Tirupati

Tirupati is a historic pilgrimage city in southern Andhra Pradesh, best known as the gateway to Tirumala, the “Temple of Seven Hills,” where the Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple stands. The sacred landscape of Tirumala–Tirupati grew over centuries through continuous patronage, temple-building, and endowments recorded in many inscriptions. The hill temple tradition is associated with early South Indian dynasties and was expanded and reformed at different times—especially under rulers such as the Pallavas and Cholas, and later the Vijayanagara Empire, which greatly enhanced the temple’s wealth, rituals, and architecture.

A landmark moment often cited is Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya’s visit in 1517, remembered for major donations that helped gild parts of the shrine and strengthened royal support for Tirumala worship. After the decline of Vijayanagara, temple administration passed through changing political phases—Golconda influence, brief European involvement, and later British-era regulation—before modern institutional management took shape.

In the 20th century, the temple’s administration was formally organized under Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which continues to manage the shrine and pilgrim services today.