Tirupati , Andhra Pradesh
About Tirupati
A major Pilgrimage center and the cultural city, Tirupati or Tirupathi is located in Chittoor District of Southern Andhra Pradesh State. The "Sri Venkateshwara Temple" atop the Thirumala in Tirupathi is world widely famous and the richest temple. The Thirumala Hills are second oldest mountains in the world. Tirupathi city is located on the foothills of Thirumala on Eastern Ghats. The city and the Thirumala Temple were controlled by various Kingdoms like Pallava (9th century), Chola (10th century) and Vijayanagara Empire (14th till 15th century). It is during the Vijayanagara Empire Tirupathi had attained its importance and glory. The city and the temple were also invaded by British Raj.
Tirupathi and the Thirumala Temple, being a Vaishnavite Pilgrimage Center, were mentioned and sung by Alwars who were famous Vaishnava Saints. The city can see footfalls of many devotees during the festivals like Brahmostavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Ramanavami and Janhamstami.
Buying and gifting to our family and friends is an important ritual to be followed when visiting the Thirumala Temple. Thus there are enormous shopping stalls and complexes where you can buy white wood toys, colorful clay bangles, Tanjore style gold leaf paintings from Mandanapalli etc.
