The Richest Temple on Earth

Tirupati

Tirumala · Tirupati · Srikalahasti

September – February

2–3 days

Tirupati is one of the most extraordinary pilgrimage destinations on earth. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, perched at 853m on the Tirumala Hills, is the most visited religious site in the world — more than 100,000 pilgrims arrive every single day. The temple's annual income exceeds that of the Vatican. Lord Venkateswara (a form of Vishnu) is believed to fulfil the wishes of all who visit, and the tradition of tonsure — shaving one's head as an offering — means that the temple processes over 10,000 kg of hair daily. The town of Tirupati at the base of the hills has its own important temples, including the Govindarajaswamy Temple. Nearby Srikalahasti is home to one of the five Pancha Bhuta Stalas — temples representing the five elements.

Highlights

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple darshan

Brahmotsavam festival (September)

Govindarajaswamy Temple, Tirupati

Srikalahasti — Vayu Lingam temple

Kapila Theertham waterfall & Shiva temple

Chandragiri Fort & Palace Museum

Things to Do

Tirumala Temple Darshan

The most visited religious site on earth — queue for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara, whose idol is adorned with gold and precious stones worth billions.

Tonsure Ceremony

Millions of pilgrims offer their hair to Lord Venkateswara as a symbol of surrender and gratitude. The temple processes over 10,000 kg of hair daily.

Srikalahasti Temple

One of the Pancha Bhuta Stalas — the temple of Vayu (air). The Shivalingam here is said to move in the breeze, and the Rahu-Ketu pooja is one of the most powerful in India.

Chandragiri Fort

The 16th-century fort of the Vijayanagara kings, with a palace museum containing artefacts from the empire that once ruled most of South India.