Tirumala

Last updated

Tirumala
Adivarahakshetra [1] [2]
Venkatadri [3]
Kaliyuga Vaikuntham
Hill Town
Tirumala gopurams.JPG
A view of the Maha Dvaram and the Ananda Nilayam Garbha Griha of the Venkateshvara Temple
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 town in Tirupati district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the suburbs of the Tirupati urban agglomeration. 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 Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is located, a popular shrine of Vishnu. The town is strictly vegetarian.

Contents

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 Venkateshvara [5] is on the seventh peak (Venkatadri).

At the 21 km (13 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. [6] 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 Venkateshvara 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. [7]

Climate

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

Tirumala has a tropical wet and dry climate designated Aw 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)
Average high °C (°F)23.9
(75.0)		27.0
(80.6)		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)		24.2
(75.6)		22.7
(72.9)		27.9
(82.2)
Average low °C (°F)14.2
(57.6)		15.0
(59.0)		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)		17.6
(63.7)		15.9
(60.6)		18.8
(65.8)
Record low °C (°F)8.3
(46.9)		9.0
(48.2)		9.6
(49.3)		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)		9.0
(48.2)		8.3
(46.9)
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 [8]

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. [9]

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [10] 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. [11]

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. [12] Dhotis and Sarees are the traditional popular attire. The practices of tonsure and using tilaka are popular among devotees of Venkateshvara.

Festivals

Venkateshvara on Gaja Vahanam Lord Venkateswara on Gaja Vahanam..JPG
Venkateshvara 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. [13] [14] The city celebrates all major Hindu festivals including Sankranti, [15] Ugadi [16] etc. Vaikuntha Ekadashi, the day on which it is believed that Vaikuntha Dvarams will be opened, is celebrated in Tirumala. [17] Rathasapthami is another festival, celebrated during February, when Venkateshvara processional deity, (Malayappa) is taken in a procession around the temple on seven different vahanas from early morning to late night. [18] [19]

Cuisine

Tirupati is known for the Tirupati laddu. It is the prasadam at the Venkateshvara Temple, Tirumala. Only the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams manufactures and sells this product. [20] [21]

Arts, crafts and architecture

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams established Sri Venkateshvara 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. [22]

Landmarks

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

Venkateshvara Temple is an abode of Venkateswara situated in Tirumala. It is also known as Tirumala Temple. [23] 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 Venkateshvara formed when he first stood on Tirumala Hills. [24] 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. [25]

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. [26]

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. [28] Renigunta Junction is another important railway station which lies on the Chennai – Mumbai 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

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Venkateswara</span> Form of the Hindu god Vishnu

Venkateswara is a form of the Hindu god Vishnu and is the presiding deity of the Venkateswara Temple, located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. Venkateswara is also known by various other names.

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

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is an independent trust which manages the temples including the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. The trust oversees the operations and finances of the richest and the most visited religious center in the world. It is also involved in various social, religious, literary and educational activities. TTD is headquartered at Tirupati and employs about 16,000 people.

<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.

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

The Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared on the earth to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the place has also got the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntha and the deity here is referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple and Tirupati Balaji Temple. Venkateswara is known by many other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa. The temple is run by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which is under control of Andhra Pradesh Government. The head of TTD is appointed by Andhra Pradesh Government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sri Malayappa Swami</span> Processional deity at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India

Malayappa Swami is the current utsava murti in the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala. Malayappa Swami is worshipped during religious ceremonies and processions wherein it would be inappropriate to use the main deity. The two deities are worshipped equally and believed to be non-different in personality.

For many of the Hindu denominations, the Tirumala Sri Venkateshvara Temple and Tirumala Sri Padmavati Temple at Tirupati in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is the one of the most famous Hindu temples in the world. The presiding deities of Vishnu and Lakshmi here is referred to as Venkateshvara and Padmavati respectively.

Sri Venkateshwara Swami Temple is a landmark vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to be appeared here to save mankind from the trials and troubles of Kali Yuga.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kapila Theertham</span> Hindu temple in India

Kapila Theertham is a famous Saivite Temple and Theertham, located at Tirupati in the Tirupati District of Andhra Pradesh, India. The idol is believed to be installed by Kapila Muni and hence Lord Siva here is referred to as Kapileswara.

Sapthagiri magazine is an illustrated devotional magazine published by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. It was started as a bulletin in 1949. It is printed monthly, in six languages - Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and English.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eparchaean Unconformity</span>

Tirupati Eparchaean Unconformity, a notified National Geo-heritage Monument is a major discontinuity of stratigraphic significance that represents a period of remarkable serenity in the geological history of the Earth i.e. sudden changes and discontinuity in the rock layers in Earth's crust. It is seen at the steep natural slopes, road scars and ravines in the Tirupati – Tirumala Ghat road in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SVBC TV</span> Indian television channel

Sri Venkateswara Bhakthi Channel is the pioneer devotional (bhakthi) channel of TTD. It is the first 24-hour satellite Telugu devotional channel dedicated to broadcasting Hindu devotional programs and live telecasts of poojas performed in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams from Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India.

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

Alipiri Padala Mandapam or Alipiri is the place at foot of seven hills in Tirupati, the pilgrim city of Sri Venkateswara Swami, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kodandarama Temple, Tirupati</span> Hindu temple in India

Sri Kodandaramaswamy Temple is one of the famous temples, after Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, in the holy city of Tirupati located in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama an incarnation of Vishnu along with Sita and Lakshmana. The temple also has a sub-shrine for Anjaneya the mount of Lord Sri Rama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta</span> Hindu temple in Vontimitta, India

Kodandarama Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Rama, located in Vontimitta town in Vontimitta Mandalam of Kadapa District in the Indian state of Andhra. The temple, an example of Vijayanagara architectural style, is dated to the 16th century. It is stated to be the largest temple in the region. It is located at a distance of 25 kilometres (16 mi) from Kadapa and is close to Rajampet. The temple and its adjoining buildings are one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tirupati Laddu</span> Indian sweet

Tirupati Laddu or SriVari Laddu is the laddu sweet offered as Naivedhyam to Venkateswara at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The laddu is given as prasadam to devotees after having the darshan in the temple. The laddu prasadam is prepared within the temple kitchen known as 'Potu' by the temple board Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Tirupati Laddu received Geographical indication tag which entitles that only Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams can make and sell it.

Venkateswara Temple is an important Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to be appeared here to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. The temple is situated at a height of 853 meters on Tirumala Hills which are part of Seshachalam Hills and is constructed in Dravidian Architectural Style.

Sri Narapura Venkateswara Temple

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Varahaswamy Temple</span> Hindu temple in Tirupati

The Sri Varahaswamy Temple, also called Bhu Varahaswamy Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Varaha, situated at hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati, located in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh state, India. The temple is situated on the northern premises of Venkateshvara Temple, Tirumala, on north west corner of Swami Pushkarini. This temple is believed to be older than the Venkateshvara shrine.

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 and later expanded and renovated under the 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.

References

  1. ↑ "Vaishnava Divya Desha Darshana Kaipidi". 2000. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  2. ↑ "Astabandhanam to be held from April 22". The Times of India . Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  3. ↑ Krishna, Nanditha (2000). Balaji-Venkateshwara, Lord of Tirumala-Tirupati: An Introduction. Vakils Feffer & Simons. ISBN   9788187111467 . Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  4. 1 2 "District Census Handbook - Chittoor" (PDF). Census of India. p. 14,226. Retrieved 20 November 2015.
  5. ↑ "AP bars propagating other faiths near shrines".
  6. ↑ "Geological Survey of India - Monuments of Stratigraphic Significance". Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  7. ↑ "Geological Survey of India - Monuments of Stratigraphic Significance" . Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  8. ↑ "Station: Tirmalai (Tirumala) Climatological Table 1981–2010" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1981–2010. India Meteorological Department. January 2015. pp. 743–744. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  9. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 4 July 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  10. ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  11. ↑ "WELCOME TO CENSUS OF INDIA : Census India Library". www.censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
  12. ↑ Raghavan, Sandeep (13 May 2020). "Scribe smuggling liquor and non-veg food to Tirumala nabbed by TTD vigilance". The Times of India. Tirupati: The Times Group. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  13. ↑ "Annual Brahmotsavam starts at Tirupati-Tirumala, 1,400 CCTV cameras to keep eye on crowds". Indian Express.
  14. ↑ "Over 7 lakh Devotees Take Part In Tirumala Brahmotsavam On Concluding Day". Sakshi Post.
  15. ↑ "Sankranti festival: Devotees rush at Tirumala temple". The Hans India.
  16. ↑ "Ugadi celebrated at Tirumala temple". Deccan Chronicle.
  17. ↑ "Pilgrims throng Tirumala". Deccan Herrald. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  18. ↑ "Pilgrims throng Tirumala". The Hindu.
  19. ↑ "Gear up for Rathasapthami: TTD EO to staff". The Hans India.
  20. ↑ "Only TTD entitled to make or sell 'Tirupati laddu': High Court". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  21. ↑ "Now, Geographical Indication rights for 'Tirupati laddu'". Business Standard India. Business Standard. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  22. ↑ "Heritage in Tirupati-SV Museum". Andhra Pradesh Tourism board. Archived from the original on 23 June 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  23. ↑ "Tirumala Temple". Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
  24. ↑ "Scratch-proof glass case to cover Srivari Padalu on Tirumala". The New Indian Express. Tirumala. 18 September 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  25. ↑ "Cascading waterfalls enliven Tirumala". Deccan Chronicle. Tirupati. 11 November 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  26. ↑ "Tirupati to Tirumala on Foot". Tirumala Tirupati Devastanams. Archived from the original on 13 June 2015. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  27. 1 2 "TTD cuts down on darshan tokens till October 21". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  28. ↑ "Tirupati Main". Indiarailinfo. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.