Sasidhar Darla

Lord Venkateswara is a Hindu God, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Venkateswara is the presiding deity of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh in India. He is also known as Srinivasa, Balaji, Venkata, Venkata Ramana, Tirupati Timmappa and Govinda.

What is the meaning of the word Venkateswara?

Venkateswara actually means Lord of Venkata. The word is actually a combination of two words. The first word ‘Venkata‘ is the name of a hill in Andhra Pradesh where the Lord resides and the second word ‘Isvara‘ means Lord. Also, “Venkata” is a Sanskrit word meaning “destroyer of sins” where ven means sins and kata means to destroy.

What is the story of Lord Venkateswara?

Payback of Kubera’s Loan – As per the legend, Lord Venkateshwara took a loan from Kubera for his wedding arrangements with Padmavathi. A large Hundi is present inside the temple complex where devotees offer money and gold to God. Devotees donate with the belief that he can pay back the loan to Kubera.

What is the miracle of Lord Venkateswara?

An amazing miracle happened at the midnight of 7th November 1979 at Tirumala Tirupati Temple. At that time, the whole town of Tirumala was in a deep sleep.

Suddenly, the huge bronze bells, that were hanging in front of Lord Venkateswara inside the Sanctum, started to ring loudly on their own without anyone touching them. The sound of the Bronze bells shocked the Purohits, security staff, temple staff, and the pilgrims.

How many wives does Lord Venkateswara have?

Lord Venkateswara has two wives. The first wife is Goddess Lakshmi and the second wife is Goddess Padmavathi.

Who was the son of Lord Venkateswara?

According to the Vishnu Purana, Kamadeva– the Lord of love and sexuality was the son of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Also, Naraka Asura was the second son of Lord Varaha with his wife Bhudevi.

What is the appearance of Lord Venkateswara?

Lord Venkateswara is shown as having a dark complexion and four hands. In his upper two hands, Lord Venkateswara holds a discus (a symbol of power) and a shell (a symbol of existence). His lower hands are inclining downwards wherein the Lord asks the devotees to have faith and surrender to him for protection.

Why Lord Venkateswara’s eyes are covered?

Lord Venkateswara’s idol wears a white mask that covers his eyes. It is believed that the devotees cannot face the powerful radiation arising from the eyes of the Lord. Hence, the eyes are covered on most days except on Thursdays when the size of the eye is relatively smaller.

How tall is Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala?

The height of the statue of the Lord Venkateswara is around 9′ 9″ (nine feet and nine inches) which includes the crown over his head. Also, the statue stands on a stone pedestal which is 18 inches in height.

Which day is for Lord Venkateswara?

Wednesdays are ideal days for worshipping Lord Venkateswara. Lord Venkateswara is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Wednesday is considered ideal for planet Mercury whose related God is also Lord Vishnu.

Is Tirupati Balaji and Lord Hanuman same?

Yes, Balaji and Hanuman are the same God in different forms. In the Northern area, most of the people call Bal Hanuman as Balaji Maharaja. However, in South India, Balaji is being referred to Lord Venkateswara only and not Hanuman.

There are two stone footpath routes leading to Tirumala for the pilgrims who would like to do Tirumala darshan by walk. They are Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu. These routes are known as Sopana Marg. The pilgrims who trek Alipiri & Srivari Mettu routes to reach Tirumala come under the category of Divya Darshan.

Divya Darshan is a quick and free darshan facility along with free accommodation and food on the way. TTD has provided many facilities to the pilgrims visiting Lord Venkateswara by trekking those routes.

Tirumala Darshan by Walk Procedure

• Walking Routes: Alipiri Mettu, Srivari Mettu
• Required Time: 2-4 hours
• Total Distance: 2.1 km (Srivari Mettu). 9 km (Alipiri Mettu)
• Number of Steps: 3600 (Alipiri Mettu). 2400 (Srivari Mettu)
• Route Timings: 24 hours (Alipiri Mettu). 6 AM to 6 PM (Srivari Mettu)

Route Comparison between Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu

Tirumala Darshan By Walk	Alipiri Mettu Route	Srivari Mettu Route
Total Distance	9 Km	2.1 Km
Number of Steps	3600 (approx)	2400 (approx)
Time Taken	3 – 4 Hours	1.5 – 2 Hours
Opening & Closing Time	24 hours open	6 AM to 6 PM, strictly closed at night
Starting Point/ Entrance	Garuda Statue, Sheshachalam Hills	Srinivasa Mangapuram, Shri Krishna Devaraya Sadan
Distance from Tirupati Bus Stand & Railway Station	4 km to Alipiri Entrance	17 km to Srivari Entrance
Meaning of Route Name	Resting Place	Shoes of God

1) Alipiri Mettu Route

• Route Details – Distance & Timings

Alipiri Mettu Route is having a total distance journey of 9 km with no. of steps counting to 3600 (approx). People generally take 3 – 4 hours to reach Tirumala temple via this route. However, the time taken differs from one person to another.

TTD provides a free bus facility from Tirupati railway station and bus stand to Alipiri Mettu starting point. Alipiri Mettu is 4 km from the bus stand and railway station. From Alipiri Mettu Entrance, pilgrims can start the journey to the temple by walk.

Alipiri Mettu route is open for 24 hours. Pilgrims can start their journey anytime.

• Trekking Guide – Starting Point & Bio-Metric Token

Trekkers can find a big Garuda statue at the foot of Sheshachalam hills. This point is known as Alipiri Entrance or Alipiri Starting Point.

The initial steps of the journey will take more time since they are very steep. However, most of the path is covered with concrete roofs. TTD has facilitated this construction so that pilgrims can walk even during hot sunlight and heavy rains.

Gaali Gopuram – There is a Divya Darshan Bio-Metric Token facility available at Gaali Gopuram Entrance. The token facility is provided for free and it is open for 24 hours. After collecting the tokens, pilgrims need to report the temple within 24 hours.

From this point onwards, the walk would be smoother since the path is less steep and much flat. After walking from there, you will reach Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Statue. One can also find a deer park on the way.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – There is a Divya Darshan Token Checking Point available at this temple which is at step no. 2850. Here, Divya Darshan token needs to be stamped for verification. Without stamping, the token will be considered invalid.

Then pilgrims may proceed to Mokalla Parvatham and after 300-400 steep steps, pilgrims will reach Tirumala entrance.

2) Srivari Mettu Route

• Route Details – Distance & Timings

Srivari Mettu Route is a much older pedestrian path than Alipiri Mettu. It is having a total distance journey of 2.1 km with no. of steps counting to 2400 (approx). People generally take 1.5 hours to reach Tirumala temple via this route. However, the time taken differs from one person to another.

TTD provides a free bus facility from Tirupati railway station and bus stand to Srivari Mettu starting point. Srivari Mettu is 17 km from the bus stand and railway station. Alipiri Entrance will be on the way to Srivari Mettu. From Srivari Mettu Entrance, pilgrims can start the journey to the temple by walk.

Srivari Mettu route is opened only during day time. Pilgrims are allowed to trek this route from 6 am to 6 pm in the evening. The route remains strictly closed at night.

• Trekking Guide – Starting Point & Bio-Metric Token

Srinivasa Mangapuram, Shri Krishna Devaraya Sadan – This point is known as Srivari Entrance or Srivari Starting Point.

The initial steps of the journey will take more time. However, most of the path is covered with concrete roofs. TTD has facilitated this construction to protect pilgrims from hot sunlight and heavy rains.

After covering a distance of 1250 steps, there is a Divya Darshan Bio-Metric Token facility available. The token facility is provided for free. After collecting the tokens, pilgrims need to report the temple within the specified time.

The word Srivaari Mettu means the shoes of God. Hence, all devotees offer prayers to the deity by keeping their shoes on their heads. 

There is a Divya Darshan Token Checking Point available at step no. 2050. Here, Divya Darshan token needs to be stamped for verification. Without stamping, the token will be considered invalid.

From there, after 300-400 steps, pilgrims will reach the Tirumala entrance.

Useful Information & Facilities by TTD for Tirumala Darshan by Walk

1. TTD runs free buses from Tirupati Railway Station and Bus Stand. Pilgrims intend to walk up the hills can use these buses.
2. Parking is available for private vehicles at Srivari Mettu & Balaji Link Bus Stand at Alipiri. Vehicles can be collected the next day at your convenience.
3. TTD provides free transportation of the luggage of pilgrims from the bottom to the top of the hill. Luggage counter is available at Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple, who does the luggage transportation to the hill shrine.
4. Luggage can be collected later from the Luggage Room, opposite MBC-37 in Tirumala.
5. On both routes, pilgrims will get the facility of clean drinking water, washrooms, shelters, lightings, medical assistance, and security guards to ensure safety.
6. Free Accommodation & Free Meals are available for pilgrims at PACs (Pilgrims Amenities Complex).

Physically Challenged Darshan Tirumala – Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has facilitated special darshan for physically challenged people. Our guide explains the ticket booking procedure, proofs needed, the entry point for darshan, time taken, who can accompany physically disabled and restrictions.

Who can have darshan under the physically challenged category in Tirumala?

1. A physically challenged/ handicapped person or a person having any physical disability can have darshan under this category.
2. A specially-abled person can avail of this benefit by showing a relevant medical certificate. Photo ID proof is also mandatory to get this benefit.
3. Specially-abled person’s guardians, spouse or kids will be allowed to accompany the specially-abled person for any assistance.
4. Only one attendant is allowed to accompany the specially-abled person.
5. The wheelchair facility is also available for transportation.
6. Srivari Sevakulu will also be assisting the devotees during the Darshan timings.
7. The pilgrim who availed Darshan under this special category cannot avail Darshan for the next 90 days.
   The special tickets will have a quota of 700 tickets each for morning and evening. Only 700 Devotees in the morning and 700 devotees in the evening will be allowed for the special darshan.

Days	Darshan Timings	No. of Tickets	Slot
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday	10 AM	700	1st
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday	3 PM	700	2nd
Wednesday & Friday	3 PM	1000	1st

What are the Darshan Timings for Physically Challenged in Tirumala?

1. Specially abled are allowed darshan daily in 2 time-slots. The first darshan schedule starts at 10 AM and the second schedule starts at 3 PM.
2. However, on Wednesdays & Fridays, darshan will be allowed only in the afternoon i.e 3 PM slot.

Where we can get the specially-abled tickets for darshan in Tirumala?

1. The tickets are available at “Senior citizen / Specially-abled Ticket Counter” near Vaikuntha Queue Complex, VQC-2, Tirumala.
2. Ticket issuing starts from 7 AM daily and counter closes by 3 PM.
3. There is a limit of 700 tickets for each slot. Tirumala management issues the tickets on a first come first serve basis.
4. The cost of the ticket is free. Specially abled or a person with a disability can have darshan at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple free of cost.

What is the entry point for Physically Challenged darshan?

Specially abled should enter for darshan from Supatham entrance. Supatham is just 50 meters away from the Vaikuntham Queue Complex entrance. Darshan will take around 1-2 hours depending on the crowd.