Venkateswara A statue of the Hindu deity Venkateswara holding out his right hand in the varadamudra, an open and downward-pointing hand gesture symbolizing the granting of boons; Hindu Temple Society of Canada, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. (more) Venkateswara Hindu deity Also known as: Balaji, Srinivasa, Venkatacalapati, Venkatesh, Venkateshwara(Show More) Written by Charles Preston Charles Preston is Associate Editor for Religion at Encyclopædia Britannica. Charles Preston Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Jan. 30, 2026 •History Venkateswara, Hindu deity recognized as an avatar of the god Vishnu. Venkateswara is the paramount deity for followers of the Srivaishnava sect (a form of Vaishnavism in southern India), and devotees seek the god for his ability to grant boons and burn away sins. His most important temple is the Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala, located in the hills near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh state. It is the wealthiest and most visited Hindu temple in India, and...

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