The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c21.118

v1.c21.118

"The city of Tripeti (Tirupati)", says one of the Jesuit letters, "is very large and beautiful; and on account of a temple much venerated and dedicated to their Pirmal (Perumal), is for these heathens what Rome is to us. Crowds of people from the whole of the East flock here with gifts and offerings to pay a visit to this temple" ². The pilgrims, says another letter of Fr. Simon de Sa, "purge their sinnes by washing their bodies and shaving their heads and beards. The Idoll is in a cold hill compassed with fertile valleys abounding with fruits, none dare touch. There are plenty of Apes, which are so tame that they will take meate out of ones hand. The people take them for a Nation of gods which held familiaritie with Perimal. They worship Perimal in many figures, of a Man, an Oxe, Horse, Lion Hog, Ducke, Cocke" ³.