Venkateswara Temple

Situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati, Venkateswara Temple is a landmark Vaishnavite Temple. The Venkateswara Temple is one of the most important pilgrim sites of the Hindus, and is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu. Visited by large number of devotees each year, the Venkateswara Temple is popular by several names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple. Lord Venkateswara is known by many other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa. The temple stands as a perfect example of brilliant architecture.

Temple Architecture
The temple has three main entrances. The Mahadwaram is the first entrance with a five storied Gopuram (Temple tower) constructed over it. The second entrance is the Vendivakili (Silver Entrance). A three storied Gopuram is constructed over Vendivakili with seven Kalasams at its apex. Bangaruvakili(Golden Entrance) is the third entrance which will lead into Garbhagriha.

The outer Gopuram of the temple is inscribed with figures of Vaishnava Gods. The architectural brilliance of the Gopuram will leave you all impressed.
The temple is also adorned with several Mandapams. The Ranga Mandapam beautifully reflects the Vijaynagara style of architecture. The Tiruamla Raya Mandapam is a spacious complex of pavilions. The Dhvajasthamba Mandapam houses large number of pillars and you will be fascinated to witness the remarkable sculptures that adorn this Mandapam. This Mandapam is also embellished with bronze statues.

The temple also houses the Aina Mahal, which is rightly named because there are a large number of mirrors (ainas) which reflect the images on its walls.
The portals of the temples are adorned with statues of Krishnadevaraya and his consorts which were installed by Krishnadevaraya himself.

Festivals
Over 433 festivals are celebrated in a year at Venkateswara Temple. Sri Venkateswara Brahmotsavams is a nine day event celebrated every year during the month of October.

During brahmotsavams, the processional deity of the temple, Malayappa is taken in a procession along with his consorts SriDevi and BhuDevi. Another prominent festival of the temple is the Vaikunta Ekadasi. It is believed to be the most important Vaishnavite Festival.
Rathasapthami is another festival, celebrated during February, when Lord Venkateswara's processional deity(Malayappa) is taken in a procession around the temple on seven different vahanams starting from early morning to late night. The other annual festivals of the temple include Rama Navami, Janmashtami, Ugadi, Teppotsavam(Float Festival), Sri Padmavati Parinayotsavams, Pushpa yagam, Pushpa pallaki, Vasanthotsavam (spring festival).