Alipiri

Alipiri Padala Mandapam or Alipiri is the place at foot of seven hills in Tirupati, the pilgrim city of Sri Venkateswara Swami, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. One Footstep way and two road ways, one up and one down, leading to Tirumala through seven hills starts from Alipiri and hence it got the name "The Gate Way to Tirumala Venkateswara TempleIn older days pilgrims used to climb all the seven hills only through the stepped way on foot, as there was no other option. Hence the pilgrims came from long distances used to take rest for some time there, cooked their food, eat there. After taking rest they started to climb the steps.Nowadays all the stepped way is covered with roof to protect the pilgrims from sun light and rain. The lights are also provided. Special privilege is provided to the pilgrims who came on foot for the visit of the god.EtymologyAlipri literally mean resting place.TemplesSrivari Padala MandapamSrivari Padala Mandapam is a temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara at Alipiri. The presiding deity is referred to Padala Vennkateswara Swamy. As per legend Lord Venkateswara after Ekantha seva at Tirumala will come visit his concert Padamavati at Tiruchanur, down the hill through Alipiri Steps path and will leave his footwear at this place and hence the name "Padala Mandapam"(Telugu : Padalu refers to Foot). Devotees going on Tirumala Yatra from Tirupati will offer prayers here first by carrying "Srivari Padukalu"(believed to be footwear worn by Lord Venkateswara himself) on their heads. The temple comes under Sri GovindarajaSwamy Temple circle and is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.