TIRUPATHI TEMPLE (TIRUPATHI), ANDHRA PRADESH

• Tirupathi is believed to be the richest temple in the country with picturesque surroundings. The temple is also a fine example of Dravidian Art & Style. It is also a famous center for wood carving. 

• Tirupathi Tirumala Devasthanam, or the abode of the Lord Tirupati, is probably Hindu India’s most visited holy place. Situated amidst lush greenery atop a hill surrounded by outcroppings of red rock, the temple which attracts the devout in thousands everyday, is dedicated to Sri Venkateswara - one of the incarnations of Vishnu.

• The temple is the reason that this town gets visitors, usually pilgrims who’ve travelled hundreds of kilometres to ask a wish of the Lord.

                                         

• The town of Tirupathi lies a little way away from the sacred hill and has most of the area’s dining and accommodation facilities. The most astounding leg of the journey begins at the bottom of the hill. 

                                            

• A regular ‘darshan’ takes longer to come by than a ‘special’ one.But everybody has to line up and wait as the queue winds its way up through a
  series of enclosures.
    
• Tirumala is one of the few temples to allow non-Hindus into the sanctum sanctorum. Remember, you have to leave your footwear behind at the stall outside the temple compound.

• Tirumala is one of the few temples to allow non-Hindus into the sanctum sanctorum. Remember, you have to leave your footwear behind at the stall outside the temple compound. 

• The temple houses a heavily garlanded idol of Sri Venkateswara before whom one is allowed only a few moments before the next enclosure load of visitors is to be ushered in.In that time you’ll see the stupendously opulent vimana covered in gold and finely sculpted columns.

• The ‘darshan’ is followed by a round of ‘prasad’, food that has been blessed by the deity and must be received with both hands cupped, right palm above the left one. 

• Tirupathi, receives a record number of pilgrims everyday, more than any other holy city in the world. These record crowds topple bigger records during the festivals and on weekends.