Thirumala temple is one of the most famous and sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It is located on the Venkatachala hill of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is also known as Balaji, Srinivasa, and Tirupati.
The history of Thirumala temple is shrouded in mystery and legend. According to one popular belief, the temple was built by Lord Brahma himself in the Satya Yuga, the first of the four cosmic ages. Another legend says that the temple was constructed by King Thondaiman, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, in the Treta Yuga, the second cosmic age. Some historians suggest that the temple was originally a Jain or Buddhist shrine that was later converted into a Hindu temple.
The temple has witnessed many invasions, raids, and renovations over the centuries. The most notable ones are the attacks by the Muslim rulers of Delhi and Golconda in the 14th and 15th centuries, which resulted in the looting and destruction of many idols and treasures. The temple was also patronized by many Hindu kings and dynasties, such as the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara, and Marathas. They donated generously to the temple and enhanced its architecture and beauty.
The temple is famous for its rituals, festivals, and offerings. The most important ritual is the Tirumala Tirupati Darshan, which is the darshan or sight of the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum. Millions of devotees visit the temple every year to have this darshan and seek blessings from Lord Venkateswara. The temple also celebrates many festivals throughout the year, such as Brahmotsavam, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Rathasapthami, and Teppotsavam. The temple is also known for its prasadam or sacred food, which is distributed to the pilgrims. The most famous prasadam is the laddu, a sweet made of gram flour and sugar.
Thirumala temple is not only a religious site but also a cultural and historical landmark. It showcases the rich heritage and diversity of India. It is a symbol of faith and devotion for millions of Hindus across the world.
References:
: https://www.tirumala.org/History.aspx
: https://www.ttdsevaonline.com/#/history
: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/tirumala-temple-was-a-jain-shrine/article28224964.ece
: https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/heritage/story/19810315-tirupati-temple-riches-under-threat-from-muslim-raiders-772392-2013-10-25
: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/tirumala-temple-a-symbol-of-hindu-muslim-harmony/article28224965.ece
: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/tirumala-tirupati-devasthanams-to-reopen-for-darshan-from-june-8/articleshow/76192176.cms
: https://www.tirumala.org/Festivals.aspx
: https://www.thebetterindia.com/172629/tirupati-laddu-history-facts-ttd/