Historical background of Tirupati Temple
The Tirupati Balaji Temple which is also known as Bhuloka Vaikuntham is claimed to be Vishnu’s home on Earth where thousands and lakhs of pious devotees visit every year. This is said to be the last temple built in honour of Lord Vishnu in our country which has incredible glory. It’s a common Hindu belief that visiting this immensely sacred temple once in a life can invite abundance and success for the rest of the coming years. Also identified as the Temple of the Seven Hills, this holy temple is constructed at an elevation of 853ft. Since millions of rupees are donated to this temple for charity, this divine temple establishes itself as India’s richest temple.
The Tirupati Temple that currently covers 16.2 acres land surface was started to be built in 300AD. Many kings had involved themselves in its construction but a name that deserves special mention is that of Maratha general, Raghoji Bhonsle who in the 18th century reviewed management procedures elaborately to witness this temple’s arrangement, then called the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Finally, the gorgeoustemple was completed and brought to the public eye in 1933 through TTAI Act.
Ideal time for visiting Tirupati Balaji
Though you can visit this magnificent temple during any season, the months of January and February offer favorableweather that’s most suitable for making this pilgrimage. From March to September, humid summers prevail in this region which leads to the temperature soaring up to 42 degrees.
Open 24 hours from 2.30 AM morning time to 1.30 AM next day, this majestic temple doesn’t provide a clear estimation of the duration of the free darshan taking pace here that’s known as Sarvadarshanam in Tirupati. In case of lesser crowd in the glorious temple, it will take you around 3 to 4 hours to complete the darshan while waiting in a long queue for this blessed opportunity can even take you 18 hours. You can pay rupees 300 online and opt for VIP darshan which will allow you to finish your enlightening exposure within 2 to 3 hours.
Why devotees donate hair during Balaji Darshan?
Heard of the term “Mokku”? Well, this refers to the unique tradition of donating hair at Tirupati Balaji which has been an ongoing custom for years. You may get surprised to hear this but one record reveals that 20 thousand pilgrims donate their hair at this grand temple every year!
As per Hindu belief, the main reason for continuing with this ancient tradition is that this donation helps Lord Venkateswara to repay his loans to Kubera. The major belief is that in exchange for the price of hair offered by devotees on their free will, Lord Venkateswara gives everyone ten times higher reward for their donation. Six hundred barbers are appointed to aid devotees to make this donation successfully.
Laddu at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam
The laddus provided at Tirupati as naivedyam are simply delicious. These sweets are carefully prepared inside the kitchen of Balaji Temple, which is called Potu. Weighing 175 grams each, these laddus are given GI tag which certifies that this religious temple solely and exclusively has the authority to craft and sell them.
Data shows that every day about one and a half lakh laddus are made at this eminent Devasthanam. The ingredients used for crafting these laddus are called Dittam. Due to rising demand for this sweet, only six times were changes made in its composition or Dittam since the holy temple came into existence.
How to reach Venkateswara Temple?
You can arrive at Tirupati Balaji Temple via air, road or train or by foot, as suggested by your travel agent. They can point out the availability of suitable transport, a convenient route and from which place to catch it from your location to help you make a smooth start to your pilgrim trip.
Contact a renowned tour and travel in Kolkata agency that offers 7 days and 6 nights stay in Tirupati to have an exceptionally sacred, treasured and fulfilling experience of Tirupati Balaji Darshan that’ll surely bring the blessings of Lord Vishnu to invite wealth, prosperity and happiness into your life!