Context:
Controversy over the laddu prasadam at Tirupati.
Tirupati Balaji Temple:
- Location – Andhra Pradesh.
- Positioned on Venkata Hill, one of the 7 hills (Saptagiri) of Tirumala Hills.
- Dedicated to – Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu.
- Historical Significance –
- Mentioned in holy scriptures like Garuda Purana and Brahma Purana.
- Ancient roots traced to the Pallava dynasty (9th century).
- Further developed by the Chola dynasty.
- Significant contributions by Vijayanagara Empire.
- Revived by saint Ramanuja in the 12th century.
- One of the richest temples in the world in terms of donations and wealth.
- Known for Tirupati Laddu, a renowned sweet given as prasad.
- Holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
- Architecture of the temple – Constructed in Dravida Style
- Main shrine has a gold-plated tower called Ananda Nilayam.
- Exquisite sculptures and designs in courtyards, pillars, and halls.
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]
(a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent
(b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of Indian can be classified
(c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture
(d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India
Answer: (c)
