The Tirumala temple, perched atop the sacred Venkatadri Hills, is a sanctuary of profound significance, dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, also known as Srinivasa, Balaji, and other divine epithets. The temple, located in Tirupati, is often referred to as the richest in the world, witnessing a staggering daily influx of around 70,000 pilgrims. The devout belief resonates that there is no place equivalent to Venkatadri in the vast expanse of the universe, and Lord Sri Venkateswara stands unmatched among all deities.
The presiding deity is revered in accordance with the Vaikhanasa Agama system of worship. Controversies once surrounded the identity of the idol, with some speculating it to be a form of Subramanya or the Mother Goddess. However, rigorous examination and scholarly discourse have unequivocally established that the idol is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. This revelation has put an end to debates that spanned across various theological perspectives.
