TIRUPATHI, ANDHRA PRADESH
Tirumala-Tirupati, one of the richest temples in the country, is the most venerated Vaishnavite shrine of Lord Venkateswara. It was patronised by the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Vijayanagar kings. 130 kms from the city of Madras (Chennai), this temple is located in the southern Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Tiru' in Tamil means `Sri'. Hence Tirupati translates to Sripati or Sri Maha Vishnu.
Deities: Lord Venkateswara.
Significance: According to the Puranas, the range of Tirumala hills represent the body of the serpent Adisesha, on which Lord Vishnu, the protector of the world, rests. The seven hills represent the seven heads of the serpent.
Perched on the 860 m high peak of the Tirumala hills, the temple is a Dravidian masterpiece. The splendid Viman or 'Ananda Nilayam' rising protectively over the sanctum is the most arresting feature in the temple complex. It is plated with gold, as is the Dwajasthambam, or the temple flagpost. The innermost enclosure of the three 'prakarams', opened once annually, enshrines the two-metre high majestic black idol of Lord Venkateswara, bedecked with priceless glittering jewels, most striking of which is the diamond crown said to be the costliest in the world.

Some people believe that the idol of Sri Venkateswara has the attributes of Vishnu and Shiva, the preserving and the destroying aspects of the Hindu Trinity. This conception is a happy compromise appealing at once to the Vaishnavites and Shaivites. The idol has four arms, two in the rear, one carrying the Shankha or the conch, and the other the Chakra or the discus, and two in the front, one in the Abhaya pose and the other resting on the hip. On both the front arms, the Bhujanga Valaya, or the girdle of the serpent, an emblem of Shiva can be seen. People from the Northern parts of India, worship Lord Venkateswara, as Balaji. It is praised by poets as `Bhuloka Vaikuntha'.

The two very important customs followed in the temple are anointing the body of the Lord with camphor (Karpoora), saffron and musk, and offering the tonsure of hair as a sacrifice to the Lord.

The Varahaswami temple, situated near the Venkateswara temple, on the banks of Swami Pushkarani tank, is said to be even more ancient. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Varahaswami. It is said that the Adi Sesha himself forms the seven hills on which the temple of the Lord is located.

Festivals:Brahmotsavam, the most important of the various festivals of the temple, is conducted usually in Bhadrapada i.e., in September for about 9 days. On account of Adika Masam, which comes in every third year, a second Brahmotsavam in the month of Aswayuja (Puratasi) will be held under the name, "Navarathri Brahmotsavam". These Brahmotsavams attract thousands of pilgrims from various parts of the country.

Other Places of Interest:There are several picturesque sights around the Tirumala-Tirupati hills. Situated around one km from the Tirumala temple is a unique natural stone arch believed to be the source of Lord Venkateswara's idol.

Kalahasti Temple:Sri Kalahasti temple, situated 36 km away is famous for its Vayudeva temple, which is the only shrine of the god of wind in India. Constructed in the 12th century by the Chola king, Rajarajendra, Vayu is incarnated as Lord Shiva and worshipped as Kalahasteeswara. The story goes that the linga here was invoked by a spider (Sri), snake (Kala) and an elephant (Hasti). Hence the town was aptly referred to as Sri Kalahasti. Besides Swamypushkarini, there are several important water-falls in and around Tirumala, namely Akasaganga, Papavinasanam, Pandava Theertham, Jabili Theertham, Chakra Theertham, Ramakrishna Theertham, Kumaradhara Theertham and Tumburu Theertham, each excelling the other in the riddance of the sins of those who bathe in them.

Narayanavanam:Located 36 km away is the temple dedicated to Lord Kalyana Venkateswaraswamy. It is believed that this is the venue of the sacred marriage between Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi.

How to Get There

Direct bus services from major towns and cities in the south-Madras, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Nearest railhead is Renigunda (!0 kms). Direct rail connections to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Madras, Tiruchirapalli, Puri and Delhi. Air connections to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Madras and Vijayawada.

Where to Stay

Bhimas Hotel (Tel. 20-766) and Bhimas Delux Hotel (Tel. 20-121) 42, G Car St. Gopi Krishna Delux Hotel, opposite Railway Station.

Weekend Trips (From Hyderabad)

Destination: Tirumala - Tirupati
Distance: 570 km
Duration: 14 hours (one way)
Departure: Friday at 4:00 pm
Return: Monday at 7:00 am
Sightseeing: Tirumala - Tirupati, Kalahasti, Mangapuram,
Tiruchenur
Rate: Rs 240 (to & fro) + Rs 400 (includes special
darshan, hill transport and accomodation)


Text about any new info regarding your site. recent changes, new pages, note worthy accomplishments,exciting news, announcements. Text about any new info regardingyour site. recent changes, new pages, note worthy accomplishments,exciting news, announcements. Text about any new info regarding your site. recent changes, new pages, note worthy accomplishments, exciting news, announcements.Text about any new info regarding your site. recent changes, new pages, note worthy accomplishments, exciting news, announcements.

KANAKADURGA, VIJAYAWADA
Kanakadurga Temple,VijawadaIn the east of Andhra Pradesh lies Vijayawada, which abounds in caves and temples dating back to the first century. The significant amongst them being the Mogalrajapuram cave temple, Undavalli caves, Kanakadurga and Malleeswara temples.It's a pleasant journey into the rich coastal delta of the state where the "city of victory", Vijayawada, lies between the Krishna river and its tributary, Budameru. Encircled by a cluster of high hills, Vijayawada has been the heart of the historical, cultural, political and literary center OF Andhra Pradesh. Located about 275 kms from Hyderabad, Vijayawada is famous for its luscious mangoes, the classic form of Telugu language and the goddess of benevolence, power and wealth, Kanaka Durga. LEGENDS According to legends, the now luxuriantly verdant Vijayawada was once a rocky region strewn with hillocks that were obstructing the river Krishna. The land was thus rendered unfit for habitation or cultivation. The commoners and the sages prayed to Lord Shiva to bail them out of the situation. And Shiva conceded to their prayers by directing the hills to give way to river Krishna by making tunnels. And lo! The river started flowing with all its might, unimpeded and uproarious. There was all round prosperity in the region. As Lord Shiva made the tunnels or "Bejjam" into the hills, this region also came to be known as Bejjawada. Although there are a few mythologies associated with this place, the city derived the name "Vijayawada" after the victory of Arjuna over Lord Shiva. Yet another popular legend is about the triumph of Goddess Kanakadurga over the demon king Mahishasura. It is said that once upon a time, the growing menace of demons became unendurable for the natives living in this region. The sage Indrakila, did severe penance to appease Goddess Kanakadurga. Pleased, She asked him to spell out his desire. The sage begged Her to reside on his head and keep a vigil on the wicked demons and punish them for robbing the peace of the innocent people. His wish was granted and after killing the demons, Goddess Durga made Indrakila Her permanent abode. Later She also slayed the demon king Mahishasura freeing the people of Vijayawada from the clutches of evil. Kanakadurga and Vijayawada are synonymous with each other. SHE is the presiding deity of Vijayawada and the Kanakadurga shrine on the Indrakila hill beckons visitors from far and wide. Every visitor to Vijayawada, however, busy he may be, never goes back without paying obeisance to this goddess. At the Kanakadurga temple, the enchanting four-foot high icon of the deity gleams into sight even before one enters the garbha griha. The goddess with eight hands and equipped with eight powerful weapons is seen in a standing posture over the demon Mahishashura and piercing him with her trident. The Goddess bedecked in glittering ornaments and floral decorations is the epitome of beauty. Devotees worship goddess Kanakadurga to bestow them with health, wealth and prosperity. Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakila hill. By ascending the steps on the hill, one comes across little images of different deities, prominent among them being Kali, Shiva and Krishna. DARSHAN The temple authorities at the Kanakadurgeswari shrine have made elaborate arrangements for devotees to have darshan from different points. The first is the special darshan from within the sanctum sanctorum in close proximity of the deity and the second special darshan is from just outside the sanctum sanctorum. The third type of darshan is from a far off distance. The temple remains open for darshan from 4.30 am upto 10.30 pm. Archanas are performed at 4.30 am, 8.00 am, 2.00 pm, and 6.00 pm. Lakshakumkum archana is performed everyday, except on Friday and Sunday. Chantings of mantras and devotional music reverberate in the air in the mornings and the serenity smells divine. SEVAS AND DARSHANS Special Darshan & Seva Rs.1. Garbha Gudi 5.002. Special darshanam (Mukha Mantapa) 2.003. Sahasranama archana 8.004. Ashtotaranama archana 5.005. Ashtotaranama archana (DD / MO) 6.006. Lakshakumkum archana 450.007. Shanthi Kalyanam 500.008. Pallaki seva 100.009. Sahasranama archana (special) 415.0010. 52 Fridays for Goddess KanakadurgaAshtotaranama archana 312.0011. Sri Ammavariki archanaMalleswara Ashtotaranama archana 2.00Malleswara Sahasranama archana 5.0012. Malleswaraswamy Rudrabhishekam 312.0013. 52 Mondays for Goddess KanakadurgaSatyanarayana Swamy vratam 10.0014. Upanayanam 10.0015. Mahanyasa Purvaka Rudrabhishekam 15.00Shasvatapoojarusumulu 16. Lakshakumkum archana (1 day in a year) 4500.0017. Shanthi Kalyanam (1 day in a year) 5000.0018. Pallaki seva (1 day in a year) 1000.0019. Sahasranama archana 4500.0052 Fridays for Goddess Kanakadurga20. Ashtotaranama archana 3500.0021. Sahasranama archana 116.00Srikanakadurga archana (any 1 day in a year) 22. Ashtotaranama archana 60.0023. Shasvata Annadana pathakam 5116.00(Any one day every year) FESTIVALS The devotees of goddess Kanakadurgeswari celebrate many festivals with great religious fervor. On such occasions, the temples on the Indrakila hills are adorned in their festive best. Among the festivals, mention must be made of the ten day long Sarannavaratri festival and the Kalyanotsavam of Bhramarambha-Malleswaraswamy. During the Navaratri celebrations, Kanakadurga is attractively draped and decorated in different forms for nine days - Bala Tripura Sundari, Gayathri, Annapoorna, Mahalakshmi, Saraswathi, Lalitha Tripura Sundari, Durga Devi, Mahihasura Mardani, and Raja Rajeswara Devi. Each day special prasadams are offered to the goddess and in the evening she is carried in a procession around the temple. On the tenth day, that is the Vijayadasami Day, goddess Kanakadurga along with other deities, dressed in all her splendor, is carried in a decorated swan shaped boat in the Krishna waters. This is popularly known as Nauka Viharam and thousands of people gather at the riverbanks to witness this colorful ritual!