Temporal Dynamics and Activity Patterns of Pilgrims in the Tirumala Temple Complex: An Urban Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70112/tarce-2025.14.2.4284Keywords:
Temporal Activity, Tirumala, Pilgrim Behavior, Congregational Spaces, Spatial MappingAbstract
Tirumala, a sacred hill town in Andhra Pradesh, India, is renowned for the Sri Venkateswara Temple-one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimage destinations in the world. The temple complex exhibits pronounced spatial and temporal variations arising from pilgrim behavior, ritual schedules, and movement patterns. These continual shifts affect the functionality and accessibility of public spaces, influencing congregation densities, circulation efficiency, and spatial adaptability across different times of the day. The study aims to analyze the temporal dynamics of pilgrim activity, focusing on how ritual-based transitions influence spatial congestion and the adaptive use of spaces within the sacred precinct. A fifteen-day on-site investigation was conducted during the off-season month of February, concentrating on the 0.4 km² core area surrounding the main shrine, which accommodates an average daily flow of 7,500–8,000 pilgrims. The methodology combined direct observation, spatial mapping, and 24-hour time-lapse documentation to record variations in movement flows, congregation intensity, and accessibility at different temporal phases. The results reveal distinct cyclical patterns of activity, with predictable peaks during ritual hours and dynamic transformations of space during low-density periods, demonstrating how pilgrims and temple management adapt to temporal shifts. The study concludes that adaptive spatial planning strategies are essential to enhance the pilgrim experience, ensure efficient circulation, and preserve the ritualistic and cultural sanctity of Tirumala’s sacred environment.
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