There are very few temples in India that can match the aura and grandeur of the Venkateshwara Temple in Andhra Pradesh. Such is the significance of the temple that the moment any Hindu hears the word ‘Tirupati’, the first thing that springs into their mind is the temple itself! Situated in Tirumala in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, the Venkateshwara Temple is known for attracting lakhs of devotees and for the ritual of tonsuring.

The Sri Venkateshwara Temple (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) is situated 853 meters above the sea level and the temple area is almost 10 square miles. The main temple of the Lord Sri Venkateshwara is on the Venkatadri hill. The temple is situated at the southern side of Sri Swami Pushkarini which is considered to be the holy tank of water for the devotees. Lord Sri Venkateshwara's consorts are Bhudevi and Sri Devi.

The main idol of Lord Sri Venkateshwara is almost eight feet tall from the crown to the toe. The main wealth of this temple is considered to be the crown of the Moolavirat. Lord Sri Venkateshwara is made of diamond. Another avatar of this Lord Venkateshwara is Snapana Beram which is an angry form of the Lord. This always remains in the sanctum and brought out only for one day and that is on Kaishika Dwadsi, but this is worshipped daily.

Tonsuring – the act of shaving your head to propitiate God – is a long standing ritual associated with the Tirumala Devasthanams. As per the Vaishavite tradition, devotees offer their hair to the Lord which symbolizes eradicating of the ego. It is also done as a sacrifice if a devotee’s wish is fulfilled. If the Lord answers their prayers, then they return to this sacred temple and offer their hair to the lord as a gift.

Hence, for many reasons, The Venkateshwara Temples in Tirupati is one of the most iconic temples in India. To offer a puja at this beautiful temple, click here.