Tirupati is not only a place of Hindu pilgrimage, the temple is the landmark of the cultural heritage of middle age India. This is the temple of lord Venkateswar or Lord Vishnu. Though Tirupati is in Andhra Pradesh but it is only 151 km away from
Chennai.
The temple is 860 meter high from the sea level. A small town has been established in that place. The temple is 20 km away from the town. People has to cross innumerable hair-pin-bend to reach the hill top. Transportation is not a problem here.
Lots of buses are available from the downward RIC Tirupati bus stop to the temple. Many Hindus cross the distance by walking. The temple complex starts from a gorgeous Gopuram. You will find more number of Gopuram inside the complex. There are so many shops of various things inside the temple complex.
The main temple stays at the centre of the city. The main temple is made with pure gold. The price of the crown of lord Krisna is 15 crores(Indian currency). Generally the door of the temple opens at 2-30 am and closes at 10-30 pm. But sometimes for public pressure it has to be opened 24 hours.
Everyday 45000 pilgrimages comes to visit lord Tirupati. During Krisna birthday or other ceremonies the number increases double. General public gets the chance to watch lord Tirupati in only 2 seconds. We had to stand in a queue atleast 4 hours to watch the temple. Visitors has two type of option. Free visit, Special visit. Everyday millions of Indian gives millions of money here. Then Who will tell it that India is a country which is filled with poverty! Tirupati is the most rich Indian temple, it earns 275 crores in a year. 16000 of workers are involved to serve lord Tirupati.
Not only the temple, the sight scene of the area is also very beautiful. Some hill has interesting shapes. The town is also a attractive one. Don?t forget to visit Chandragiri which is 11 km away from Tirupati. It has great historical value.
Though I am among the non believers but I did like the Tirupati temple very much.