Venkateswara Temple & Devotional Activities in Tirupati

The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. It is by the Lord’s presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the title, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills.

The temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, an ancient sect that advocates the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice. The sanctum sanctorum which houses the awe-inspiring idol of the Lord of the Seven Hills is situated in the main temple complex of Tirumala. The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain Mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara. The benefits acquired by a pilgrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Purana. The temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, an ancient sect which advocates the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice

Devotional Activities Performed: There are several devotional activities performed at the temple premises. 

Tonsuring (Getting your head shaved): The objective behind tonsuring is to demonstrate that he/she completely surrenders his/her ego at the feet of the Lord. Pilgrims can have their heads tonsured at the Kalyanakatta (opposite the Annanadanam Complex). There are seventeen sub-centers for tonsuring. Pilgrims can also request to be tonsured at the cottages where they are staying. 

Walking up the Hills: Many pilgrims walk up the hills to fulfill vows they have taken, for which Tirumala - Tirupati Devsthanam has constructed a walkway from Alipiri to Tirumala. It takes approximately three and a half hours to walk up the hill. 

Angapradakshinam: Angapradakshinam is when pilgrims lie prostrate, and then roll around the temple, chanting the Lord`s name. The objective is to show their devotion to the Lord, and thank Him for protecting them. It is performed in the Vimana Pradakshinam, one of the pathways around the temple. Pilgrims who wish to undertake the Angapradakshinam have to take a dip in the Swami Pushkarini and reach the Main Temple Complex by 0200 hrs (through a special queue that starts from the PPC Sheds). 

Tulabharam: Tulabharam is offering one`s weight in coins or other items such as sugar, candy according to one`s vows to the Lord. Tulabharam is generally performed for children. Pilgrims can weigh their offerings in the temple complex. The coins can be deposited in the temple hundi and other items can be handed over to the temple authorities present. The queue for Tulabharam is the regular queue that starts from the Vaikuntham Queue Complex or PC Queue Complex. 

Niluvudopidi: Niluvudopidi is offering to the Lord the ornaments, etc., that one is wearing when one takes the vow. The objective is to sacrifice one`s belongings to the Lord, with the philosophy `what is mine is the Lord`s`.