Tirumala Venkateswara Temple Information | Photos | Location

Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple or Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is situated on the "Thirumala Hill" which is perched at an altitude of 853 m above sea level. Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri are seven peaks in Thirumala Hills. As per Hindu mythology, these seven peaks represent seven heads of Adisesha, a snake over which Lord Vishnu reclines. Thus the hill is also termed as Seshachalam. Being located on the south bank of Sacred Pushkarini Lake, the temple is richest temple in the world. Many devotees visit the temple from all over world. There are many lodging sites within the temple complex. There are many legends regarding the appearance of Sri Venkateshwara Swamy deity in the Thirumala Temple, one among which is the main deity of the Swamy will ever remain in the temple throughout the entire Kali Yuga.

The sanctum sanctorum which has gold plated doom (Ananda Nilya Divya Vimanam). The main idol of Sri Venkateshwara Swamy stands straight below the doom. The deity is termed as “Mulaberam”.The idol of Lord Vishnu has four hands holding Conch Shell and Chakram on two hand. Lord Vishnu beholds Sri Lakshmi Devi in his right chest and Sri Padmavathi Devi in his left chest. Pilgrims has to cross the Golden Corridor (Bangaru Vakili) to enter the sanctum sanctorum. The door of sanctum sanctorum is guarded by huge copper idols of Dwarakabalas, Jaya and Vijaya. The Padi Kavali and Vendi Vakili (Silver Corridor) are exactly in line with door. Every morning, Suprabharatam is sung in front of the sanctum sanctorum door. Pilgrims cannot enter into the Garbha Graha. The idol of Swamivaru is usually decorated with golden crown with big emerald stone encored in front of the crown.

Sri Venkateshwara Swamy was sung by many saints and devotees namely 12 Alwars, Annamacharya, and Ramanuja etc. The temple is also mentioned in Rig Veda and Puranas. There are five important idols within the Thirumala Temple namely Dhruva Beram (Main deity with source power for the entire temple), Bhoga Beram (1 feet tall silver idol gifted by Pallava Queen Samavai), Ugra Beram (Angry version of Swamy Varu), Bali Beram (Representing all rituals, customs, accounts etc which takes place in the temple) and Utsava Beram (Idol which comes out along with Sridevi and Bhudevi in procession for devotees).