Based in the serene Eastern Ghats range of southern Andhra Pradesh - is the richest holy site after Vatican - the abode of Lord Venkateswara.
Lord Venkateswara is also known as Balaji / Srinivasa or most popularly as Lord Vishnu - one of the supreme God of the Hindus - the preserver of Universe.
Only Hindu lords Brahma (creator of universe) and Shiva (destroyer of universe) equal Lord Vishnu’s caliber.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Tirumala - Tirupati is a holy pilgrimage center visited by millions of pilgrims each year. Tirupati is a prosperous town (based in Chitoor district) situated at the southern tip of Andhra Pradesh.
Tirumala, the residing place of Lord Venkateswara, lies about a few hundred metres above Tirupati.
As you enter Tirupati (a lovely picturesque town) - surrounded by the great Eastern Ghats (which dominate the surrounding area) - the sheer popularity of this pilgrimage awakens you from your slumber. Just around this one temple and its related holy sites - a whole burgeoning population of 1, 50, 000+ plus is based - a majority of whom make their living in activities related to tourism.
The Andhra Pradesh government has done a commendable effort in providing all necessary services - from transportation to lodging - necessary for a pleasant pilgrimage.
You can get a fairly affordable transportation service from Tirupati to Tirumala via the government run transport buses.
+++++++++++++++++++++
As the bus climbs up the long, tight bending road leading to Tirumala - the town of Tirupati is displayed in its magnificient glory below - spread across acres and acres of land.
The journey to Tirumala takes about an hour (and the cost comes to Rs. 22/-).
Tirumala is a very well planned pilgrimage center. Shopping complexes, paved streets, footpaths, information centers, bus stands. The summer heat somehow doesn’t get at you at Tirumala - if anything making you feel fresh and energized by the cool winds with a bright sunny weather. Associate this with pleasant music playing on the loudspeakers - the pilgrimage setting is just perfect.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Walking about 500 m from the bus stand (with directions from the Information kiosk)- I finally get to see Lord Venkateswara’s temple. It is a site to marvel at. Created in 7 A.D. - the temple is a fine example of the early Dravidian architecture (this I got to know...ahem...from other websites).
The Dravidian people are the earliest known inhabitants of Indian Sub-continent.
Devotees (who come all over from India, primarily from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh itself) - have to walk bare footed, bald (although not compulsory) to visit the temple. This, only after booking a ticket and getting your darshan time slot from the local authorities. The booking of a time slot is a necessity considering the management of the huge deluge of pilgrims at Tirupati.
Inside the temple: The Lord’s statue is laden with golden ornaments and you get but a few seconds to see HIM and take a darshan. That is it. Once you do that - you have to get out of the temple quickly and let others behind you get a peep at the Lord, just as you did :)
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Tirumala Hill has plenty of greenery. Walking by the side of the roads will offer you nice view of the landscapes below.
Also, the sacred water-falls Papavinasam and Aakas (Sky) Ganga are not to be missed. They are also a must-visit for any pilgrim. Again - the Andhra govt. bus services offer help - with cheap affordable travel across the Tirumala Hill.
Papavinasam water-fall area has a beautiful garden - with lush green trees and a quite cool weather - that makes one just sit and enjoy the moment. It also has a lot of hawkers selling the local craftspeople’s works - which include varied colorful beads and chains.
It is said that bathing in the water of these water-falls will wash away your sins. Am not too sure it might work for me though, as my sins seem to be too many ;)
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Things to keep note of:
1) Keep the Local touts away from you: If there is anything against this holy pilgrimage site - it’s the local touts. They keep interrupting you and offer to help. I did take the help of some of these men and feel sorry that I did. Ended up getting duped into staying into a very bad (unhygenic, unfriendly) lodge (at Tirupati), which also turned out to be costly. Also, the touts keep asking you for tips. So, keep them away!
2) Do not carry costly belongings: Try not to bring them at all to the pilgrimage. Carry the basic toiletries, your camera / handycam and other necessities. There are people, hanging around, who are ready to dupe you or even steal a thing or two. So, beware!
3) Get as much information about Government services as possible: The A.P. government and the temple management provide an amazing array of services - from affordable (and clean) lodging services, to transportation, to information kiosks, food counters, etc. All things necessary will be provided for.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Conclusion:
The Tirumala-Tirupati pilgrimage can be a nice get away from city life - quietening the thoughts inside our minds, relaxing us a bit.
2 days of stay is recommended to enjoy the scenic beauty of the place and also take the darshan of Lord Venkateswara.
Wishing you a very Happy Journey!