Sri Venketeswara Museum, Tirupati, Chittoor - 103

Guys, Sri Venketeswara Museum of Tirupati is located at Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh. It displays stone and wooden carvings, articles used for Puja, and traditional art and architecture. This is also known as "Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignana Mandiram S.V.D.V.M." It was established in 1980.

Now a new building has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 4 crores named as Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignana Mandiram S.V.D.V.M. This building, an architectural beauty, houses a museum, meditation centre and photo gallery.

All the articles being displayed in the museum have been shifted to this building. Stone and wooden carvings, articles used for puja, and traditional art and architecture are displayed here. S.V.D.V.M. Devotees are also provided facilities to meditate in the newly build 'Mandiram'.

How to get there?

Air:

Tirupati being one of the most important pilgrimage centre, is well connected by air and has got its own airport.

Rail:

Tirupati is the nearest railway station. There are trains that travel via Renigunta or Gudur, but do not touch Tirupati. From Renigunta / Gudur, one can reach Tirupati by train, bus, or taxi.

Buses:

APSRTC buses run from all the important places in the state and between Tirupati and Tirumala. TTD also runs buses between Tirupati and Tirumala, free of cost. For local transportation Taxis, Unmetered Taxis, Rickshaws, City bus services, Transport and buses on hire are available.

Where to stay?

Accommodation is available in the hotels at Tirupati.

Related Links :

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India : Tirumala : Tirupati : Shopping, Festivals, Tourist Information Centres, Money Changers & Important Telephone Numbers - 6

Shopping at Tirumala-Tirupati :

Guys, if you want to shop at Tirumala-Tirupati, then here is the great place for you. Lepakshi Emporium, an idela place for purchasing attractive handicraft at moderate prices, it is situated near Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Central Reception Office. T.T.D. Gardens, the beautiful ornamental gardens with rare species of plants and trees are situated nearby.

Festivals :

Brahmotsavam Festival is the most famous annual festival which celebrated on grand scale for nine days in September, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all parts of century. The fifth and ninth days of the festival are especially significant as Garudostavam and Rathotavam takes place on these days.

Vijayanagar Festival is held for three days at the historic Chandragiri Fort near Tirupati-Balaji in the third week of October every year.

The Kalyanotsavam (marriage of the Lord) is celebrated everyday at the Kalyanmandapam except during the Brahmotsavam. Devotees can perform this ceremony on payment of Rs. 3000.

Tourist Information Centre :
Central Reservation Office, APTDC, Tirupati, 2255385
Regional Tourist Office, Tirupati, 2243306

Money Changers :
State Bank of Hyderabad, 2220153
State Bank of India, 2253412

Important Telephone Numbers :
Head Post Office, 2225503
Indian Airlines Airport, 2283992
SVIMS Govt. Hospital, 2287777
Central Crime Station, 2220352

India : Tirumala : Tirupati : Attractions and Excursions - 5

Guys, here are the some attractions and excursions of Tirumala Tirupati. Just take a look :

Sri. Vedanarayana Swamy Temple (65 kms) :

The temple, believed to have been constructed by the Vijayanagar emperor, Sri Krsihna Devaraja at the behest of his mother, is a fine specimen of the Vijayanagar style of architecture. The sanctorum houses an image of Vishnu in his Matsya (fish) incarnation accompanied by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi on either side. An important aspect of the temple is the Sun worship.

Horsley Hills (140 kms) :

One of the best known hill resorts of Andhra Pradesh, the place has been named after a British Collector of Cuddapah who discovered the beauty of the area and made it has summer resort.

The hill station 1265 meters above the sea level.

Asthana Mandapam :

Asthana Mandapam (Sada Hall) is the venue for the devotional programs like discourses, music concerts, 'Harikathas' and Bhajans conducted under the auspices of 'Dharma Prachara Parishat'.

Guys here I am trying to elaborate some of the attractions and excursions of Tirumala Tirupati. There are many sightseeing to be come on this platform which are hidden. I will try to make it up in next article.

India : Tirumala : Tirupati : Attractions and Excursions - 4

Guys, here are some attractions and excursions of Tirumala Tirupati, just take a look.

Kanipakam :

This is a 11th century Vinayaka temple and the peculiarity is that the idol seems to be growing in size. A 'Kawacham' (breast plate) made of the idol half a century ago has become too small for it now. It's really amazing.

Sri Kalahasti (36 kms) :

The temple of Siva in the form of a 'Vayulinga'. According to legend, a spider (Sri) spun a web over the Linga, Kala, a snake, placed a gem atop it and Hasti, and elephant, brought water in its trunk to wash the Linga. All three were ardent worshippers of Siva. The flame (deepam) in the temple flickers frequently as air (Vayu) is said to be constantly emanating form the Sivalinga.

Agastyaswamy Temple (12 kms) :

At the confluence of three rivers, namely, Swarnamukhi, Bhima and Kalyan, lies the Agastyaswamy Temple. The temple has three beautifully sculptured entrances that heighten the grandeur of the hall inside. A separate shrine for Goddess Paravati is also located within this temple.

Talakona :

Talakona is a forest located 30 kms form Tirupati. Deep in these forest is a 6m prennial waterfall known as 'Talakona'. It is an enchanting picnic spot of great scenic beauty. It is believed that this place is the threshold to hte seven hills of Tirumala.


Kalyani Dam (18 kms) :

The dam is the main water source for Tirupati Balaji and Tirumalai.

India : Tirumala : Tirupati : Attractions and Excursions - 3

Guys, Sila Thoranam is situated on the Tirumala Hills, this natural rock formation is one of nature's wonders and only one of its kind in Asia. It is a naturally-formed arch of rock, the likes of which can be found only in two other places in the world - Rainbow Arch at Utah in USA and the Cut Through in the UK. The Sila Thoranam arch is believed to be 1500 million years old and formed by weathering and wind erosion. The length of the arch is 25 feet with a height 10 feet.

Swami Pushkarni :

Many of the pilgrims have a dkp in the tank adjacent to the temple at Tirumala, before having a darshan of Lord Venkateswara. The tank is considered sacred. According to legend, it was originally for the sport of Vishnu and was brought down to earth by Garuda for Lord Venkateswara.

Narayanavanam (36 kms) :

This is where the marriage between Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavati is said to have taken place. There is a temple dedicated to "Kalyana Venkateswara".

Sri Venkateswara Sanctuary :

Spread over 500 acres, the wildlife sanctuary and national park has a number of species of flora and fauna and provides on ideal leisure spot.

Chandagiri (12 kms) :

The Vijaynagar empire contributed vastly to Telugu culture, art and literature. The last capital of the Vijayanagar king was Chandagiri on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi in Chittoor district. Ruins of the fort exit to this day and amidst them stand the Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal places that have been given a face lift and beautified. The fort atop a huge atop a huge rock that stands 6 meters tall.

India : Tirumala : Tirupati - Attractions and Excursions - 2

Guys, the town of Tirupati is one of the most ancient and sacred pilgirmage spots in India. The name "Tirupati" means the "Lord of Lakshmi", and should have been applied to the village on the Venkat hill, the swelling of Lord Venkateshwara. However, Tirupati is the town and transport bub at the bottom of the hill. The hill near the temple is called "Tirumala" or the "sacred hill". The temple here is said to be the busiest in the world, eclipsing even Rome, Jerusalem and Mecca in the number of pilgrims visiting it.

The Tirumala Hill is 3200 ft above sea level, and is about 10.33 sq. miles in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Adisesha, thus earning the name Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri.

Lord Venkateswara Temple :

The temple of Balaji at Tirumala Hills is famous the world over and millions of pilgrims from across the globe visit the temple annually. The temple, which finds mention in ancient texts, was patronized by the Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas, the Vijyayanagar rulers and Maharaja of Mysore.

The main temple is an excellent example of ancient Indian temple architecture, particularly from South India. The vimana over the sanctum santorum as also the Dhwajasthambam (flag post) are gold plated, done with meticulous care.

The idol of Lord Venkateswara itself is divine t behold and pilgrims are blessed with a sense of complete bliss and satisfaction the moment they glimpse the idol during the "darshan".

Sri Govindrajaswamy Temple :

The temple has an imposing gopuram (elaborate gateway) that can be seen from a distance. The temple was consecrated by Saint Ramanujacharya in AD 1130. The main sanctuaries in the temple are dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna.



Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple (3 kms) :

It is the only temple dedicated as Lord Siva. The temple has an attractive setting and there is a sacred waterfall called Kapila Teertham or Alwar Teertham located here.



Sri. Kodandaramaswami Temple :

Build by a Chola King during the tenth century AD, the temple has Rama, Sita and Lakshamana as the presiding deities.





Akasa Ganga :

About 3 km north of the main temple is a perennial stream that is said to flow from the feet of the deity. The Akasa Ganga, as it is called, is considered sacred as the Vedas describe it as flowing from the feet of Lord Vishnu. The water from here is used for the daily rituals in the temple.


Goddess Alameumanga Temple (Padmavati Temple) :

Being in a temple town at the foothills of the world famous Balaji shrine at Tirumala, one is bound to visit such temples as the Alamelumanga temple at Tiruchanur, four kms from Tirupati. The temple dedicated to goddess Padmavati, the consort of Lord Venkteswara is here and people visiting the Tirumala hills make it a point to visit Alamelumanga too. The town lies on the bank of the River Swarnamuki.

Sri Kalyana VEnkateswaraswami Temple (12 kms) :

Legend has it that Lord Venkateswara stayed here after his marriage with Sri. Padmavathi Devi before proceeding to Tirumala.

India : Tirumala Tirupati : Lord of the Seven Hills - 1

Image Source : Tirupati

The eastern ghats form a major of hills in Andhra Pradesh, starting in the southern-most district of Chittor bordering Tamilnadu and snaking up to the north coastal districs of Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram. Amidst the thickly-wooded hills in Chittor lies the temple town of Tirumala and Tirupati at the foothills.

The range of hill is said to resemble a snake with Tirumala forming the hood. Lord Venkateswara known as 'Lord of the Seven Hills' and 'Balaji' is the 'Kaliyuga' incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Tirupati and Tirumala today are modern destination of pilgrim tourist. Not only the bliss of a divine 'darshan' but added attractions provided by nature as well as a pro-active administration make them the ideal pilgrimage-cum-holiday destination.

While Balaji remains the main draw, the beauties of nature and the serene surroundings, made more attractive with modern add-ons, have made Tirupati today a much visited town. A beautiful ghat road leads up across the Seven Hills to Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara. The old ghat road is used for one way traffic coming down.

Tirupati Balaji Slide Show :

How to reach at Tirupati Tirumala : (For enlarge view click at the center)

In terms of connectivity, the destinations are well defined by all means of transport be it air, rail or road.

By Air :

Direct flights to Tirupati are available from Hyderabad and Chennai only.

By Rail :

Direct railway services are available from Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore.

By Road :

ASPSRTC buses rn from all the important places in the state and between Tirupati and Tirumala. TTD also runs buses between Tirupati and Tirumala, free of cost. Tirupati is well connected to Bangalore 258 kms, Chennai 137 kms, Hyderabad 562 kms and Vijayawada.

Best Season to visit :

September to February

Languages :

Telugu and English

STD Code : 0877

TIRUMALA :

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Hotel, : 2270055

TIRUPATI :
Srinivasam, TTD, Guesthouse, : 2281190