India is the land of over a million temples and pantheons of gods and goddesses. No temple however evokes the sense of awe and grandeur that Tirupati does. The abode of Lord Venkateshwara, the avatar of Mahavishnu, Tirupati is the ultimate pilgrimage point for millions of people across India and the world. The atmosphere of intense spirituality on the hallowed hills of Tirumala is unrivalled. 19 million people throng this temple throughout the year. Most of them stand relentlessly for nearly 40 hours before getting a glimpse of the Lord. As their feet tremblingly make their way into the main shrine, anticipation and heart rending devotion is palpable in the air. In the background, one hears the continuous rendition of the sacred invocation Om Namo Narayana. As the deity finally comes into view, people literally keep their eyes pinned on him for those precious few seconds that they are allowed to stand before his image. Apart from the priceless crown and jewellery that adorns the Lord, you are compellingly drawn to notice his closed eyes. It is believed that ordinary mortals cannot withstand the brilliance and power of the Lord's gaze and hence his closed eyes.