Tirupati Balaji Temple: A Journey To The Inner Sanctum Of Lord Venkateswara

There is nothing more engaging than looking at a building whose design and architecture capture your attention.

One such establishment is Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple, which is also regarded as the world’s largest Hindu temple.

This breathtaking monument is located in the hill town of Tirumala near Tirupati, in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Lord Venkateswara is the sole deity of this religious place. He is viewed as an avatar of Vishnu, which is believed to have appeared on earth when the Kali Yuga was at its climax, saving humanity from trials and troubles.

The temple is made up of a series of concentric walls that are decorated with intricate carvings.

The innermost wall contains the sanctum sanctorum, or shrine, where Govinda (another widely famous name of Lord Venkateshwar) sanctifies his devotees.

Other features of this sacred place include an ornate gopuram (tower), a large courtyard filled with mesmerizing statues of deities, and a lake known as Sarovar, which is home to a wide array of fishes.

Hinduism’s most important pilgrimage site, Tirumala Temple, welcomes millions of visitors each year.

By now, you may be mesmerized by the facts above, but hold on because there are still several jaw-dropping realities about Balaji that will make you even more curious to see it in person.

Don’t believe me? Keep reading, and I’ll prove my point.

To begin with, let’s recall a very strongly trusted saga surrounding this majestic site, which actually contributed to its establishment also.

Mythological Story Of Govinda — The Panchamukhi

Venkateswara, the king, is Lord Vishnu’s incarnation. Among the Hindu gods, Srinivasa is the only one to have taken birth to protect the people during Kaliyuga(The Age Of Darkness & Demons).

Currently, we are in the 5124th year of the Kaliyuga. His residence in the temple will last until the end of this yuga.

Kalki, Lord Vishnu’s other incarnation, will take birth at the end of Kaliyuga and destroy everything on earth.

This would occur when sins reach their apogee, and humanity will be wiped out completely.

Major Magnets Of Balaji Temple

1. Spellbound & Hypnotic Statue Of Supreme Being

The temple is blessed with the world’s tallest and heaviest statue of Lord Vishnu, measuring 108 feet (33 meters) high.

Godhead typically wears a very striking gold Kiritam with emeralds embedded in the front. His Kiritam is adorned with diamonds on special occasions.

There is also a thick double patch of camphor-encrusted upwrought tilak on his forehead, which screens his eyes. In the middle of the two white patches is a Kasturitilakam.

His ears are decked with golden Kundalas.

As part of his attire, he wears a Pitambaram bound with gold string and a gold belt with small, jingling bells attached to it.

The ornaments that embellish him are of the highest quality. However, Garbha Gruha (beyond Kurasekara’s path) is off-limits to pilgrims.

2. Swami Pushkarini Lake — Local Teertham With Pure Holy Water

Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, has several holy Teerthams (blessed water places). Swami Pushkarini Lake is one of them. It is believed that the holy water tank here cleanses the people of all their sins and evils.

The pond covers around 1.5 acres of area and has been attributed to the legendary Garuda, who brought it from Vaikuntham to the Tirumala Hills.

An elegant mandapam sits at the center of the tank, which adds to its beauty. Before heading to the main temple, pilgrims usually dip in this holy lake’s water.

3. Powerful & Dynamic Divinities Of Hindu Dharam (Religion)

Although Lord Venkateswara is the ultimate godhead of Balaji temple, who is represented by five immortals known as Pancha Beramulu. But the temple also has idols dedicated to Krishna and Rukmini, Chakrathalvaar, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman.

Almost 27 varieties of flowers and six types of aromatic leaves are used in the garlands to adorn all demiurges in the temple.

Making these garlands is meticulous, taking many hours and a great deal of love and effort on the part of the devotees who put them on every day.

4. Hair Donation Ritual — An Unquestioning Love Of Adorers

“The last to leave will have to cover me with a veil.” These words were spoken by Lord Venkateshwara, who took a loan from Lord Kuber and still repays him.

In Hinduism, there is a belief that whoever donates their hair will be blessed by Goddess Lakshmi for doing so. Because they are helping God with his loans.

After the vow has been fulfilled, not only do men donate their hair here, but women do as well.

This gesture proves that believers are dedicated to helping the divine and are grateful for any blessings that may come their way.

5. Festivals Of Balaji Temple — A Gateway To Tremendous Joy & Peace

What is life without festivals?

India seems to have a knack for celebrating every day of the year, and the country’s most famous temple observes over 433 festivals in 365 days, aptly titled “Nitya Kalyanam Paccha Toranam.”

Out of all festivals, the most grandest is Sri Venkateswara Brahmotsavam. This nine-day festival takes place every October at the Tirupati Temple.

Brahmotsavam begins with cleaning Lord Venkateswara’s temple in accordance with religious guidelines. Then decorating its premises and surroundings with flowers and mango leaves. This whole process is also termed Aalaya Suddhi and Alankaram, respectively.

As part of rituals, god is taken by different vahanas (vehicles) in a procession through the streets.

Each vehicle communicates the Lord’s message in its own unique way.

Following the procession, Utsavananthara Snapanam is performed to bathe the Lord with herbal water. As per tradition, it relieves the strain the Lord has endured during the caravan.

Revelries end with the ritual of Devatodwasanam, in which the rishis depart for Devalokam. The ritual is performed after the daily Archana (worship).

Temple priests and officials laud Lord Brahma for organizing the Utsavam (festival).

Below-given is the curated list of some other major festivals celebrated in temples. You can become a part of them too.

1. Vaikuntha Ekadashi

2. Ratha Saptami

3. Rama Navami

4. Krishna Janmashtami

5. Ugadi

6. Tirumala Temple’s Seven Doors — A Path To Eternal Bliss

Are you looking to become spiritually enlightened? Or Are you seeking the power of the divine within you?

Then the answer is not far from the seven doors of Balaji Temple.

There is a powerful theology that the seven entrances or seven doors of the holy place are a reference to the seven mystical plexuses or lotuses of yoga — Muladhara, Svadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Visuddha, Ajna, and Sahasrara.

In order to see the Lord, one needs to pass through each of these lotuses one at a time.

Would like to know more about each entrance in detail. Let’s have a discussion then.

A. Maha Dwaram

Located at the center of the worshiping place is Maha Dwaram, which is the main entrance.

This opening is surrounded by a five-story temple tower of 50 feet, topped by seven Kalasams.

Both sides of this hall are embellished with panchalohas (metal statues) dedicated to Sankanidhi and Padmanidhi, who are believed to guard the Navanidhi (Treasures of Lord Venkateswara).

B. Sampangi Pradakshina

Sampangi Pradakshinam refers to the area that circumambulates the outer and inner compound walls.

This door got its name from the Magnolia Champaca flowers that were grown in this region in ancient days.

Sri Venkateswara Brahmotsavam (an annual festival at Tirupati Balaji) starts with the imprint of garuda being hoisted on the flagstaff of Pradakshina, inviting all Gods and Goddesses to participate.

C. Vendi Vakili

As you approach the flagstaff, you will pass a threshold known as the ‘Silver Entrance.’ Alternatively, this is referred to as ‘Nadimipadi Kavali or Vendi Vakili.’

This is the second entrance which leads to the Sanctum Sanctorum.

D. Vimana Pradakshina

Beyond the silver door is the cross path known as Vimana Pradakshina, which surrounds the main gopura.

Early in the morning, devotees roll themselves in humility all around this route while performing Suprabhata Seva (serving the Lord).

Hence, it is also referred to as Angapradakshina Marg. There are many things to see along this pathway, such as the Sri Varadaraja Swamy temple, the main kitchen, and the golden well.

E. Ananda Nilayam Vimanam

Ananda Nilayam is the portico where Lord Sri Venkateswara’s self-inducted statue is located. In the past, this spot had a Pradakshina Passage (perambulate).

The wall that surrounds this shrine and the Vimanam was constructed between 1244 A.D. — 1250 A.D.

Over time, this course got closed due to the construction of Ananda Nilayam, Sayana Mandapam, and Lord Rama’s Mansion.

F. Bangaru Vakili

The most important entrance to the reliquary Sanctorum is this impressive golden gate that is adorned with intricate carvings.

These doors are closed and opened according to a preconceived method. Devotees can have a look at it when coming out after darshan (worship).

G. Garbhagriha

Garbha Gruha is the main shrine in which Lord Venkateswara resides.

The idol of demiurge stands beneath the Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana, a magnificent gilt dome.

Chroniclers say that this exquisitely carved idol, called Mulaberam, was self-manifested since there is no known sculptor capable of making idols this beautiful and proportionate.

There is also no evidence that a human installed it.

Bottom Line

I know by now you must be dying to visit this otherworldly paradise that boasts such a strong and illustrious history, don’t you?

Well, honestly, no one would be able to resist visiting this temple due to its bewitching beauty.

See my case only; despite dwelling on it multiple times, my thirst for another visit never diminishes.

Trust me; you’ll feel the same way.

Therefore, I encourage you to explore this historic wonder on your own.