Tirupati District - 1 | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Introduction

• Tirupati District was established on 4th April, 2022.
• The district was created from parts of the former Chittoor District and SPSR Nellore District.
• This reorganization took place in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• The formation aimed to enhance administrative efficiency and governance in the region.
• It aimed to address the unique needs of the local population more effectively.

Tourism

Religious Tourism

Sri Vari Temple, Tirumala

• Tirumala stands as one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations globally due to its association with Lord Venkateswara, situated atop the revered Seshachalam Hills, known as the Seven Hills. 
• The temple's origins trace back to the reign of the Thondaman King and underwent renovations under the rule of the Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagar dynasties. 
• Ramanujacharya formalized the temple rites in the 11th century A.D. Noteworthy is the elevation of these hills, standing at 980 meters above sea level and covering an area of approximately 10.33 square miles. 
• In terms of revenue, the Tirumala temple ranks in close proximity to the Vatican City in Rome.

Vakula Matha Temple, Peruru Village

• The Vakula Matha Temple, located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, commemorates Vakula Devi, the foster mother of Lord Venkateswara. According to Tirumala's lore, dating back to the Dvapara Yuga era, Yasoda, the foster mother of Lord Krishna, laments her inability to witness her son's weddings. 
• In response, Lord Krishna promises her the opportunity to witness such events in the future during the Kali Yuga. 
• In the Kali Yuga epoch, Lord Vishnu incarnates as Lord Venkateswara, and Yasoda reincarnates as Vakula Devi, facilitating the marriage between Lord Venkateswara and Padmavati, King Akasa Raja's daughter. 
• This fulfillment allows Vakula Devi to witness the auspicious union of Lord Venkateswara.

Govindarajaswamy Temple, Tirupati

• Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple is an ancient Hindu-Vaishnavite temple located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.
• Constructed in the 12th century and consecrated in 1130 AD by Saint Ramanujacharya.
• One of the earliest structures in Tirupati, it is also one of the largest temple complexes in the district.
• The city of Tirupati is centered around this temple, which is currently under the administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple, Tirupati

• Kapila Theertham is a renowned Saivite Temple and Theertham located in Tirupati.
• The idol here is believed to have been installed by Kapila Muni, hence Lord Shiva is known as Kapileswara.
• The temple is situated at the entrance to a mountain cave at the foot of the Tirumala hills.
• A large stone statue of a seated bull, Nandhi, welcomes devotees at the temple entrance.

Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple, Chandragiri

• The Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple is a famous Shiva temple near Tirumala hill, close to the River Kalyani.
• According to Shatla Puranam, after Srinivasa's marriage, Rishi Agasthya invited Srinivasa and Padmavathi to stay in his Ashram.
• Agasthya performed daily rituals to Lord Shiva and conducted Tapasya at this location.
• The lingam at the temple is known as Agastheeswara Lingam, and inside, there is a shrine for Parvati Devi as Vallimata.
• During Agastya Muni's meditation, he created the Swarnamukhi River.

Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Temple, Appalayagunta

• The Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple is located in Appalayagunta, which is about 16 km from Tirupati and 82 km from Chittoor Town and District in Andhra Pradesh, India.
• This vaishnavite temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, known as Prasanna Venkateswara. Unlike other Venkateswara temples, the presiding deity here is depicted with the right hand in an Abhaya posture, symbolizing protection.
• In 1988, the temple was taken over by TTD, and all the rituals conducted adhere to the tenets of Vaikhanasa Agama.

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanur

• The Padmavathi Temple, situated in Tiruchanur, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, is dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi or Alamelumanga, the consort of Lord Venkateswara.
• Under the administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, this temple holds significant religious importance for devotees.

Sri Kalahasti Temple, Srikalahasti

• Srikalahasti is situated along the banks of the Swarnamukhi River. It stands out as a significant Saiva Kshetra in South India. 
• The name "Srikalahasti" originates from the tale of three animals - Sri (Spider), Kala (Snake), and Hathi (Elephant) - who worshipped Shiva at this site and attained salvation.

Gudimallam Temple, Yerpedu

• Gudimallam, positioned seven miles from Renigunta, holds historical importance due to its striking Siva (Parasurameswara) Temple. 
• The Linga within this temple is believed to be among the earliest Lingas (3rd or 2nd Century B.C.) discovered in India.

Kalyana Venkateswara Temple, Narayanavanam

• At this temple, Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy and Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru, the daughter of Akasha Raju, were united in marriage. 
• Following the wedding in Narayanavaram, Padmavathi's brother erected two temples - one here and another in Tirumala - to commemorate the event. 
• This temple is unique as it houses both Venkateswara Swamy and Padmavathi Devi within a single complex. Additionally, the temple features shrines dedicated to Sri Padmavathi, Andal, Sri Prayaga Madhava Swami, and Sri Varadaraja Swami. 
• Alongside these, there are five more temples adjacent to the main one, honoring Sri Parasareswara Swami, Sri Veerabadhra Swami, Sri Sakthi Vinayaka Swami, Sri Agatheeswara Swami, and Sri Avanakshamma.

Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple, Nagalapuram

• The Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple in Nagalapuram was commissioned by Vijayanagara King Srikrishna Devaraya. 
• Notably, on the 25th, 26th, and 27th of March each year, sunlight penetrates the Garbhagriha of the temple.

Pallikondeswara Temple, Surutupalle

• Pallikondeswara Temple, also known as Pradosha Kshetram, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Surutupalle village, Tirupati District.
• The main deity, Pallikondeswara, is depicted in a unique reclining posture with his consort Parvati.
• Important festivals celebrated at the temple include Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Somavaram, Thiruvadhirai in the month of Margazhi, and Annabhishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi.

Chengalamma Temple, Sullurpet

• The Chengalamma Temple in Sullurpet, 94 km away from Tirupati on the Kolkata-Chennai highway, is dedicated to Goddess Chengalamma Parameswari.
• According to historical records, the temple dates back to the fourth and fifth centuries.
• Devotees also know her as the village goddess "Tekkali," and she is now worshipped as Chengalamma.
• Every year, devotees gather for the Chengalamma Jatara fair to seek blessings from the goddess.
• Visitors from various parts of the state come to fulfill their vows and seek boons from the goddess, revered as a benevolent maternal figure.
• An awe-inspiring sight in the temple is the naturally formed image of the goddess adorned with hanging roots of the banyan tree (Vooda).

Kodandaramesvara Swamy Temple (Adityeswara Temple), Bokkasampalem

• Bokkasampalem, located 2 km away from Tondamanadu in Sri Kalahasti Mandal, houses the Kodandaramesvara Swamy Temple, also known as Adityeswara Temple.
• This temple is believed to be a pallipadai constructed to honor Chola king Aditya I by his son Parantaka I around A.D. 940-41.
• The shrine for Devi within the temple complex appears to have been built during the 12th century A.D.

Thirthas & Waterfalls

• Tirumala boasts several sacred thirthas, with notable ones including Gogarbham, Akasa Ganga, Papavinasanam Theertham, Japali Theertham, Vaikuntam Theertham, Chakra Theertham, Ramakrishna Theertham, Kumaradhara Theertham, Thumbura Theertham, and Sri Narasimha Pushkarini.
• Some of the captivating waterfalls in the district comprise Talakona, Kailasakona, Sadasiva Kona, Veyilingala Kona, Saddhi Madugu, Siddalaya Kandriga, and Kalyani River.

Ashramams & Mattas

• Key spiritual centers in the district encompass Vyasasramam, Suka Bramhasramam, Kalki, Ramakrishna, Hathiramji Mutt, Ramakrishna Mutt, Sankarayacharya, Brahmin Mutt, and Iscon Temple.

Silathoranam, Tirumala

• The Natural Arch in the Tirumala hills, recognized as a National Geo-heritage Monument, is located about 1 km north of the Tirumala hills temple, near the Chakra Teertham in Andhra Pradesh, India.
• This arch, also known as Silathoranam in the local language, is a unique geological formation in the quartzites of the Cuddapah Supergroup due to natural erosive forces, measuring 8 m in width and 3 m in height.

Vijayanagar Empire at Chandragiri Fort

• Vijayanagar Empire controlled Chandragiri for around three centuries, starting with Vijayanagarayadava rulers in 1367.
• Chandragiri gained significance in the 1560s under Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya's rule.
• Chandragiri served as the 4th capital of the Vijayanagara Empire after Golconda Sultan’s attack on Penukonda.
• Srikrishna Devaraya, a prominent Vijayanagara emperor, was raised in this fort and met his future queen here.
• The Raja Mahal Palace, showcasing Indo-Sarcen architecture, now functions as an archaeological museum.
• Constructed without wood, the palace stands as a relic of the Vijayanagara period, featuring Hindu architectural elements.
• The fort houses Raja Mahal, Rani Mahal, and other temples and ruins, with Raja Mahal converted into an Archaeological Museum.
• Notably, Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal were built using lime, brick, and mortar, with Rani Mahal serving as both quarters and stables.
• In 1639, the agreement granting lands for Fort St. George to the British was sealed at this fort by Vijayanagara King Sri Rangaraya.

Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram

• The Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Srinivasamangapuram, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
• Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu known as Kalyana Venkateswara, it is classified as an Ancient Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Controlled by the Archaeological Survey of India and managed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, this temple has been hosting rituals since 1981.
• Considered sacred, especially for newlywed couples, it allows devotees who cannot visit Tirumala to seek blessings from Lord Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy.

Srivari Mettu, Srinivasa Mangapuram

• Srivari Mettu serves as an alternate pathway, alongside Alipiri Mettu, leading through seven hills to the main area of Tirumala.
• Legends mention that Lord Venkateswara and Annamayya traversed this route to reach Tirumala from Srinivasa Mangapuram.
• Popular among devotees and visitors due to its well-developed nature, this route comprises 2388 steps and takes approximately 2 hours to climb.
• Free of charge, this path also provides free luggage transport and tokens for Divya Darshanam and Laddus to pedestrians.

How to reach Srivari Mettu

• Path Maintenance: The path leading to Srivari Mettu is well-kept for the convenience of devotees, passing through a dense forest. Facilities such as water, parking, luggage counter, benches, and toilets are provided along the way.
• Shops and Vendors: Local shops and vendors along the path offer Prasad and food for the visitors heading to Tirumala. Devotees often light Diyas along the path as a symbol of their faith and security.
• Visiting Hours: The path is open for devotees from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, with dense forest surroundings that pose the risk of encounters with leopards and other wild animals.
• Reaching Srivari Mettu: To reach Srivari Mettu, pilgrims can easily travel from Tirupati by bus or private vehicle. Free bus services are available from Tirupati, which is well-connected by road.
  • Transport Options: Pilgrims can hire taxis, cabs, or private vehicles to reach the temple.
  • Nearest Railway Station: Tirupati Railway Station is located 26 km away.
  • Nearest Flight Connectivity: The closest airport is near Renigunta, approximately 36 km away.