SRI TIRUMALA TIRUPATI

Source : mallisrishastrasden.webs.com

Welcome to Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Darshan

       

Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Devasthanam is the worlds most popular and India’s important pilgrimage center and also most visited place of worship in the world. The temple itself is no less than a wonder; it is a magnificent epitome of God's creation. Crores of people visit this Paradise on earth. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is a famous Hindu Temple of Lord Balaji located in the Seven hills town Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India. more..

TOUR TO TIRUPATI TIRUMALA

Tirumala Tirupati Darshan booking tour package tickets online services from Chennai

We Arrange different tour packages to Tirupathi Tirumala from various city's, Currently we offer packages from South India Chennai, Our Tour starts daily from T.NAGAR at Night 10 P.M. & Morning 5.30 A.M, Coaches will return by 8.00 P.M & 10.P.M more..

source : http://www.tirupatibalajidarshan.com

Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignan Mandiram

The Sri Venkateswara Museum was established in 1980. Stone and wooden carvings, articles used for puja, and traditional art and architecture are displayed here.

Now, a new building, called the Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignana Mandiram has been constructed for the purpose. The building also has meditation halls for pilgrims.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Asthana Mandapam

The Asthana Mandapam or Sadas Hall is an auditorium near the main temple complex, where cultural events are held

Source: http://www.tirumala.org

TTD Gardens

The TTD Gardens - ornamental, landscape and flower gardens - occupy an area of 460 acres in Tirupati and Tirumala.

There are four nurseries at Tirumala with mist chambers - in the Travellers Bungalow area, Gogarbham Dam area, Sri Padmavathi Guest House area and Divyaramam area wherein ten lakh plants are propagated annually. Hybrid varieties of crotons, hibiscus,bougainvilleas have been released through hybridisation and mutation and named after great personalities - Croton Ramanuja, Tirumalanambi, Neelam, Dr.N.T.Rama Rao and bougainvillea varieties like Sharada Mukherjee and Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma. There are about 200 varieties of plants in the gardens.

The Department of Gardens has released a number of books and publications like Plant Wealth of Tirumala, Angiospermic Wealth of Tirumala,The Ornamental Designs, Inti Thotalu, Thota Panulu. The Garden Department has a large germplasm collection of various ornamental varieties collected from various places in India and abroad.

The great Vaishnava acharya Sri Ramanuja and his disciple, Sri Anandalwar are believed to have been responsible for starting these gardens in the fourteenth century. Legend has it that the Tirumala flower gardens were cultivated by Sattada Sri Vaishnavas under the name of Dasa Nambis who made flower garlands for use in temples in Tirumala-Tirupati. Inscriptions in the temple refer to numerous flower gardens during the latter period of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. In Tirumala many places are named after Nandanavanams - Andalwar Garden, Tharigonda Venkamamba Garden, Hathiramjee Garden and Tallapaka Garden.

To add to the glory of the gardens, there are many tanks and ponds such as Alwar Tank Mangalabhavi and Ananthapalligunta which are useful not only as perennial water sources for the temple gardens but also for growing red lotus flowers and supplying fresh water to the pilgrims and natives.

The main flowers used for Srivari Kainkaryam (puja) are the scented ones like roses, lotuses, chrysanthemums, davana, tulasi, Nerium, Tabornamontana, Kanakambaram (Tagetes) and Exora.

The Gardens Department of TTD meets the demand for flowers of all the temples in Tirumala.The Department supplies nearly 500 kg of flowers every day to all temples in Tirumala and Tiripati. It supplies garlands for adorning the deities and for decorating themandapam, pandals and vahanas on festive occasions.The Department also accepts flowers in the form of donations from the devotees wherein flowers can be supplied under the name 'Sri Vari Pushpa Kainkaryam'. The APSTC-run buses provide for free transport of flowers in Tirumala.

The Department organises Pushpa Yagam and horticultural flower shows every year during Brahmotsavam.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Other Places in Tirumala

Silathoranam is a natural rock formation in the form of an arch, near the Chakra Tirtham. Geologists have identified the rocks on the hill as pre-Cambrian, and this arch formation suggests an antiquity of several million years to the Tirumala hill.

It is said that there are only two other natural rock arches of such great antiquity in the world.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanoor

Tiruchanoor, also known as Alamelumangapuram, is about 5 km from Tirupati. The temple of Sri Padmavathi Devi, the consort of Lord Sri Venkateswara is situated here. It is said that a visit to Tirumala is fruitful only after visiting the Sri Padmavathi Devi temple.

You may wonder why Sri Padmavathi Devi's temple is away from Lord Sri Venkateswara's. Legend has it that the Lord (Sri Maha Vishnu, who later took on the incarnation of Sri Venkateswara) showed his reverence towards the sage, Bhrigu Maharshi, even though the sage had insulted Vishnu by kicking Him on the chest.

In anger, Sri Maha Lakshmi (the Lord's consort) reached Patala Loka, where she heard a divine voice stating that a pushkarini was dug on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi, and here She immersed herself in penance for 12 years.

In the 13th year (during the month of Karteeka, on Panchami day in the last fortnight, highlighted by the nakshathram Uttarashadha), Sri Padmavathi emerged from a golden lotus. It is believed that Goddess MahaLakshmi herself emerged as Sri Padmavathi.

Sub-temples in its premises are :

1. Sri Krishnaswamy Temple
2. Sri Sundara Rajaswamivari Temple
3. Sri Suryanarayana Swamivari Temple

Important Festivals

1.Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple: 

• Navarathri Festival(Dasara)
• Kartheeka Brahmotsavam
• Float festaival
• Vasanthotsavam
• Rathasapthami

2.Sri Sundara Rajaswamivari Temple: 

• Avatharotsavam for 3 days.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, Tirupati

Sri Govindarajaswami Temple is one of the most important temples in Tirupati. It has an imposing gopuram which can be seen from a distance.

Saint Ramanujacharya consecrated the temple in 1130 AD.

The festivals and functions are similar to those conducted in the Sri Venkateswara temple. The annual Brahmotsavam at this temple is celebrated in the month of Vaisakha every year. The annual float festival is also celebrated every year. 

The sub-temples in its premises are:

• Sri Parthasarathiswami Temple
• Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple
• Sri Andal Temple
• Sri Salai Nachiyar Ammavari Temple
• Sri Ramanuja Temple
• Sri Vyasaraya Anjaneyaswami Temple (Near Dwajasthambham)
• Sri Tirumangai Alwar Temple.
• Sri Kurath Alwar Temple
• Sri Madhurakavi Alwar Temple
• Sri Chakrathalwar Temple.
• Sri Mudal Alwar Temple.
• Sri Manavala Mahamuni Temple.
• Sri Vedantha Desikar Temple.
• Sri Woolu Alwar Temple.
• Sri Anjaneyaswami Temple(Near outer Bugga).
• Sri Nammalwar Temple.
• Sri Sanjeevarayaswami Temple (opposite the Hathiramjee Mutt) 
• Sri Eduru Anjaneyaswamy Temple.

The important festivals conducted in Sri Govindarajaswami Temple are:  

• Vaisakha Festival (Brahmotsavam)
• Float Festival
• Rathasapthami
• Bugga and Ponnakalva Utsavam
• Sri Andal Margalineerattam Festival
• Sri Salai Nachiyar Panguni Uttara Festival
• Sri Bhashyakarla Utsavam
• Sri Nammalwar Utsavam
• Jestabhishekam
• Thiruvadipuram Festival
• Thirumala Nambi Festival
• Adhyayanotsavam
• Thiru Nakshatram of alwar
• Manavalamahamuni Asthanam
• Vedantha Desikar Utsavam

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple, Tirupati

This temple, which was built by a Chola king during the tenth century AD, is situated in the heart of the Tirupati town. The presiding deities are Sita, Rama and Lakshmana.

The temple of Anjaneyaswami, which is directly opposite, is a subshrine of this temple. According to legend, this temple commemorates the visit of Sri Rama to Tirupati. The festivals of Ugadi and Sri Ramanavami are celebrated in this temple on a grand scale. Brahmotsavam is celebrated at this temple every year.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple, Tirupati

Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple is the only temple dedicated to Lord Siva in Tirupati.

It is situated about 3 km to the north of Tirupati, at the foot of the Tirumala Hills. The sacred waterfall called Kapila Teertham (also known as Alwar Teertham) is located here. Annual Brahmotsavams and festivals like Vinayaka Chaturthi, Mahasivaratri, Skanda Shasti and Annabhishekam are performed here with great pomp and splendour.

Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple, Sri Lakshminarayanaswamy Temple and Sri Vinayakaswamy Temple on the Second Ghat Road are sub-temples which function under the control of the Kapileswaraswamy Temple. 

Source : http://www.tirumala.org/

Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram

Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami temple is at Srinivasa Mangapuram situated 12 km to the west of Tirupati.

According to legend, Lord Venkateswara stayed here after his marriage with Sri Padmavathi Devi, before proceeding to Tirumala. Annual Brahmotsavam and Sakshatkara Vaibhavam are celebrated in grand manner.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sri Veda Narayanaswami Temple, Nagalapuram

Sri Veda Narayanaswami Temple is located in Nagalapuram, 70 km south-east of Tirupati.

It is believed that Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, in the form of Matsya, killed the rakshasa (demon) Somakudu here, and retrieved the Vedas from the latter.

The sanctum sanctorium houses an image of the Matsya form of Vishnu, with Sridevi and Bhudevi on either side. A peculiar feature of the idol is that it holds the Sudarsana Chakra in prayoga (ready for release).

The temple was constructed by Sri Krishnadeva Raya, the Vijayanagara emperor, and is a fine specimen of the Vijayanagara style of architecture.

The sub-temples within the main temple are:

• Sri Vedavalli Tayaru
• Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple
• Sri Veeranjaneya Swami temple
• Sri Bhakta Anjaneya Swami temple
• Sri Sita Lakshmana Sameta Ramulavari temple

The most important annual festivals in this temple are Brahmotsavam, and Surya Puja along with the Float festival, conducted on the 12th, 13th and 14th days of the month of Phalguna.

During these three days, the sun's rays fall on the main deity between 1800 hrs and 1815 hrs. On the first day, they fall on the feet, on the second - on the chest and on the third - on the forehead, depicting worship by Sri Surya Bhagavan (the Sun God) himself.

The annual Brahmotsavam is conducted in the month of Jyeshtha. The other important sevas conducted in the temple are:

• Float Festival during Surya Pooja
• Vaikunta Ekadasi
• Andal Neeratotsavam
• Bhogi
• Sankranti and Kanumu
• Rathasapthami
• Kanchi Garuda Seva

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sri Venugopalaswami Temple, Karvetinagaram

Sri Venugopalaswami Temple is situated in Karvetinagaram (near Puttur), 48 km from Tirupati.

The main deity of the temple is Sri Venugopalaswami with His consorts - Sri Rukmini Ammavaru and Sri Satyabhama Ammavaru. The temple timings are 0600 to 1100 hrs and 1600 to 2000 hrs every day.

There is a sub-temple with the idol Sri Sita Ramula Pattabhishekam.

The important festivals conducted in the temple every year are:

Annual Brahmotsavam

Utlotsavam

Vaikuntha Ekadasi (Mukkoti Ekadasi)

Ugadi Asthanam

Gokulashtami

Teppotsavam (Float Festival)

Sankranti Utsavam

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sri Prasanna Venkateswaraswami Temple, Appalayanagunta

Sri Prasanna Venkateswaraswami Temple is located in Appalayanagunta, 14 km from Tirupati.

It is believed that after Lord Sri Venkateswara married Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru, He blessed Sri Siddeswara and other sages here.

The temple, constructed by the Rajas of Karvetinagar, consists of a shrine for Anjaneyaswami. The imposing image of the wind-god is worshipped by devotees for relief from chronic diseases.There are also idols of Goddess Padmavathi and Sri Andal here. The presiding deity in this temple, unlike in the main temple, is in the Abhaya Hastha pose.

Brahmotsavam is celebrated once a year at this temple.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sri Venkateswara Nitya Laddu Danam Scheme

DETAILS OF SRI VENKATESWARA NITYA LADDUDANAM SCHEME

This scheme was started on 5-04-1981. The intention of the scheme is to provide Prasadam to each an every pilgrim after Srivari Darshan. After completion of distribution of Anna Prasadams at Tirumala Temple, small laddus of 25 grams are being distributed to all the pilgrims daily in the Temple on free of cost under this scheme.

How the scheme operates

This scheme is being run with the donations from devotees and donors. With a view to continue the scheme forever the Devasthanams deposited all the donations in nationalised banks and the interest accrued on it is being capitalized for the scheme. So, Laddudanam will not be performed either on behalf of a particular donor or on a specified date. Laddudanam is being performed on all 365 days in a year and on behalf of all the donors.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org/

Sri Venkateswara Information Technology Seva Trust

Overview

The T.T.Devasthanams is undertaking various Charitable and Spiritual activities in the service of Lord Venkateswara. In order to implement the modern technology to benefit the public at large, the TTD has created a new Trust called Sri Venkateswara Information Technology Seva Trust.

Objects

To provide to public the accessibility of Information Technology enabled services for free accommodation, free food and free medical facility to deserving general public. Information dissemination through electronic media technology and interest to the public by digitalizing ancient Indian Books, Indian Philosophy, Indian Literature, Indian Scripts and such activities with a view to preserve the ancient cultural heritage of India.

Concept Themes

The themes planned are - Legends of Sri Venkateswara; The Sacred Tirumala Hills and its Environs; Sevas and Festivals; Azhwars and Acharyas; Annamacharya and Saint Musicians; Dasavataram of Vishnu; Temples of Vishnu etc.

Water Themes

Gajendra Moksham; Kalinga Nartanam; Amrita Manthanam; and Mahavishnu in Ksheera Sagaram.

Planned facilities

The facilities planned would include - Musical fountain and water screens; Open air theater; Laser shows; Floating fountains; Fog & mist equipments; Audio equipments and sound projections; Animation control and choreography system; 4-D sensory theatres; Gate access control system; Ticketing and bar-boding systems; Multi-lingual program display & information kiosks; Special light fittings; Mechanical drive systems; Centralised air conditioning systems; Multimedia projects; Stage and scenery construction; Internal movement system; and Control system.

In addition to the above components, the Trust will be complemented by the supporting facilities and amenities for the general convenience of the visiting pilgrim population. Supporting facilities would cover aged people rest room, aged people special escorts, locker and cloak room, toilet facilities, first aid center, shopping complex fitting into ambience, ticketing counters, parking space, kiosks, restaurant, lounge, etc.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust

Lord Sri Venkateswara did it

In Sri Venkatachala Mahathyam Lord Brahma became a cow, Lord Siva became a Calf and Sri Lakshmi became a Yadava maid and both the cow and calf were sold to Chola king by Sri Lakshmi in a bid to provide milk to meditating Srinivasa in Venkatachalam. There also He protected the cow from the curse of its herdsman.

Overview

Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Trust is established for protecting the cow and emphasizing the spiritual importance of the cow apart from its economic aspect. The divine cow protects the universe by embodying the deities, Gods and Goddesses of Hindu Religion. Since the ancient time cows role in Agricultural and Human Health has been appreciated, scientific knowledge base confirms the ancient’s understanding. It is time to take firm action to educate or re-educate people / society about the role of cow in Agriculture / animal Health care and Human Health, besides ecological significance.

Further, TTD has initiated Gosamrakshana and cow wealth development activities in large scale, by establishing an extension unit of S.V.Gosamrakshana Shala and named as Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshana Research Centre aimed as model centre of excellence for cow wealth development to be developed as a role model for emulation by rest of the humanity at large and be the torch bearer in generating and leading the enlightened public opinion on the wisdom for realigning the society policies and approaches in favour of sacred cow.

The S.V.Gosamrakshana Shala, TTD., Tirupati supplies milk and curd to all the TTD Temples for rituals, Prasadams. Abhishekhams etc., and to the service institutions like S.V.Balamandir (Orphanage), S.V.Deaf and Dumb School, S.V.Training Centre for Physically handicapped, S.V.Poor Home (Leprosy Hospital), S.V.Vedapatasala, S.V.Oriental College Hostel, TTD. Hospitals, “Annadanam” Scheme of TTD and Educational Instituions of TTD. 

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sri Venkateswara Heritage Preservation Trust

Our Temples symbolize India's hallowed culture and sanatana dharma. Temples, which are the repositories of sculpture, paintings, music, literature, dance and other art forms, are built for the prosperity and well-being of all people. According to sastras, God manifests Himself in the images and fulfils the desires of the devotees on account of the spiritual penance of the great sages who consecrated the deities in the temples and the regular rituals performed there and due to the enchanting beauty of the idols, which conform to the silpa agamas. It is the bounden duty and responsibility of every Indian to preserve these temples, which are the centers of vedic culture, to renovate any dilapidated portion of the temples or rebuild them. It may be the vimana or prakara, balipeetha or dwajasthambha or it may be even the main idol. It is said natural disasters like flood and drought may occur not only in the villages where such ruined temples are located but also in the entire country.

Many acharyas have expressed their displeasure at raising new temples indiscriminately and stressed the need for preserving the ancient temples consecrated by the great sages - they may be temple - like edifices, which reflect the glory of vedic culture and religion or places of archeological interest.

It is an uphill task for individuals alone to undertake their preservation and renovation. With a view to accomplish this lofty aim, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has launched 'Sri Venkateswara Heritage Preservation Trust'.

'Karta Kartayite chaiva preraka syanu modaka, which means one who organizes an dexecutes a noble task, encourages, approves and derives pleasure from it, enjoys all fruits of such a meritorious act.

We earnestly appeal to all philanthropists to contribute generously to 'Sri Venkateswara Heritage Preservation Trust' and participate in this sacred endeavor. There is need for renovating dilapidated temples in every village and in every town for universal welfare. The donors can contribute any amount towards this scheme.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sri Venkateswara Bala Mandir

Sri Venkateswara Bala Mandir (SVBM) is an orphanage established in 1943. Its objective is to identify destitutes, feed and educate them, and work towards their rehabilitation in society. SVBM is a charitable institution run with TTD funds.

SVBM looks after the boarding and lodging of the destitutes during the course of their study. Separate accommodation is provided for boys and girls, in a spacious building.

The number of inmates is restricted to 500. Children should be in the age group of five-ten years at the time of admission. Further, they should have no record of crime, for which suitable evidence needs to be produced. Besides the regular subjects of study, vocational courses like tailoring and typing are included in the curriculum.

SVBM organises special feeding for destitutes, on festivals and other important national holidays.






Source : http://www.tirumala.org/

Balaji Institute of Surgery, Research and Rehabilitation for the Disabled

The objective of the Balaji Institute of Surgery, Research and Rehabilitation for the Disabled (BIRRD) is to provide medical treatment/facilities to those suffering from polio myelitis, cerebral palsy, congenital anomalies, spinal injuries, and the orthopaedically handicapped, particularly the poor, irrespective of religion, caste or creed.

In 1994, BIRRD was converted to a Trust. TTD provides a matching grant to the Trust, equivalent to the donations it receives. A proposal for 100% exemption under the Indian Income Tax Act, for donations to BIRRD is under consideration.

BIRRD operates from a spacious hospital with a capacity of 250 beds, built at a cost of Rs. 4.5 crore. It has five operation theatres, a modern Artificial Limb Fitting Centre (that provides aids and appliances, free of cost, to physically handicapped patients) and a sophisticated Physiotherapy Department. Research is also conducted here.

Currently, BIRRD is in the process of collecting data pertaining to polio-affected children in Andhra Pradesh, after which it will start screening patients at the district level. With the help of voluntary organisations, three districts have already been covered under this scheme.

BIRRD proposes to start a Total Spinal Trauma Care Centre with comprehensive rehabilitation. It also plans to introduce post graduate and graduate courses in Physiotherapy.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

SRI VENKATESWARA NITHYA ANNADANAM SCHEME

Annadanam is a unique scheme among all donations. Nothing predominates it. By donating to Annadanam Scheme people get moksha. ‘ Annam Para Brahma Swarupam’. Food only can support the body to attain Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. The person, who participate in this sacred Annadanam, will be blessed by divine Gods. Creatures cannot live without food, hence the donors of Annadanam are also considered as donors of pranadanam. Pranadanam means to offer all things as donation, accordingly they are blessed. Annadanam is a sacred activity. It is said that the sacred works done by the people with the energy acquired by food bestows half of its effect to the donor of food and the rest is to that person. Many positive results like this can acquire from the Annadanam.

Service to human is service to God. Serving food to the hungry is equal to effect of performing ritual yagna. Human beings can only be satisfied with food but not with gold, dress and other things, as they desire to have them more and more. But in case of food a man wholeheartedly says that the food is ‘ enough ‘ for him. It is said that glory, strength and fame will be acquired in Trilokas by Annadanam. The donor of Anandanam will get first entry in the heaven. For this noble cause, participate in TTD Annadanam Scheme by giving donations in huge amounts and see that the programme is continued forever without any break.

According to the legends, Tirumala is the sacred place and Lord Srinivasa is the Mystic God at all the times in the universe Performing. Annadanam which is the best among all charities, at the holiest place, to the devotees of greatest God Lord Balaji, is really a noble act. You can be a part of this sacred TTD Annadanam Scheme by contributing ample amounts as donations. 

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

ANANDA NILAYAM - ANANTHA SWARNAMAYAM

TTD TRUST BOARD in its RES.456, DT.20-09-2008 has resolved to make "Anandanilayam Anantha Swarnamayam" in Sri Tirumala Temple by providing Gold Coating to the main sanctum sanctorum. The Project may be taken up in two phases. The first phase is making Swarnamayam on the outer walls of Sri Tirumala Temple (Starting from the wall nearer to Srivari Bell and ending at Hundi) and in the Second phase the inner side of the outer walls called as "Vaikuta Dwaram". TTD has taken up a massive project with an estimated cost of Rs.40 crores.

DONATION AMOUNT (No Income Tax Benifit Under This Scheme.)

There is no minimum contribution for the scheme. The Donations received under this scheme will be deposited in Anandanilayam - Anantha Swarnamayam Account No. 055810011200088, Andhra bank, Tirumala Branch to utilize for purchase of Gold having 99.99% purity for Gold Coating.

Donations can be made by way of Cheque / Demand Draft on any Scheduled bank drawn in favour of the Executive Officer, Anandanilayam - Anantha Swarnamayam , S.V.Museum, Tirumala-517 504 or by way of God in the Office of Peishkar, Sri T.T., Tirumala

Individuals, firms, Companies etc. can make donations, and they who donated 1kg Gold or its equalent Value are eligible for certain privileges only.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Padi Kavali Maha Dwara

The Padi Kavali Maha Dwara or Outer Gopuram stands on a quadrangular base.

Its architecture is that of the later Chola period. The inscriptions on the gopuram belong to 13th century. There are a number of stucco figures of Vaishnava gods like Hanuman, Kevale Narasimha and Lakshmi Narasimha on the gopuram.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sampangi Pradakshinam

The path for circumambulating the temple is called a pradakshinam. The main temple has three prakarams. Between the outermost and middle prakarams is the second pathway for circumambulation known as the Sampangi Pradakshinam. Currently, this pathway is closed to pilgrims.

The Sampangi Pradakshinam contains several interesting mandapams like the Pratima Mandapam, Ranga Mandapam, Tirumala Raya Mandapam, Saluva Narasimha Mandapam, Aina Mahal and Dhvajasthambha Mandapam.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Krishna Deva Raya Mandapam

After passing through the Padi Kavali Maha Dvara, you will find yourself in an open mandapam called the Krishna Deva Raya Mandapam or Pratima Mandapam.

This mandapam gets its name from the pratimas or bronze portrait icons of the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya and his two consorts, Tirumaladevi to his left, and Chinnadevi to his right. All three icons face the main shrine, with their hands joined in supplication.

In the southern wing of the Mandapam, is a statue of Venkatapathi Raya of the Aravidu dynasty, who ruled over Chandragiri around 1570 AD. To its side are stone statues of Achyutha Raya, who succeeded Krishna Deva Raya to the throne, and his wife Varadajiamma.

This Mandapam is believed to be built in later Vijayanagara times (early half of the 16th century). This Mandapam is full of exquisitely beautiful pictures of the Vijayanagara period like, Rama breaking the bow, Rama Pattabhishekam and Krishna Leela.

Sri Vaishnava symbols or the Urdhvapundras flanked by a conch and disc are carved at the top of the two main pillars of the Mandapam.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Ranga Mandapam

Ranga Mandapam, also called the Ranganayakula Mandapam, is located in the south-eastern corner of the Sampangi Pradakshinam. The shrine within it is believed to be the place where the utsava murti of Lord Ranganadha of Srirangam was kept during the 14th century, when Srirangam was occupied by Muslim rulers.

It is said to have been constructed between 1320 and 1360 AD by the Yadava ruler Sri Ranganadha Yadava Raya. It is constructed according to the Vijayanagara style of architecture.



Source : http://www.tirumala.org/

Tirumala Raya Mandapam

Adjoining the Ranga Mandapam on the western side, and facing the Dhvajasthambha Mandapam is a spacious complex of pavilions known as the Tirumala Raya Mandapam or Anna Unjal Mandapam.

It consists of two different levels, the front at a lower level and the rear at a higher. The southern or inner portion of this Mandapam was constructed by Saluva Narasimha in 1473 AD to celebrate a festival for Sri Venkateswara called Anna Unjal Tirunal. This structure was extended to its present size by Araviti Bukkaraya Ramaraja, Sriranga Raja and Tirumala Raja.

It is in this Mandapam, that the utsava murthi Malayappan, holds His annual darbar or Asthanam during the hoisting of the Garudadhwaja on Dhwajastambham to mark the commencement of Brahmotsavam. Incidentally, the prasadam distributed on this occasion is still called Tirumalarayan Pongal.

The Mandapam has a typical complex of pillars in the Vijayanagara style, with a central pillar surrounded by smaller pillars, some of which emit musical notes when struck with a stone. The main pillars have rearing horses with warriors mounted on them. Some of the best sculptures of the temple are found in bold relief in the Mandapam. The bronze statues of Todermallu, his mother Matha Mohana Devi and wife Pitha Bibi, are kept in a corner of the Mandapam.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Aina Mahal

The Aina Mahal is on the northern side of the Tirumala Raya Mandapam. It consists of two parts - an open mandapam in the front consisting of six rows comprising six pillars each, and a shrine behind it consisting of an Antarala and Garbhagriha.

It has large mirrors which reflect images in an infinite series. There is an unjal in the middle of the room in which the Lord is seated and festivals conducted.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Dhwajasthambha Mandapam

The Dhwajasthambha Mandapam houses the Dhwajastambha (a wooden flagpole encased in gold) and the Bali Peetha (seat for food offering).

A peculiar feature of the Mandapam is that it is covered (unlike in other temples) to facilitate the conduct of rituals in all weather conditions.

The relative positions of the Dhwajasthambha and the Bali Peetha are in accordance with Vaikhanasa Agamic traditions. 

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Nadimi Padi Kavali

The Nadimi Padi Kavali or Inner Gopuram is the inner entrance to the temple, which is reached through the Dhvajasthambha Mandapam.

Its wooden doors are covered with silver plates, and therefore it is also referred to as the Vendi Vakili. The doors are smaller than that of the Outer Gopuram.

There are numerous inscriptions on the inside walls, the earliest relating to the Pandyan monarch, Jata Varma Sundarapandya, who became king in 1251 AD.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sri Varadarajaswami Shrine

The shrine of Sri Varadarajaswami is an independent shrine located on the eastern side of the vimana.

The idol of Sri Varadarajaswami faces the West and is in a standing posture, with a disc and conch in the upper right and left hands respectively. The lower right hand is in the Abhaya pose and the lower left, in the Katyavalambika pose.

The name Varadaraja is given to this form of Sri Maha Vishnu as he is believed to be the giver of boons. 

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Potu

The Potu or main kitchen where the food-offerings for the main temple are prepared, is to the south of the Varadarajaswami shrine.

Inside the Potu, there is a small shrine dedicated to Sri Maha Lakshmi, who is also called Potu Amma (lady of the kitchen) or Madapuli Nachiyar. She is identified with Vakulamalika, who was, according to the Puranas, sent by Varahaswami to be the house-keeper of Sri Venkateswara, when he resided on the hill. Vakulamalika is said to have arranged Lord Sri Venkateswara's marriage with Padmavathi.

In reality, she is regarded as Sri Maha Lakshmi, and is worshipped as such. She is worshipped during Varalakshmi Vratam, in the month of Sravana.

There is a similar icon of Sri Maha Lakshmi in the Padi Potu, another kitchen located in the Sampangi Pradakshinam.

Rice prasadam is prepared in the inner Potu, while other Panyarams like laddus, vadas appams etc., are prepared in the Padipotu.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

The Main Shrine

The main shrine includes the sanctum and the three successive halls

in front of it upto the Bangaru Vakili. It consists of the:

* Snapana Mandapam, a square hall.

* Ramar Meda, a rectangular hall.

* Sayana Mandapam, also rectangular in shape, where the

   Ekanta Seva is performed.

* Sanctum or Garba Griha, in which the idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara stands. In between the sanctum and the Sayana Mandapam, is the celebrated threshold, called the Kulasekhara-padi.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sankeertana Bhandara

Adjoining the porch of Bhashyakara Sannidhi on its western side, is a small room called Talapakamara or Sankeertana Bhandara. It was constructed to preserve the collection of sankeertanas composed by the Talapaka poets (Talapaka Annamacharya, his son Pedda Tirumalacharya and grandson Chinna Tirumalacharya), who were minstrels attached to the hill shrine.

Annamacharya, the greatest of the three poets, came to the hill shrine in 1424 AD and served the Lord by rendering songs that he had composed, during some sequences of worship. He was a senior contemporary of Purandara Dasa, and his songs mark a significant stage in the evolution of South Indian music.

His songs can be classified into three groups - Adhyatama Sankeertanam, Sringara Sankeertanam and Srungara Manjari.

The songs were preserved in the Talapakamara for more than four hundred years, before they were transferred to the TTD office in Tirupati for the preparation of transcripts for publication during the days of the last Mahant, Prayaga Das, at the instance of the TTD epigraphist, Sri Sadhu Subramania Sastry.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Bangaru Bavi

In front of the Potu is a well called the Bangaru Bavi

The site of the Bangaru Bavi is as directed in the Vaikhanasa Agamas, and it is constructed according to the Vijayanagara style of architecture.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Garbha Gruha

The Garbha Gruha or sanctum is where the main idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara resides.

The idol stands majestically in the Garbha Gruha, directly beneath a gilt dome called the Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana.

This exquisitely-wrought idol called the Mulaberam, is believed to be self-manifested, as there has been no known sculptor possessing the capability to sculpt idols so proportionately and beautifully. Further, no human being is known to have installed it in the shrine.

Ordinarily, the Lord wears a gold kiritam which has a large emerald embedded in front. On special occasions, he is adorned with a diamond kiritam.

On his forehead, the Lord has a thick double patch of upwrought namam drawn with refined camphor, which screens his eyes. In between the two white patches is a kasturitilakam.

His ears are bedecked with shining golden makara kundalas. The fist of His raised right hind hand is implanted with a gem-set chakra, and the corresponding left fist with the sankhu. The slightly outstreched front right hand, has its fingers pointing to His lotus feet, as the only recourse to His devotees to attain oneness with Him and enjoy eternal bliss. His front left hand is akimbo to assure His devotees of protection, and to show that the samsara sagara is only hip-deep if they seek His refuge.

His body is clothed with a pitambaram tied with gold string, and a gold belt to which are attached tiny, jingling gold bells. He is adorned with precious ornaments. He has a yajnopavita flowing down cross-wise from His left shoulder. He bears Sri Lakshmi Devi on His right chest and Sri Padmavathi Devi on His left chest. He bears Nagabharanam ornaments on both shoulders.

His lotus feet are covered with gold frames and decked with clinging gold anklets. A strong curved belt of gold encompasses his legs.

During Abhishekam, we can have darshan of Goddess Lakshmi.

The Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana was covered with gilt copper plates and surmounted with a golden vase, in the thirteenth century, during the reign of the Vijayanagara king, Yadava Raya.

Pilgrims are not allowed to enter the Garbha Gruha (beyond Kurasekara path)

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Ramar Meda

Ramar Meda, which means 'the elevated platform for Rama', used to house the icons of Rama, Sita and Laxmana. These icons have since been moved to the sanctum.

The images of Vishvaksena and Garuda are the utsava murthis of their respective sub-shrines.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Kalyana Mandapam

Kalyanotsavam or marriage festival is celebrated in the Kalyana Mandapam.

The Kalyana Mandapam is architecturally similar to the Tirumala Raya Mandapam. At its western end, is a small mandapam carried on slender cut-stone pillars and surmounted by a vimana.

On the South of the shrine is a raised portion called the Yagasala where homams are performed in connection with Brahmotsavam and other festivals. 

Source : http://www.tirumala.org

Sri Ramanuja Shrine

Adjacent to the Sangeeta Bhandara in the northern corridor of the Vimana Pradakshinam is the shrine of Sri Ramanuja, the great Vaishnava Acharya. It is also called the Bhashyakara Sannidhi.

Ramanuja was the architect of Tirupati and the father of the Sri Vaishnava community there. He designed the Nandanavanams or flower gardens of the temple. He was mainly responsible for managing the worship procedures and other affairs of the Sri Venkateswara temple.

The shrine was built around the 13th century. It overlooks the western end of the Tirumamani Mandapam. The Pandyan emblem of two fish and a hook is carved on the wall next to the entrance.

The right hand of the stone image of Ramanuja is held in the gesture of exposition (vyakhyana mudra), and the left hand in the form of boon bestowal (varada hasta), or of holding a book (pustaka hasta).

The shrine figures prominently during the festival of Adhyayanotsavam, which is a typical Pancharatra observance. Special worship is conducted in this shrine during Gandhapodi Utsavam and Bhashyakara Utsavam. The utsava murthi of Ramanuja is taken in a grand procession to meet Malayappa near the Padi Kavali.

Source : http://www.tirumala.org