History of Tirupati Balaji Temple and Introduction :
The history of Tirupati Balaji is very old. This temple, also known as Venkateswara Temple or Tirumala Temple, is a very sacred and ancient Hindu temple located in the hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, who is worshiped as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is also considered as ‘Bhoomi Vaikuntha’ or the abode of Lord Vishnu on earth. An 8 feet high idol of Lord Venkateswara (Vishnu ji) is installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, which is very beautiful and divine.
It is believed that by visiting this temple all the wishes are fulfilled. The history of Tirupati Balaji temple is given below.
Ancient history of Tirupati Balaji temple:
The history of Tirupati Balaji Temple is several centuries old. The construction of this temple started in the 10th century. This temple is mentioned in various Puranas and ancient texts of our Hindu religion. It is said that at this place Lord Vishnu had incarnated as Venkateswara to help his devotees in Kaliyuga.
Specialty of Balaji Temple:
Tirupati Balaji Temple is built in Dravidian architectural style, famous for its grand gopuram and beautiful sculpture. Particularly important is the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, where the idol of Lord Venkateswara is installed. The height of this idol is approximately 8 feet and it is made from a Shaligram stone, which is extremely divine and beautiful.
A lamp always burns in the temple of Lord Balaji. Neither oil nor ghee is ever put in this lamp. No one knows when and who lit this lamp which has been burning for years? If you listen to the idol of Lord Venkateshwara, you can hear the sound of ocean waves. It is also said that the idol of the Lord always remains moist.
Religious significance :
Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the major pilgrimage sites of Hindu religion. It is called ‘Bhoomi Vaikuntha’ that is the abode of Lord Vishnu on earth. Various pujas and rituals are conducted daily in the temple. Among which the main ones are ‘Good Morning Seva’, ‘Thomala Seva’, and ‘Ekanta Seva’.
‘Laddu Prasadam’ is the famous offering of the temple, to receive which devotees stand in long queues. Every year lakhs of devotees come here to have darshan of Lord Venkateswara and offer prayers to seek his blessings.
Miraculous stories of the temple :
There are many miraculous stories associated with Tirupati Balaji Temple. Devotees believe that by the grace of Lord Venkateswara all their problems and sufferings go away. In one such story, it is told that Lord Venkateswara borrowed money from Kubera (Lord of Wealth) to organize a grand marriage ceremony of two celestial bodies.
This debt was so huge that the debt of that debt is repaid by all the devotees of Lord Venkateshwara by donating money, gems, jewelery etc. to the Lord in the temple. It is believed that this debt will be fulfilled with the end of Kaliyuga. Such stories further strengthen the faith of the devotees.
Economic contribution and development:
Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the richest temples in the world. Donations and offerings worth lakhs of rupees are made here every year. The temple is managed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which maintains, manages and develops the temple. Various social and religious functions are also organized by TTD.
Architecture of Balaji Temple
The architecture of Tirupati of balaji temple is very beautiful. The structure of the main gopuram (entrance) and sanctum sanctorum of the temple is established in Dravidian architecture. There are many important structures and statues in the temple complex, which further add to its beauty and religious significance.
Where is Tirupati Balaji Temple?
The temple located in the hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh.
Who is worshiped in Tirupati Balaji?
Lord Vishnu is worshiped in Tirupati Balaji. Lord Vishnu is present in this temple along with Mata Lakshmi.
How to reach Tirupati Balaji Temple?
The nearest airport to Tirupati Balaji Temple is Tirupati Airport, from there you can reach the temple by bus or taxi. The nearest railway station to Tirupati Balaji Temple is Tirupati Railway Station. The distance of the temple from the station is 22 km. Bus or taxi is easily available.
What are the puja timings at Tirupati Balaji Temple?
The temple is open for darshan throughout the year. Timings of puja may vary for specific rituals. General darshan timings are from 3 am to 1.30 pm and then from 2.30 pm to 9.30 pm.
