Tirupati Balaji Temple

Tirupati Balaji is considered the 'Kaliyuga Vaikuntha' — the earthly abode of Vishnu in the present age — where the Lord is believed to personally fulfil the prayers of his devotees. It is the richest religious institution in the world, its offerings funding vast charitable, educational and cultural works. Pilgrims believe that a vow made and fulfilled at Tirumala never goes unanswered. The temple stands at the very heart of South Indian Vaishnava devotion.

The Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirumala is an ancient Dravidian shrine whose gilded vimana (the Ananda Nilayam) crowns the seventh of the Tirumala hills. The black-stone deity of Lord Venkateswara (Balaji), adorned with dazzling jewels and flowers, is one of the most beloved forms of Vishnu in India. Managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the temple runs one of the largest pilgrim-management operations anywhere, along with a famed free-meal service and the world-renowned Tirupati laddu prasadam. The custom of tonsuring one's hair as an offering, and of donating to the hundi, reflects the extraordinary faith the Lord inspires.