Alipiri Steps: Path Way to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

The Alipiri Steps: Path Way to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Balaji Mandir). Alipiri Mettu footpath timings. Tirumala walking timings at tirumala.org

Alipiri

Alipiri is a popular name associate with the holy shrine/Temples in Tirumala. It’s the excellent pathway leading to the Tirumala hill shrine (Lord’s Venkateswara Temple). Also, the start of the walking steps (3550steps). Alipiri is also referred to as Alipiri Padala Mandapam. The word itself means a resting place. In the past, no developed roads/pathways were constructed.  The pilgrims had to climb the seven hills using the Alipiri pathway.

Alipiri Steps

Since the trekking was tedious with some devotees coming from long distance areas, the pilgrims used to rest at Alipiri. They were allowed to cook and eat from here. After resting, they would continue with the steps—that how Alipiri earned its name from pilgrims taking rest.

As the centuries went by and new technologies developed. A motor road was constructed in 1945; it was two-way traffic. The road served Tirupati and Tirumala; later, in 1972, a metal road was established. The road was one way to Tirumala, while the old was completed to reach Tirupati from Tirumala.  All the roads heading to Tirumala start from Alipiri. Pilgrims from Chennai, Bangalore, Kadapa

Recent developments

Recently Temple authorities have constructed a pilgrim facility center. There is parking space for devotees’ vehicles, a bus station, and a rest house. You will find a small shrine, Padala Mandapam, which is Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple. Devotees can seek blessing from the temple as they proceed with the pathway to Tirumala.

There is also a newly renovated Temple for Lord Lakshmi Narayana, set for pilgrims to offer their prayers and seek blessings.  Once you visit Alipiri, the first Idol is Garuda, standing at Anjali Hastha pose.  Upon proceeding, there is the arch of Alipiri for the devotee’s vehicles.  Pilgrims will also find a pylon that celebrates 75 years of Diamond Jubilee for the T.T.D board of trustees.  Pilgrims have ascending steps to reach the Gopuram. Here devotees can now ascend the hills after completing their trekking.The authorities have constructed resting Mandapams. They will also find the Shanku, Chakra, and Namam Gopuram at the end. The front part of the Padala Mandapam the floor has an imprintedfigure of a man.  The model is glass protected. The sculpture dates back to 1623A.D (Tamil and Telugu).

The authorities have constructed resting Mandapams. They will also find the Shanku, Chakra, and Namam Gopuram at the end. The front part of the Padala Mandapam the floor has an imprintedfigure of a man.  The model is glass protected. The sculpture dates back to 1623A.D (Tamil and Telugu).

The man imprinted is called Lakumaiah; he is the son of Kolala Kondaiah. He was believed to be an overseer of the charities (Matla Kumara Anantharaja).  Alipiri has a lot of holy shrines and temples. Here you still find the two shrines which are designed for Perialwar and his daughter (Andal). The temple is referred to as Perialwar.

Alipiri Mettu

Pilgrims going through the Alipiri pathway can leave their luggage at the counter. They will receive the bags in two hours at the Tirumala luggage center. There is a security zone making it safe for every pilgrim visiting the hills.

Footsteps to Tirumala

The distance from Tirupati to Tirumala is 11 km. One has to take steps to complete the journey. In total, there are 3550 steps. This might take 4-6 hours to walk, depending on the speed of the person. The footsteps are roofed, and water facilities are situated in different places (after 50 steps).  There are hotels near Gali Gopuram, which is after 1800 steps. The walking path is always open for the pilgrim to visit.

For more information please visit official tirumala tirupati devasthanam official website https://www.tirumala.org/TravellingfromTirupatitoTirumala.aspx