Alipiri - Venkateswara Aalayam

Temple traditions are quite fascinating and queer. Several kinds of traditions, each characteristic of the place and taste of the people bewilder the casual visitor, but for highly evolved soul, they only serve as stepping stones to reach the Almighty God. Normally the builders of temples, introduce certain traditions, customs etc. at the time of consecretion, but later many get added due to the influence of seers and saints, acharyas and archakas. They are to be followed with closed lips rather than questioning, which only lead to wilderness of eternal grief.

One such exotic tradition greets the pilgrims visiting the much-hallowed holy Seven Hills by foot-path. It is at the temple lying at the foot of Hills, the starting point of the foot path road. Here, only a spacious mandap, enshrining the Balaji statue is adored by all who ascend the Hill, and for going on foot there is no other path from Tirupathi. One can observe pans of big size leather and metal sandals called Balaji paadarakshas and they are worshipped in addition to the archamurti and other portraits. The queer tradition of keeping those scandals on head and going round the garbhagriha is practised. Almost all devotees except sceptics carrying them on head go round the inner prakara. The priest collects some amount depending upon the nature of bhaktas. Paying is a must that ranges from a minimum of one rupee to five. Availing darsan and carrying them on head makes one sinless and ensures gracefully easy ascent, says the priest. His long narration convinces the orthodox and they willingly loosen the purse strings to oblige him.

It is accessible by walk or bus from the Tirupathi town.

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