The temple to Sri Venkateshvara, a regional
form of Vishnu, at Tirupati is said to be the wealthiest in India.
Millions of pilgrims to the hilltop shrine buy distinctive wooden
images carved in nearby villages and dedicate them to the lord.
These then become souvenirs of the visit and are integrated into
local life cycle rituals and festivals once the pilgrims
return home.
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