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

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).

Newly Married Couples Darshan Tirumala – It is a ritual and sentiment to many couples to visit Tirumala temple immediately after the wedding and to have darshan in their wedding clothes. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has facilitated special darshan for newly married couples to have the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.

Importance of Darshan for Newly Married at Tirumala

The institution of marriage has a special place in the Hindu philosophy. It signifies the beginning of a new phase of life of young boys and girls. The occasion is really auspicious to get the blessings of Lord Venkateswara. It is also suggested that couples should have Darshan in their wedding attires at Tirumala.

Newly Married Couples Tirumala Darshan Procedure

1) Marriages at TTD Purohita Sangam

• TTD has set up Purohita Sangam comprising purohits with necessary experience and knowledge to perform Vedic rituals at Kalyana Vedika.
• Couples can tie the knot in the abode of Lord Venkateswara in Purohita Sangam. For this, they need to register at the office 24 hours in advance.
• The total expenditure for marriage at Purohita Sangam comes around Rs.900 which also includes Dakshina to Purohit.
• TTD also provides a receipt about the marriage done at Purohit Sangam and Special Darshan tickets for the couples.
• The couples married at Purohit Sangam are then allowed for Darshan through Supadam entrance between 12 pm – 5 pm.
• TTD also provides free darshan to their parents – a total of six members through Supadham.

2) Marriages at TTD Cottages & Marriage Halls

• For the marriages which are conducted at TTD Cottages & Marriage Halls, the administrators provide a receipt about the marriage and also Special Darshan tickets for the couples.
• The newly married couples will be allowed for Darshan through Supadam entrance between 12 pm – 5 pm after showing the receipt.
• The parents are also allowed to accompany the couples through Supadam.

3) Newly Married from other places

• There is a Privileged Darshan for less than a week old newly married couples
• For newly married couples, who got married elsewhere, won’t get Special Darshan Tickets from the managers of the temple.
• However, there is a special entry point meant for less than a week old newly married couple in VQC I on showing relevant Id-Proofs.
• For this, they can book the tickets online based on availability.

Kalyanotsavam Seva For Newly Married Couples

Couples who got married less than a week ago can apply for Kalyanotsavam Seva at Vijaya Bank Counter, Tirumala. Daily 20 tickets are reserved by TTD for newly married couples. For this, they have to show their wedding card and also the pictures of marriage.

Blessings of Lord Venkateswara for Newlyweds by Post

TTD Announced Special Scheme for Newly Married Couples:
Special Blessings for all Freshly and Newly Married Couples from Sri Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy at your Doorstep in return for your Wedding Card

TTD has taken another unique initiative to extend the blessings of Lord Venkateswara for newlyweds regardless of where they are present. All newlyweds can send their wedding invitation along with their complete home address to TTD.

TTD, in return, will send a copy of “Kalyana Sanskriti” written by TTD OSD Dr Samudrala Lakshamaiah and also the Ashirvachanam (blessings) of Lord Venkateswara signed by the Executive Officer at Tirumala.

They will also dispatch some other things which are considered omen for the married couples. Those things are Askhinthalu, Talambralu, Kumkumam, Kankanam with Lord Venkateswara’s blessings, and also Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru for the wives.

TTD Dispatch section organises this and sends Lord’s blessings to around 10,000 newlyweds every year.

The newlyweds wishing to receive the Lord Blessings should send their wedding cards at the given below address by post:

The Executive Officer,
TTD Admin Buildings,
K.T.Road,
Tirupati – 517501

For more details, couples can also call Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) call centre:

Toll Free Number: 0877-2233333, 0877-2277777