Deepavali is celebrated throughout India on the 15th day of the month Kartik in the Hindu calendar, which in fact is a Lunisolar calendar (moon & sun). It falls on Amavasya (Ammavaasa), the new moon night, that ends the month of Ashwina and begins the month of Kartika. The 5 day festival begins on the 13th day in the dark half of Ashwin and ends on the 2nd day in the bright half of Kartika.' The essence of this light is Shri Lakshmi-arising, at the beginning of time, out of the waters at the churning of the Milky Ocean by gods and demons for a thousand years. Regarded as the goddess of love, beauty and prosperity, Lakshmi, the beloved consort of Vishnu, along with Sri Ganesha, is a presiding deity of the festival of lights. They are worshipped in every household so that the year may be full of prosperity.

O Light serene, dispel the darkness that shrouds the eye, mind and heart of your people so that as on this festive day we may joyously wish and share with those around, right through our life. May the brightness, newness and the prosperity desired and experienced today be permanent. May your light enlighten us, guide and lead us to the fulfillment of your designs for us- of abundance, prosperity and well being.

Ganga Dashami,

Ganga Dashami, also referred as Ganga-Dashahara, celebrates the birthday of River Ganga – her descent on earth. The festival begins on the Amavasi day in the Hindu month of Jyestha and ends on the Dashami tithi. The festival lasts for 10 days. In 2008, Ganga Dashahara begins on June 3 and Ganga Dashami date is June 13.

Goddess Ganga Devi is an important deity in Hinduism and bathing in the divine river is the believed to cleanse the sins committed. The ritual of bathing in Ganga is also a way to achieve moksha – the escape from the endless cycles of birth and death.

The festival of great importance in those places through which the Ganges flows especially at Haridwar and Prayag (Allahabad). Ganga is worshipped in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Bengal during this period.

Apart from bathing in the river on the day, people meditate on the banks and recite the prayer dedicated to Ganga:

Devi suresvari bhagavati gange

Tribhuvana tarini tarala tarange

Sankara mauli viharini vimale

Mama matirastam tava pada kamala

Bhagirathi sukhadayini matas

Tava jala mahima nigame khyatah

Naham jane tava mahimanam

Pahi krpamayi mama ajnanam

The global warming phenomenon has started affecting Ganga and the glaciers that provide water to this perennial river is fast depleting. Environmentalists have been warning about the serious consequences that are in store, if we humans are not ready to change and live in harmony with nature.

Ganga Dashami is an ideal opportunity to contemplate and usher in change and save Mother Ganga.

"I repeatedly offer my obeisances unto you, the controller of the thirty primal demigods; unto you, the original father of all created beings; unto you, whose character is gracious; unto you, whose head is crested by the sickle moon arisen from the waves of the Ganga and unto you, who are a festival for the eyes of the fair goddess Gauri."

sutapta chamikara-chandra-nila-

padma-pravalambuda-kanti-vastraih

sa nritya-raggesta-vara-pradaya

kaivalya-nathaya vrisa-dhvajaya

"I offer my obeisances unto you, who are dressed in garments resembling molten gold, the moon, blue lotuses, coral, and dark rain clouds; unto you, who bestow the most desirable boons on your devotees by means of your delightful dancing; unto you, who are the master of the impersonalists and unto you, whose flag bears the image of the bull."

sudhamzu-suryagni-vilochanena

tamo-bhide te jagatah shivaya

sahasra-shubhramshu-sahasra-rashmi-

sahasra-sajjit-tvara-tejase'stu

"I offer my obeisances unto you, who dispells darkness with your three eyes - the moon, the sun and fire; unto you, who causes auspiciousness for all the living entities of the universe and unto you, whose potency easily defeats that of thousands of moons and suns."

nageza-ratnojjvala-vigrahaya

shardula-charmamzuka-divya-tejase

sahasra-patropari samsthitaya

varaggada-mukta-bhuja-dvayaya

"I offer my obeisances unto you, whose form is brilliantly illuminated by the jewels of Ananta, the king of snakes; unto you, who are clothed by a tiger-skin and thus radiate divine effulgence; unto you, who sits upon a thousand-petalled lotus and unto you, whose two arms are adorned by lusterous bangles."

su-nupura-ragjita-pada-padma

ksarat-sudha-bhritya-sukha-pradaya

vichitra-ratnaugha-vibhusitaya

premanam evadya harau videhi

"I offer my obeisances unto you, who brings happiness to your servitors, as you pour on them the liquid nectar from your two reddish lotus feet, which ring with charming anklebells. Obeisances unto you, who is adorned with an abundance of gems - please endow me with pure love for Lord Hari."

sri rama govinda mukunda shaure

sri krishna narayana vasudeva

ity-adi namamririta-pana-matta-

bhriggadhi-payakhila-dukha-hantre

"O Shri Rama, O Govinda, O Mukunda, O Shauri, O Shri krishna, O Narayana, O Vaasudeva!' I offer my obeisances unto you, Lord Shiva, the monarch of intoxicated bee-like devotees, maddened by drinking the nectar of these and other holy names of the Lord. Obeisances unto you, the destroyer of all grief."

sri naradadyaih satatam sugopya-

jijjasita-yashu vara-pradaya

tebhyo harer bhakti-sukha-pradaya

shivaya sarva-gurave namo namaha

"I offer my respectful obeisances again and again unto you, who is forever enquired of confidentially by Shri Narada and other sages; unto you, who also grants favors to them very quickly; unto you, who bestows the happiness of Hari-bhakti; unto you, who creates auspiciousness and unto you, who is the guru of everyone."

sri gaura-netrosava-maggalaya

tat-prana-nathaya rasa-pradaya

sada samutkantha-govinda-lila-

gana-pravinaya namo'stu tubhyam

"I offer my obeisances unto you, who are a festival of auspiciousness for the eyes of Goddess Gauri; unto you, who is the monarch of her life-breath; unto you, who is capable of bestowing transcendental rasa and unto you, who is expert in forever singing songs of the pastimes of Lord Govinda with great longing."

etat shivasyastakam adbhutam mahat

shrinvan hari-prema labheta shighram

jjanam ca vijjanam apurva-vaibhavam

yo bhava-purnah paramam samadaram

"A person, filled with loving feelings, who hears with rapt attention this wonderful eight-fold prayer to Lord Shiva, can quickly gain Sri Hari-prema as well as transcendental knowledge, the realization of that knowledge, and unprecedented powers."

Destinations:Andhra Pradesh (AP)

Kapilatheertham:

A sacred Tank a mile and a half distant from Tirupati, where Lord Shiva is said to have blessed Sage Kapila with a vision of himself and his concert.

Govindaraja Swamy Temple:

The temple is dedicated to Govindaraja Perumal in contradistinction of the Venkatachalapathi shrine at the top of the hill. There is also a tower called Galigopuram, which is very famous. There are shrines of Sri Andal, Sri Parthasarathy and Sri Venkateswara in the temple.

Sri Kondandarama Swamy Temple

This temple is dedicated to Sri Rama is situated with n a distance of about a kilometer from Tirupati railway station. This temple was built to commemorate the visit of Sri Rama, Laksmana and Sita to Tirupati, while returning from Lanka.

Regional Science Center

The Regional Science Center is established by the Central Government for the benefit of School Children in particular and public in general to create the awareness about the scientific procedures and importance of Science education to human life. The Science Center conducts different Programmes for Teachers and Students regularly to improve the quality of Science Education. The Science Center also conducts science Exhibitions at least once a quarter, where in, they propagate the recent innovations in Science and Technology and provide guidance to the teachers in exploring the locally available resources and improvisations to make their Class room teaching effective.

S.V.Zoological Park

The changed concept of exhibiting wild animals in cramped cages to that of vast natural and simulated enclosures, has established the zoological Parks world over as centers of wild life conservations and environmental education in addition to research and recreation. The Andhra Pradesh Forest department which had two of India's Best Zoos to its credit at Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, has set up its third venture at Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, with a daily visitation of about fifty thousand people from all

corners of the Country and a number of Academic and Professional Educational Institutions, Ideally suited to achieve the objectives of an ideal Zoological Park, named as Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park extending an area of 5532 acres.

Srinivasa Mangapuram:

It is a place where a temple dedicated to Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy, situated at a distance of 12 km on Tirupati Madanapalli Road. Puranas says that Lord Venkateswara Swamy after his Kalyanam with goddesses Padmavathi Devi at Narayana Vanam while proceeding to Tirumala Hills had stayed here for six months on the bank of the river Kalyani on the advice of Agastheeswara Maharshi. Hence this temple is named Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy.

Tiruchanur

In Tiruchanur which is five kilometers from Tirupati is the temple of Alamelumaga, the consort of the Lord on the top of the hill. A visit to Tirupati will not be completed unless a Darshan of this Goddess is also had.

Chandragiri Fort:

Chandragiri came in to prominence during the last days of Vijaya Nagar Empire. The Fort is said to have been built in 1000 A.D. and was later improved by the Vijaya Nagar Kings. The Fort is built on a Huge rock above 183 mts height. With in the wall of this fort lie the ruins of Palaces and Temples. Near the Fort there are two big Buildings, known as Mahals which are formerly used by the member's of the Royal Families. They present good examples of Vijaya Nagar architecture.

Kalyani Dam:

The scenic, Picturesque Tourist and Picnic spot Kalyani dam constructed on the river Kalyani, is located at a distance of 25 km from Tirupati on Tirupati - Madanapalli Road, attracts number of Tourists from Tirupati and sorrounding villages of Chittoor District

Srikalahasti:

This picturesque religious centre is famous for the temple dedicated to Vayu, the wind god. It is said that the Linga was worshipped by a spider, by spinning a web over it, a snake by placing gem upon the Linga and an Elephant by washing the Linga with water from its trunk and attain Mukti. Hence this place is called Srikalahasthi.

Karvetinagar:

Karvetinagar earlier ruled by Suryavamsa Dynasty with Narayanvanam as their capital. Having special importance of this place due to rabit hunding dog, the rulers of surya dynasty later built their new capital Nagaram at this place by clearing the forest. In Tamil Kadu means forest, and vetti means clearing. Hence this place is known as Kaduvettinagaram and later known as Karvetinagaram which is now the mandal headquarters. The Venugopala Swamy Temple, Skanda pushkarani and the Old Palaces are worth seeing here.

Narayanavanam:

The importance of this village is due to big temple dedicated to Lord Kalyana Venkateswara swamy. It is believed that the marriage of Lord Venkateswara Swamy with Goddess Padmavathi Devi took palce here. This is the temple where in we can see both Venkateswara Swamy along with Padmavathi Devi in one temple complex. This place is famous for handlooms.

Kailasanathakona:

Kailasanathakona water falls are situated in the valley of Nagiri hills near Puttur. The water here is said to be rich in minerals and possess curative properties. Puranas reveal that Lord Kailasanatheswara Swamy attended the marriage of Lord Venkateswara Swamy and Goddess Padmavati at Narayanavanam and selected this water fall for meditation for sometime. Hence this place is called Kailasanathakona which is a picnic, scenic and pituresque spot.

Nagalapuram:

Nagalapuram Temple is said to have been built by Sri Krishnadeveraya in memory of his mother Nagamba. It contains a few rare stone images such as Vinachara, Dakshinamurthy, Hayagriva, Bhuvarbha and Trivikrama. The sun festival is March is very important here. During the festival the first rays of sun falls on the feet of the first day, on the abdomen on the second day, and on the face on the face on the third day. The temple is maintained by the T.T.D and annual Brahmostavam is being celebrated in large scale.

Talakona:

Talakona is famous for the temple of Sri Siddheswara Swamy and the scenic and picturesque water falls in the midst of thich forest. People from Chittor district and neighboring districts will gather on 1st January and Mahasivaratri festival days and week ends to pray god and enjoy the water falls. Puranas says that those who do not have children come here and pray god for children and name their children as Siddaiah or Siddamma. The water falls are four km from the temple.

Gurramkonda:

Gurramkonda is located in between Madanapalli - Rayachoti - Cuddapah road at a distance of 29 km from Madanapalli and 12 km from Vayalpad. This place was ruled by Lieutenants of Tippu Sultan of Mysore and they built a Fort on a huge hill and the Ragini Mahal and used to go to the Fort on Horses. Hence this place is called Gurramkonda, which has got historical and archaeological importance. The Ragini Mahal and Maqbara Tomb and the Fort are worth seeing here.

Reddemmakonda:

Reddemmakonda, the famous Pilgrim center is situated on Madanapalli - Gurramkonda - Cherlopalli - Rayachoti - Cuddapah road. The preceding deity here is a glorified and sanctified village "Lass Reddemma", Who lost her life in an attempt to escape molestation by sensuous lieutenants of Tippu Sultan, who chased her. On reaching huge rock during chase, finding no way to escape, she prayed protection in a sheer helpless state and the rock before her, left a cleavage enabling her to pass through it. Soon after she entered inside the cleft closed affording no entry for chasers. Ever since that time, people around started praying the sacrificed Lass Reddamma for begetting children.

Sompalyam:

Sompalli, which has got architectural importance, is situated in between Mulakalacheruvu and Thambalpalli civil road at a distance of 6 km from Mulkala Cheruvu. A temple of Chennakesava swamy is claimed as one of the finest temples in Andhra districts. A monolith of the most graceful proportions stand in front, presenting a beautiful spectacle. The rich carvings on the kalyana Mandapam are very attractive. According to local tradition a shepherd was responsible for the construction of this temple during Vijayanagar period.

Horsley Hills:

The most picturesque, scenic, picnic and summer resort, Horsley Hills is situated near Madanpalli in Chittoor District at an altitude of 4200 feet above sea level. Mr.W.D.Horsley, a British member of the civil service and then the District Collector of Cuddapah, who found the climate very hot, selected this part as his summer resort on the top of the hills. He constructed two houses, the Kachari Room and Milk Bungalow and developed as summar resort. The Governor's Bungalow, the Forest Bungalow, and Microwave station, View point, Enugumallamma Temple are worth seeing here.

Madanapalli:

Madanapalli is an educational and cultural center from the days of Dr.Anneie-Besant, the great theosophist. The medical institutions like the Government Hospital, M.L.L Hospital, and Rajkumari Amrutkour T.B.Research Center are worth mentioning. Here the climate is pleasant through out the year. The old house of Jiddu Krishnamurthy, the great Philosopher and the founder of Rishi valley public school is also worth seeing here. The said house is now renovated and proposed for housing of Public Library.

Boyakonda:

The famous hill located in between Madanapalli - Punganur - Chowdepalli called Boyakonda, came into prominence in the recent years. Because of location of the famous Gangamma temple on the top of the hill, attracted by more than 20,000 devotees per day, mostly from karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. People will visit this place for praying Gangamma for getting the grievances redressed. The devotees will ask the Ammavaru for flower (Pushpam Aduguta) to know whether their vows will be fulfilled or not.

Gudimallam:

Gudimallam is well known for its unique Sivalinga in the Parasurameswara Temple. The tmeple is of granite stone dated back to the Pallavas - Bana times. An insciption dated 1127 A.D. belongs to the period of Vikrama Chola records the reconstruction of the temple in stone. The sanctum enriches the unique Linga square at the bottom, seven sided in the middle and nut shaped at the top, corresponds to the errect of male organ containing the standing figure of Sivaparameswara over a stumpy dwarf figure in the front side. At present the temple complex has main Parasurameswara shrine.

Kanipakam:

Kanipakam is located on the northen banks of the river Bahuda at a distance of 13 km from Chittoor. The famous shrine of Varasiddhi Vinayaka, the deity of which is believed to be self manifest (swayambhu) and the annual celebrations of Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Brahmostavam on the eve of Vinayaka Chaturthi (Aug - Sep) of the special attractions of this place attracted by about 15,000 devotees from all over the District on this special occation.

Mogili:

Mogili is situated at a distance of 30 km from Chittoor and 10 km from Palamaner on the Chennai - Bangalore highway. It is one of the sacred places in Chittoor District on account of the existence of the Mogileeswara Temple. Shiva is worshipped here under the title of Abbreswara, the Sanskrit form of Mogileeswara or Iswara of the Skies. There is Pushkarini in the premises of the temple with perennial water flow from the mouth of Nandi (the sacred bull) which is a good source of drinking water for public irrespective of seasons. The water coming from Nandi is also a good source of irrigation to local people. On the eve of 1st January, Sivarathri and other festivals about 15,000 tourists per day will visit this place.

Kalyanarevulu - Ganganasirassu Waterfalls Koundinaya Elephant Sanctuary:

The Ganganna Sirrassu and Kalyanarevulu water falls are located on the border of Tamilnadu and Karnataka which form part of the Kaudinya Elephant sanctuary. Both the waterfalls are seasonal, scenic and picturesque. The water flows at a height of 200 feet are attracted by number of tourists, mostly from Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Chittoor District. The four water pools formed due to flow of water on a single rock at Kalyanarevulu (popularly known as Kalyanarevulu). At a distance of 200 feet from Ganganna Sirassu the flow of water stream to a narrow valley, known as Ganganna Valley, shut on all sides by precipitous walls of rock is worth seeing.

Kaigal Water Falls (Dumukurallu Water Falls):

Kaigal Water Falls is popularly known as Dumukuralla water falls located at a distance of 2.5 km from Kaigal village on the Palamner - Kuppam Highway. The popular name Dumukurallu water falls came into Prominence because of its sound resembling the fall of stones from above. The water fall is natural, perennial and water comes from a big rock at a height of 40 feet, irrespective of seasons. The formation of lovely natural pond at water falls and water passing through sand plains with beautiful shrubs are other attractions of this place.

Kangundi:

Kangundi is located at a distance of 16 km from Kuppam on Kuppam - Vijalapuram Road. It is having a great Historical value since 11th century with its Ruined fort, Beautiful temples of excellent artistic value, structures of archeological importance, valleys, forests and Palar river etc., The Kangundi fort is situated on a white granite rocky hillock at the entrance of Kangundi village and it is circular in shape and the bottom resembles a coach.

Kuppam:

Kuppam, the headquaters of the Kuppam Mandal, lies in the South West corner of the Chittoor District is a busy Railway station on the Bangalore - Chennai Railway line. A bone meal Fertilizer factory, Scandal wood oil mills, and Dravida University are located here. Stone cutting and polishing is an important industry at this place. The Someswara Anjenaya, Tirupati Gangamma and Subramanyaswamy are the Temples worshipped here.

Gudivanka:

Gudivanka is located at a distance of 16 km from Kuppam on the borders of Andhra and Karnataka. Here the Subramanyam Swamy Temple (gudi) is located on the top of a hillock, and at the foot of the hillock a small stream called Vanka is flowing. Hence this place is called Gudivanka. People in large numbers do gather here on Adikritika (Kavadi) Festival, during the month of August every year. On the back side of the temple a Reservoir, belongs to Karnataka state is located. It is a religious and picnic spot. The TTD has constructed a Guest House here to provide accomation to the visiting Tourists.

Six Holy Places in India

1. Puri (East)

2. Tirupati (South)

3. Dvaraka (West)

4. Badrinatha (North)

5. Vrindavana

6. Mayapur

Puri (East- India)

Puri is considered one of the holiest places in India by many Hindus. But it is particularly revered by Vaishnavas as the home of Krishna in His form of Jagannatha, Lord of the Universe. The Jagannatha temple itself is nine hundred years old, and the deities are served by six thousand priests. It is strictly forbidden for non-Hindus to enter.

Puri may be most famous for its annual Ratha-yatra (chariot festival), in which the deities of Jagannath, his brother Baladeva and sister Subhadra are paraded through the city by thousands of pilgrims. Replica Ratha-yatras are celebrated throughout the world.

Tirupati (South- India)

Tirupati is the home of Lord Venkateshwara, otherwise known as Balaji. The main temple lies in the seven hills of Tirumala and attracts twenty-five thousand pilgrims daily. Inside resides the majestic “Swayambhu,” or naturally formed image of Lord Venkateswara. He is seen standing on a lotus with his conch and discus in his hands, and images of the goddesses Lakshmi & Padmavati upon his chest.

Dvaraka (West - India)

When Lord Krishna killed the evil king Kamsa and reinstated his grandfather Ugrasena as the king of Mathura, Kamsa’s father-in-law Jarasandha was enraged and attacked Mathura seventeen times. To protect his people, Krishna decided to move the capital from Mathura to Dvaraka, then an island in the sea.

Now a coastal town of thirty-thousand inhabitants named after the original city, Dvaraka is considered one of the holiest places in India. Its major attraction is the Dvarakadish temple, built in the sixteenth century, although the original temple is said to have been built by Krishna’s own grandson Vajranabha.

Bet Dvaraka, an island in the Arabic sea 30 km north of the current town, is said to be the last remaining piece of land from the original city, which sank into the sea after Krishna’s departure. And recent underwater studies conducted off the coast of Dvaraka by the ASI (Archeological Survey of India), revealed evidence of an ancient city dated at 2 million B.C.

Badrinatha (North - India)

Badarinatha, or Badarikasrama, is situated in the Himalayas, 10,248 feet above sea level. According to the Srimad Bhagavatam, it is the abode of the great rishis Nara-Narayana, and the place where Narada Muni attained liberation.

The present temple is about four hundred years old and houses the Deity of Lord Badarinatha. This Deity was installed by Sankaracarya, who recovered Him from the nearby Narada-kunda.

The temple is open six months of the year, from May to October. It is closed during the winter months due to harsh weather.

Vrindavana/Mathura

Mathura lies ninety-five miles south of Delhi. It is most famous as the place of Krishna’s birth, which tradition dates to some five thousand years ago. Its main temple is the Keshava Deo Mandir, where Radha and Krishna are worshiped. The entire area, encompassing many holy sites and twelve sacred forests, is called Vraj. Most important is Vrindavan, the village where Krishna lived. It is now a bustling town with some five thousand temples, mostly dedicated to Krishna. Many elderly Vaishnavas retire to this sacred town in the hope of returning at death to the spiritual Vrindavan, where they can engage in eternal lila (pastimes) with their Lord.

Mayapur

Mayapur is located on the banks of the Ganges River near Navadvip, West Bengal, 130 km north of Kolkata (Calcutta). It is considered a holy place by a number of other traditions within Hinduism, but is of special significance to followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism as the place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, regarded as a special incarnation of Krishna and Radha, was born in 1486. It is visited by over a million pilgrims annually.

Since the 1970s, Mayapur has also been the site of the world headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as well as a number of other Vaishnava organizations, such as the Gaudiya Math.