Tirupati Trivia & Stories

Tirupati holds countless fascinating stories and secrets waiting to be discovered. From ancient legends to modern marvels, this destination continues to captivate visitors with its rich heritage.

The Mystery of the Sweating Idol

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Sri Venkateswara Temple is the belief that the idol of Lord Venkateswara sweats. Priests regularly wipe the idol's face with cotton cloth, and it's said that the cloth is often damp. While there are various explanations for this phenomenon, including the temple's location and the materials used in the idol's construction, the mystery surrounding the sweating idol adds to the temple's mystique and reinforces the faith of devotees. Some believe that the sweating signifies the Lord's empathy for his devotees' suffering, absorbing their pain and anxieties.

KEY FACT: The reason behind the sweating idol remains a mystery, adding to the temple's allure.

The Golden Pot

Inside the Sri Venkateswara Temple, there's a large golden pot, known as the 'Hundi', where devotees deposit their offerings. This Hundi is filled with cash, gold, and other valuables, making it the world's richest temple in terms of donations. The offerings are collected regularly and meticulously counted. The wealth accumulated in the Hundi is used for various charitable purposes, including running educational institutions, hospitals, and providing welfare services to the needy. It’s a testament to the devotion and generosity of millions of pilgrims who visit the temple each year.

KEY FACT: The Hundi is the golden pot where devotees deposit offerings, making it the wealthiest temple globally.

The Eternal Lamp

Within the inner sanctum of the Sri Venkateswara Temple, there's a lamp that is believed to have been burning continuously for centuries. No one knows who lit the lamp or when it was first lit. It has been maintained and fueled with ghee by the temple priests over generations. The eternal flame symbolizes the presence of the divine and the enduring faith of the devotees. This unwavering flame is a potent symbol of hope and perseverance for all who visit the temple. Many consider it a reminder of the eternal and unwavering nature of faith.

KEY FACT: The lamp inside the sanctum sanctorum burns continuously for centuries, with no one knowing when it was first lit.