Sri Venkateswara Temple (Tirumala Tirupati Balaji)

Sri Venkateswara Temple, commonly known as Tirumala Tirupati Balaji, is situated on the seventh peak (Venkatadri) of the Tirumala Hills at an elevation of 853 metres in Andhra Pradesh. It is the richest and most visited Hindu temple in the world, receiving over 24 million pilgrims annually. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams — the most sacred abodes of Vishnu as sung by the Alvars (Tamil saint-poets). The temple's origins date back to around 300 CE, with significant patronage from the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara dynasties. The Vijayanagara kings, particularly Krishnadevaraya, made lavish donations including the gold-plated vimana (tower) above the sanctum. The temple is administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages its vast operations, including the famous Tirupati laddoo prasadam — one of the most recognised religious offerings in India. Devotees frequently offer their hair (tonsure) as a mark of devotion or in fulfilment of a vow.