Andhra

Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanam...

Sri Venkateshwara (Balaji - One of the representation of Lord Vishnu) Temple is situated at the Thirumala Hills is one of the biggest pilgrim centres in the country. The temple is situated at an altitude of 2800 ft among the seven sacred hills that symbolizes the seven headed serpent God Adishesha on whole coils where Vishnu sleeps.

The main temple is a masterpiece of the Dravidian architecture with its main tower facing the east was built in the 9th century and later renovated in the 15th century. People in distress take vows to visit Lord Vishnu by offering their hair to the deity. It is believed that since hair enhances a person's appearance, shaving it off sheds vanity as well.

This offering is usually made after the fulfillment of a wish. The hair offerings are later exported to US and Japan where they are made into wigs. The temple attracts an average of 25000 pilgrims a day and around 100000 pilgrims on festival days.