a tributary of the Swarnamukhi River. It also has a temple where seven lion-headed channels open from a height for deities to bathe below them. A temple dedicated to goddess Ganga is located near the enclosure. Akaasa Ganga is another natural waterfall in Tirumala. [26]

Transport

Srivari Padalu steps Srivari Padalu steps (May 2019) 1.jpg
Srivari Padalu steps

Foot Steps

There are two paths to travel on foot from Tirupati to Tirumala. These paths are called Sopanamargas. Devotees ritually take this path to reach Tirumala on foot from Tirupati. Both the paths are completely roofed and passes through seven hills which are part of Seshachalam Hills. [27]

Road

Tirumala can be accessed by road from Alipiri. The distance is 23 kilometres (14 mi). There are two roads from Alipiri to Tirumala, one each dedicated to up and down traffic. The state government-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates frequent Saptagiri and Saptagiri Express buses from Tirupati and Alipiri and also from nearby places. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) runs free buses for transit within Tirumala.

Rail

The nearest railway station is at Tirupati, about 26 kilometres (16 mi) from Tirumala. Tirupati Main railway station is one of the major railway station in the South Central Railway zone of the Indian Railways, providing rail connectivity to major parts of India. It is under the jurisdiction of Guntakal railway division. [29] Renigunta Junction is another important railway station which lies on the ChennaiMumbai rail corridor is 38 kilometres (24 mi) away from Tirumala.

Airport

The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, about 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Tirumala. It is a domestic and International airport with direct flights to Visakhapatnam and New Delhi. The nearest major airport is the Chennai International Airport, located about 162 kilometres (101 mi) from Tirumala.

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams</span> Hindu organization in Andhra Pradesh, India

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tirupati</span> City in Andhra Pradesh, India

Tirupati is a city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the administrative headquarters of the Tirupati district. The city is home to the important Hindu shrine of Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple and other historic temples. It is located at a distance of 150 km from Chennai, 250 km from Bangalore, 406 km from Amaravati. It is one of the eight Svayam vyakta kshetras dedicated to Vishnu. Tirupati is a municipal corporation and the headquarters of Tirupati (urban) mandal, Tirupati (rural) mandal, and the Tirupati revenue division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Srivari Brahmotsavam</span> Annual lunar festival

Sri Venkateswara Swami vari Brahmotsavam or Srivari Brahmotsavam is the most significant annual fête celebrated at the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala-Tirupati, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The feast lasts for one month during the Hindu calendar month of Āśvina, which falls between the Gregorian calendar months of September and October.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala</span> Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh, India

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Sri Narapura Venkateswara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Jammalamadugu, YSR Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh India. The temple is dedicated to the god Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who is referred to as Narapura Venkateswara. According to the temple history, the temple derives its name from Narapuraiah, a devotee of Venkateswara, who constructed this temple based on the deity's wishes. Within the main premises of the temple, there is Anjaneya temple, Kalyana Mantapam, and Goshala. The temple is currently under the control of TTD since 2008. The temple is generally crowded on Saturdays being it a significant day for Venkateswara.

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Venkateswara Temple is an important Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, built by a Tamil king Tondaiman and later expanded and renovated under the Chola and Vijayanagara Empire. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from the trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. The temple is situated at a height of 853 metres on Tirumala Hills which are part of Seshachalam Hills and is constructed in South Indian Tamil Architectural Style.

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