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Lord Venkateswara Temple At Tirumala

Tirumala, 20kms from Tirupati is one of the most important
pilgrimage centres in India. It has the historic shrine of Sri Venkateswara
or Balaji (in North India), an incarnation of Vishnu.
Also known as the 'Lord of the Seven Hills', the 2m high standing idol of Venkateswara
on a lotus flanked by his consorts Bhudevi and Sridevi, is believed to
grant any wish made in front of it. The most striking feature of the awe-inspiring
black idol is its fabulous diamond crown, which is said to be the most precious
single ornament in the world. This temple draws millions of pilgrims and
is believed to be the busiest pilgrimage centre in the world. The richest temple
in India, it is a master piece of South Indian Architecture. The Sanctorum 'Ananda
Nilayam' has a glittering gold covered 'Vimana' and gold covered gates guard
the sanctum sanctorum. It is considered auspicious to offer the hair as sacrifice
to the deity. More
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There is a small museum near the temple. It has a good
collection of musical instruments including Tabla type drum called a 'Ubangam'.
The Museum opens from 8am to 8pm.
Govindaraja Swami Temple
One of the most important temples in the heart of Tirupati is Sri Govindaraja
Swami Temple, which was consecrated by Saint Ramanujacharya in 1130 AD. It is
built by the Nayakas, the successors to the Vijayanagar empire. The temple has
an impressive outer gopuram. The inner most gopuram is the earliest dating from
the 14th-15th centuries. The main shrines are dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna.
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Silathoranam
(Rock Arch)
About 1km from Tirumala Temple is a rare naturally formed arch. Believed to
be the source of Lord Venkateswara's idol, the rocks resemble hood of a serpent,
a conch and a discus. It is a geological wonder.
Kodandaramaswami Temple
Located in the heart of the Tirupati city, the Kodandaramaswami Temple was built
by a Chola king in the 10th century AD. The presiding deities here are Sita,
Rama and Lakshmana. The temple of Anjaneyaswami, which is directly opposite,
is a sub-shrine of this temple.
Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple
Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple, is situated about 3-km north at the foot of
the Tirumala Hills. This is the only temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, in Tirupati.
Annual ' Brahmotsavams' and festivals like ' Vinayaka Chavithi', ' Maha Shivaratri',
' Skhanda Shasthi' and ' Annabhishekam' are performed in a grand manner. The
sacred and beautiful waterfall, 'Kapila Teertham' or 'Alwar Teertham' is located
here.
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Padmavati Temple
In Tiruchanur, about 3 km south of Tirupati is the temple of goddess Padmavati,
the consort of Lord Venkateswara (Balaji). The large temple is also known as
'Alamelumangapuram' and it is said that a visit to Tirumala is fruitful only
after visiting the Sri Padmavati Devi temple.
Papa Vinasanam Dam
Located 5 km north of Tirupati, the Papa Vinasanam dam site is serene and beautiful.
The dam is filled with fish.
Sri Venkatesvara Museum
This museum is situated at the Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple compound, Tirupati.
Visit : 0800 - 2000, Entry fee -Re.1. This museum contains exhibits of
temple arts.
The entrance of the Tirumalai temple exhibits an interesting
collection of Indian musical instruments. Visit : 0800 - 2000, Entry fee -
Re.1.
The Sri Venkatesvara University Oriental Research Institute
has the collection of stone images, wood and metal images, pottery, coins and
inscriptions. Visit : 1000 -1630. Free.
Lepakshi
It is a small village, 16 Kms away from the Hindupur railway station at
Anantapur district. The beautiful temples are the main attraction of this village.
The Vijayanagar styled temples have number of paintings on its wall and
ceiling. The hanging tower supported from top is a surprise for the visitors.
The monolithic bull mount of Shiva (Nandhi) is perhaps the largest sculpture
of its kind.
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