Posted Date : 16:14 (April 2, 2017) Sakti Vikatan Magazine

Last updated : 16:14 (April 2, 2017)

 

Freebees in Tiruppathi

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is a landmark Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the place has also got the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntham and Lord here is referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple. Lord Venkateswara is known by many other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa. Wikipedia

 

Free Stuff in Tirumalai-Tiruppathi? Let us find out.

These are summer holidays for the school children. They pester the parents to take them on tour or for a picnic. The parents plan their trips according to their means.

Children like to wander and explore but the elders like to go on Yātrā (pilgrimage).  Yātrā means pilgrimage to Tiruppathi.  Tiruppathi! You don’t say: Is He not a rich god? How can we afford to go there?  Don’t think like that.

 (Bhagavadgita 9:32 Translation by Dr. Radhakrishnan) For those who take refuge in Me, O Pārtha (Arjuna), though they are lowly born, women, Vaiśyas, as well as Śūdras, they also attain to the highest goal.

If you think of Bhagavan with your heart, mind and soul dedicated to him, it certainly is attainable. Travel for a darsana can be done on a budget. 

Whatever is the destination, don’t be afraid of expenses. No need to worry. Persistence and patience will pay off.

Consider all the freebees in Tirumala-Tiruppathi Temple Complex. They will satisfy our basic needs. You should know that luxury is out of question if you are on a budget.

 
The Hourglass receiver for cash, coins, jewels... in Tiruppathi Temple.

श्रीवारी हुंडी  = ஸ்ரீவாரீ உண்டி

Srinivasa Complex opposite to Tiruppathi Bus stand offers free bath rooms and toilets. You can use a locker free of cost. You may rest and sleep in the hallways. The premises are maintained well for cleanliness. You can obtain Darśan in lower Tiruppathi at Govindarāja Swami and Alamelu Mangapuram.

For the rail passengers, conveniences are provided in Viṣṇu Nivās opposite to the railways.

For the pedestrians on pilgrimage up the mountain, there are buses every hour.


The hikers going up the mountain for Divya Darśan enjoy free luggage transportation and get a free Laddu.

Their luggage storage facilities are on the holy mountain top.  Avoid bringing and lugging bundles of cash and jewelry. Leave them home. You want to immerse in spirituality and not worry about your belongings.

There are free toilets at every turn for the use of devotees.

There are free lockers for cell phones and footwears, reclaimed with tokens.

In the Head-shearing station, there are no fees. You get a free new blade and sandalwood paste for shearing and smearing of the head.

There are no fees for Darsan on a General Admission queue. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are low attendance days. As you wait in the queue, free Pongal, Uppuma, or Rice-Sambar is served. Sometimes cow’s milk is offered free. If you are lactose-intolerant, give your portion to the next person. By giving, you obtain merit.

 
 
Free food at Tiruppathi Hills

After Darśan, free prasāda is offered: A small Laddu, Pongal, Pulyodarai, Pepper-rice…

Once you exit the main gate, you may dine free on unlimited portions of Rice-Sambar, Rasam, Mixed vegetables, Yogurt… in the dining hall.

Once you have enjoyed all these amenities, the Temple Administration provides an orange Hop-On-Hop-Off bus every 5 minutes for a tour around the hills from 6 AM to 11 AM.

Besides this, there is a free 24/7 medical clinic.

What are you waithing for? Go on, take your children, have fun and get the blessings from the Lord of the Hills.