TIRUPATHI

In Hinduism, Tirupathi is the abode of the Hindu God Lord Venkateswara, and is one of the holiest and most visited shrines in Hinduism. The name is also derived from the Tamil language, with Thiru a reference to God, and Pathi meaning Husband. The temple was built by King Thondaman. It is managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. It is situated in a hilly region in southern Andhra Pradesh.




It is estimated that more that 50,000 people visit the temple everyday; making almost 19 million people in a year. Traditionally, as a display of piety, in order to reach the temple, devotees walk through the 7 medium sized hills that separate it from the city of Tirumala, a journey of 4 hours. Alternatively, it is possible to drive from Tirumala to Tirupati. The temple is open for more than 22 hours in day, and it usually takes anywhere up to 40 hours from the time one reaches the temple, to get a glimpse of the deity.It is estimated that on an average a devotee gets one and half minute to watch the deity.But still it's not stopping the people from visiting the temple.The rate of visitors to the temple is increasing every year by 2-5%.The major attraction of the temple is the well known peaceful and blissful state one experiences when facing the main idol in the 'Ananda Nilaya',sanctum sanctorium.


It is popular among devotees to offer their hair as sacrifice. They also drop their offerings in the form of money, gold, silver or anything they wish in the holy hundi. According to Hindu mythology, all the offerings to Lord Venkateswara count to repay the loan taken by him from Kubera for his marriage expenses which will be repaid completely by the end of Kaliyuga. Among devotees, it is also believed that the Lord here is Swayambhu, meaning that the statue was naturally formed and the Vimana (roof) of the sanctum sanctorum and the shrine are inseparable.


Interested in knowing more about Tirupathy?
Click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirumala_-_Tirupati