Alipiri Padala Mandapam: The Place to Go for Pilgrims in Tirupati

The Alipiri Padala Mandapam, or Alipiri, is a temple located at the foot of seven hills in Tirupati, the pilgrim city of Sri Venkateswara Swami, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.

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Tirumala can be reached on foot by two routes, Alipiri and recently added Pathikondalu.

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The word "alipiri" literally means "resting place."

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Pilgrims used to climb all of Seven Hills through the stepped way on foot a long time ago because there were no other options.

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A roof now protects pilgrims from sunlight and rain the entire stepped way. There are also lights provided.

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At Alipiri, Srivari Padala Mandapam is a temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. Padala Venkateswara Swamy is the presiding deity.

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According to legend, after Lord Venkateswara completed his Ekantha Seva at Tirumala, he would visit his consort Padmavati at Tiruchanur, down the hill through the Alipiri Steps path.

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He would leave his footwear at this place, which is how it got the name "Padala Mandapam."

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In the Alipiri Padala Mandapam Temple complex, which lies east of Padala Mandapam, there is a sub-temple dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayana.

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The Alipiri Padala Mandapam temple complex, which is located on the Second Ghat Road leading from Tirupati to Tirumala, also has a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

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