The city of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh celebrates its 894th birthday today, February 24, amid grand festivities. Renowned for the Sri Venkateswara Temple atop Tirumala Hills, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation, with the Tirupati Municipal Corporation adorning it with statues honouring freedom fighters, social reformers and spiritual luminaries. Alongside these commemorations, elaborate Sri Venkateswara Swamy celebrations are also underway in Tirupati.
Historical records trace the city’s origins back to February 24, 1130 AD, when the esteemed Vaishnava saint Bhagawad Ramanujacharya laid the foundation stone of the Govindaraja Swamy Temple. It is noteworthy that Tirupati stands unique among cities with its precise founding date. Ramanujacharya’s influence extended beyond mere foundation, as he played a pivotal role in transforming Tirupati into a spiritual nucleus, guiding its growth and development.
Bhagawad Ramanujacharya not only initiated the establishment of Tirupati but also delineated the protocols for worship and offerings to Lord Venkateswara and other deities. Under his guidance, the residential area surrounding the Govinda Raja Swamy temple, known as Ramanujapuram, was established to house priests and devout worshippers dedicated to divine service.
Over time, Tirupati underwent several name changes, initially known as Govindaraja Town, then Ramanujapuram and finally adopted its present name at the turn of the 13th century.
The foundational relics are preserved at the Govindaraja Swamy Temple, under the custodianship of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). These ancient inscriptions came to public attention when Tirupati MLA Bhuman Karunakar Reddy unveiled them to the media on February 20, 2022, affirming Tirupati’s founding on February 24, 1130. The MLA emphasised the significance of Tirupati’s birthday celebrations, underscoring its role as the gateway to the revered shrine of Sree Venkateswara Swamy.
The commemoration of Tirupati’s foundation serves as a poignant reminder of its rich historical and spiritual heritage, symbolising the enduring reverence and devotion that continue to define the city’s essence.newsnews
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