Significance of Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple

The Friday Abhishekam is one of the most important significant occasions at the Temple.

The most important festival in the temple is Srivari Annual Bramhostavam which is being celebrated in the month of Jyesta (May/June) for a period of 10 days.

The other annual festivals/rituals are Ugadi, Rathasaptami, Depavali, AnivaraAsthanam and Vaikunta Ekadasi, which are celebrated once in a year in a princely manner. 

Another annual festival's occurring at the temple are Ugadi, Rathasaptami, Depavali, AnivaraAsthanam and VaikuntaEkadasi festivals. 

"A person should not be too honest.
Straight trees are cut first
and Honest people are screwed first.."

"Even if a snake is not poisonous,
it should pretend to be venomous."

"There is some self-interest behind every friendship.
There is noFriendship without self-interests.
This is a bitter truth."

"Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions - Why am I doing it, What the results might be and Will I be successful. Only when you think deeply
and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead.."

"As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it."

"Once you start a working on something,
don't be afraid of failure and
don't abandon it.
People who work sincerely are the happiest."

"The fragrance of flowers spreads
only in the direction of the wind.
But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction."

"Whores don't live in company of poor men,
citizens never support a weak company and birds don't build nests on a tree that doesn't bear fruits."

"God is not present in idols. Your feelings are your god.
The soul is your temple."

"A man is great by deeds, not by birth."

"Never make friends with people
who are above or below you in status.

"Treat your kid like a darling for the first five years.
For the next five years, scold them..
By the time they turn sixteen, treat them like a friend.
Your grown up children are your best friends."

"Education is the best friend.
An educated person is respected everywhere.
Education beats the beauty and the youth."

Sripuram Golden Temple

A Mahalakshmi temple called 'Sripuram' and made of more than a tonne of pure gold will glitter and gleam under the sun on August 24 when it is unveiled for consecration by the Sri Narayani Peetam headed by a 31-year-old godman who calls himself Narayani Amma. Devotees hail the temple as 'one of the wonders of the world' and say that it is the only temple covered fully with gold.

More than 400 gold and coppersmiths from the Thirupath Thirumala Devasthanam are said to have worked for six years to craft the Rs 600-crore gold temple located on 55,000 sq ft of land on a 100-acre salubrious stretch in Malaikodi, about 6 km from Vellore in north Tamil Nadu. According to official sources, the gold bars were purchased through RBI in "a transparent manner."

First the coppersmiths set to work creating a copper base on the temple structure with engravings and etchings before the gold, beaten into nine layers of foils, was draped around it. The sanctum sanctorum will hold the deity of Mahalakshmi made of stone granite, but covered with gold kavacham (adornments).

"The Sripuram or Spiritual Park is Amma's dedication to the world and mankind," said P Murali, a trustee of the Peetam, adding that the temple has more gold than the Golden Temple of Amritsar.

Messages by 'Amma' have been laid out along the path to the temple with messages from the Gita, Bible and Quran. "When one enters the Sripuram, their focus is just on the magnificent temple. But when they leave, they cannot do so without taking some messages and gaining some wisdom," according to a booklet detailing the 'services' rendered by the Peetam. "In this quagmire of materialism, Sripuram rises as an inspiration to man to find the divinity within him," adds a brochure.

Murali said arrangements were being made to hire personnel to throw a security cover around the temple. "But the gold sheets have been laid out in such a manner that it would cost more to rip it off than purchase the gold," said a top Vellore district official.

LOCATION

Sripuram is located at Thirumalaikodi in Vellore.

For further information you can dial these numbers:

From outside India

Ground travel arrangements to Peedam can be made by emailing in advance to the appropriate contact mentioned above; all you need to do is arrange for your flight to the Chennai Airport. The contact will arrange with the administration at Peedam for travelers to be picked up at the Chennai Airport and transported to the Peedam. It takes about 3 hours to get to Peedam.

For those who are not comfortable with night driving, arrangements can be made to stay overnight at the Radisson Hotel in Chennai at your own expense. Arrangements will be made to have you picked up the next day from the Radisson and taken to the Peedam. Road transportation to the Peedam costs about 2000/-Indian Rupees.

From Within India

By Car: Drive to the town of Vellore and take the road in the direction of Usoor to Sri Narayani Peedam.

Tirumala by Walk 

We 3 i.e. Bhaktavatsalam, Swaminathan & Rajmohan decided to climb up the hill on April 13th at 12.50 A.m and reached up the hill at 5.30 A.m , these are the photos we took by mobile camera while climbing up the hill, the last snap is next to the chariot we saw an elephant and beautiful rangoli.

For those of you who would like to climb the hills to Tirumala to fulfil a vow, there are two well-laid stone footpaths leading to Tirumala. These paths are called "Sopanamargas" (stairways).

The more ancient of the two Sopanamargas starts from Alipiri at the foot of the hills, is about 11-km in length, and is the commonly used route. The other Sopanamargas is from Chandragiri, though only about 6-km in length, it's a difficult route and is mainly used by the local people and traders. TTD also provides several facilities for the pilgrims who walk up the hills to Tirumala.

FACILITIES FOR PILGRIMS TTD or Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam manages the affairs of the temple, the well-being of the pilgrims, the upkeep of the environs in and around the Tirumala hills and sponsors several undertakings that are religious, charitable, social and educational in nature.

The TTD provides ample conveyance and halting facilities to thousands of pilgrims. Many pilgrims climb the hill by walk to fulfil the vow they have taken. Facilities like shelters, drinking waters, toilets, canteens, medical facilities etc are provided for a quick and relaxing walk uphill.

|| Om Namo Venkatesaya ||

 Hindu Glossary

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.