Sri Venkateswara is an avatar of Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple. Sri Venkateswara is also known as Balaji.   

'My' town of Tirupati is the starting point for pilgrims to the temple, hence the large rail and coach stations, the pilgrim choultries and the large number of hotels.
Tirumula is 15 miles from Tirupati, reached by one way road system. When I was first there in 1982 there was no one-way system so it was a very nerve-racking drive.

It is the richest temple in the world in terms of donations received and wealth. The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually on average).

To visit the inner holy sanctum it is usual to queue for many hours and there are covered 'caged' walkways going all around the central part of the temple. I visited the inner sanctum only once - in 1982 where my hosts fought with elbows to get me through as a VIP.


Most politicians and academics visiting the State of Andhra Pradesh make a point of going up to see 'The Lord' in Tirumula.

My friends from outside Tirupati also visited there; I often joined them so I became well-aquainted with Tirumula

I asked if I could take a phot of the musicians. They were very enthusiastic that I should and then I had to parade under the canopy with them and the flaming escort all around the perimeter.
The carnatic oboe (nadaswaram) has a very loud sound.