History of Tirupati-Balaji

History of Tirupati-Balaji:

Tirupati-Balaji has an ancient history. Tirupati (earlier Tiruvengadam) was the northernmost frontier of the Tamil kingdoms. The town of Tirupati-Balaji is said to be heaven on Earth (Kaliyuga Vaikuntha) and dates back during the times of Mauryas and the Guptas. By the 5th century AD, the town became an established center where the Vaishnava Saints (called Alvars) used to sing in praise of Lord Venkateshwara. The temple of Lord Venkateshwara has always been patronized by the various ancient dynasties such as Cholas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagar. The temple scaled the heights of popularity by the opulent donations by Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagar including gold and various precious ornaments and also by constructing the extended shrines. According to the people, the deity of Sriranganatha from Srirangam was brought to Tirupati for safekeeping from the incessant invasions. With the advent of the British East India Company in the year 1843, Seva Dossji of the Hathiramji Mutt at Tirumala was entrusted with the administration of Sri Venkateshwara Temple and its shrines. The present day town of Tirupati-Balaji is a burgeoning one with numerous tourists frequenting it from the far corners of the world.