Dwaraka Tirumala Temple

Location:	In the village of Dwaraka Tirumala, West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh
Built by:	Myalavaram Zamindars
Built in:	Between 1877 and 1902
Dedicated to:	Lord Venkateshwara
Significance:	an ancient shrine of Lord Venkateshwara
How to reach:	One can easily reach Dwaraka Tirumala Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Andhra Pradesh

Sri Venkateswara Swami Vari Devasthanam is a religious shrine that is located in a small village, by the name Dwaraka Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh. Dwaraka Tirumala falls under the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The village is exceptionally famous for its holy shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. Dwaraka Tirumala is near to Eluru (the head quarters of West Godavari District) that lies at a distance of 40 kms. However, one can easily reach Dwaraka Tirumala by taking tourist buses or by hiring taxis throughout Andhra Pradesh.

This highly revered shrine is regarded as the miniature form of 'Tirupati' or 'Chinna Tirupathi'. Actually, the temple was named after the great saint 'Dwaraka', who took the initiative to place the idol of Lord Venkateshwara. Dwaraka (Saint) did strict penance on 'Valmikam' (ant hill) to bring the self-manifested idol of Lord Venkateswara to this place. In fact, the village derived its name from the same temple. Sri Venkateshwara is regarded as 'Kaliyuga Vaikuntha Vasa', who is the dispeller of all worldly charms and attractions.

Sanctum Sanctorum
The main shrine encompasses the sanctum sanctorum where the self-manifested deity of Lord Venkateshwara is placed. This idol is visible till the bust and the lower part is regarded as to be immersed in the Earth. The sacred feet of the Lord, are known to be worshipped in 'Patala'. The full-scale idol of Lord Venkateshwara stands at the back of the main image. It is believed to have been placed by Srimad Ramanuja, a great social reformer of the 11th century.

The main idol is the smaller one, which is said to be the benefactor of 'Moksha' (salvation). The full-scale idol represents Dharma (Religion), Artha (Meaning) and Kama (Worldly affairs). The 'Tiru kalyanotsavam' is the major festival that is observed in Dwaraka Tirumala Temple. The festival for the self-manifested idol (small idol) is celebrated in the month of "Vaisakha", while for the installed idol is celebrated in the month of "Aswayuja".

In the temple complex, there are many shrines that are dedicated to different forms of the God. Amongst all of them, Sri Swamyvari Temple, Anjaneya Swamyvari, Sri Garuda Swamivari Temples, Deeparadhana Temple and Alwar Temples are truly worth-visiting. Statues of Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya and Sage 'Dwaraka' inspire the awe of the onlooker with their mastery of sculpture.

Legend 
Dwaraka Tirumala Temple is supposed to be an ancient shrine that traces its origin in Kruta Yuga. As per the Brahma Purana, Aja Maharaja (Grandfather of Lord Rama) worshipped Lord Venkateshwara intended for his marriage. On his way to the 'Swayamvaram' of Indumati, he crossed the temple of Dwaraka. However, he didn't stop to pay homage to the Lord. Indumati (Grandmother of Lord Rama) garlanded him, yet he had to face a combat with the Kings. He apprehended that the combat was plunged on him, since he overlooked the temple on the way. On realizing, Aja Maharaja pleaded to Lord Venkateshwara to forgive him and the combat was stopped.

Architecture
The temple has been renovated several times. The splendid structures like Vimana, Mantapa, Gopura and Prakara are accredited to be made by Dharma Appa Raoa (1762-1827). Various golden ornaments and silver vahanas were gifted by Rani Chinnamma Rao (1877-1902) of Mylavaram. The structure of the temple is a magnum opus of South Indian architecture.

The main Rajgopuram (spire) comprises five storeys and faces the southern direction. The other three 'gopurams' are embracing the three other sides of the temple. The Vimana is made out in the Nagara style. The old Mukhamantapa is renovated and extended to go well with the contemporary requirements. The entire spacious complex has been tiled with sandstone. A variety of trees adores the site with their soothing appearance.

Tirupati Temple

Location:	Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh
Dedicated to:	Sri Venkateswara
Attraction:	the richest temple in the World
How to reach:	One can easily reach Tirupati Temple by taking local Buses or by hiring taxis from Andhra Pradesh

Tirumala Tirupati Temple is accredited for being the most visited temple of India and second most visited shrine in the world after Vetican. Positioned on Venkatachala or Ventaka Hill (the seventh peak of the Tirupati Hill) in Chittoor district, Tirupati Temple is also the richest temple of the World. Dedicated to Sri Venketeshwara, the temple lies on the southern side of Swami Pushkarini. Tirupati Balaji Temple is accessible from anywhere in Andhra Pradesh.

Tirupati has its own railway station that is connected with all the major cities of the country. The nearest airport to Tirupati lies at a distance of 10 kms in Renigunta. Almost every town and city of Andhra Pradesh offer regular bus services to Sri Venkateswara Temple. Tirupati temple forms the main part of the pilgrimage sites of the Hindus.

Being presiding on the seventh peak of Tirupati Hill, Sri Venkateswara is also known as the Lord of the Seven Hills. The term 'Venkateswara' is more popular in southern part of India. However, the Lord is called as Lord Balaji too. He is regarded as the form of Lord Vishnu, who is considered as the preserver of this universe. The divine aura and significance of this temple attracts millions of devotees to its entrance, so long queues of pilgrims are not unusual.

Important Pilgrimage Site 
In Indian religious teachings, Tirumala Tirupati Temple has attained an exceptionally sacred position. The Scriptures like Shastras, Puranas and Sthala Mahatyams have acclaimed that the worship of Sri Venkateswara, is the only medium to get salvation (mukti), in Kali Yuga. Even, the pilgrimage to Tirupati is often suggested by the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. All these sacred writings boast about the sanctity of this pilgrimage, where Sri Venkateswara is regarded synonymous with the granter of boons.

Like other temples of the Indian origin, Tirupati Temple also has a behind its establishment. Originated in Vaishnavism/ Hinduism, the temple observes the philosophy of equality, love and forbids sacrifice of animals. Many legends are believed to have visited this temple of great religious significance including Ramanuja Acharya in 11th-12th century. Several dynasties like the Pallavas (Kanchipuram), the Cholas (Tanjore), the Pandyas (Madurai) and the Kings (Vijayanagar) are believed to compete with each other to visit the shrine and offer donations.

Architecture
This ancient temple is supposed to have been standing since ages. Comprised of 'Gopuram' (tower), the temple is a fine example of Dravidian style of architecture. There is a gilded cupola (Vimana) by the mane of "the Ananda Nilayam" over the main shrine. The shrine comprises three enclosures, which are also known as 'Prakarams'. The outmost enclosure comprises the 'Dhvajastambha' (banner post) and the other enclosures have many statues including statues of King Krishnadevraya and Todarmal (minister of Akbar). The striking idol of Sri Venkateswara / Balaji lies in the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

Managed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam
The temple affairs are managed and controlled by the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam). TTD has made adequate arrangements to facilitate the pilgrims and to maintain healthy environmental condition on the hills. Guest Houses and various food counters are developed for the benefit of the pilgrims. On the way to the temple, amenities of toilets, shelters and drinking water have been made to facilitate the pilgrims, who come on foot to the temple.

Sermons
Till date, the lavish temple follows complex rituals and sermons of worship that were prescribed by Ramanuja Acharya in the 12th century. Every day, the program begins with 'Suprabhatam', which encompasses awakening of the Lord at 3'O clock in the morning. 'Ekanta Seva' is the last program, in which, the Lord is made to sleep at 1'O clock in the night.

As per the day and period, different 'sevas' (services) and 'utsavams' (festivals) are held in the shrine of the Lord. 'Hundi' is a donation box and this is the main source of temple's income. Devotees offer donations as per their desire in these boxes that are kept at intervals in the temple. For the ease of the pilgrims, different 'darshans' including 'Sarvadarshan', 'Special Darshan' and 'Sudarshanam' are prearranged.

Festivals 
Tirupati is another name of festivities, so with each new day, there comes a festival. Everyday, fair of pilgrims at the shrine add to the festivity of this temple. However, 'Brahmotsavam' is the most famous festival of Tirupati. This festival is celebrated on a grand level for nine days in September. Arrival of this festival increases the gush of pilgrims and tourists from the country.

Depicting the Indian legacy, Tirupati Balaji Temple is really significant from the religious point of view. Every year, the popularity of this temple attracts tourists from all over the world. Sri Venkateswara is a benefactor of boons in the Dark Age and people come here to seek the blessings from the Lord.