Trip to Holy Pilgrimage: Tirupati Venkateswara Temple - Part 3- Tirupati Balaji temple, Kapileshwara and Padmavati

This post is in continuation to my last post: 

Trip toHolyPilgrimage: Tirupati Venkateswara Temple - Part1

Trip toHolyPilgrimage: Tirupati Venkateswara Temple - Part2 -Sirvari Padam, SiloThoranam, Hathiram Matt and 3 Teerthams

11th August.

We woke up exactly at 00:00 hrs. as the clock hit the beginning  of the new day. We were ready by 1 and begun to go to temple but as soon as we step out, we came to know that wearing Lungi is mandatory for the people going to Suprabhatam Seva. We went back again and changed our clothes. Luckily, we have purchased it in the evening as the VIP protocol person told us that gents need to wear lungi but we were not sure as some of the people also told that wearing Lungi is not Mandatory but when we saw everyone dressed traditionally in lungi, we give up to the benefit of doubt and changed out clothes. We had our challenges in wearing Lungi and carrying it as it was the first time in my life. Many times, I need to hold it with my hand and also I was constantly scared if it unfolds. In the temple, I took a safety pin from my wife and used it to hold the lungi. It was helpful; however, I was not very confident about it also.

We reached at the Vaikuntam Queue complex at around 1:30 am. We met some local guys there and came to know lot of things about the temple. We came to know that local people come to Tirupati 2,3 times every year and the devotion of local people is very real and pure unlike mine, honestly speaking. At 2, the gates opened. Ticket was checked 3, 4 times and wearing Lungi was also mandatory. I was surprised and at the same time, impressed by the fool proof security of the temple. At around 3, we entered in the main temple and the Seva was started. It went for 30 minutes. Unlike last time, this time, i had the opportunity to spend a time and got a good Darshan. The whole experience was very satisfying. After that, we spent our time in temple for 2 hours as the atmosphere was very pure and we can feel the vibrations. 

Courtesy: Google Images

There is 1 very interesting story related to this temple. It is said that Lord Kubera lent money to the God Venkateswara/Vishnu to meet the expenses for his marriage with Padmavati .Lord Venkateshwara will continue to pay Kuber the loan till the end of Kali Yuga which will last for 432,000 years. In remembrance of this, the devotees going to Tirupati donate money and gold in Venkateswara’s Hundi so that he can repay Lord Kubera.

Tirupati Temple. Courtesy: Google Images

Prasadam. Courtesy: Google Images

It seemed that coming to here has pressed the refreshed button of my life. I felt so great. We came out of temple at around 5 am and now it’s the time to collect Prasadam, Laddus. 

Finally we reached at our Guest House at 6am and thought of catching some sleep.  We woke up again at 8am only to go back to Tirupati. Our returning train to Hyderabad was Nine Hills express which was scheduled at 3 pm from Tirupati. 

We have around 4 hours available for sight-seeing in Tirupati. We visited the various places at Tirupati: 

1.ISCKON Temple

First of all, we went to ISKCON temple. I have visited this temple in Mathura, New Delhi and here It is no different. The building and atmosphere was very beautiful, however but I do not like the idea of making ISCKON in Tirupati. This temple looks good in delhi, mumbai but imagine this temple in places like Badrinath, Vaishno devi, i don't think it will be appreciated.

Courtesy: Google Images

2. Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple, Tirupati 

 It is situated about 3 km to the north of Tirupati, at the foot of the Tirumala Hills. The sacred waterfall called Kapila Teertham (also known as Alwar Teertham) is located here. It is believed that in old days, people start their journey to Tirumala from here after taking bath in this Teertham.

 

 3. Tiruchanur Padmavati Temple   

 This temple is about 5 km from Tirupati. The temple of Sri Padmavathi Devi who is the consort of Lord Sri Vishnu is situated here. It is believed that your Darshan/visit to Tirupati Balaji temple will be considered as complete only if you visit the Sri Padmavathi Devi temple.

Folklore is that Lord Vishnu  admired the sage, Bhrigu Maharshi, even though the sage had insulted Vishnu by kicking him on the chest. In anger, Sri Maha Lakshmi (the Lord's consort) reached Patala Loka (hell), where she heard a divine voice stating that a pushkarini was dug on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi, immersed her in penance for 12 years. In the 13th year (during the month of Karteeka) Sri Padmavathi emerged from a golden lotus. It is believed that Goddess MahaLakshmi herself emerged as Sri Padmavathi. When we reached here at 12, we were so tired and the huge crowd discouraged us. We purchased the tickets for Special Darshan, however, still it take around 1 hour to get the Darshan. The statue of Devi was amazingly beautiful. After the main Darshan, I took a rest in temple premises while other members were continued to explore other sub temples in the main temple. 

 Weather was very hot and even we didn't have the proper sleep.

 There were many temples left but we were so tired because of missing a sleep that we decided to go to railway station and waits for a train although there were 2 hours still left. 

We boarded a train at 3 pm and reached Hyderabad at 5 am on 12th August. I must say it was one of its kind experience. Looking forward for many more trips.