There is probably no other Hindu temple in the universe which can be placed at par with the Tirupati Balaji temple.
A Vastu masterpiece, the temple is a grand and immaculate representation of the cosmos.
The richest temple in the world, Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple (as it is popularly known) is a mini representation of the cosmic floor plan or the Vastu Purush Mandala.
One of the holiest shrines of the Hindus, the temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu. It is believed that lord Vishnu assumed the form of Sri Venkateswara to save mankind from the adversities of Kali Yuga.
The temple is situated on the Seshachalam hills which has seven peaks. These peaks are said to be the representation of the heads of Adi sesha.
Tirupati Balaji: A Vastu Masterpiece
Ancient rishis had the divine power of intuition and the ability to sense the strength of the energy fields.
The selection of the plot as per Vastu was done very carefully by the ancient rishis. The Tirupati temple is at a point where the energy fields are the strongest and most powerful on earth.
The entire temple premises are also located on an axis which is perpendicular to the earth’s axis.
To top it, the temple strictly adheres to Vastu Shastra guidelines mentioned in the Agam Shastras which could be termed as the encyclopedia for temple Vastu.
This is why I chose to write this most comprehensive article you’ll ever find on the internet on Tirupati Balaji temple Vastu.
Here are my Vastu observations and floor plan analysis about the Balaji temple which make it one of the most visited places on earth.
Roads on all four directions
One of the biggest reasons why Tirupati temple is a powerhouse of energy is the presence of roads on all four sides. It’s a rare possibility and no doubt Tirupati temple is the blessed one.
There can obviously be nothing better than the powerful energies coming from all four directions.
Note : Read our blog on 7 Modern Vastu Doshas
The rulers of the four cardinal directions are lord Kuber in North, Indra in East, Yama in South and Varuna in the West.
Together these four rulers for the four most important pillars representing four different aspects of life – Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.
In a way, the powerful energies of all four directions bless the devotees in all four aspects of life.
No wonder, people from all over the world flock the temple only to be blessed with everything they wish for.
And a lot of them keep coming back time and again to seek the blessings of lord Balaji.
Water in North East
One of the most fundamental principles of Vastu is the interplay of the five elements or the Panch Mahabhutas. These elements govern different directions as per Vastu.
The element of water marks its presence towards the North and North East direction. In other words, the water element is the dominant element of these directions.
Vastu recommends that constructing a water body or an underground water source in the North or North East is one of the best things you can do to harness the energy of the water element.
If you notice, there is a huge water reservoir in the North East of the temple complex.
To indicate its grandeur, the pond is about 400 feet long and about 150 feet wide. It covers a whopping area of 1.5 acres. It is popular as the Swami Pushkarni.
The element of water is responsible for the flow of everything in our lives. It could be the flow of money and wealth, flow of ideas and thoughts or the flow of healing energies in our lives.
Thus, the presence of such a huge source of water in the North of the temple premises guarantees devotes of a constant and uninterrupted flow of blessings once they enter the divine energy filed within the temple.
And this is what makes the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam the richest temple in the world. The strong energies of the water element ensure that the coffers of the temple keep overflowing uninterruptedly
Extended North East zone of the plot
As discussed many times in our previous articles, the North East zone of a plot is one of the most important areas. Almost all Vastu proponents unequivocally admit the powers and sanctity of this direction.
Scientifically, North East is the direction from which the earth’s electromagnetic field starts flowing inside a property. It is the zone where the most potent positive energies begin and exist.
Therefore, one of the most important Vastu rules is to have a clean and clear North East zone inside a plot.
If we look at the Tirupati Balaji temple, the North East zone of the complex area is well extended than all other corners. This brings in a flux of powerful earth energies to the premises.
Normally, a cut or extension of any portion of a plot meant for humans is not advisable.
However, since this is temple site, the extension of the North East corner is a wonderful thing to have.
Deity facing East and placed in West
The main deities inside the Garbha gruha or the sanctum sanctorum are placed in the West and they face the East.
This is significant to know because East is the direction from where the sun rises. It is believed that without the blessing of the lord, even the sunrise is not possible.
This is the reason why the idols of Gods in almost all ancient temples of lord Vishnu face East. And Tirupati Balaji is no exception.
In Hindu temple architecture, the orientation was standardized and east became the favored direction with almost all the main temples facing the rising sun.
This could be one of the reasons why most Vastu pundits favor an East facing house as per Vastu and recommend avoiding a West facing one.
This is not to say that West facing houses are not auspicious, but as a general rule, most people prefer an East oriented property.
Entrance in East
Taking the East facing property discussion a step ahead, it is also important to know some other reasons why temples were constructed facing East?
One of the most powerful things that make or break a structure is the location of its main entrance.
A well placed entrance can bring in all the riches, prosperity and health. On the contrary, an ill placed entrance can spell doom and death.
In the case of Tirupati temple and most other ancient temples, the Gopuram or the main entrance of the temple is placed in the East.
As discussed above, the East direction is governed by lord Indra- the ruler of the Swarga loka. He is easily considered to be the most powerful devta mentioned in the Rig Veda.
In the last sukta of the 5th mandala of the Rig Veda, he has been called Mahendra when he killed the demon Vritra in the Vajra yudha.
His powers can be understood from the fact that over a quarter of the 1,028 hymns of the Rig Veda glorifies lord Indra. The number is 289 times to be precise.
He is easily the most referred to and glorified deity in the Vedic scriptures because of his unmatchable powers.
The reason we discuss his significance here is that the main entrance of the Tirupati temple is placed in the energy field of Indra as per the Vastu Purush Mandala.
This is considered to be the most auspicious and powerful among the 32 possible entrance locations in any property.
The presence of the main temple entrance in the energy field of Indra accentuates the powerful energies of this holy shrine. And this makes the Tirupati temple one of the most powerful store house of cosmic energies.
No wonder the devotees who come here and seek the blessings of lord Venkateshwara return feeling empowered and confident of their wishes being fulfilled.
Main idol placed in the energy field of Varuna
One of the divine aspects about temple architecture is the exact placement of the idols. You would be surprised to know that in all the religious places on earth, the idols of Gods and Goddesses have been placed in the energy field of Varuna.
If you carefully notice, the orientation of the Tirumala temple is slightly tilted from the exact true North. To be precise, there is a declination of 5.12 degrees. This is probably because of the difference between true and magnetic North.
In case of temples, the orientation was deliberately tilted in order to be able to place the idol in the energy field of lord Varuna.
Varuna, the celestial god of water and oceans has been considered to be the controller of the world.
According to the Vedas, no other devta has his deva tatva as grand as lord Varuna.
He has often been paired with Indra in the Vedas. This makes them the most potent combination of deities.
The reason for placing the idol in this energy field is that lord Varuna is the granter of all wishes and immortality. As soon as the devta is placed in this energy field, it appears to the human consciousness that they are the one controlling the world and are the giver of everything.
There is an instant connection that is established between the deity and human consciousness. This creates a divine influence on the human mind.
Thus, the placement of the main idol in the field of Varuna keeps attracting the devotees time and again and the lord obliges with his blessings.
Main Kitchen in the South East (Pradhana Vantashala – Potu )
South east is the direction of lord Agni. In the Rig Veda, Agni is the second most mentioned deity after Indra.
In fact, the importance of Agni can be estimated by the fact that the Rig Veda actually begins with the oblations to Agni. The first hymn of the Rig Veda is dedicated to Agni.
Agni is the first word in the Rig Veda.
The quality of Agni is that is has the power to destroy everything that comes in contact with it. The reason Agni is revered so much is that in the modern times, fire is associated with cash flow.
All the cash that you earn or lose is the direct result of the placement of the fire element in your house. In other words, the kitchen placement as per Vastu is directly responsible for your cash flows.
The kitchen is an ideal representation of fire. In case of the Tirupati temple, the main kitchen of the temple is situated in the South East corner of the temple premises.
This is the reason why the temple attracts so much cash and valuables than any other temple in the world. Also, a balanced fire element in the South and South East brings tremendous powers to the inhabitants.
And we all know the powers of lord Balaji. It is easily the biggest power centers of the universe.
Yagyashala in South
Performing a Yagya / Yajna or a sacred fire offering to the Gods has always been accorded the highest priority amongst the Hindu rituals.
It is believed that performing a Yagya destroys all our sins and we become free from the bondage of life and death.
The main Yagyashala is located in the South of the temple. South being one of the most powerful directions is ruled by lord Yama, the deity of death. No wonder, the performing of yagyas here frees us from the circle of life and death.
This is the reason why south facing houses as per Vastu are considered to be one of the most powerful if constructed well.
Yagya being an activity of fire is the channel through which all our offerings reach directly to the Gods. We have already discussed above about the importance of the fire element.
The main Yagyashala or the sacred fire altar of the temple is located in the South direction.
South is also the direction of power and fame. And we all know that the Tirupati temple is one of the most powerful and famous energy centers of the universe.
It is the sacred offerings made in this very place which actually reaches the Gods. In turn, they oblige their worshipers by fulfilling all their wishes.
Record Room in the North
The main record room in placed in the North- the direction of lord Kuber who is the treasurer of the universe.
No wonder most people prefer to buy North facing houses as per Vastu.
This room has all the records of the ornaments and jewelry of the presiding and processional deities.
All the details of the weight and value of jewelry is recorded in the ledgers kept here.
Recital of the Vedas
Right next to the record room is the room for the recital of the Vedas. Lord Kuber, besides being the lord of riches also bestows the power of pure speech.
No wonder, the recital of the Vedas is also done in his energy field.
Several pundits seated there meticulously recite the shlokas from the Vedas.
This is the ideal place to chant the God’s name who is the source of all the Vedas and Upanishads. Reciting his name here makes the speech pure and devoid of all ill.
Treseaury of Sankeertans
One of the most prized possessions of the temple are the sankeertanas or the hymns and poems. These are dedicated to the lord Venkateshwara Swamy.
All these hymns and poems are inscribed on copper plates. They are kept in safe custody in the energy field of Bhujag.
Bhujag is also another name for Shesh naag. He is believed to have the powers to keep all the treasures of the Patal lok safe.
This could be one of the reasons for building the treasury of sankeertans here.
Hundi in the North of North East
After the lord’s darshan, the devotees deposit their offering in the Srivari hundi ( treasure box). The placement of this hundi is so powerful and strategic that it automatically mesmerizes the devotees to make donations in large quantities.
And guess what, this hundi is also placed in the energy field of Bhujag. In the 12th sookta of the 3rd chapter of Atharva Veda, Bhujag has been invoked as a protector of treasure hidden inside the earth. He is the lord of the treasures of the Patal Lok.
Bhujag is also another name for Ananta or Adisesha on which lord Vishnu stands. Bhujag represents the eternal primal energy or mula prakriti as one of the most revered mantras for lord Vishnu mentions.
शान्ताकारं भुजगशयनं पद्मनाभं सुरेशं
विश्वाधारं गगनसदृशं मेघवर्णं शुभाङ्गम् ।
लक्ष्मीकान्तं कमलनयनं योगिभिर्ध्यानगम्यं
वन्दे विष्णुं भवभयहरं सर्वलोकैकनाथम् ॥
Thus, there could be no better place for keeping the hundi.
Popular belief is that a Sri Chakra is kept under the hundi. Therefore the temple receives unimaginable amounts of wealth.
The temple complex has been modified many times for the movement and convenience of the devotees. But the placement of the hundi has never been touched and it remains there since time immemorial.
Sandal wood paste preparation (Chandanapu Ara)
The sandal paste required for the daily usage of the Lord is prepared here. Large stones are arranged here for making sandal paste for sandal wood.
The sandal paste required for all festivals throughout the year is also prepared here.
It’s location in the North West direction is the ideal place for the preparation of sandal paste.
Vayu devta, the lord of the winds is the ruler of the North West . Preparing sandal paste here ensures the wonderful fragrance flows from the North West to the entire temple complex.
Coins & Notes counting rooms in South West and West
The rooms for counting the coins and currency notes are located from the South West to the West directions.
One of the main energy fields present in this direction is that of Duwarik ( lord Nandi). Nandi is the trusted vehicle of lord Shiva and is the main protector of his temples.
One of the major qualities of Nandi is his power of unflinching attention. Wherever he sits, nobody can even dare to move anything from there.
This could be one of the main reasons for the placement of the coins and currency in this direction.
Also, South West being the direction of stability, the currency flow here is stable and ever increasing.
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Fantastic description of Tirupati Balaji vastu
Thanks a lot Dr.Shalini. I’m glad you liked the description.
Sir
I am a strong believer of vastu and I came across your article on lord balaji temple
While the sketches represent perfect north-south orientation but the google maps show tilted north-south
Can you please explain the reasons for the orientation tilt
I am enclosing the google map link FYR
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple
S Mada St, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504, India
+91 877 227 7777
https://goo.gl/maps/uMntZkF5s6LaWdAR9
That’s probably because of the earth’s declination. There is a difference between the true North and magnetic North. This is called declination. And that’s possibly the reason for Google showing a slight tilt. Hope that answers your question!
Yup, almost covered everything.
Just to add, it is also because of the Sri Chakra installed by Shankaracharya.
Yes. I’ve also mentioned that in the article. It’s placed under the Hundi.
I need consultation.
Call from rural of Tamilnadu.
Fees structure maybe mail to us or call 8489753420..sivasakthibsns21@gmail.com
Thanks for contacting us ! We’ll get in touch with you Mr.Sivaraman.
Wonderful case study of Tirupati Balaji!
Thanks for writing and sharing
Thanks a lot for your valuable feedback. I’m glad you liked our work !
there is a south east road hit for the swami pushkarni, due to which a stampede had taken place there
Not sure of that. Will have to check
Thank you so much for this wonderful case study.
You’re welcome
Is lord tirupati balaji placed in exact in w4
As per my understanding, it shud be in W5
Great article, It is Insightful. Here, we have the magnificent divine Shwetark Ganpati. We’re working on a temple design for him. We have first chosen to locate the deity in the northeast. We are persuaded to position him in the west facing east after read your post. Which direction zone, out of W3 and W4, is optimal for placing a deity? Kindly suggest.
Thanks for your valuable feedback. For Ganpati, North East is an ideal direction as he is the lord of wisdom and insights. Therefore, if you have the option, place the divine there. West is excellent for any form of lord Vishnu.
Please ignore my previous post. Great article, It is Insightful. Here, we have the magnificent divine Shwetark Ganpati. We’re working on a temple design for him. We have first chosen to locate the deity in the northeast. We are persuaded to position him in the west facing east after read your post. Which direction zone, out of W4 and W5, is optimal for placing a deity? Kindly suggest.
Thanks for your valuable feedback. For Ganpati, North East is an ideal direction as he is the lord of wisdom and insights. Therefore, if you have the option, place the divine there. West is excellent for any form of lord Vishnu.