The grandeur of the Tirumala Tirupati temple and the stories attached to it have aroused the interest of travelers worldwide. Whether you are religiously inclined or not, a trip to Tirupati is considered incomplete without Tirupati philosophy.
The best time to visit Tirupati is during the Brahmotsavam festival when the city is filled with spiritual enthusiasm. If you are planning your visit to this Brahmotsavam in Tirupati, then here are some interesting facts about the Tirupati temple that you should know before going.
1. Tirupati Laddu Has A GI Patent
Yes, it’s true Tirupati Laddus has a GI patent, which is granted only to identify a product as proven to be unique. Prasad Laddoo in Tirupati Balaji is arguably the first offering at any place of worship recognized as intellectual property, in this case, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the temple.
2. The Temple Is The Most Visited Place of Worship In The World
About 50 thousand to one lakh devotees visit the Tirumala temple every day. And, when it is a festival or a special occasion like Brahmotsavam, the number of devotees increases to 5 lakhs, making it the most-visited holy place in the world.
3. Lord Balaji’s Idol Maintains 110 Degree F Temperature Always
Tirumala Tirupati temple is situated at an altitude of 3200 feet, and the surrounding environment is cold. Despite this fact, the idol of Lord Balaji remains at a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Every morning, after the bathing ritual, drops of sweat appear on the idol of Lord Balaji. On Thursday, when priests take out the ornaments of the idol for a holy bath, it is said that they come with a feeling of heat.
4. Oil Lamps Placed in Front of The Idol Are Perpetually Lit
In the sanctum sanctorum of Tirupati Balaji temple, earthen lamps are placed before the deity for worship. The amazing thing is that these lamps have never been closed and no one is aware of the time when they were first lit. It is known that they have been burning for hundreds of years and will continue to do so.
5. Flowers Offered at The Temple Come Out 20 Km Away
In Tirupati temple, flowers offered to Lord Balaji during morning worship are not thrown out of Garba Gudi (sanctum sanctorum). Instead, they are thrown into a waterfall flowing in the backside of the statue. Later, the priests avoid looking back at the deity for the rest of the day. Interestingly, the discarded flowers can be seen at Yerpedu, 20 km from Tirupati.
6. Lord Balaji’s Idol Survives Strong Chemical Reaction
The idol of Lord Venkateswara (another name of Lord Balaji) is decorated daily with Pachai Karpuram, a derivative of the Cinnamomum camphora tree. This is known as a highly volatile substance that leads to cracks and cracks on a stone. But this is not the case with Lord Balaji. Tirupati Balaji’s statue is resistant to volatile chemical reactions of matter, even when it stays with it most of the time.
7. Tirumala Has A Hill That Resembles A Garuda
Garuda is considered the vehicle of Lord Venkateswara. Amazingly, you find a hill in Tirumala in which a natural rock formation is in the form of Garuda.
8. There Are Mystical Hair On Lord Balaji’s Idol
The statue of Lord Balaji in Tirumala temple has real hair. Officials say this hair is never tangled and is silky smooth. It is a mystery how an idol has real hair.
9. 10-Year Waiting Runs On Lord Balaji’s Garment Offering
Devotees desirous of offering clothes to Lord Balaji have to wait for at least ten years for their turn. They have to deposit a specified amount in the temple office for the cost of the dress being prepared in a particular village by the weavers, who have to bathe thrice daily and refrain from alcohol and non-vegetarian food. On every Friday 15 such garment offerings are accepted by the temple office, and currently, one has to wait for a decade for the new offerings.
10. Items Used in Lord’s Abhishekam Are Imported From Abroad
Every morning at Tirupati Balaji temple begins with a consecration ritual. Various items are used for the abhishekam of Lord Balaji, including saffron, sandalwood, various types of flowers and fragrances, etc. Interestingly, the saffron used in the ritual comes from Spain, musk comes from Nepal, Punagu from China, and distinctive aroma ingredients from Paris. It is not! A sandal paste is prepared for the ceremony on a golden plate. You can see Abhishekam every morning from 4.30 am to 5.30 pm and visit this revered temple of South India.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tirupati
Q. Is Darshan available in Tirupati?
A – A notice posted on the TTD’s official website said that the tickets for the ‘Special Pravesh Darshan’ will be available for booking by the pilgrims from 9 am onwards. Each ticket costs Rs 300.
Q. Is free darshan now available in Tirupati in 2021?
A – Sarva Darshan (Free) tickets for November 2021 are fully booked. Tirumala Accommodation Quota for the month of November 2021 will be available for booking w.e.f. 25.10.2021 09:00 AM.
Q. Can I go to Tirupati without booking now?
A – Tirupati Darshan without Online Booking: Every morning at Srinivasam Tirtha Guest House tickets worth Rs 300 are issued for Darshanam on the same day you can come here and take a ticket with a valid ID proof along with all the family members, who are coming with you, there is a 90 percent chance you will get a ticket.
Q. What is the cost of VIP Darshan in Tirumala?
A – Anything other than free darshan is VIP darshan. It ranges from Rs. 300 to 12000 for different services. You can buy tickets online or over the counter in Tirumala depending on the season.
Q. Is Tirupati open for free darshan?
A – Tirupati: After widespread criticism from various quarters, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in Andhra Pradesh has finally decided to resume free darshan at Tirumala temple from September 9. TTD has decided to allow only 2000 devotees in a day under the slotted Sarva Darshan system.
Q. Is Aadhar card mandatory for free darshan of Tirumala?
A – Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati has made the Aadhaar card mandatory to avail of ‘privileged special entrance darshan’ and free laddus. However, those who do not have an Aadhar card can submit any other authorized identity card in the middle of the 10-km-long staircase in the temple.
Q. Can we get Rs 300 ticket directly to Tirumala?
A – Candidates can buy TTD Rs 300 tickets online from the official website. After completing the registration process, visitors can check the online booking status of Rs 500 by using the login details. Candidates can also apply for TTD Laddu orders through the online services of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.
Q. What is the age limit for Tirupati Darshan?
A – Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has resumed ‘darshan’ after a gap of eight months for people above 65, children below 10, and pregnant women due to coronavirus, provided they are tested for the pandemic. Follow all the prescribed guidelines.
Q. Are private cars allowed in Tirumala?
A – As per the TTD scheme, private taxis cannot drop pilgrims at their cottages, hotels, and guest houses and must stop at designated parking slots. “Private taxis cannot now go beyond a certain point over Tirumala.
Q. How can I get special entry in darshan at Tirumala?
A – Here are steps to book your ticket online:
- Visit the official TTD website on tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in/
- Tickets can be booked after 9 AM.
- Once the booking opens, click on “Please click here to book Special Entry Darshan (Rs.300) tickets”
- Fill in the required details and pay the fees.
- Your ticket will be booked.
Q. What should I wear to Tirupati Darshan?
A – According to this Samhita, a female devotee can wear a sari or churidar with chunni, while a male devotee can wear a dhoti or lungi with a Uttaryam or kurta-pajama. “A simple shirt and trousers are also allowed, but it would be ideal if men wear dhoti and uttriyam.
Q. What is Shrivari Tod Darshan?
A – Under this scheme, TTD Board has decided to bring Shrivari VIP Break Darshan for every devotee who can donate an amount of Rs.10,000/- per person. The main benefit of this scheme is to attract donations to the common devotees by giving them the good fortune of having darshan of Lord Venkateswara Dhruvaberam from near Kulasekhar Padi.
Q. How long does it take to visit Tirumala?
A – In fact, darshan is available 24 hours a day. This is not the problem that people are used to today. It is simple that you book darshan for Rs 300, reach an hour early, get in line, in 3 hours you will be free.
Q. Are bags allowed in Tirupati?
A – Mobile phones and bags are strictly not allowed. Bus services are abundant from Tirupati city to Tirumala. There will be a lot of crowds and the chances of getting injured are high, so make sure you’re well-hydrated and fed before standing in Que.
Q. What is Tirupati known for?
A – Tirupati is known for its famous Sri Venkateswara Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
Q. How can I visit Sri Venkateswara Temple?
A – Devotees can visit the temple by obtaining a darshan ticket either in advance or on the spot, subject to availability.
Q. Is there any dress code for visiting the temple?
A – Yes, there is a dress code for visiting the temple. Men are required to wear dhoti or pajamas with a shirt, and women are required to wear sarees or churidars with dupattas.
Q. What is the best time to visit Tirupati?
A – The best time to visit Tirupati is during the winter months from October to February, when the weather is pleasant.
Q. What are the other places to visit in Tirupati?
A – Other places to visit in Tirupati include the ISKCON Tirupati, Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple, Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple, and Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple.
Q. How can I reach Tirupati?
A – Tirupati can be reached by air, train or bus. The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India. The city also has a railway station and is well connected by road to other parts of Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states.
