Tirupati Temple, officially known as the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, is one of the most famous and revered Hindu temples in India. It is located in the hill town of Tirumala in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, and is often referred to as the "Temple of Seven Hills" due to its location on the Tirumala hills.
Key points about the Tirupati Temple:
Significance: It is one of the wealthiest and most visited temples in the world, attracting millions of devotees annually. People visit the temple to seek blessings, make offerings, and fulfill vows.
Architecture: The temple boasts stunning Dravidian architecture, with its towering gopuram (entrance tower) being a prominent feature.
Rituals and Offerings: The laddu prasadam is famous as an offering, and the ritual of tonsuring, where devotees shave their heads as an offering to the deity, is widely practiced.
Festivals: The temple celebrates several festivals, but Brahmotsavam, an annual festival, is one of the most significant events, drawing huge crowds.
Darshan: Pilgrims stand in long queues to have the darshan (sight) of the deity. Special tickets and time slots are also available to manage the large influx of devotees.
The Tirupati Temple is a place of immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus worldwide.