Sri Venkateswara Museum

Sri Venkateswara Museum in Tirupati is within walking distance of the temple. It resembles a temple, and most people would mistake it for one! Not only does it houses an enviable collection of artifacts from the region but also boasts a small shrine and meditation hall. Needless to say, almost everything here revolves around Tirumala, its history, and the Lord who resides here.
The museum is divided into different sections, each one dealing with one aspect of Tirumala. One section is filled with broken idols found nearby, while another has paintings of Tirumala, collected over the years. More interesting are the ancient paintings and photos showing Tirumala as it used to be, and the models of the temple in all shapes and sizes, made of different materials. The most impressive among these, however, is the section depicting the geological formation of Tirumala, and the link between geology and mythology. There are paintings depicting the merging of continents, rising of mountains, and the resemblance to the myth of Varaha lifting Bhudevi from the bowels of the sea. These were not just informative, but were truly eye-openers. The museum is a must-visit for anyone who wants to understand more about Tirumala and its heritage.