Travel Guide to Famous Temples

Mahakaleshwar Temple Timings, Poojas, and History

Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Lingam of the Mahakaleshwar temple is the largest among all other Jyotirlingas. Images of various Gods, Goddesses, Apsaras, and Kichakas adorn the walls and pillars of the temple.

Planning to visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple? Have a look at our Mahakaleshwar Omkareshwar Tour Package.

Mahakaleshwar Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Mahakaleshwar (Lord Shiva)
Location	Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Significance	Jyotirlinga
Tours	Mahakaleshwar Omkareshwar Tour
Darshan Timings	4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Entry Fee	Free
Poojas	Maharudrabhisek, Laghurudrabhisek
Best Time to Visit	October to March
Festivals	Shravan, Shivratri
Jyotirlingas in Madhya Pradesh	Mahakaleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar Temple

Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain Video

Darshan Timings of the Mahakaleshwar Temple

The temple opens at 4 AM and closes at 11 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening aarti. Moreover, there is no afternoon break in between, unlike most temples which remain closed in the afternoon for lunch.

The timings are as follows:

Ritual	From	To
Darshan	4:00 AM	11:00 PM
Bhasma Aarti	4:00 AM	6:00 AM
Morning Pooja	7:00 AM	7:30 AM
Evening Pooja	5:00 PM	5:30 PM
Shree Mahakaal Aarti	7:00 PM	7:30 PM

It is important to note that during the winter season, these rituals take place half an hour later than the given timings.

What are the sevas and poojas of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

Pooja at Mahakaleshwar — Maharudrabhishek being performed at the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Some of the sevas and poojas of the Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

Bhasm Aarti: This aarti is unique to the temple. The priest applies Vibhhoti (Bhasm) to the Shiva Linga every day at 4:00 AM. Only, pilgrims holding a VIP pass can enter the Sanctum or the Garbhagraha for the aarti. Women cannot witness Bhasma decoration during the aarti.
Maharudrabhishek: In the abhishek, recitations of Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharva Veda is done in front of the deities of the Mahakaleshwar Temple.
Laghurudrabhishek: This abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It is also done to remove the harmful effects of planets in the horoscope.
Mahamrityunjaya Jaap: The Mahamrityunjaya abhishek increases longevity and immortality of the person. It is also known as the Rudra mantra and has miraculous effects in the lives of the people who perform it. Chanting this mantra helps relieve the individual from the cycle of death and rebirth. Hence, this mantra is also known as the Moksha Mantra.

The Mahakaleshwar Bhasma Pooja is said to be extremely auspicious.

What is the significance of Mahakaleshwar Temple?

The Mahakaleshwar Shrine — The Mahakaleshwar Lingam is said to be the largest among all the 12 Jyotirlingas.

The significance of the Mahakaleshwar Temple is that the Lingam of Mahakaleshwar is Swayambhu in nature. Sri Mahakaleshwar is the Lord of Time. He is also famous as the one who is capable of winning difficult situations. This is the only Lingam in the world which faces south, the direction of Death.

The Mahakaleshwar temple is also one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas. Shakti Peethas are the sites where body parts of Sati Devi fell after the Sudarshana Chakra, in the Daksha Yoga episode of Hindu mythology, cut her body. Devotees believe that the Upper Lip of the Sati Devi fell here. Moreover, the Goddess is popular as Mahakali here.

What is the history of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

As per the history of Mahakaleshwar Temple, Lord Brahma himself established the first temple at the site. The coins recovered at Ujjain have the mark of Lord Shiva on them. According to several poetic texts, in the Paramara period, invaders destroyed the temple. Later, Udayaditya and Naravarman, the rulers of the Malwa region, rebuilt it.

According to the ancient scripture, Sthalapuranam, King Chandrasena was a devotee of Shiva. A young boy named Shrikhar heard his prayers to the god and wanted to join him. However, people did not let him do it and sent him out of the city. Shrikhar heard the plans of rival kings Ripudhamana and Singhaditya to attack the city with the help of the demon king Dushan.

Asura Dushan had a blessing of invisibility from Brahma. So, Shrikhar and a priest named Vriddhi prayed to Lord Shiva for help. The enemies arrived at Avantika (now known as Ujjain) and started torturing the people. They banned all Vedic Dharmanushtan activities in the city. The people started praying to Lord Shiva for help.

Devotees also believe that when Dushan started attacking Avantika, the ground split near the statue of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva came out of it as Mahakaal. He burnt the demons with just one grunt. Adhering to the request of the people of Avantika, Lord Shiva then decided to stay there as the chief deity of Avantika.

What is the structure of the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

The Mahakaleshwar temple is a three-storied structure. The Lingam of Mahakaleshwar is worshipped on the first floor, which is actually under the ground level. On the second level, the Lingam of Omkareshwara is worshipped. The Nagachandeshwara Linga is worshipped on the third level. The third level is open to the public only on Naga Panchami.

What are the festivals celebrated at Mahakaleshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

Kumbh Mela: This Mela has the distinction of being the largest religious gathering on the planet. It takes place once every 12 years in Ujjain, Allahabad, Haridwar, and Nashik. Also, the festival continues for about one and a half months. The pilgrims and sages (sadhus) take a ceremonial dip in the River Ksipra. Religious discourses, Ramlilas, Raslilas as well as the grand procession of sadhus are the main features of the Kumbh Mela.
Mahashivaratri: Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple to celebrate the day Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It occurs on the 13th or 14th day of the Magha month (February / March) in the Indian hindu calendar
Karthik Mela: It occurs every year in the Hindu month of Karthik (November / December).
Harihara Milana: The celebrations of this festival take place on Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, which signifies the meeting of two Lords – Lord Krishna as well as Lord Shiva at midnight.

How to reach the Mahakaleshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Mahakaleshwar Temple:

Air: The nearest airport is Indore which is 53 km away from Ujjain.
Train: Direct trains are available to Ujjain from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Benaras, Kochi as well as Jaipur.
Road: Bus services are available from cities like Indore, Surat, Mumbai, Pune, Udaipur, Nasik, and Mathura.

Route from Indore

Indore is about 53 km away from the Mahakaleshwar Temple. Plenty of options are available for one to travel to the temple from here. Here’s the Mahakaleshwar Temple route from Indore:

Air: The nearest railway station is in Indore and one can hire cabs or take a bus to Mahakaleshwar Temple from there.
Train: One can travel through trains such as the Ranthambhor SF express as well as the Malwa SF express to travel between Ujjain and Indore.
Road: The fastest route to travel from Indore to Mahakaleshwar temple is via the Ujjain-Indore road. Also, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to travel using this route.

Where to stay near the temple?

The Temple Management has constructed two Dharmashalas for pilgrims to stay. The names of the Dharmashalas are Pandit Shree Surya Narayan Vyas Dharmashala and the Shree Mahakaal Dharmashala. Non AC dormitories, Non AC rooms, and AC rooms are available to pilgrims at reasonable rates.

Several budget hotels, 3-star, and 5-star hotels operate in Ujjain as this is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world.

What are some temples nearby?

Explore Ujjain — One of the holiest cities, Ujjain is home to many temples.

Some of the temples near Mahakaleshwar Temple are:

Harsiddhi Temple: It is located just 400 meters away from the Mahakaleshwar temple. This temple is one of the Shakti Peethas according to Hindu mythology. Devotees also believe that Sati’s elbow fell here when the Sudarshana Chakra, in the Daksha Yagna episode of the Hindu tradition, cut her body.
Ram Janardhan Mandir: Raja Jai Singh constructed this temple in the 17th century. The specialities of the temple include the 11th-century sculpture of Govardhandhari Krishna, the 10th-century sculpture of Vishnu as well as the 12th-century idol of Trimurti.
Kala Bhairava temple: Beliefs say that King Bhadra constructed this temple over the ruins of an old demolished temple. Further, this temple was of great significance during the Paramar period.
Chintamani Ganpati Temple: The Goddess Riddhi and Siddhi are present on two sides of Lord Ganesh. Devotees also offer special prayers to the god every Wednesday in the month of Chaithra.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mahakaleshwar Temple

Is the Mahakaleshwar Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Mahakaleshwar Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Mahakaleshwar Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizen?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers in Ujjain starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and dry. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Ujjain?

In Ujjain, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 3 º C to 20 º C. The weather during this time is cold but pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Mahakaleshwar Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Prati Balaji Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

Prati Balaji Temple is situated at Ketkawale near Narayanpur. This is around 40-45 km from the city of Pune in Maharashtra. The temple is an exact replica of the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh, and is hence popularly known as Mini Tirupati.

Prati Balaji Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Balaji (Lord Vishnu)
Location	Ketkawale, Maharashtra
Entry Fee	Free
Best time to visit	June to October
Timings	5:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Best Time to Visit	September to October
Poojas	Shani Pooja and Abhishekam
Festivals	Ram Navami, Vishu

What are the timings of Prati Balaji Temple?

The Prati Balaji Temple opens at 5 AM in the morning and closes at 8:30 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as aarti and poojas.

Here are the timings of Muktinath Temple:

Rituals	From	To
Morning Darshan	5:00 AM	2:00 PM
Evening Darshan	3:00 PM	8:00 PM
Suprabhatam	5:00 AM	5:30 AM
Ekantaseva	8:00 PM	8:30 PM

What are the poojas and sevas at Prati Balaji Temple?

There are different kinds of pooja that are offered in this Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur premises.
While Suprabhatam starts at 5 A.M, the morning pooja is performed between 6:30 A.M. to 8:15 A.M. The afternoon pooja starts at 10 A.M. and the evening rituals at 6 P.M. The Shuddhi or Ekantseva takes place at 8 P.M onwards.
On Fridays, there are special programs in the form of Abhishekam which takes place from 7:30 A.M. to 8 A.M. and Unjalseva that is organized from 5 P.M. to 5:45 P.M.
The daily Naivedyam is offered to the deity from 10:30 A.M. to 11:15 A.M.
The Saliampu – Netradarshan takes place on Thursdays between 9 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. And the Poolangi Seva is observed from 5 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.

Rituals	From	To
Morning Pooja	6:30 AM	8:15 AM
Saliampu – Netradarshan	9:00 AM	9:30 AM
Afternoon Poojas	10:00 AM	2:00 PM
Naivedyam	10:30 AM	11:15 AM
Poolangi Seva	5: 00 PM	5:30 PM
Ekantaseva	8:00 PM	8:30 PM

What is the significance of Prati Balaji Temple?

The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara and one can see a Hundi situated outside the shrine to contribute the money to different activities.

The entrance of the shrine is huge and it is beautifully crafted with stones. There are images of Lord and extraordinary work painted on the top surface of the main Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur.

There are many smaller shrines located inside the temple area which is dedicated to various deities. These are very beautiful and are made out of either marble or black stones.

A pilgrim needs to go barefoot in the Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur premises. Additionally, photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside this holy place.

Vehicle parking is free and a token is provided to all the visitors who provide a token once you park your vehicle. And, due to strict security measures, people are not allowed to take any kind of luggage or bags inside the temple premises. However, for people carrying their luggage, there is a provision to store your bags as well.

Monsoon is the best time to visit this Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur as both the drive will be comfortable and even standing in the queue for darshan is also convenient.

The dining hall is located towards the back of the Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur and one has to walk around 200 meters. A typical Andhra meal is served to all the devotees. You take the plate and get the food served and sit on the carpets that are laid down. A meal of pachadi/chutney, Kesari, kalanda sandam (Mixed Rice) like puliyotharai/vaangi bath, rice and gravy is served. One can also enjoy the meal with a second helping. The dining hall is also well maintained and is cleaned as when people move.

What is the history of Prati Balaji Temple?

The Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur is a replica of the original Tirupati Temple located in southern India.

From the idol to the woodwork, Sanctorum, priests and even the laddu makers, everybody seems to pay respect to the actual abode of the Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.

Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur is built on 10 acres of land and is enclosed by Sahyadri hills. This temple is well maintained and is very clean. The famous shrine was created by the V H Group at a cost of Indian National Rupees 27 Crores. The Venkateshwara charitable trust had built the present shape of the temple from 1996 to 2003.

Since this temple is built during contemporary times, this sacred place of worship does not have any history of the Chikka Tirupati Temple near Bangalore. It is located just off the Pune-Bangalore highway near Kapurhol.

Festivals celebrated at Prati Balaji Temple

Tamil New Year is observed with great decorations and pomp by the devotees. Pilgrims gather in the Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur to offer prayers and seek blessings of the Almighty on this auspicious day. The crowd starts thronging the holy place since early morning.
Ram Navami and Deepavali are some of the popular festivals that are celebrated in this temple with great fervor.
Chitra Pournami, Vijaya Dashami, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Kanu Pongal, and Gudi Padva are also observed by people of all ages inside the temple.

How to reach the Prati Balaji Temple?

By Air: For visitors traveling by air, the Pune Airport is the nearest airport that is located near this Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur. From buses to taxis and private cabs, there are different modes of transportation available from the airport in order to reach this famous shrine.
By Train: This famous place of worship is located at a distance of 42 km from the Pune Railway Station. One can look for buses or private cabs to reach the Prati Balaji Temple.
By Road: To reach the Balaji temple from Pune, you need to take the Pune-Solapur highway route and drive towards Solapur. Try not to take the flyover, take the left street and reach the Hadapsar Bus stand. And from there, one needs to travel a long way to reach the Saswad village. After moving ahead of the village, one can witness the lush green environment. This street will also take you to your destination, Balaji sanctuary.

One can also opt for the Mumbai-Bangalore expressway. When you cross the tunnel, you will come across Shindewadi and Khed Shivapur. After some travel, you will reach the Bhor-Saswad intersection. The sanctuary is only 4 km from this place. You can recognize the sanctuary on the left side. You have to go through a little street to achieve a spiritual destination.

Where to stay in Pune?

The Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur provides accommodation facilities for all their devotees. Apart from that, there are various lodging options for all the tourists who reside to stay as well. For people who are traveling alone, sharing rooms or renting a dormitory serves as a great alternative option.

However, individuals who love some pampering can put up at high-end hotels too. From the luxurious spa to private lounges and international cuisines, there are loads of services that are available for clients to enjoy. Some even provide complimentary breakfasts to the tourists along with pickup and drop services.

So, whatever be your choice, there’s always an option for every kind of traveler when one plans for accommodation. But it is always advisable to book your rooms in advance in order to avoid any last-minute delay. And as the place gets crowded during monsoons, people traveling during that time should plan their visit in advance.

Where to eat near Prati Balaji Temple?

Maharashtrian cuisine is famous for its spicy cuisine. Wheat, rice, jowar, fruits, and vegetables comprise mainly of their staple diet. Generally, Maharashtrians have considered their food to be more severe than that of different locales in India. In spite of the fact that, in view of financial conditions and culture, meat has been less used.

However, all major restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines. And if one would love to taste international cuisine, there are many eateries that provide customized options as well. The eating joints also arrange for music on special days and occasions. Apart from the food, the ambiance of the hotels is also very good.

The food is competitively priced and hygiene is greatly considered in the preparation of the dishes. While Misal Pav, Vada Pav, Poha, and Upma serve as awesome breakfast options, the Thali is a complete meal with respect to lunch. Generally, rice, roti, vegetables, pickles, salad, dahi, and dal comprises of a Thali. Kokum and Buttermilk are great drinks that people love to have after their meals.

Prati Balaji Temple Food Timings

Prati Balaji Temple Narayanpur offers free Prasad and meal for all the devotees.
Mahaprasadam coupon is also available within the temple premises between 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Laddu is offered to the pilgrims who visit this temple.
A pilgrim can also offer Annadanam, sweets, and Pongal to the Lord at a nominal amount.

Which are some famous temples in Pune?

Bhuleshwar: It is renowned for being a thirteenth-century sanctuary of Lord Shiva on top of a hill. The sanctuary is distinct with regard to its design. From outside it appears to more as a mosque than a sanctuary because of its similarity to Islamic design like a circular tomb and minarets. Legend says that it was done like this so sanctuary is not destroyed by the invaders. Nonetheless, the carvings inside are marvelous and practically identical to one finds in Ajanta and Ellora yet many of them stand broken. There are portrayals of scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata on either side of the sanctuary like “Sita-Haran”, “Bharat-Milap” and so on.
Baneshwar: Baneshwar temple is arranged in a secured protected zone. It was very quiet and peaceful over there. The sanctuary complex has two tanks that have fish and turtles that are loved and fed by the visitors. There is a Shivling plunged in the water where the devotees are said to dip coins. It is said that if the coin lands on the top of the Shivling, then it is a good sign. Beyond the sanctuary lies the recreation center with nursery, sit-outs and so on where families can unwind and make merry. In addition, there is also a small biodiversity knowledge center that was well made.
Ek Mukhi Datta Mandir: This is a very famous temple for pilgrims visiting Pune. This temple is popular amongst the pilgrims and many people visit and pay a visit all around the year. A tree of “Audumbar” is present there and it is very old and consecutively worshiped by the devotees. There is also an old temple of Narayaneshwar. This temple has 3 sculptures which are very pretty and they are believed to have belonged to the ‘Yadav’ era. People throng to this temple to see the Padukas i.e. footwear of Lord Datta here. These were set in the sanctum by Lord Datta himself before he exited for Samadhi. Numerous devotees come to Narayanpur on the eve of Guruvar and Pournima occasions. The number increases rapidly in the event of Datta Jayanti which is celebrated with great pomp by the devotees who offer pooja to the Lord since early morning.

Physically Challenged Darshan Tirumala TTD 2020 – Tickets, Timings, Booking, and Entrance

Travel Advisory: Andhra Pradesh government has strongly advised not to travel to Tirumala until Coronavirus scare is over.

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.

Physically Disabled Darshan at Tirumala Video – Telugu

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

A physically challenged/ handicapped person or a person having any physical disability can have darshan under this category.
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.
Specially-abled person’s guardians, spouse or kids will be allowed to accompany the specially-abled person for any assistance.
Only one attendant is allowed to accompany the specially-abled person.
The wheelchair facility is also available for transportation.
Srivari Sevakulu will also be assisting the devotees during the Darshan timings.
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.

Tirumala Timings, Sevas and History – READ FULL ARTICLE

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?

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.
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?

The tickets are available at “Senior citizen / Specially-abled Ticket Counter” near Vaikuntha Queue Complex, VQC-2, Tirumala.
Ticket issuing starts from 7 AM daily and counter closes by 3 PM.
There is a limit of 700 tickets for each slot. Tirumala management issues the tickets on a first come first serve basis.
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.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Guide – Timings, Sevas and History

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple is the most popular Vaishnavite temple in the world. It is located in Tirumala in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The presiding deity, Lord Venkateshwara, is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is believed to have appeared to save humankind from Kaliyuga effects.

Who is Lord Venkateswara?

Tirupati Balaji Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Venkateshwara
Location	Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh
Significance	Vaishnavite Temple
Best Time to Visit	September to March
Darshan Timings	3 AM to 1 AM
Entry Fee	Free
VIP Darshan	Rs.300 per person
Senior Citizen Darshan	Free
Dress Code	Indian Traditional
Festivals	Brahmotsavam, Teppotsavam

Planning to visit this temple? Have look at our Tirumala Tirupati Tour Packages.

The temple is located at the peak of Tirumala hill, also known as Venkatadri. The Venkatadri is one of the seven hills (Saptagiri) considered holy by the Hindus. These seven hills are – Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri.

Tirupati Balaji Darshan

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple is also known as Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple or just Tirumala Temple.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Timings

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple opens as early as 3 AM in the morning. The temple closes at 1:30 AM the next day although General Darshan stops after 1 AM.

Here are the different kind of Darshans and their respective timings:

General Darshan (Sarva Darshanam) – This Darshan is open for the general public. The timings are different each day of the week.
- Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday – The Darshan starts from 7:30 AM – 7 PM in the evening. It resumes from 8 PM till 1 AM the next morning.
- Wednesday and Friday – The Darshan starts from 9 AM till 7 PM in the evening and again from 8 PM till 1 AM the next morning.
- Thursday – The Darshan starts early from 8 AM till 7 PM and then again from 8 PM till 1 AM the next morning.
VIP Darshan (Sheeghra Darshan) – It is for immediate Darshan. The ticket cost is Rs. 300 per person. Pilgrims can also make an advance booking on the official website at www.ttdsevaonline.com. This Darshan starts from 9 AM daily till 3 PM.
Tirumala Darshan by Walk (Divya Darshan) – This Darshan facility is only for those pilgrims who walk up the hill to reach the temple. Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu are the two routes.
Special Darshan for Senior Citizens – Pilgrims can have darshan in two-time slots of 10 AM and 3 PM daily. However, they must show proof of their age to the authorities.
Special Darshan for Physically Challenged – Pilgrims can have darshan in two-time slots of 10 AM and 3 PM daily. However, they must show proof of their disability to the authorities.
Infant Darshan: TTD has facilitated special darshan for parents carrying infants under one year of age.
Newly Married Couple Darshan: There is also a special darshan for newly married couples through the Supadham entrance.

General Darshan
↳ Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday	7:30 AM to 7 PM, 8 PM to 1 AM
↳ Wednesday and Friday	9 AM to 7 PM, 8 PM to 1 AM
↳ Thursday	8 AM to 7 PM, 8 PM to 1 AM
VIP Darshan	9 AM to 3 PM
Special Darshan for Handicapped	10 AM and 3 PM

Tirupati Balaji Darshan Procedure

Pilgrims are can contact any one of the three counters present inside the temple premises.
- Vaikuntha Queue Complex
- Rambagicha Complex
- Amenities Complex
Here, pilgrims will receive their respective Sudarshan bands at a minimal cost. These bands will inform the pilgrims of the time at which they can have the Darshan of God.
In this way, pilgrims do not have to wait in long queues. They can explore the Temple Complex area meanwhile. And they can report to the queue only when it is their turn to have the Darshan.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Darshan Entrance — **The Golden Gate Entrance to Tirupati Balaji Temple is used by the pilgrims.**

Tirumala Temple Dress Code

The Tirupati Balaji Temple Devasthanam administration introduced a dress code for men and women from 2013.

Men are required to wear traditional dhoti or pajama with a shirt or kurta. Women are required to wear either a saree or a Churidar pajama with a kurta.

Poojas and Sevas at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple

Here is a list of all Poojas and Sevas at Tirupati Balaji Temple. We can divide them into three types: The Daily Sevas, the Weekly Sevas, and the Periodical Sevas.

Tirumala Daily Sevas

Suprabhatam – This Seva is done at 2:30 AM in the morning to wake the Lord from his sleep. After that, the priests carry the idol from Sayana Mandapam (sleeping place) to the Ananda Nilayam (main shrine). The ticket costs Rs. 200 per person.
Thomala Seva – This Seva starts at 3:30 AM and lasts for 30 minutes. Priests decorate the idols with garlands made of Tulsi and various flowers. Pilgrims can watch this only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The ticket price is Rs. 220 per person.
Venkateshwara Sahasranama Archana – This Archana starts at 4:15 AM. In this Pooja, devotees recite the 1008 names of Lord Vishnu. Priests also call the blessings in the names and Gothra of the pilgrims taking part in the pooja. Pilgrims can perform the Seva on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The ticket price is Rs. 220 per person.
Ekantha Seva – It is the last Seva of the day and starts at 1:30 AM. The priests lay down the silver image on a golden cot in a sleeping position.

Poojas & Sevas at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji — **Priests performing Daily Sevas at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple**

Tirumala Weekly Sevas

Vishesha Pooja on Mondays – This Pooja starts from 7:30 AM to 9 AM. Priests recite several stotras and perform an Abhisheka. Then, they place 14 Kalash in front of the deities. They consist of oil, milk, curd, rice, and holy water in them.
Ashtadala – Pada Padmaaradhana on Tuesdays – This Seva starts from 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM. Priests recite 108 names of the Lord Vishnu, each name accompanied by a Lotus flower. People also worship Goddess Lakshmi and Padmavathi and then a Ratha Aarti. The cost of the ticket is Rs. 2500 for 5 persons.
Sahasra Kalabhishekam on Wednesdays – The ritual starts from 6:30 AM till 8:30 AM. In this unique ritual, priests fill 1008 silver vessels, 8 Parivara vessels, and one gold vessel with various things. They place them in the main Mandapam. Devotees also recite various Pancha Suktas and Shanti Mantras. The ticket costs Rs. 5000 for 6 persons.
Tiruppuvada Seva on Thursdays – This Seva begins at 6:30 AM. Priests remove all the ornaments and flowers from the deity. Then, they dress the idol only in a Dhoti and an Uttareeyam. The cost is Rs. 5000 for 6 persons.
Srivari Abhishekam on Fridays – It starts at 4:30 AM – 6 AM. Priests give a bath to the deity in holy Ganga along with milk, ghee, sandal, and saffron. The ticket costs Rs. 750 per person.

The Periodical Sevas

Arjitha Kalyanotsavam Seva – The ritual signifies the marriage of Lord Venkateshwara with Goddess Lakshmi and Padmavathi. The ticket costs Rs. 1000 for 2 persons.
Arjitha Brahmotsavam – People worship Lord Venkateshwara with Goddess Lakshmi and Padmavathi. They also recite several stotrams in this ritual. The ticket costs Rs. 1000 for 5 persons.
Unjal Seva – The priests place the idols of the three deities on a swing against the backdrop of lamps. The ticket cost is Rs. 1000 for 5 persons.

Offerings and Donations at Tirupata Balaji

Hair Tonsuring (Mundan) – Devotees shave their heads and give the hairs as an offering to God. It signifies the sacrifice for their Lord.
Thula Bharam Seva – Under this Seva, a Thula (Weighing scale) is arranged. On one side, the devotee is seated whereas on the other side, an equivalent weight of offerings are made. It is ensured that both sides are at an equal level. The devotees then donate the offerings to the temple administration.
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.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Architecture

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Architecture — **Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Gopuram which is the top of the temple.**

The temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple has three entrances leading to the main shrine (Ananda Nilayam).
1. First entrance – Mahadwara Gopuram with a brass door.
2. Second entrance – Nadimipadi Kavali with the silver entrance.
3. Third entrance – Bangaru Vakili with a golden door.
The main idol of the Lord is in a standing position on a platform called “Brahmasthana.” Goddess Lakshmi is present on the right and Goddess Padmavathi on the left. The Gopuram (the entrance tower) over the main sanctum is covered with a golden vase. An idol of Vimana Venkateshwara is also present on the top of it.
Priests can never displace the main idol of the Lord. Hence, small idols of several Gods are present in the sanctum to worship. They are Bhoga Srinivasa, Ugra Srinivasa, Koluvu Srinivasa, Sri Malayappan, and Sri Chakrathalvar. Sri Krishna, Sri Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshmana, Sugreeva are also present.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Significance

The common belief is that the Lord appeared on the Venkatadri hill to save humankind from the ill effects of Kaliyuga. The idol here is worshipped since the beginning of the Kaliyuga. Therefore, people call this place as Kaliyuga Vaikuntam.
Most-Visited Place of Worship – Around 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually) visits this temple. On the day of the Brahmotsavam festival, the count increases to 500,000 pilgrims daily.
The Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras. The word Swayambhu means that Lord Vishnu himself has turned into a statue here rather than installed by someone.
Tirupati Balaji is also listed as 106th Divya Desam among the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. It is the last earthly Desam of Lord Vishnu before he left earth for Vaikuntha.
It is believed that one can hear the sound of an ocean by pressing an ear at the idol of the Lord. Also, the temperature of the idol always remains too high even after bathing it with water and Chandan.

Tirumala Tirupati Brahmotsavam Significance — **Brahmotsavam Festival at Tirupati Balaji attracts more than 5 Lakh pilgrims daily.**

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple is the wealthiest temple in the world in terms of donations received. Top Ten Richest Temples – Read More

History of Tirumala Temple

Tirupati Balaji Temple is believed to have been built by King Thondaiman at the end of 8th century AD. He was the ruler of the Tamil ancient kingdom called Thondaimandala.
The temple also received patronage from several dynasties like the Pallavas (9th century), the Cholas (10th century) and highly from the Vijayanagara kingdom in the 14th century.
Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara kingdom donated abundantly and renovated the temple periodically by adding new structures to it.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji - History of the Temple — **Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagar Kingdom renovated the temple.**

Legends of Tirumala Temple

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple and its legends are mentioned in various historical manuscripts and also in various Puranas.

Legend of Lord Varaha Swamy

The legend says that Venkateshwara took the land of Tirumala hill from Varaha Swami. In return, Venkateshwara gave him a promise that he would be paid the first darshan.

Legend of Adishesha

Lord Vishnu gave a boon to Adisesha. The boon was that he would join the Venkatadri hills and become an abode of Lord Vishnu. Adisesha accepted and became Venkatadri.

Legend of Lakshmi and Padmavati

Lord Vishnu, incarnated as Srinivasa, met Padmavati in the forests during a hunt. They fell in love with each other. Later, they married each other after Akasa Raja’s approval. After six months of the marriage, Lakshmi returned to Vishnu in disbelief.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji – Full Legend – READ MORE

Festivals celebrated at Tirumala

Tirumala Brahmotsavam – This festival is celebrated for 9 days every year during the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sep/Oct). This festival attracts millions of pilgrims for nine days.
- The deity is taken out in procession on different Vahanam every day like Shesha Vahanam and Singha Vahanam. By watching the parade, one gets the protection of Lord and Punya in life.
- The last day is the Birth Star day of Lord Venkateshwara. The celebration ends with Dhvajavarohanam, lowering of the Garuda flag.
Teppotsavam – This festival is celebrated for five days in the month of Chaitra (March). The deities of Tirumala temple are taken for a ride in the Swami Pushkarini Tank.
Vasanthotsavam – This festival is celebrated for three days in March/April. King Achyutaraya introduced this festival to mark the beginning of the spring season.
Pavithrotsavam – The festival is celebrated for three days in the month of Shravan (July/August). The priests seek forgiveness from Lord Venkateshwara for all the mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly while performing the daily rituals.
Jyesthabhshekam – The festival is celebrated in the month of Jyestha (June). Lord Venkateshwara appeared with a protective armor to fight against evil in Kaliyuga. On this day, people do Abhisheka and Poojas to that armor.

Teppotsavam Boat Festival at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple — **Deities of Tirumala temple taken for a ride in Swami Pushkarini Tank on Teppotsavam Festival.**

Here are other major festivals celebrated at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple. These are Pushpa Pallaki, Padmavathi Parinayam, Pushpa Yagam, and Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam.

How to reach Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple?

By Air – The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, at a distance of 40 km from the temple. Chennai is the second nearest international airport.
By Rail – The nearest railway station is Tirupati, 26 km away from Tirumala. The AP Sampark Kranti Express connects to Bhopal, Gwalior, and New Delhi.
By Road – Several direct buses are available from cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Vellore. Regular buses are available from Tirupati to Tirumala.

Where to stay nearby?

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has constructed several cottages and guest houses for the benefit of the pilgrims. These are-
1. Padmavathi Guest House
2. Sri Venkateshwara Guest House
3. Varaha Swamy Guest House
Besides the guest houses, they have also constructed several choultries for the free stay of pilgrims.

The pilgrims can book the rooms by contacting the Central Reception Office, near Tirumala Bus Stand. The advance reservation can be made online by visiting the official website ttdsevaonline.com

Several private hotels are also available as an option for pilgrims.

Where to eat nearby?

The Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple Devasthanam (Temple administration) provides full meals to all devotees under the Nitya Annadanam Scheme.
Pilgrims can also get free tiffin, coffee, tea, and milk in the temple complex.
The meal is pure-veg.

What are some famous temples near Tirumala?

Explore Places Near Tirumala Temple — **Explore Famous Places and Activities Near Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple**

Varaha Swamy Temple – It is located at the banks of Swami Pushkarini near the Tirumala Temple. According to legend, Lord Varaha Swamy granted land to Lord Venkateswara to stay in the hill. In return, Lord Venkateswara promised the privilege of first Darshan to Varah Swamy.
Bedi Anjaneya Swamy Temple – This temple is located opposite to Tirupati Balaji Temple. As per the legend, young Lord Hanuman (Anjaneya) wanted to leave home in search of a camel. His mother Anjana Devi then tied his hands. The idol present here is also showing the hands of Hanuman tied.
Padmavathi Devi Temple – This temple is located 5 km away from Tirumala Temple in the town of Tiruchanoor. The presiding deity is Goddess Padmavathi, the wife of Lord Srinivasa. People also call this temple as Alamelumangapuram.
Prasanna Venkateshwara Swamy Temple – It is located 16 km from Tirupati. The uniqueness of the Temple is the presiding deity Venkateshwara who is in the “Abhaya Hasta” posture. This Temple is the marriage site of Srinivasa and Padmavathi.
Govindaraja Swami Temple – The temple is also located in Tirupati and was built by Ramanujacharya. The presiding deity Govindaraja was the elder brother of Venkateshwara. It is believed that worshiping him can result in better management of one’s finances.
Kapileswara Swamy Temple – This temple is also located in Tirupati. As per the legend, this is the place where Lord Shiva appeared before Maharishi Kapila. The Shiva Linga is believed to have been self-manifested here.
Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple – The Chola dynasty and Vijayanagara Empire built this temple. The presiding deities are Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshman.

If you have any questions related to Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, please leave a comment below and we will reply within an hour.

Lepakshi Temple Timings, Poojas, Dress Code, and History

Lepakshi Temple is a dedication to the cult deity Veerabhadra. The temple is based in the small village of Lepakshi in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. The construction of the temple took place in the 16th century during the reign of Vijayanagara Kings.

Lepakshi Temple has three shrines dedicated to the Hindu Gods Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra. There exist about 70 pillars at this fabulous 16th-century stone structure of Vijayanagar style architecture.

This temple houses the largest sculpture of the demon king Veerabhadra. Moreover, much of the temple stands on a low rocky hill called Kurmasailam. The word ‘Kurmasailam‘ translates to tortoise hill in the Telugu language.

One of the pillars n Lepakshi Temple is popular as the Aakaasa Sthambha (Hanging Column). This pillar does not rest on the ground fully. During the British era, a British engineer’s labour in trying to move it were in vain. However, doing so made the pillar dislodge from its original position.

Introduction of Lepakshi Temple — This Nandi is India’s largest monolithic structure.

Besides the Hanging pillar, the other thing that is worth seeing is the spectacular Nandi which is located almost a mile before the main temple. It is 27 ft in length and 15 ft in height which is reputedly India’s biggest monolithic Nandi.

Facts About Lepakshi Temple

Opening and Closing Timings	6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entry Fee	No fee
Main Deity	Veerbhadra
Nearest Airport	Sri Sathya Sai Airport
Location	Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh
Photography	Allowed

Lepakshi Temple Timings

Devotees can visit the temple for darshan in the following timings –

Timings	From
Morning	6:00 AM
Evening	6:00 PM

The temple opens all days of the week. However, timings may change during festivals, important rituals and eclipses.

Significance of Lepakshi Temple

Lepakshi Temple has three separate Mandapas. The first one is Mukhya Mandapa (or Natya or Ranga Mandapa). The second one is Artha Mandapa and Garba Griha and third is Kalyana Mandapa. The last Mandapa is unfinished.
Devotees worship Veerbhadra who is Shiva’s depiction in his ferocious mood. Warrior God Veerbhadra was worshipped during wartimes in the ancient and medieval periods.
A huge Ganesha is there in the temple’s outer enclosure. And it leans against the rock which is perpendicular to a massive Naga with three coils and seven hoods. This Nagalinga is the largest in India.
Goddess Sita’s footprint is there in the temple premises. Beliefs say that the footprint got imprinted on the floor during the time Ravana was taking Sita to Lanka.

Legends of Lepakshi Temple — This footprint is considered to be of Devi Sita’s from the time Ravana was abducting her.

Poojas and Rituals performed at the Lepakshi Temple

Abhishek Timings	From
Morning	7:00 AM – 7:30 AM

At first, the puja of the Shivalinga takes place. Henceforth Lord Veerabhadra is worshipped. In the morning, the lord appears in Bala rupa (youth). And turns to a hero in a moustache by the evening.

Devotees perform Abhishek to Lord and Mother and offer clothes. Offerings in form of the sweet pudding – Sarkarai Pongal Nivedhana is also made. As in Lord Vishnu temples, here too Sadari blessing with the lotus feet of the Lord is offered to devotees. Betel leaf is given as prasad in the temple.

Lepakshi Temple History

The history of Lepakshi Temple dates back to 1530-40. The Virupanna and Viranna brothers did the construction of the temple. The two brothers were in the service of Vijayanagar Kings. At that time Vijayanagar was King Achutarya’s kingdom.

But according to the Puranic story, Lepakshi Temple was built by the sage Agastya. Moreover, Skanda Purana states that this temple is one of the important pilgrimage sites of Lord Shiva known as divyakshetras.

Legends associated with Lepakshi Temple

The origin of Verbhadra is an interesting mythological tale. According to the tale, it was Sati’s suicide that enraged Shiva to cut off a lock of his hair. And from this lock of his hair, Demon God Veerbhadra and Goddess Kali were born.
Virupanna constructed the Lepakshi temple using the resources from the state treasury. After knowing this, King Achutarya got angry with him and decided to punish Virupanna. Hence, he ordered to blind Virupanna. And on hearing this Virupanna blinded himself there and then.
The temple has different panels of paintings depicting different stories. One of the panels narrates the tale of Shiva’s marriage. Parvati is shown seated on the raised seat alongside six maidens.
The paintings of this temple were first noticed by A H Longhurstin 1912-13 but lack of attention and leakage resulted in deterioration of these artforms.
Rumours are that a lot was later done to the temple during Vijayanagar reigns. However, there are no significant records for it. But we do have a lot of other temples built around the shrine of Veerbhadra.
Also, the presence of the Uddana Veerabhadra Temple in Hampi provides evidence that claims that during Vijayanagar days the people of Hampi worshipped the Gods in their ferocious forms as well. In fact, the ruins of Hampi points towards the existence of this cult.

Rules to follow in Lepakshi Temple

While visiting the Lepakshi temple, do not forget to wear decent clothes. And do not carry leather bags or belts, etc. However, temple authorities permit photography inside this temple so one must carry their camera.
Moreover, one should choose to wear a traditional piece of clothing to the temple. Temple authorities prohibit clothing items like jeans, t-shirts, shorts and skirts etc in the temple premises.

Festivals celebrated at Lepakshi Temple

The month of February calls for a 10 day-long celebration in the premises of Lepakshi temple. This festival also includes the car festival. During the festival, pilgrims flock in huge numbers to the temple.
Mahashivratri– On this occasion dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple organises a huge fair. The fair invites traders of sweetmeats, clothes, bangles, toys and bamboo articles. Also, the trading of domestic animals like goats, cows etc take place in the temple fair. Moreover, a lot of villagers arrive on this day to redeem their vows.
Durgamma Festival– This is a four-day-long festival that falls in the Bhadrapada month of Hindu Calendar. On this day devotees draw water from Majira river for worshipping. Moreover, a lot of other sacrifices also take place during the time. Temple authorities organise a fair on this day.
Masi Brahmmotsavam falling in the months of February-March and Tirukarthikai falling in November-December are some of the other festivals that call for celebration in the Lepakshi temple.

How to reach Lepakshi Temple – Road, Rail and Air

Train– Hindupur railway station is the nearest railways station to Lepakshi. It is located about 12 km away from the temple.
Road– Lepakshi has good road connectivity via Hindupur. Many private and government buses connect Hindupur to the rest of India. Also, one can hire a taxi service to reach their destination.
Air– Sri Sathya Sai Airport, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh is the nearest to the temple. It is 58 km away from the Lepakshi temple.

Hotels near Lepakshi Temple – Where to stay

Lepakshi temple does not have any guesthouse available. However, there are some good hotels nearby it –

AP Tourism Hotel near Nandi– This place is very affordable. Also, this hotel accepts bookings one day in advance too. Moreover, one must carry a confirmation voucher of the same along with a valid ID proof.
Hotel Bheema– This place is another stay near the temple. It is a blend of all the modern amenities and is very budget-friendly.
SRS Regency Hotel– This hotel is a complete divinity for the travellers. One can have all the modern amenities here. This place is also quite near to the temple and is pocket-friendly.

Where to eat?

There are several hotels around the temple that offer tasty and mouth-watering dishes. The South Indian food prepared here has an unbeatable taste. Tourists can get both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food near the temple. Other cuisines one can find here include North Indian and other modern varieties. The nearby restaurants that are worth visiting include Annapoorna and Ghuma Ghumalu Restaurant.

Nearby Temples

Lepakshi Nandi: There is a monolithic sculpture of Shiva’s bull Nandi on the main road of Lepakshi which is approximately 550 m from the temple. The sculpture faces the shiva linga that a large serpent is shielding.
Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple: Sri Veerabhadra Swamy came to life with an aim to demolish Dakshyagna. After doing so, Dakshyagna was redone successfully. However, even after the completion of yagna, Sri Veerabhadra Swamy lived in anger and was burning in fire caused by the Yoga Sakthi of Sati. Hence, other saints and devotees of Veerbhadra Swamy went to Vaikunta to request Lord Vishnu to pacify Veera Bhadra Swamy. This temple is 48 Km from Kadapa.
Bayalu Veerabhadra Swamy: Bayalu Veerabhadra Swami Temple idol is there is a temple facing north. Beliefs say that it guards the Lord Mallikarjuna Swami. He is the kshetrapalaka of Srisailam. He has no roof above him. Hence, it goes by the name Bayalu Veerabhadra Swamy.
Sri Bhadrakali Sametha Veereswara Swamy Devasthanam: In this temple, the Goddess Bhadrakali is present on the same platform, in order to pacify Veerabhadra Swamy. Pujaris perform Nithyakalyanam here to Veereswara Swamy and Sri Bhadrakali.
Sri Agora Veerabhadra Swamy Temple: A goat’s head was put on Dhakshan after Sri Veerabhadra cut his off. Beliefs are that Dhakshan lost to Sri Veerabhadra at this place. Sri Veerabhadra faces north, holding many weapons. Goddess Kaali is present just outside the sanctum, facing east. This temple attracts lots of devotees during new moon days and full moon days. Beliefs are that it cures people with mental illness.

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