Lord Venkateswara is the name by which Lord Vishnu is known and worshipped at Tirupati, located in the Chitoor district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in southern India. The temple is situated on Tirumala, the last of the Seven Hills that form a part of the Eastern Ghats. Ancient lore testifies to the sanctity of the temple and the power of Venkateswara to grant boons to the true devotee is legendary. Hence the large influx of pilgrims right through the year, who come here to obtain their heart's desire. To achieve this, many male visitors take a vow to shave the hair off their heads. In fact, over the years it has become mandatory for the devotees to follow this practice.

Due to the location of the temple atop the Tirumala Hills, the impression one gets is as if the temple is resting on Adi Sesha or Sheshnag (the serpent on which Lord Vishnu resides). The seven hills, also called Sapthagiri, appear to be the seven hoods of Sheshnag.

According to legend, when Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu came down to earth and was resting in Kolhapur, the Lord came looking for her. Upon reaching these hills, he decided to remain there for sometime and took the human form of a man named Srinivasa. Here he met Padmavathi, the princess of Narayanapuram, to whom he proposed marriage.

As it was a royal wedding, Srinivasa needed huge funds, which he borrowed from Kubera, the celestial God of Wealth. Kubera, in turn insisted that the loan be repaid with due interest. It is believed that Kubera, who has the Govindarajaswamy temple at the base of the hills at Tirupathi dedicated to him, is still collecting the interest with a brass measure.The temple at Tirupathi is said to be dedicated to this union. Lord Vishnu is also known by other names here, such as Venkatachalapati, Venkataramanamurthi, Venkatesa Perumal and, lastly, Edukondalavada (The Lord of Seven Hills).

Within the temple is the black visaged idol of Lord Venkateswara to which nearly 50, 000 worshippers pay devout homage every day. Three main 'Prakarams' or enclosures form the complex. The 'Sampangi Pradakshinam' as the outer gate is called, houses the imposing, gold-covered pillar, the 'Dhwajasthambam'. Next in line is the 'Vimana Pradakshinam' with its kitchens, several small shrines and the sacred well. 'Vaikunta Pradakshinam' with its golden gates is the sanctum sanctorum with the presiding deity magnificently enthroned and gazing at the multitude with calm and majesty.

It is for the 'darshan' of this idol that people come from many miles facing the rigors of the climate and the travelling. Because of the increasing numbers who visit this 'shrine' the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has constructed a massive infrastructure to cope with the demands of the tourists. There are two types of 'darshans' organized for the benefit of the devotees. 'Sarvadarsanam' is open to all and commences at 7:30 am and usually continues for 18 hours a day on all days excepting Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The entrance is through the Vaikuntam Queue Complex.

There is also a special 'darshan' on the payment of a nominal sum where the pilgrims have to follow the queue beginning at the PPC Complex and the wait for the 'darshan' is shorter than for those who go in for the 'Sarvadarsanam'. A 'darshan' for the physically disabled and the aged is provided for by the TTD and they are ushered in directly through the 'Mahadhwaram' or the main entrance of the temple without having to wait in queues and may be accompanied by their attendants if necessary.

In addition to the arrangement for the 'darshans' the TTD has thoughtfully catered to all the needs of the devotees at the queue complex. Food at subsidized rates, milk, a place to deposit footwear before entering the temple, toilets, cloakrooms and officers to attend to complaints and inquiries are some of the facilities that are available.

Certain guidelines have to be observed while entering the temple. These are:

Pilgrims should bathe and don clean clothes before entering the temple premises.
Consumption of non-vegetarian food and alcohol is strictly prohibited.
No headgear is permitted inside the temple.
Eatables procured from outside and chewing of betel leaves are forbidden within the premises.
Absolute silence must be observed within the shrine.
Before going for the 'darshan' all pilgrims are requested to make a 'Pradakshina' of the temple. Pradakshina or parikrama means circumambulation or taking a clockwise round of a sacred object, be it a person, idol or temple.

Greeting another person or bowing to anyone is not allowed.
While inside the shrine, concentrate on Lord Venkateswara and cleanse your mind and soul.

Since Tirupati is one of the most visited pilgrimages in India, accessibility is very good. Chennai the closest city is at a distance of 150 kms from Tirupati. There are two flights everyday from Chennai and the duration is about 20 minutes. For those who prefer the railways, Tirupati is directly connected to all the major cities of South India. From Chennai it takes roughly three hours by train to this town. The Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Road Transport Associations run several ordinary and deluxe buses everyday and the time taken by road from Chennai is approximately five hours. Within Tirupati there are buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis and horse drawn carriages for easy commuting.

For the journey from Tirupati to Tirumala, the Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Corporation runs a regular bus service from 3:00 am to midnight at a frequency of two minutes. Bus fares for express buses are Rs.15/ per head and for the ordinary the charge is Rs.11/ per head. Those who wish to travel in private vehicles may hire taxis at Tirupati.

TTD has made ample provision for the accommodation of devotees both free of charge as well as on payment. There are two dharmasalas that provide free rooms to those who are unable to afford the hotels and they are:

Sri Govindaraja Dharmasala
Sri Kodanda Rama Dharmasala (both situated on the southern side of the Tirupati East Railway Station). For bookings please contact The Superintendent, Central Reception Office, Tirupati on (091-8574) 20991.

Sri Venkateswara Dharmasala
(opposite Railway Station)
The Superintendent
Tel No: (091-8574) 25144
Single: Rs.50.00
Double: Rs.100.00
Four beds: Rs.100.00
All charges are on per night basis.

Sri Venkateswara Guest House
(northern side of the Railway Station)(Non-A.C)
Deputy Executive Officer (Reception)
Tel No: (091-8574) 25144
Non-A.C. suites @ Rs. 100.00
A.C. suite @ Rs.250.00
All charges are on per night basis.

Sri Padmavathi Guest House (air-conditioned)
Chittoor Road
Deputy Executive Officer (Reception)
Tel No: (091-8574) 22029, 27993
Single rooms @ Rs.200.00
Double-bed suite @ Rs.250.00
Double bed suites @ Rs. 300.00
Four-bed suites @ Rs. 400.00
Two bedded Master suite @ Rs.500.00
All charges are on per night basis.

TTD (Alipiri) Guest House (at the foot of the seven hills)(Non A.C.)
Tel No: (091-8574) 30080
Double-bed suite @ Rs.75.00 per night.

Sri Kodandarama Dharmasala(Southern side of the Tirupati Railway Station)
The Superintendent, Central Reception Office, Tirupati.
Tel No: (091-8574) 20991
Two bedded rooms @ Rs.30 each per night.

There is no particular season to visit Tirupati as the weather largely remains hot throughout the year. In summers the temperature rises upto 43 degrees centigrade and though the winters are slightly cooler the thermometer registers 32 degrees centigrade, so the visitor has to carry a good supply of cool cottons and plenty of fluids when travelling to Tirupati. The monsoon months of June-August are best avoided as it is both hot and humid and the roads are slushy and uncomfortable. Even though the climate is sultry, a trip to Tirupati especially in the month of September when the festival of Brahmotsavam is celebrated with great pomp and ceremony, is a must for all those who are interested in the temples and ancient culture of India. The Brahmotsavam or annual festival is celebrated on Tirumala for nine days at the time when the sun enters the Kanya Rasi (the zodiac sign Virgo) during the months of September-October.

Transport and Accomodation Fee is subject to change.
Currency exchange rate: 1 US Dollar = INR 49 (Subject to International Fluctuations)

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