Bangalore to Tirupati

September 10, 2022 By Blog No Comments

Tirupati is known as the abode of the Hindu god Venkateshwara, Lord of Seven Hills. The sacred hill of Tirumala is situated about 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Tirupati in Sri Venkateshwara Sanctuary and National Park. Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam is the richest and one of the most revered shrines in India. The hill was considered so holy that before 1870 non-Hindus were not permitted to ascend it. At the hill’s summit, at an elevation of 2,800 feet (850 meters), is a temple of great antiquity. The temple, nestled among sacred waterfalls and tanks (reservoirs) and dedicated to Venkateshwara, is a fine example of Dravidian art and is one of the most important pilgrimage centers in India.

What are the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ in Tirupati and Tirumala?

DO’S

  • Do’s in Tirumala are as follows:
  • Pay obeisance to your Ishta Daivam or Kula Daivam before you start for Tirumala pilgrimage.
  • Book your travel and accommodation in Tirumala well in advance.
  • Bathe in the Swami Pushkarini and worship Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy in his temple before you go to worship Lord Sri Venkateshwara Swamy.
  • Bathe and wear clean clothes before you enter the sanctum shrine of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
  • Concentrate on Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy inside the temple.
  • Observe absolute silence and chant “Om Namo Sri Venkatesaya”, inside the temple.
  • Bathe in the Papavinasanam and Akasha Ganga tirthams in Tirumala.
  • Respect ancient customs and usages while at Tirumala.
  • Respect and promote religious sentiments among co-pilgrims.
  • Deposit your offerings only in the Hundi.
  • Wear a tilak in accordance with your religious affiliation.
  • Follow the procedures of the temple and wait for your turn for the darshan of the Lord.

DON’TS

  • Don’ts in Tirumala are as follows:
  • Don’t Come to Tirumala for any purpose other than worshipping the Lord.
  • Don’t Carry much jewelry and cash with you.
  • Don’t Wear footwear in and around the premises of the temple.
  • Don’t Approach touts for accommodation and darshan.
  • Don’t Prostrate (sastanga danda pranamam) inside the temple.
  • Don’t Throw away the prasadam and teertham given to you at the temple.
  • Don’t Eat non-vegetarian food or consume liquor or other intoxicants and smoke while in Tirumala.
  • Don’t Wear any head guards such as helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
  • Don’t Commit any act of violence or harshness in the temple premises.
  • Don’t Rush in for darshan instead of waiting for your turn in the queue.
  • Don’t Enter the temple; if according to custom or usage, you are prohibited to enter.
  • Don’t Wear flowers at Tirumala temple, as all flowers of the sacred Seven Hills are for the Lord only.
  • Don’t Encourage beggars.
  • Don’t Spit or be a nuisance inside the temple premises.

Here is a list of the best places to visit in Tirupati that are highly recommended for visitors.

Govindarajan Temple: 

Govindarajan Temple is one of the most visited Tirupati tourist places and while you are in the city, you ought to pay a visit to this religious place. Located in the heart of the city, Govindarajan Temple was built in the 12th century and it is famous for being the biggest temple complex in Chittoor district. The main deity in this temple is Lord Vishnu and the idol of him in the temple is in reclining yoga Nidra posture.

Kapila Theertham: 

Visit Kapila Theertham on Maha Shivratri and get ready to be acquainted with the rituals and traditions of the people residing in Tirupati. If you are looking for spots for sightseeing in Tirupati, then Kaipa Theertham is an excellent choice.

Sri Venkateswara National Park: 

If you are passionate about getting to know about the flora and fauna of Tirupati then you must stop by this national park. Red Sanders, Shorea thumburggaia, and Sandalwood are some of the endemic plant species that can be found in this national park. You can also carry your binoculars on your vacations as you can spot around 178 species of birds here.

Bazaar Street: 

Bazaar Street which is an alleyway in this historic town is lined with shops selling handicraft merchandise and other goods from cottage industries. One of the most visited tourist places in Tirupati.

Deer Park:

Deer Park of Tirupati. Enveloped within an awe-striking natural atmosphere, this park is an ideal refuge from bustling city life and you can visit this place to spend quality time in peace. Witnessing the deer in their natural habitat will surely be a memorable experience for you.

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple: 

This temple is located a little away from the city center. Dedicated to the Goddess Padmavathi, this is one of the most visited temples by all kinds of travelers. There are various prominent stories that revolve around this temple and is considered to be one of the most fascinating structures in Tirupati.

ISKCON Tirupati: 

ISKCON can be seen sitting on the foothills of Tirumala Hills and offers a sight to behold. It was in the year 1974 that Srila Prabhipada suggested that his teachings from the holy Bhagwat Geeta be propagated. This center named ISKCON was then built to spread the knowledge about what Bhagwat Geeta says.

Talakona Waterfall: 

Talakona Waterfall leaves the jaws dropped to the ground. The tranquility and peace spread in the atmosphere are, indeed, something that one should embrace. Talakona is sitting in Sri Venkateswara National Park and is believed to possess medicinal properties.

TTD Gardens: 

The mesmerizing surroundings here will keep you away from the hustle and bustle of rural life and can be a great escape. Apart from the beautifully bloomed flowers, some of the highlights of this garden are Ananthapalligunta, Alwar Tank, and Mangalabhavi.

Sri Veda Narayanaswami Temple: 

Sri Veda Narayanaswami Temple is a place of worship that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This is one of those few temples covering the floors of Tirupati that depicts the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, including Matsya/the fish.

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