Tirupati Venkateswara Temple
* One of the most popular Hindu temples in the world
* Located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
* Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu
* Shrine is believed to be the abode of Lord Vishnu
* Millions of devotees visit the temple every year
* Temple is known for its architectural beauty and intricate carvings
* Renovations of the temple were completed in 2019
History
The Tirupati Venkateswara Temple is believed to have been built in the 9th century CE. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. The earliest mention of the temple is found in the 11th century CE work, the _Skanda Purana_.
The temple is said to have been built by King Thondaiman, a ruler of the Pallava dynasty. The temple was later expanded by the Chola dynasty and the Vijayanagara empire.
Architecture
The Tirupati Venkateswara Temple is a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture. The temple is built in a rectangular shape and is surrounded by a high wall. The main entrance to the temple is on the east side.
The temple has a five-tiered _gopuram_, or tower, at the entrance. The _gopuram_ is decorated with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, and mythological figures.
The inner sanctum of the temple houses a _swayambhu_, or self-manifested, _lingam_ of Lord Venkateswara. The _lingam_ is made of black stone and is about 3 feet tall.
Devotees
The Tirupati Venkateswara Temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in the world. Millions of devotees visit the temple every year to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.
Devotees often make offerings of _prasad_, or food, to Lord Venkateswara. They also offer prayers and sing hymns in praise of the Lord.
Renovations
The Tirupati Venkateswara Temple underwent extensive renovations in 2019. The renovations were completed in time for the _hundi_ (donation box) opening ceremony on January 1, 2020.
The renovations included the construction of a new _gopuram_, the renovation of the inner sanctum, and the installation of new _murtis_ (idols) of Lord Venkateswara.
The renovations cost over $100 million and were funded by donations from devotees around the world.
Conclusion
The Tirupati Venkateswara Temple is a sacred place of worship for millions of Hindus around the world. The temple is a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture and is a must-see for anyone visiting India.
Architecture
Architecture of Tirupati Venkateswara Temple
The Tirupati Venkateswara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, located in the hill town of Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the world, with over 50 million devotees visiting the temple every year.
The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and is surrounded by seven concentric walls. The inner sanctum houses the deity of Venkateswara, which is a black stone idol. The temple also has a number of other shrines dedicated to other deities, including Shiva, Parvati, Lakshmi, and Hanuman.
Key features of the architecture
* The temple is built on a hilltop and is surrounded by seven concentric walls.
* The inner sanctum houses the deity of Venkateswara, which is a black stone idol.
* The temple also has a number of other shrines dedicated to other deities, including Shiva, Parvati, Lakshmi, and Hanuman.
* The temple is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures.
* The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is visited by over 50 million devotees every year.
Significance of the temple
The Tirupati Venkateswara Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in India. It is believed that the temple was built by the Pallava king, Narasimha Varma II, in the 8th century CE. The temple is dedicated to Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who is considered to be the protector of the universe. The temple is also known as the "Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams" (TTD), which is a trust that manages the temple.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is visited by over 50 million devotees every year. The temple is also a major tourist attraction and is visited by people from all over the world.
References
* [Tirupati Venkateswara Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirumala_Venkateswara_Temple)
* [Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams](https://www.tirumala.org/)