Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, also known as Sri Venkateswara Temple or Tirupati Balaji Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the hill town of Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, with an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 visitors per day.

The temple's history can be traced back to the 9th century AD, with evidence of its existence found in the inscriptions and literature of the time. The temple's current structure is believed to have been built in the 16th century AD by Sri Krishna Deva Raya, the ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The temple complex is spread over an area of 26.8 acres and is situated on the seven hills of Tirumala, also known as the Saptagiri. The main temple is a grand structure with a gold-plated gopuram (tower) and a gold-plated flagpole. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

The temple is known for its daily rituals, which include Suprabhatam (morning worship), Thomala Seva (a ritual where the Lord's feet are washed with milk and honey), Archana (worship with flowers and incense), and Sahasra Deepalankara Seva (a ritual where 1,000 lamps are lit in the temple). The temple also conducts special pujas and abhishekams (rituals of bathing the Lord with various liquids) on auspicious days.

The temple's significance lies in the belief that Lord Venkateswara, also known as Balaji or Srinivasa, appeared here in a form of a self-manifested idol. It is believed that Lord Venkateswara will grant the wishes of all those who visit the temple and pray to him with devotion. It is also believed that the Lord himself comes to the temple to bless his devotees, who offer hair as a symbol of surrendering their ego.

The temple receives an enormous amount of donations, both cash and in kind, which is used to maintain the temple and its various services. The temple trust also runs several charitable and social welfare programs, including education and healthcare.

The temple is well-connected by road and rail, with regular buses and trains running from major cities in South India. The nearest airport is in Tirupati, which is about 15 km from the temple. Visitors are advised to plan their visit in advance, as the temple can get very crowded during peak seasons.

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the world, visited by millions of devotees every year. The temple's history, rituals, and significance make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Hindu culture and spirituality.