HPI
KAUAI, HAWAII, October 26, 2005: Much is written about Tirupati, often with a political point slant. But an in-depth, 20-page article on that amazing temple, coming in Hinduism Today’s January-February-March 2006 issue (available in early December ’05) is entirely from religious point of view–the result is a highly inspired report, and a rich insight into current Hinduism’s vibrancy.
The reporter, Rajiv Malik, was sent from Delhi with the assignment to present Tirupati from a pilgrim’s point of view. The happy irony is that the reporter himself was captured and became the pilgrim. He came to this most famous, wealthy, popular, beloved and powerful temple with high expectations, but he was not prepared for what he found. He relates how he experienced the temple, the town, the pilgrims and especially darshan of Lord Balaji, a form of Venkateshwara, the main deity of the temple, which in a few moments transformed him for life. Every day, an average of 25,000 to 50,000 pilgrims come untold distances and wait in endless queues for just a few minutes of darshan before the main Deity. The uninitiated who might ask, “Is it worth it?” will find a most compelling answer here.
This moving testimonial is accompanied by a collection of masterful photos by famed photographer Thomas Kelly and information galore. Malik was granted uncommon access and interviewed top priests and administrators. The article reveals the temple’s intricate infrastructure and its myriad institutions and programs, from priest training gurukulams, schools, vocational training, social services, charitable programs, elaborate administrative schemes, windmills that supply electricity for the entire complex and more.
Copies of this issue (single or bulk) may be ordered in advance via jothi@hindu.org.