("Venkata [HillLord]") The presiding deity of the Venkateshvara temple in Andhra Pradesh, near Tirupati.
The temple is located north and east of Madras.
Venkateshvara is a local deity who has been adopted into the greater pantheon as a manifestation of Vishnu.
The temple is located in the Tirumalai hills, which are made
up of seven hills that are said to resemble the seven cobra hoods of Shesha,
the fabled snake that acts as Vishnu's couch.
Venkateshvara's picture is unique in that he has a plate
covering his forehead.
The Tengalais and Vadagalais, two branches of the
Shrivaishnava society, each wear specific sectarian insignia on their images,
and this plate hides these markings on the picture, allowing both groups to
claim him as their own.
Venkateshvara is also known for having India's most valuable temple.
People go from all across the nation to Tirupati, partly
because it is widely believed that any request expressed in the presence of the
deity would be fulfilled unfailingly.
Aside from large monetary gifts, it is usual for pilgrims to
have their heads shaved as a token of their presence and to give a hair
donation.
Since independence, the temple's riches has been managed by
a trust, which has paid special attention to publishing, educational
institutions, and assisting in the construction of Hindu temples outside of
India.
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