Venkateswara Temple

Venkateswara Temple - A south Indian temple which is a study in opulence

Situated in the hill town of Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh, Sri Venkateswar Swamy Temple is one of the famous and majestic South Indian temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also known as Tirupati Balaji temple.  The construction of the temple is believed to have started in 300 AD.

Very interestingly, Tirupati Balaji temple is one of the richest temples of the world, in terms of the donations received by the devotees. The temple has rich history and splendid Dravidian style of architecture. Enjoy your stay with any of the top hotels in Tirupati.

4 Shocking Facts About Tirupati Balaji Temple That Are Hard To Believe

There are many beliefs associated with this temple, which are too hard to believe. Let’s take a look at what these beliefs are!

1. The Arch at the entrance of Tirumala Hills, which resembles the hood of a serpent is considered unique in the world. It is said that main deity in Tirumala temple is of the same height as the height of the Arch. Lord Vishnu is said to have put his first foot down at a place called Padalu, which is the highest point of Tirumala hills, Second step at the location of the arch and the next step is stated to have been placed where his idol is now worshipped in the temple at Tirumala.

2. At the entrance of the main door (Mahadwaram of the temple), to the right side, a stick which was used by Ananthaalvar to hit Venkateshwara Swamy is present. Ananthatalvar hit Lord Venkateshwara Swamy on the chin when Swamy was in his childhood, which oozed blood. Since then, the practice and tradition of applying sandalwood paste on Swamy’s chin came into existence.

3. It is said that there is real hair on the main idol of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy and they say that this hair is always silky smooth and never tangles.

When Balaji lost a small portion of hair after hit by a shepherd, Neela Devi a Gandharva princess cut a portion of her hair and implant it on his scalp. Lord Balaji promises her that all his devotees who come to his abode should render their hair to him, and she would be the recipient of all the hair received.

4. A Chemical kaccha Karpooram (Green Camphor), a soft white chemical is applied on the idol of Balaji every day. The fact is that, if this chemical is applied on a granite stone, cracks will appear on it. But surprisingly, even this is applied on Balaji everyday; there is no damage to the stone.