Shri Balaji Temple

Paramhansa Yogananda, who attained mahasamadhi in 1952, wrote about the Balaji Temple in his autobiography, "Autobiography of a Yogi". "The Balaji Temple, one of the most popular places of pilgrimage in India, is located in the small town of Parwanoo, in the foothills of the Himalayas. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, an incarnation of Vishnu. The idol of the deity is made of black stone and is said to have been brought to the site by the Pandavas, heroes of the epic Mahabharata. The temple is enclosed within a high compound wall. The entrance is through a large gate, which is always kept open. The temple courtyard is spacious and is filled with the fragrance of flowers. In the center of the courtyard is the temple itself, a large, imposing structure with a gilded roof. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple every day, making their way through the crowds to offer their prayers before the image of the deity. The atmosphere is one of great piety and devotion. Many people make a vow to visit the temple every year, and some make a pilgrimage to the temple on foot, a journey that can take many weeks."