Tirumala is a popular pilgrimage center located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is the abode of Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. Here are some interesting facts about Tirumala:
- The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is one of the richest temples in the world, and it is estimated that the temple receives over 60,000 devotees per day.
- The temple is situated on the Seven Hills, and it is believed that Lord Venkateswara took abode here to rid the world of its evils.
- The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century by a Chola king, and it has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries.
- The Tirumala Brahmotsavam is a grand festival celebrated every year in the temple, and it attracts millions of devotees from all over the world.
- The temple has a gold-plated dome called the “Ananda Nilayam”, which is said to be the abode of Lord Venkateswara.
- The temple also has a massive kitchen called the “Potu”, where food is cooked for thousands of devotees every day.
- The temple has a unique system of “darshan”, where devotees are allowed to have a glimpse of the deity for only a few seconds, to ensure that the crowds keep moving and to avoid chaos.
- The temple is surrounded by several smaller shrines and holy sites, including the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple and the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
- The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) manages the affairs of the temple and is considered one of the largest religious trusts in the world.
- The temple is also known for its philanthropic activities, and the TTD runs several charitable institutions, hospitals, and educational institutions in the surrounding areas.
