Tirumala

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.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has facilitated special darshan for senior citizens in Venkateswara Temple Tirumala. Our guide explains the age limit, ticket booking procedure, the entry point for darshan, time taken, who can accompany senior citizens and restrictions.

Senior Citizen Darshan at Tirumala – Overview

Age Limit	65 years and above
ID Proof	Required
Darshan Timings	10 am and 3 pm
Entry Point	Supatham
Ticket Cost	Free
Booking Timings	7 am to 3 pm
Tickets Quota	10 am slot – 700 tickets. 3 pm slot – 700 tickets.
Time Taken	40 minutes-1 hour depending on the crowd
Ticket Counter	Vaikuntha Queue Complex, VQC-2 (Opposite S.V. Museum)
Accompany	One person along with Senior Citizen. Children under 12 years.
Restrictions	Only once in 90 days.

Who can have darshan under senior citizens category in Tirumala?

1. For the Senior Citizen category, the age should be 65 or above for both men and women.
2. Senior citizens can avail of this benefit by showing proof of their age. Photo ID proof is mandatory to get this benefit.
3. The wife will be allowed with their husband if he is a senior citizen.
4. Children under 12 years will also be allowed with their grandparents who is a senior citizen.
5. If the senior citizen does not have anyone to accompany them, the TTD administration will provide a seva candidate who can help them with Lord Venkateswara darshan.
6. The pilgrim who availed Darshan under this special category cannot avail Darshan for the next 90 days.
7. The special tickets 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 timings of darshan for senior citizens in Tirumala?

1. Senior Citizens 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 can we get tickets for senior citizens darshan?

1. The tickets are available at “Senior citizen / Specially-abled Ticket Counter” near Vaikuntha Queue Complex, VQC-2 (opposite to S.V. Museum), 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. The tickets are issued on a first come first serve basis.
4. The cost of the ticket is free. Senior citizens (65 or above) can have darshan at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple free of cost. Senior citizens are also provided a laddu ticket (2 laddus per person) free of cost.
5. There is no need for senior citizens to wait in the queue. The person accompanying the senior citizen can stand in the queue on their behalf. The senior citizen can sit near the counter.
6. Once their turn comes, the senior citizen along with the person who is waiting in the queue must go to the counter and get tickets.

What is the entry point for senior citizens darshan?

1. Senior Citizens should enter for darshan from Supatham entrance. Supatham is just 50 meters away from the Vaikuntham Queue Complex entrance.
2. The senior citizens along with the persons accompanying them will then be taken on a special bus to the main temple entrance.
3. The general darshan queue will be stopped for a while and the senior citizens are allowed to have darshan.
4. Darshan will take around 1-2 hours depending on the crowd.

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).

While visiting Tirumala, it is very difficult for the parents to carry infants for darshan. Hence, TTD has made special arrangements for infant darshan. Here are all the details.

TTD Infant Darshan Rules

• Infant Darshan Timings: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. 12 PM to 6 PM
• Darshan Cost: Free
• Age Limit of Infant: Below one year
• Allowed persons with Infant: Parents, Siblings (Below 12 years)
• Entry Point: Supatham entrance
• Required time for Infant Darshan: 1-2 hours depending on the crowd

Who can have darshan under the infant category in Tirumala?

1. Infant up to 1 year can avail special benefits in darshan at Tirumala.
2. Parents should carry birth proof of their infant, like Birth Certificate or any government identity to give proof of the age. If the infant is close to a year, then TTD staff may ask for age proof at the entrance.
3. Parents will be allowed along with the infant to have darshan.
4. Siblings (Own brother or own sister below 12 years) for that kid are also allowed along with parents.
5. No other friends or relatives are allowed along with the infant.
6. Parents need to follow the compulsory dress code to enter from Supadam.

What is the dress code for parents carrying infants for darshan?

For this special darshan, dress code is compulsory for parents.

Men: Kurta-pajama, dhoti or White Pancha.
Women: Saree/ Punjabi Dress with Dupatta / Chudidar with Dupatta

What are the timings for infant darshan in Tirumala?

• Special Entry Darshan is available for infant and his/her parents from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM and 12 PM – 6 PM.
• However, this darshan is not available during any seva time and festivals (like Kalyanostavam, Arjitha Brahmotsavam, Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva).

Where we can get the tickets for infant darshan in Tirumala?

• Ticket is not required for infant and his /her parent’s entry via Supadam.
• Supadam entry is free of cost for the infant (under 12 months), infant’s parents and siblings (below 12 years of age).
• These privileged people can have darshan at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple free of cost.

What is the entry point for infant darshan?

1. Infants with their parents will get privileged darshan from Supadam entrance.
2. Supadam special entrance is less crowded than the General queue. Only privileged people have access to this entrance.
3. Supadam is located at 100-150 ft. away from Vaikuntham Queue Complex Entrance.
4. There is no waiting time for infant darshan through Supadam.

Kalyanotsavam Seva For Newly Married Couple Tirumala – In 2011, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has introduced the current booking of Kalyanotsavam tickets as a gift to the newly married couples. This opportunity has been provided to the couples who had wed in less than a week’s time span.

Out of 100 Kalyanotsavam tickets issued under current booking, a quota of 20 Kalyanotsavam tickets have been allotted to the newlywed couples. The tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Arjitha Kalyanotsavam is a ritual performed daily at Tirumala Temple. The ritual signifies the marriage of Lord Venkateshwara with Goddess Lakshmi and Padmavathi.

Kalyanotsavam Seva for Newly Married Couple
Timings	12:00 pm – 1 pm
Seva Days	Daily
Reservation for Newlyweds	20 Tickets Daily
Eligibility	Less than a week old Married Couples
Entrance	Supadham
Dress Code	Traditional Wear
Cost	Rs. 1000 for 1 Couple

Kalyanotsavam Seva – Eligibility, Proof of Marriage, Tickets, Current Booking, & Procedure

• Eligibility: Couples who got married in less than a week ago are eligible for this quota. They can avail this Seva tickets within 1 week from the date of their marriage.
• Documents required: Wedding Card, Photos of the Wedding, Photo ID proofs, Marriage Certificate (If available)
• Registration Counter: Vijaya Bank Counter, CRO office Tirumala
• Counter Timings: Kalyanovatsavam Seva tickets will be issued 7 am onwards.
• Number of Tickets Reserved: 20 tickets (1 ticket per couple)

Kalyanotsavam Seva – Timings, Location, and Ticket Cost

• Seva Timings: 12:00 pm – 1 pm in the noon.
• Reporting Time: 11:00 am
• Reporting Location: Supadam Entrance near to Vaikuntham I
• Seva Location: Kalyanotsavam Mandapam inside the temple
• Seva Programming Days: Daily, Mon-Tue-Wed-Thur-Fri-Sat-Sun
• Ticket Cost: Rs. 1000 for 1 Couple (Huband & Wife)

Kalyanotsavam Seva – Dress Code

Men: White Pancha, Dhoti, (Must remove Shirt and Vest till you complete Darshan, Dhoti is Mandatory)
Female: Traditional Saree, Punjabi Dress with Dupatta, Chudidhar with Dupatta, Half Saree. The couple should wear traditional Indian clothes only.

Darshan after Kalyanotsavam Seva

Couples will be allowed Darshan after Kalyanotsavam Seva which will take 30 mins (approx). The priests will then offer blessings to the couples. Couples will get the Prasadam in the temple complex at the special counter. TTD also provides Askhinthalu (Rice mixed with turmeric) free of cost after the seva.