- Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple: The most popular tourist destination and religious attraction in the city, it is located on the Tirumala hilltop, 18 kilometres from Tirupati. Millions of devotees come here to get a glimpse of the eight-foot tall idol of Lord Venkateswara adorned with gold, diamonds and flowers and standing under the gilded dome, Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana. Try the Prasadam offered to pilgrims by the temple, its the famous “Tirupati ladoo”. Tirupati Laddu had got Geographical indication tag which entitles only Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to make or sell it.
- Sri Kalahasti Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Kalahasti Temple is an hour’s drive from Tirupati and should be visited if you are planning a trip to Tirupati. It is reflective of the Chola and Vijayanagara styles of architecture. Famous for its Vayu Linga, which represents wind, Sri Kalahasti Temple is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Stalams. Do not forget to visit this place if you plan a trip to Tirupati.
- Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami Temple/ Srinivasa Mangapuram: It is believed that Lord Venateswara stayed here after wedding with Goddess Sri Padmavathi Devi at NarayanVanam before proceeding to Tirumala through Sri Vaari Mettu. Most famous for Kalyana Utsav. Individuals having trouble with wedlocks can hope for good times with this utsav. About 15 kms from foot hill.
Stay:
While there are many hotels in Tirupati, it is recommended that you book a guesthouse or Kalyana Mandapam located close to the main temple. Hotels like Fortune Select Grand Ridge, Ginger Tirupati, Sri Sai Residency and Bhimas Deluxe Hotel are good choice available at nominal rates. Try booking through Goibibo for special rates.
Some Facts:
The Tirupati temple is amongst the richest temples in the world. You will see people giving away bags of gold and other valuables at theSri Vari Hundi here. It is believed that up to a whopping Rs. 650 crores are collected in donations every year.
Story behind the donations: It is believed that Lord Srinivasa had to make arrangements for his wedding. Lord Kubera credited money to Lord Venkateswara (a form of the god Vishnu) for his marriage with Padmavathi. Together, Srinivasa and Padmavathi lived for all eternity while Goddess Lakshmi, understanding the commitments of Lord Vishnu, chose to live in his heart forever. In remembrance of this, devotees go to Tirupati to donate money in Venkateswara's hundi (donation pot) so that he can pay it back to Kubera. The hundi collections go as high as 22.5 million INR a day. Devotees offer gold as a token of their love for God.
However, there are very strict rules that need to be followed while visiting the temple. Hoardings with these regulations can be found all around Tirupati.
-DC
