Tirupati is an Indian city located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It serves as the administrative center of the Tirupati district. The city is known for its significant Hindu pilgrimage center, the Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple, as well as other historical temples. It is situated at a distance of 150 km from Chennai, 250 km from Bangalore, and 406 km from Amaravati. The Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple is one of the eight Svayam Vyakta Kshetras (Self-Manifested Temples) dedicated to Vishnu. Tirupati is a municipal corporation and serves as the headquarters of Tirupati (urban) mandal, Tirupati (rural) mandal, and the Tirupati revenue division. It is the 7th most urban agglomerated city in the state, with a population of 459,985 in 2011 and around 1,004,615 in 2021. As per the 2011 census, it had a population of 287,035, making it the 9th most populous city in Andhra Pradesh. It is the second-largest city in Rayalaseema after Kurnool. In 2012–2013, India's Ministry of Tourism named Tirupati as the "Best Heritage City." The Government of India has selected Tirupati among the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under the Smart Cities Mission.
According to the widely accepted legend, Venkatachala Mahatyam, during the Kali Yuga period, Narada advised a group of sages who were performing a yagna to decide which one among the Trimurtis (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) should receive the fruits of the yagna. To test the Trinity, Bhrigu was sent.
Tirupati was established by the Pallava Kings in the 6th century. Over time, it became a significant Vaishnava center during the 11th century under the guidance of Ramanujacharya. The influence of Srivaishnavism also spread to other parts of Andhra Desa from Tirupati. An inscription on the Srikurmam Temple in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh reads "Tirupati Srivaishnavula Raksha," which is a testament to the town's cultural significance. Tirupati survived Muslim invasions by agreeing to pay Jizya to the Muslims. During the early 1300s, when South India was under Muslim invasion, the idol of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam was brought to Tirupati for safekeeping. Tirupati remained an important part of the Vijayanagara Empire for most of the medieval era until the 17th century. The rulers of the empire, such as Krishna Deva Raya, Achyuta Deva Raya, Sadasiva Raya, and Tirumala Deva Raya, contributed considerable resources and wealth to the town.
Deities:
Timings:
Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun: 7:30 am to 7 pm and 8 pm to 1 am ; Wed, Fri: 9 am to 7 pm and 8 pm to 1 am; Thurs: 8 am to 7 pm and 8 pm to 1 am
Built:
300 AD
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