The Srivari Hundi is the sacred offering box inside the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala, where devotees drop their offerings of cash, gold, silver, and valuables at the feet of Lord Venkateswara. For centuries, dropping an offering into the Hundi has been one of the most personal acts of devotion a pilgrim can perform. Today, TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) has extended this traditi…
In Hindu tradition, time is not uniform. Certain portions of each day are considered inauspicious for beginning new and important activities. The three most widely observed inauspicious periods are Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam (Yamaganda Kalam), and Gulika Kalam (Gulika Kaal). These periods are an integral part of Panchang (the Hindu almanac) and Muhurta Shastra (the science of auspicious timing). Table of Contents What Are These Inauspicious PeriodsDay-Wise Timings of Rahu KalamDay-Wise Timings of YamagandamDay-Wise Timings of Gulika KalamCombined Quick-Reference TableHow to Calculate for Your Exact LocationWhy These Periods Are Important SpecialPrecautions to FollowWhom to Worship During These PeriodsConclusionThis guide explains what these periods are, provides day-wise timing tables, and outlines why they matter, what precautions to follow, and which deities to worship during these times.What Are These Inauspicious Periods?Each day from sunrise to sunset is divided into eight equal parts. Each of these segments is roughly 1.5 hours (90 minutes) when the day is taken as a standard 12-hour period from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The exact duration varies with the actual sunrise and sunset of y…
The Tirupati Laddu — officially the Srivari Laddu — is the most cherished prasadam in all of India. Prepared inside the temple's own kitchen, the Laddu Potu, and offered at the feet of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy, it carries a legacy that dates back to 1715. For most pilgrims, taking home a box of these blessed laddus is as much a part of the Tirumala yatra as the darshan itself. Table of Contents Why the Tirupati Laddu Is So SpecialTypes of Tirumala Laddu PrasadamTirumala Laddu Price 2026How Many Laddus Can You GetWhere to Collect Laddus at TirumalaPractical Tips for DevoteesFrequently Asked QuestionsThis guide explains everything you need to know before your visit: the different types of laddu, current prices, how many you are allowed to get, and where to collect them at Tirumala.Why the Tirupati Laddu Is So SpecialThe Srivari Laddu is not an ordinary sweet. It is made with pure cow ghee, gram flour (besan), sugar, cashew nuts, raisins, and cardamom, following a recipe that has been preserved for over three centuries. In 2009 it was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, meaning only the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is legally permitted to produce and sell it under…
Visiting the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala with a newborn is a cherished moment for every family. But the long queues, dense crowds, and hours of standing make the general darshan extremely difficult for a mother carrying a baby. To address this, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) runs a special Infant Darshan facility — a compassionate, free, priority-entry arrangement exclusively for families with a baby below one year of age. Table of Contents What is Infant DarshanWho is EligibleWho is Allowed to Accompany the BabyDocuments RequiredTimingsEntry Point Reporting PlaceStep-by-Step ProcedureWhen Infant Darshan is SuspendedFrequency RuleDress CodeWhat to Carry for the BabyPractical Tips for MothersFrequently Asked QuestionsThis guide explains everything a mother needs to know before visiting: eligibility, who is allowed, timings, required documents, the entry point, the step-by-step procedure, dress code, what to carry, and the important rules that decide whether your entry is approved.What is Infant Darshan?Infant Darshan (also called "Mothers with Babies" darshan or "Below 1 Year Baby Darshan") is a special free darshan category that allows parents carrying an infant…
Every day, lakhs of pilgrims climb the seven hills of Tirumala with a single longing — a glimpse of Sri Venkateswara Swamy in the sanctum sanctorum. Yet as devotees move through the temple's inner circumambulatory path, many pause, fold their hands, and pray facing upward — not toward the sanctum, but toward a small, silver-framed image glittering on the golden tower above it. This is Vimana Venkateswara Swamy, one of the most quietly revered forms of the Lord at Tirumala, whose darshan is believed by devotees to be equal in merit to the darshan of the Moola Virat (the main deity) himself. Table of Contents The Ananda Nilayam The Abode of BlissWho is Vimana Venkateswara SwamyThe Legend of Sri Vyasa TirthaThe Vimana as Deity Ritual SignificanceWhere and How to Have DarshanWhy This Small Image Matters So MuchThe Ananda Nilayam: The Abode of BlissTo understand Vimana Venkateswara, one must first understand the structure on which he resides. The gold-covered tower that rises directly above the sanctum sanctorum of the Tirumala temple is called the Ananda Nilayam, meaning "the Abode of Happiness" or "Abode of Bliss." Unlike the tall entrance gopurams of South Indian temples, this is a v…
Perched on the seven hills of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh, the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala is one of the most visited and revered pilgrimage sites on earth. For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and foreign nationals of Hindu faith, TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) offers a dedicated darshan facility that avoids the very long general queues. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you arrive: the special NRI/foreigner entry, ticket price, entry points, dress code, and the rules you must follow. Table of Contents Who Can Use the NRI Foreigner Special DarshanTicket PriceEntry Point ProcedureDress CodeGuidelines Rules to FollowAccommodation for NRIs ForeignersPractical Tips for a Smooth VisitQuick Reference SummaryWho Can Use the NRI / Foreigner Special DarshanTTD runs a special-entry darshan channel specifically for overseas devotees. You are eligible if you fall into any of these categories:Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) holding an Indian passport with a valid foreign visa, work permit, or permanent-resident visa.OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders, who must carry both the OCI card and a valid passpo…
Tirumala Brahmotsavam 2026 : Due to Adhika Maasa in 2026, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) will conduct two Brahmotsavams this year at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala:Salakatla (Annual) Brahmotsavam — 15 September to 23 September 2026Navarathri Brahmotsavam — 12 October to 20 October 2026Both festivals run for 9 days and feature daily Vahana Seva processions of Sri Malayappa Swami. Below you'll find the complete day-wise schedule, timings, and key differences between the two Brahmotsavams. Table of Contents Brahmotsavam 2026 Dates at a GlanceSalakatla Annual Brahmotsavam Schedule September 2026Navarathri Brahmotsavam Schedule October 2026Key Differences Between the Two BrahmotsavamsSnapana ThirumanjanamHow to Watch Brahmotsavam 2026 LiveFrequently Asked Questions FAQBrahmotsavam 2026 Dates at a GlanceBrahmotsavamStart DateEnd DateDurationSalakatla (Annual) Brahmotsavam15 Sep 2026 (Tue)23 Sep 2026 (Wed)9 DaysNavarathri Brahmotsavam12 Oct 2026 (Mon)20 Oct 2026 (Tue)9 DaysSalakatla (Annual) Brahmotsavam Schedule — September 2026Ankurarpana (Pre-Festival Ritual)DateDayTimeSeva14 Sep 2026Monday7:00 PM – 8:00 PMAnkurarpana, Vishvaksena AradhanaDay-Wise Vahana Seva Sched…
