Book excerpt: Lord Balaji and His Holy Abode of Tirupathi LOCATED ON THE VERDANT FOOTHILLS of the Eastern Ghats, Tirupathi is both a cultural hub and a major pilgrimage site. Nestled in its Tirumala Hills is the famous temple of Sri Venkateswara Swami, fondly called Balaji by his worshippers. Devotees believe that Sri Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu, answers the prayers of all those who seek his help and performs the greatest miracles in granting their wishes. As a result, the temple draws millions of pilgrims to its doors and is the busiest pilgrimage centre in the world. Sri Venkateswara: Lord Balaji and His Holy Abode of Tirupathi is a compilation of numerous folk legends on the benevolent Balaji. The book also offers an insight into the 1000yearold customs and traditions of the sacred Tirumala Hills. Written as a mark of gratitude to the Lord, the book details all the rituals, sevas and festivals associated with him. Here also are captured glimpses of the many teerthas, lakes and waterfalls of Tirumala. Along with this is a wealth of information for visitors and devotees alike on the various educational, medical and developmental activities of Tirupathi.