Tirumala

Tirumala is a census town in Chittoor district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The town is a part of Tirupati Urban Development Authority and located in Tirupati (rural) mandal of Tirupati revenue division.[5] It is a hill town where Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is located, which is the abode of Lord Venkateswara.

For the butterfly genus, see Tirumala (genus). For the ancient place in Chittoor district called Lower Tirupati, see Tirupati.

Tirumala

Adivarahakshetra[1][2]
Venkatadri[3]
Census Town
Lord Venkateswara Temple
Nickname(s): 
Kaliyuga Vaikunta[4]
Tirumala
Location in Andhra Pradesh, India
Coordinates: 13.680916°N 79.350600°E / 13.680916; 79.350600
CountryIndia
StateAndhra Pradesh
DistrictChittoor
MandalTirupati (rural)
Area
 • Total32.21 km2 (12.44 sq mi)
Elevation
976 m (3,202 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total7,741
 • Density240/km2 (620/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialTelugu
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
517 504
Telephone code+91–877
Vehicle registrationAP-03

Geography
Spotted deer in the park

Tirumala is located 3,200 feet (980 m) above sea level and covers an area of approximately 10.33 square miles (26.8 km2). Surrounding the hills are seven peaks of Seshachalam range, Eastern Ghats namely Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. The temple of Sri Venkateswara[6] is on the seventh peak (Venkatadri).

At 21 km point on the Tirupati – Tirumala Ghat road, there is a major discontinuity of stratigraphic significance that represents a period of remarkable serenity in the geological history of the Earth. This is referred to as the Eparchaean Unconformity. This unconformity separates the Proterozoic Nagari Quartzite and the Archean granite representing a time gap of 800 Ma.[7] In 2001, the Geological Survey of India(GSI) declared the Eparchaean Unconfirmity to be one of the 26 "Geological Monuments of India".

Silathoranam (Natural arch) at Tirumala Hills, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Silathoranam, a Natural arch and a distinctive geological wonder is located in Tirumala Hills at a distance of 1 km from Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The Arch measures 8 metres in width and 3 metres in height and is eroded out of quartizite of Cuddapah Supergroup of Middle to Upper Proterozoic(1600 to 570 Ma) by weathering agents such as water and wind.[8]

Climate
Deer Park near Alipiri Mettu

Tirumala has a tropical wet and Dry climate designated Aw under the Köppen climate classification. As the hill shrine is situated amidst the hills, the temperature will go below 10 degrees in winter. Compared to Tirupati, summer won't be much here. The South-west Monsoon season starts from June, but rains won't be heavier. Occasionally, Thunderstorm forms and pours for hours. Pertaining to Orographic relief, North-east Monsoon remains active over the region that cause flooding and it lasts for 2 months. 459 mm on 23 November 2005 was the highest 24-hour rainfall on records, followed by 307 mm on 9 November 2015.

Climate data for Tirumala (1987–2010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 31.1
(88.0)		 33.4
(92.1)		 35.8
(96.4)		 37.0
(98.6)		 37.6
(99.7)		 36.8
(98.2)		 34.0
(93.2)		 34.0
(93.2)		 35.4
(95.7)		 30.4
(86.7)		 29.8
(85.6)		 27.4
(81.3)		 37.6
(99.7)
Average high °C (°F) 23.9
(75.0)		 27.0
(80.6)		 30.3
(86.5)		 32.2
(90.0)		 33.0
(91.4)		 30.6
(87.1)		 28.9
(84.0)		 27.9
(82.2)		 28.2
(82.8)		 26.4
(79.5)		 24.2
(75.6)		 22.7
(72.9)		 27.9
(82.2)
Average low °C (°F) 14.2
(57.6)		 15.0
(59.0)		 17.3
(63.1)		 20.7
(69.3)		 22.3
(72.1)		 21.9
(71.4)		 21.0
(69.8)		 20.6
(69.1)		 20.3
(68.5)		 19.0
(66.2)		 17.6
(63.7)		 15.9
(60.6)		 18.8
(65.8)
Record low °C (°F) 8.3
(46.9)		 9.0
(48.2)		 9.6
(49.3)		 15.0
(59.0)		 15.8
(60.4)		 13.6
(56.5)		 15.2
(59.4)		 13.0
(55.4)		 17.2
(63.0)		 12.4
(54.3)		 11.6
(52.9)		 9.0
(48.2)		 8.3
(46.9)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 7.2
(0.28)		 2.4
(0.09)		 8.1
(0.32)		 14.8
(0.58)		 82.0
(3.23)		 93.4
(3.68)		 120.0
(4.72)		 170.4
(6.71)		 140.6
(5.54)		 240.4
(9.46)		 295.1
(11.62)		 162.5
(6.40)		 1,336.9
(52.63)
Average rainy days 0.5 0.2 0.8 1.2 3.5 5.4 8.3 7.7 7.8 10.4 10.8 5.5 62.1
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) 74 63 54 58 58 66 69 70 72 79 84 85 69
Source: India Meteorological Department[9]

Legend
Main article: Legend of Tirumala

In ancient literature Tirupati is mentioned as Aadhi Varaha Kshetra. The Puranas associate the site with Lord Varaha, one of the Dashavatara of Lord Vishnu. In Varaha Purana, Venkatadri is believed to be a part of Mount Meru, which was brought on to the earth from Vishnu's abode Vaikuntam by his mount Garuda. The seven peaks represent the seven heads of Adisesha.[10]

Demographics

As of 2001 India census,[11] Tirumala has a population of 7,741. Males constitute 52 percent of the population and females 48 percent. Tirumala has an average literacy rate of 72.8 percent, higher than the national average of 59.5 percent. The male literacy rate is 57.1 percent and the female rate is 42.9 percent. In Tirumala, 11 percent of the population is under six years of age. Telugu is the major language. Hinduism is the only religion in Tirumala.[12]

Culture
Ganga temple, Papavinasanam
Museum in Tirumala

Dhotis and Sarees are the traditional popular attire. The practices of tonsure and using tilaka are popular among devotees of Lord Venkateswara.

Festivals

Main articles: Srivari Brahmotsavam and Seva in Tirumala
Lord Venkateswara on Gaja Vahanam

Sri Venkateswara Brahmotsavams celebrated every year during September/October is the most important festival in Tirumala when it receives lakhs of devotees over a short span of a nine days.[13][14] The city celebrates all major Hindu festivals including Sankranti[15], Ugadi[16] etc. Vaikunta Ekadasi, the day on which it is believed that Vaikunta Dwarams will be opened, is celebrated in Tirumala.[17] Rathasapthami is another festival, celebrated during February, when Lord Venkateswara processional deity, (Malayappa) is taken in a procession around the temple on seven different vahanas from early morning to late night.[18][19]

Cuisine

Tirupati is known for world-famous Tirupati Laddu. It is the prasadam at Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala. Tirupati Laddu had got Geographical indication tag which entitles only Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to make or sell it.[20][21]

Arts, crafts and architecture

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams established Sri Venkateswara Museum, one at Tirumala and the other at Tirupati. It has a wonderful collection of Tirupati temple architecture and historical artefacts, such as ancient weaponry, pooja items and idols. It has a comprehensive photo gallery that gives a unique insight into the Tirupati region's culture and traditions. It also boasts a meditation centre.[22]

Landmarks
Main article: Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala
Arjuna's chariot in Geethopadesam park
Natural Arch in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India

Venkateswara Temple is an abode of Lord Venkateswara situated in Tirumala. It is also known as Tirumala Temple.[23] Natural Arch is located north of the temple, which measures 8 m (26 ft) wide and 3 m (9.8 ft) high and was naturally formed from the quartz. Srivaari Paadamulu (the footprints of Lord) are believed to be the footprints of Lord Venkateswara formed when he first stood on Tirumala Hills.[24] Papavinasanam is a waterfall flowing from a tributary of the Swarnamukhi River. It also has a temple where seven lion-headed channels open from a height for deities to bathe below them. A temple dedicated to goddess Ganga is located near the enclosure. Akaasa Ganga is another natural waterfall in Tirumala.[25]

Transport
Srivari Padalu steps

Foot Steps

There are two paths to travel on foot from Tirupati to Tirumala. These paths are called Sopanamargas. The Devotees to fulfil their Vow to Lord Venkateswara will take this path to reach Tirumala on foot from Tirupati. Both the paths are completely roofed and passes through seven hills which are part of Seshachalam Hills.[26]

  • Alipiri Mettu[27] – The first and Ancient path starts from Alipiri and consists of a total 3550 Steps which makes a distance of 11 km. At Alipiri there is a temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara called Padalamandapam. There are Four Gopurams(Temple Towers) on the way.
  • Srivari Mettu[27] – It originates at Srinivasa Mangapuram, about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Tirupati. It is 2.1 kilometres (1.3 mi) long. This trail has 2400 steps and is shorter than Alipiri Metlu path.

Road

Tirumala can be accessed by road from Alipiri. The distance is 23 kilometres (14 mi). There are two roads from Alipiri to Tirumala, one each dedicated to up and down traffic. The state government-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates frequent Saptagiri and Saptagiri Express buses from Tirupati and Alipiri and also from nearby places. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) runs free buses for transit within Tirumala.

Rail

The nearest railway station is at Tirupati, about 26 kilometres (16 mi) from Tirumala. Tirupati Main is one of the major railway station in the South Central Railway zone of the Indian Railways, providing rail connectivity to major parts of India. It is under the jurisdiction of Guntakal railway division.[28] Renigunta Junction is another important railway station which lies on the Chennai – Mumbai rail corridor is 38 kilometres (24 mi) away from Tirumala.

Airport

The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, about 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Tirumala. It is a domestic airport with direct flights to Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and New Delhi. The nearest major airport is the Chennai International Airport, located about 162 kilometres (101 mi) from Tirumala.

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See also

References
  1. "Vaishnava Divya Desha Darshana Kaipidi". Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  2. "Astabandhanam to be held from April 22". Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  3. "Balaji-Venkateshwara, Lord of Tirumala-Tirupati: An Introduction". Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  4. "Purandaradasa'S (And Others') 108 Verses, Transliterated, Translated and Interpreted". Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  5. "District Census Handbook - Chittoor" (PDF). Census of India. p. 14,226. Retrieved 20 November 2015.
  6. "AP bars propagating other faiths near shrines".
  7. "Geological Survey of India - Monuments of Stratigraphic Significance". Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  8. "Geological Survey of India - Monuments of Stratigraphic Significance". Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  9. "Station: Tirmalai (Tirumala) Climatological Table 1981–2010" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1981–2010. India Meteorological Department. January 2015. pp. 743–744. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  10. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 4 July 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  12. "WELCOME TO CENSUS OF INDIA : Census India Library". www.censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
  13. "Annual Brahmotsavam starts at Tirupati-Tirumala, 1,400 CCTV cameras to keep eye on crowds". Indian Express.
  14. "Over 7 lakh Devotees Take Part In Tirumala Brahmotsavam On Concluding Day". Sakshi Post.
  15. "Sankranti festival: Devotees rush at Tirumala temple". The Hans India.
  16. "Ugadi celebrated at Tirumala temple". Deccan Chronicle.
  17. "Pilgrims throng Tirumala". Deccan Herrald. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
  18. "Pilgrims throng Tirumala". The Hindu.
  19. "Gear up for Rathasapthami: TTD EO to staff". The Hans India.
  20. "Only TTD entitled to make or sell 'Tirupati laddu': High Court". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  21. "Now, Geographical Indication rights for 'Tirupati laddu'". Business Standard. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  22. "Heritage in Tirupati-SV Museum". Andhra Pradesh Tourism board. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  23. "Tirumala Temple". Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
  24. "Scratch-proof glass case to cover Srivari Padalu on Tirumala". The New Indian Express. Tirumala. 18 September 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  25. "Cascading waterfalls enliven Tirumala". Deccan Chronicle. Tirupati. 11 November 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  26. "Tirupati to Tirumala on Foot". Tirumala Tirupati Devastanams. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
  27. "TTD cuts down on darshan tokens till October 21". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  28. "Tirupati Main". Indiarailinfo. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
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