place to visit in tirumala

PLACE TO VISIT IN TIRUMALA

Pushkarini-Holy Water

It is very usual and highly probable to find a water tank either just beside or nearby every Hindu temple constructed during the ancient and medieval times. The waters of the tank were strictly for temple purposes only – like for the God’s “bath” that is a ritual/worship, cleaning and washing the temples insides and outsides, for use inside the temples for drinking purposes (Not in Tirumala, though), kitchens (if any) and by large, by the folk that stay and live by the temple like the priests’ families and workers, for their daily uses. The water’s chief and famous uses are bathing and washing by the visiting pilgrims who take a dip or swim in it and, above all, for the temple’s special occasions when the divine images are taken in the temple boat, in the tank waters. The water in the Swami Pushkarini is absolutely NOT stagnant OR infected. It has a state-of-the-art recycling facility and water is treated before it gets into and recycled continuously. Swami Pushkarini was a pleasure tank of Sri Maha Vishnu in Vaikuntham, and was brought and set on Earth by Garuda, for the sport of Sri Venkateshwara. It is adjacent to the Sri Venkateshwara temple. A bath in the Swami Pushkarini is believed to clean pilgrims of their sins and bestow temporal prosperity. Pilgrims bath here before entering the main temple. A bath in the holy tank purifies one’s body and soul.

Sri Varahaswamy Temple

The famous temple of Sri Varahaswami in Tirumala is to the north of the Sri Venkateshwara temple, on the banks of Swami Pushkarini. The presiding deity is Varaha Swami, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of a boar that was staying on the hills when The Lord descended unto earth. HE had to take permission from Lord Varaha to stay here and grant HIM (Lord Varaha), the privilege of first view by the visiting pilgrims and first Naivedyam (sacred offering of food to Lord for consecration) in return. Thus it is imperative that pilgrims visit Sri Varaha Swami first and The Lord, only later. According to legend, Tirumala was originally the Adi Varahakshetra (place belonging to Sri Adi Varahaswami). Lord Sri Venkateshwara took up residence here, with the permission of Sri Varahaswami. According to Brahmapurana, Naivedyam (food offered to God) should first be offered to Sri Varahaswami. Pilgrims should visit Sri Varahaswami temple prior to Sri Venkateshwara temple. According to Atri Samhita (Samurtarchanadhikara), Varaha Avatara is worshipped in three ways as Adi Varaha, Pralaya Varaha, and Yajna Varaha. The idol of Sri Varahaswami in Tirumala is that of Adi Varaha, as it resembles the description of the Adi Varaha Murti in Vaikhanasa Agama texts.

Sri Hathiramjee Mutt

Many of the Tirumala visitors know about Hathiramji Matt or Mahant’s matt. It has a very important place in Tirumala history. We can see the Matt at south-east, opposite to the Lord’s temple. Tirumala temple was ruled by Mahants of this Matt before the formation of TTD. Hathiramji Matt has many lands and properties which can cost thousands of crores.This mahants matt was established by Hathiram Bavaji.He belonged to North India. At that time, Ramananda religious movement was very famous in North India.Inspired by Abhayanandji, Hathiramji started an aimless temple tour. He visited many temples in India. Hathiram was a real saint. His thoughts were always filled about Lord Rama. He saw the Lord in every single thing.After visiting many temples Hathiramji reached Venkatachala, the hill of Lord Venkateswara.Hathiramji saw the god. He found out his aim. Lord Balaji is the final aim to all.Hathiramji wanted to stay there. He wanted to worship the lord all the time. One can imazine, how was that place before 500 years?

Hathiramji built an ashram on a small hill opposite to the Lord’s temple. He spent his entire time in worshiping the Lord venkateswara.He only ate some Rama Patra leaves. He saw the god in every devotee, who came to Tirumala. Hathiramji gave his services to the Lord and Lord’s devotees also.Lord Venkateswara was satisfied by his selfless service. Lord went to Hathiram ashram. Lord Balaji and Saint Bavaji became friends.Sri Venkateswara always loves his devotees and gives his blessings.

Now Hathiramji was very famous for the pilgrims of Tirumala. Some visitors thought that the Darshan of Saint Bavaji is more important than the darshan of Lord Balaji.

Bedi Anjaneya Temple

This is on the bankof Swamy Pushkarini and to the northwest of Sri Varaha Swamy Temple.This was built during the region of Mahanaha,The Idol appeared with folded hands offering Namaskarams.Devotees treat Sri Anjaneyaswamy as the Lord Who fulfills desires,and as the Lord who protects from evil spirits.Bathing was conducted on every Sunday to the SwamyThis is located on the way to Sannidhi road which is the opposie direction to main temple near Agni gundham.According to Vyshnava Tradition ,Garuda of Anjaneya Swamy should be in opposite to Main temple.In this temple also,Idol appeared as with folded hands offering namaskarams.Sri Anjaneya Swamy is a great devotee of Sri Rama Chandra where as Garuda is a greatest devotee of Sri Maha Vishnuvu

Bathing will conducted on every sunday and on the days of important festivals and on the birth day of Sri Hanuman

Sila Thoranam

Sila Thoranam, a naturally formed arch of rock is a distinctive geological wonder located about 1 km north of the Sri Venkateswara Temple, near the Chakra Teertham at Tirumala.

The Arch is also called Silathoranam in local language (Telugu language: “Sila” means ‘rock’ and “thoranam” means a garland strung over a threshold, connecting two vertical columns or an ‘arch’ as in this case). Since the rock look likes and appears to be the hood of a serpent, a conch and a discus, it is conceived that this source is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara idol.

The arch measures 8 m (26.2 ft) in width and 3 m (9.8 ft) in height, and the Geologists have identified the rocks on the hill as pre-Cambrian, and this arch formation suggests an antiquity of several million years to the Tirumala hill.

Reputed as the only one of its kind in Asia, it is believed to be several million years old. It is said that there are only two other sites like this in the entire world itself. The other two are the one that cuts through the headland of the Dalradian Quartzite in Ukand and the Rainbow Arch Bridge of Utah in USA .

Papavinasanam

The Papavinasa Punya Theerdha Vahini is Seven kilometers from Tirumala.Devotees coming for darshan of Tirumala Venkateswara Swami wash away their sin in this Theerdha and hence this Theerdha got the name of Papavinasa Theerdha. Water required for Tirumala is Distributed from the dam built at the western side of the Theerdha .it is said  that those who bathe any where at Tiruamala receive as much holiness as those who take bath in the Papavinasa,as the water of  this Theerdha is available every where at Tirumala

History

Long long ago a Brahmin by name Bhadramathy lived with his six wives and several children. He was a pious Brahmin, although he like most Brahmins lived in dire poverty.
He was basically endowed with little properties and as he aged he felt the need for supporting his large family more and more. He was also much hit by the polygamy he had.

One day one of his wives by name Yesovathy wanted to put an end to her husband's financial worries. "Dear! Of all the charities, I am told, bhudhanam (Offering land-gift) is said to be in the highest. It is capable of giving all types of wealth to the giver. By bathing in the Papavinasanam at the Venkatadri hills and offering bhudhanam, we can end away out poverty once for all. We can attain also total redemption from all kinds of bondages."

Strongly influenced by her words, the pious Brahmin went to a nearby village and secured five feet land. He went to the Venkata hills and in the holy Papavinasanam Waterfalls. He gave away the land he secured to someone there.
The lord was pleased to know this. He appeared before him and granted all wealth and enriched his entire family

Akasaganga

The Akashganga (Heavenly Ganges likened to The Milky Way OR heavenly river) waterfall is about 3 Kms north of the Tirumala temple. This is very famous for the prime reason is that its waters are used for The Lord’s bath every day. In the olden days, the priestess took turns to carry the water all the way from this part of jungle to the temple in the wee morning hours by the rough walk path that meanders thru the jungle even to this day. After the Tirumala Tirupati Devsthanam came into existence, water lines were laid into the temple and thus simplified! This is a beautiful place where the mountain stream gushes out in a deep but very well paved and accessible ravine. Water is procured from this place for Abhishekam. In rainy season Akashganga’s gushing waters provide a beautiful sight and a bath here at that time is really refreshing.

Japali Teertham

Japali Theertham is a popular pond in Tirumala, which is not very crowded like other theerthams in the region. It is located amidst deep woods and a shrine of Lord Hanuman, which attracts several visitors. The famous festivals celebrated at this site are Tumburu Phalguna Pournami, Chakra Kartika Masa - Ksheerabdi Dwadasi, Kumaradhara Magha Pournami and Ramakrishna Pushya Pournami.

Tourists can also trek from the dense forest to reach this holy pond in Tirumala. Devotees also believe that the holy water of this theertham can wash away all the evils and sins that they have committed in their life.

Temple Museum

Sri Vari Museum is situated in the main Tirumala town, next to the Karnataka Choultry. Tourists coming to this museum can see some of the beautiful pictures, artefacts and sculptures that depict the history of the main temple. It also houses scriptures and photographs, which can be viewed by the visitors all round the year. This is a newly built museum, which has free entry for the visitors

Srivari Padalu-Sri Balaji FootMark

According to Vedas/Puranas 'Srivari Padalu' is the place where Lord Venkateswara Swamy first set his feet on one of the seven hills namely 'Narayanagiri'. The footprint of the Lord is available in this place to the pilgrims with restricted access by T.T.D so that they cannot touch the foot prints. Pilgrims have to climb 300 odd steps to reach this divine spot from where a beautiful top view of the temple town 'Tirumala' is very delightful to watch.

Tourist attractions:

Silathoranam

TTD Gardens

Asthana Mandapam

Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignan Mandiram

Deer Park

Sri Vari Museum
Asakasa Gangas

Holy water sites:

Akasaganga Teertham

Papavinasanam Teertham

Pandava Teertham

Kumaradhara Teertham

Tumbhuru Teertham

Ramakrishna Teertham

Chakra Teertham

Vaikuntha Teertham

Sesha Teertham

Sitamma Teertham

Pasupu Teertham

Japali Teertham

Sanaka Sanandana Teertham