Tirupati Balaji
Tirumala is a census town in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The town is part of the Tirupati Urban Development Authority and is located in the Tirupati revenue division’s Tirupati mandal. It is a hill town where Lord Venkateswara’s home, Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, is located.
Tirumala The Tirupati Balaji Shrine is the world’s most popular Vaishnavite temple. It’s in the Andhra Pradesh district of Chittoor, in Tirumala. Lord Venkateshwara, the presiding deity, is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. He is said to have arrived to save humanity from the ravages of the Kaliyuga.
Tirupati Balaji Temple – Facts
Deity Lord Venkateshwara
Location Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh
Significance Vaishnavite Temple
Best Time to Visit September to March
Darshan Timings 3 AM to 1 AM
Entry Fee Free
VIP Darshan Rs.300 per person
Senior Citizen Darshan Free
Tirumala hill, also known as Venkatadri, is where the temple is located. The Hindus believe the Venkatadri to be one of the seven sacred hills (Saptagiri). Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri are the names of the seven hills.
At Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, pilgrims queue for General Darshan.
The Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple is open as early as 3 a.m. The temple shuts at 1:30 a.m. the next day, although General Darshan ends at 1 a.m.
Here are the different kind of Darshans and their respective timings:
General Darshan (Sarva Darshanam) – This Darshan is open for the general public. The timings are different each day of the week.
Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday – The Darshan starts from 7:30 AM – 7 PM in the evening. It resumes from 8 PM till 1 AM the next morning.
Wednesday and Friday – The Darshan starts from 9 AM till 7 PM in the evening and again from 8 PM till 1 AM the next morning.
Thursday – The Darshan starts early from 8 AM till 7 PM and then again from 8 PM till 1 AM the next morning.
VIP Darshan (Sheeghra Darshan) – It’s for Darshan right now. The cost of each ticket is Rs. 300. Pilgrims can also reserve a spot in advance by visiting www.ttdsevaonline.com. This Darshan runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day.
Tirumala Darshan by Walk (Divya Darshan) – Only pilgrims who climb up the hill to visit the temple can use this Darshan service. The two routes are Alipiri Mettu and Srivari Mettu.
Special Darshan for Senior Citizens – Darshan is available everyday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for pilgrims. They must, however, provide authorities with confirmation of their age.
Special Darshan for Physically Challenged – Darshan is available everyday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for pilgrims. They must, however, provide documentation of their impairment to the authorities.
Infant Darshan: TTD has facilitated special darshan for parents carrying infants under one year of age.
Newly Married Couple Darshan: Through the Supadham entryway, there is also a special darshan for newlywed couples.
