Saturday, September 08, 2012

In the hills of Tirupati, nature and man have collaborated to proffer the traveller more than just a holy communion

What makes people especially believe in the powers of this temple is also partly due to religious texts such as the Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns stating that in the Kali Yuga, only the worship of Sri Venkateswara can allow a person to attain mukti – ultimate spiritual freedom.

“Tirumala is a town centred around the temple. It also has a lot of cottages, a lot of shopping plazas catering only to the devotees. It has no residences as people aren’t allowed to reside over there,” says Anuradha Mothali, who was once a resident of Tirupati. “Tirupathi is a small town. It is surrounded by forests and there are few waterfalls, which are not as splendid as the ones you’ll find in Madhya Pradesh and up north. But as there are not many hills in the South, it’s a nice breather,” said Anuradha. True enough, there are some nice scenic places one can visit when here. Among the waterfalls, Talakona Waterfall is particularly famous as it is believed to have healing properties. It is situated in Sri Venkateswara National Park, which is home to other waterfalls as well and is famous for its wild animals and birds. The rare lender Loris and the golden Gecko, Indian giant squirrel, tree shrew and flying lizards can be sighted here. Among the dense forests around Tirupati, there are said to be some 1000 Theerthas or sacred mountain streams. Akashganga is another famous waterfall, which is about 9km north of the Tirumala Temple. Its waters are used to give the Lord a bath every morning.

There are many other temples, which are also shrouded in legends, and are a must-visit when in Tirupati/Tirumala. For example, the Govindarajaswami temple, which is a landmark in Tirupati and is dedicated to Lord Balaji’s elder brother Sri Govindarajaswami. Then there is the Sri Kalyana Venkateshwaraswami Temple at Shrinivasa Mangapuram, which is much lesser crowded than the Tirumala Temple, and is thus a must-visit if one wishes to get a feel of the actual architecture and how it really was in the past.

Fairly close to the hill temple of Lord Venkateshwara is an important Shiva Temple – Sri Kalahasthi. It is believed that Lord Shiva had entrusted Lord Brahma with the task of creating Kailash, but while Brahma was attempting to fulfil his wish, a piece of his creation fell on the Earth. This came to be known as Dakshin Kailash and Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested at the spot to please his devotees. The temple that stands there today was built by the Pallavas.

A trip to Tirupati and Tirumala will transport you to a world unlike any other. Visit during the festivals for a unique cultural exposure. Vaikunta Ekadasi, Rama Navami and Janmashtami are celebrated with great pomp and splendour. Rathasapthami is a festival when Lord Venkateswara’s idol is taken in a procession. Brahmotsavam is perhaps the most important festival though, when millions of devotees congregate at Tirumala. Either way, whenever you go, it will be a blessed occasion indeed.


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
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