Sri Venkateswara Temple | Image Resource : wikimedia.org

If you are a devout Hindu, you should never miss out on this famous temple town. Yes, it is about Tirupati, famous as the “spiritual capital of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati is famous for its Venkateswara temple which sits on one of the seven peaks of the Tirumala hills. It is one of the most popular temples and it attracts devotees than any other temple in the whole world. More than a lakh pilgrims visit the temple daily. 

The economy of the Tirupati revolves around the temple. Many educational and charitable organizations are run by the Tirupati temple. The temple is even crowded during temple functions and the Brahmotsavam festivals are events attracting many pilgrims. The temple town is famous for other temples which are centuries old and having historical significance. So plan a pilgrimage of your life time and visit the temples around this temple city.

Some of the popular temples in Tirupati are

Sri Govindarajaswami Temple

It is a centuries old temple and this ancient temple is a very important shrine of the land. Saint Ramanujar laid the foundation of the temple in 1130 AD. It is a huge temple with shrines for other deities as well. Sri Govindarajaswami is Lord Balaji’s elder brother and you can find similarity between the functions and rituals at these temples. It is a beautiful temple done in architectural style of the land. This temple is at a walkable distance from Tirupati railway station.

Srikalahasti

This beautiful temple done in white is situated on the banks of Swarnamukhi River and the principal deity is of Lord Shiva. Shiva linga is worshipped as vayu linga at this place. Vayu means air and air being one of the five elements of the universe. An oil lamp in the sanctum flickers continuously while all other lamps remain motionless. The temple opens at 5 in the morning and it closes at 10 at night.

Hotels at Tirupati

Sri Venkateswara Temple

This is the most prominent temple of Tirupati. This temple is located on the seventh peak of the Tirumala hill. This massive temple is located on the south of the Pushkarni River and the temple is considered as the most frequented temple in the whole world. It is also considered as the richest temple in the world. To get a good darshan of Balaji, plan your trip in advance and book your room before you embark on your pilgrimage.  Hotels at Tirupati have the expertise in satisfying the needs of the pilgrims visiting this temple town. This temple is 14 kilometres from the Tirupati bus station.

Kanipakam

It is a famous temple of Lord Ganesha and it is believed that Lord Ganesha grows in size. This 11th century temple was built by the famous Chola King Kollottunga Chola. Vijayanagar kings later developed the temple in the 14th century. Pilgrims visiting Tirupati also make it a point to visit this temple. It is a swayambhu Vinayaka temple.

Padmavathi Temple

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Alamelumanga, consort of Lord Venkateswara. Padmavathi temple is located at Tiruchanoor and the place is also known as Alamelumangapuram. It is one of the well-known temples of Tirupati.

Kalyana Venkateswara Temple

This temple is also dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and it is situated at Srinivasamangapuram. It is a huge temple and it has many sub shrines. It is just 12 kilometres from Tirupati in Chittoor district. This temple of national importance is preserved by the Archaeological survey of India. It is an ancient temple spread out in a vast expanse of land. It is at this temple that Lord Venkateswara married Goddess Padmavathi and Aksaraju built this temple post marriage.  

Kodandarma Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and it is a must visit temple. You will like the beautiful architecture of the temple as the Cholas were fond of building grand temples. The temple is always crowded. Temple festivals are celebrated with much pomp and gaiety at this temple. This temple was built by the Chola Kings.

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