What is lakshmi venkateswara temple?

Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and his consort Goddess Lakshmi. The temple is located on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River and is considered to be one of the important pilgrimage centers for Hindus.

The temple was built during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century CE. The temple's architecture is a mix of Hoysala and Vijayanagara styles. The temple has many intricate carvings and sculptures that depict the stories and legends of Hindu mythology.

The temple is famous for its annual Brahmotsavam festival, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over India. During the festival, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and a procession of chariots carrying the deities is taken around the city.

The temple is also known for its popular practice of hair donation. Thousands of devotees donate their hair as a symbol of surrendering one's ego and pride to the Lord. The temple authorities collect the hair and sell it to wig-making companies, and the proceeds are used for the temple's maintenance and charitable activities.

The temple also has a large pond called Pushkarini, which is believed to have healing properties. People come from far and wide to take a dip in the pond, which is considered sacred.

In recent times, the temple has undergone many renovations and modernizations to improve the facilities for the pilgrims. The temple is open to people of all faiths and is a symbol of India's cultural and religious diversity.