I have been to tirupati 4 times.It is believed that all our wishes come true if we pray there by heart.Tirupati is the district and Tirumala is a small town situated about 20 km from there on hills.The famous temple is located in Tirumala.It is the temple of Lord Venkateshwara(Bhagvan Krishna).The main district is also full of many beautiful temples.There is no season to visit - whenever you need god’s blessing go and prayer.This place is not meant for those who want to enjoy.Its a very known holy place in South India.Devotees come from all parts of the country here.The place is very well maintained by the government and it is very neat and clean.The state bus service is excellent here.And the devotees are provided free bus service from tirupati to tirumala(arrival+departure).The buses and other transport are easily available.The people are polite.The security system is very good in and around the temple.
The temple campus is about hundreds of acres to accomodate thousands of pilgrims daily.For darshan there are coupon system for convinience of pilgrims.The coupon tells you the time of darshan and it varies for all.It helps to reduce the rush and make darshan ’’somewhat’’ comfortable.Actually the devotees are so much excited in the temple that they are out of control(daily).Cellphones, camera, hand bags etc are not allowed in the temple.What I dont like is ’’Pay and worship god system’’.The coupons prices range from Rs 50 to Rs 500.Those who pay Rs 500 are ’’helped’’ to do darshan first.There is a special line for them.And the second thing is the laddu prashad system.Everyone knows that all devotees are given laddu prashad in Tirupatri.But the reality is: It is given only to those who buy a coupon for darshan, i.e Rs 50 coupon=2 laddu. For extra laddus either you have to buy more coupon or bribe the halwai there.One more silly thing:As you step towards the laddu stalls after darshan you will pe surprised to see a person selling poly bags for 1-1 rupee to carry laddu(as you cannot carry any hand bag of your own).The poor pilgrims are devoid of this prashad.
When a big politician, film star, industrialist comes, all ’’ordinary devotees’’ are left to wait for hours in the que.My suggestion is forget all these irritating things and just meditate god, pray to god for you and your loved ones.The ques are so tightly packed that there is no space for even air between two people.I have heard from many that its compulsury to visit Tirupati temple 5 times after you visit once.All wishes comes true by doing so.The main temple is in the centre of the campus and it is coated with gold foil.After entering the main venue in the temple you will see the beautiful Lord Venkateshwara sculpture.The internal feeling is undescribable.I felt like talking to god.
Dont forget to buy beautiful sandal wood and marble sculptures here.
The hotels are available for all budgets.And its quite economical too.A 3 star hotel is just for Rs 1200 per day and regular hotels for as down as Rs 200.The food is quite good(Andhra style).I suggest whenver you plan to travel to south India book dont forget to visit this holy temple.I am planning to visit Tirupati in this month or next month.And that will be my 5th visit.May god fullfil all our wishes.
Jai Shri Krishna