Tirupati Temple History: A Sacred Journey Through Time

Tirupati Temple, officially known as Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple or Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, is one of the most prestigious and seen places in India and the world. 

Tirupati temple history

tirupati temple history in hindi

The history of the temple is an attractive blend of ancient legends, dynastic protection, cultural heritage and spiritual traditions, which have kept their sanctity alive for a thousand years. Let us find out the journey of Tirupati temple, from its mythological origin to its present grandeur.

Mythological origin

The origin of the Tirupati temple lies deeply in Hindu mythology. According to the scriptures, Lord Vishnu landed on Earth as Venkateswara to save mankind from the tests and troubles of the murderer. Stall Purana (temple legend) explains how Lord Vishnu chose Tirumala hills as its residence.

One of the most popular legends associated with the temple is the story of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavati. It is said that when Goddess Lakshmi left Lord Vishnu due to some misunderstanding, Vishnu came to Earth in search of her. He resided on the Tirumala hills and later married Goddess Padmavati, who was an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, who was born as the daughter of King Akasa Raja. This astronomical marriage is remembered every year as the Grand Brahmotsavam Festival, which attracts millions of devotees.

It has also been mentioned in mythology that the idol of Lord Venkateswara is self-evident (Self-evasive), which builds Tirupati Temple

Early reference in ancient texts

Tirumala Hills, also known as Seshchalam Hills, is mentioned in many ancient scriptures. References to this holy site are found in texts like Rig Veda, Varaha Purana and Bhavishottara Purana. The Varaha Purana states that worshiping Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala gives grants to salvation.

Many Alwar saints of the Vaishnava Bhakti movement, especially during the 5th to 9th century, composed hymns in praise of Lord Venkateswara. Prominent among them were Sri Ramanujachari, the great philosopher and social reformer of the 11th century, who played an important role in the establishment of proper rituals and traditions in the temple.

who built tirupati temple

Historical Timeline and Conservation

Pallava period (6th -9th century CE)

The first recorded history of the Tirupati temple is before the Pallava dynasty, which ruled some parts of southern India. The inscription states that the Pallava kings contributed to the development of the pilgrimage. Land and money were arranged to ensure maintenance of the temple and its rituals.

Chola Dynasty (9th -13th century CE)

Cholas known for their temple-building heritage had an important role in increasing the grandeur of the Tirupati temple. The inscriptions of this era mentions liberal donations including gold, jewelry and land grants. Cholas also helped establish a structured administration for the temple.

Vijayanagara Empire (14th -17th century CE)

The Vijayanagar ruler was the most important patron of the Tirupati temple. Kings like Krishnadevaraya contributed huge contributions including gold jewelry, idols and renewal of the temple. Krishnadevaraya's name is often associated with the temple due to his devotion and generosity. The inscriptions on the walls of the temple record their offerings, including

Tirumala Hills, also known as Seshchalam Hills, is mentioned in many ancient scriptures. References to this holy site are found in texts like Rig Veda, Varaha Purana and Bhavishottara Purana. The Varaha Purana states that worshiping Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala gives grants to salvation.

Many Alwar saints of the Vaishnava Bhakti movement, especially during the 5th to 9th century, composed hymns in praise of Lord Venkateswara. Prominent among them were Sri Ramanujachari, the great philosopher and social reformer of the 11th century, who played an important role in the establishment of proper rituals and traditions in the temple.

Historical Timeline and Conservation

Pallava period (6th -9th century CE)

The first recorded history of the Tirupati temple is before the Pallava dynasty, which ruled some parts of southern India. The inscription states that the Pallava kings contributed to the development of the pilgrimage. Land and money were arranged to ensure maintenance of the temple and its rituals.

Chola Dynasty (9th -13th century CE)

Cholas known for their temple-building heritage had an important role in increasing the grandeur of the Tirupati temple. The inscriptions of this era mentions liberal donations including gold, jewelry and land grants. Cholas also helped establish a structured administration for the temple.

Vijayanagara Empire (14th -17th century CE)

The Vijayanagar ruler was the most important patron of the Tirupati temple. Kings like Krishnadevaraya contributed huge contributions including gold jewelry, idols and renewal of the temple. Krishnadevaraya's name is often associated with the temple due to his devotion and generosity. The inscriptions on the walls of the temple record their offerings, including

Tirumala Hills, also known as Seshchalam Hills, is mentioned in many ancient scriptures. References to this holy site are found in texts like Rig Veda, Varaha Purana and Bhavishottara Purana. The Varaha Purana states that worshiping Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala gives grants to salvation.

Many Alwar saints of the Vaishnava Bhakti movement, especially during the 5th to 9th century, composed hymns in praise of Lord Venkateswara. Prominent among them were Sri Ramanujachari, the great philosopher and social reformer of the 11th century, who played an important role in the establishment of proper rituals and traditions in the temple.

Historical Timeline and Conservation

Pallava period (6th -9th century CE)

The first recorded history of the Tirupati temple is before the Pallava dynasty, which ruled some parts of southern India. The inscription states that the Pallava kings contributed to the development of the pilgrimage. Land and money were arranged to ensure maintenance of the temple and its rituals.

Chola Dynasty (9th -13th century CE)

Cholas known for their temple-building heritage had an important role in increasing the grandeur of the Tirupati temple. The inscriptions of this era mentions liberal donations including gold, jewelry and land grants. Cholas also helped establish a structured administration for the temple.

Vijayanagara Empire (14th -17th century CE)

The Vijayanagar ruler was the most important patron of the Tirupati temple. Kings like Krishnadevaraya contributed huge contributions including gold jewelry, idols and renewal of the temple. Krishnadevaraya's name is often associated with the temple due to his devotion and generosity. The inscriptions on the walls of the temple record their offerings, including

Tirumala Hills, also known as Seshchalam Hills, is mentioned in many ancient scriptures. References to this holy site are found in texts like Rig Veda, Varaha Purana and Bhavishottara Purana. The Varaha Purana states that worshiping Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala gives grants to salvation.

Many Alwar saints of the Vaishnava Bhakti movement, especially during the 5th to 9th century, composed hymns in praise of Lord Venkateswara. Prominent among them were Sri Ramanujachari, the great philosopher and social reformer of the 11th century, who played an important role in the establishment of proper rituals and traditions in the temple.

Historical Timeline and Conservation

Pallava period (6th -9th century CE)

The first recorded history of the Tirupati temple is before the Pallava dynasty, which ruled some parts of southern India. The inscription states that the Pallava kings contributed to the development of the pilgrimage. Land and money were arranged to ensure maintenance of the temple and its rituals.

Chola Dynasty (9th -13th century CE)

Cholas known for their temple-building heritage had an important role in increasing the grandeur of the Tirupati temple. The inscriptions of this era mentions liberal donations including gold, jewelry and land grants. Cholas also helped establish a structured administration for the temple.

Vijayanagara Empire (14th -17th century CE)

The Vijayanagar ruler was the most important patron of the Tirupati temple. Kings like Krishnadevaraya contributed huge contributions including gold jewelry, idols and renewal of the temple. Krishnadevaraya's name is often associated with the temple due to his devotion and generosity. The inscriptions on the walls of the temple record their offerings, including

This period marked the climax of prosperity for the temple, converting it into a major religious and cultural center in South India.

Vijayanagar era

After the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, various local rulers and the hero of Madurai enhanced their protection. Later, the Maratha rulers and even the Mysore kings contributed.

During the British colonial period, there were changes in the temple administration. Initially, it was managed by the East India Company, but finally, the control was transferred to local trusts.

Major architectural highlights include:

Anand Nilayam Vimana: The Golden Dome is a symbol of divinity and prosperity, above the Sainctum Canactorm.

Gopurams: Gateway, built in typical South Indian style, show good stone carvings.

Mandapam: collapsed halls like Ranga Mandapam and Kalyan Mandapam, which serve religious and cultural objectives.

Pushkarini: The holy temple tank, known as Swami Pushkarini, was considered to purify the devotees before darshan.

The main deity, Lord Venkateswara, is vested in the sanctum sanctorum (Garkha Griha). The idol is standing with epidemic, adorned with precious jewelery, silks and jewelry, radiating the divine grace.

Administration and TTD

In modern times, the temple is managed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), an independent trust established in 1933. TTD not only oversees the administration of the temple, but also includes various charitable and social activities in free food (Anna Prasad), hospitals, educational institutions, and protection.

TTD has also played a role in maintaining the legacy of the temple in the form of modern requirements, such as queue management system, online booking for darshan and transparent donation processes.

Cultural and religious importance

 Festivals like Brahmotsavam, Vacanta Ekadasi and Rathotsavam attract millions of devotees every year. The temple is also famous for its music traditions, where devotional songs (Annamacharya Kirtana) are performed regularly.

One of the unique features of the temple is the tradition of tonsting (Mandan), where devotees present their hair as a symbol of the Lord's dedication. The temple receives one of the highest donations in the world, often as gold, jewelry and cash.

Modern day Tirupati Temple

Today, the Tirupati Temple is one of the world's richest temples and one of the most visited pilgrimage centers. It receives an average of 50,000–100,000 devotees per day, in which the number of several lakhs increases during festivals. The annual revenue of the temple runs in thousands of crores, mainly from donations, which are all used for spiritual, social and cultural purposes.

Despite the passage of centuries, the temple continues to maintain its spiritual purity, combining ancient rituals with modern facilities to serve devotees.