Places Visit In Tirupati

Sri Venkateswara Temple,Tirupati

Venkateswara Temple is a landmark Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Overview

Venkateswara Temple is a landmark Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the place has also got the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntham and Lord here is referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple. Lord Venkateswara is known by many other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.

Tirumala Hills are part of Seshachalam Hills range. The hills are 853 metres (2,799 ft) above sea level. The Hills comprises seven peaks, representing the seven heads of Adisesha. The temple lies on the seventh peak -Venkatadri, on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, a holy water tank. Hence the temple is also referred to as "Temple of Seven Hills". Tirumala town covers about 10.33 sq mi (26.75 km2) in area.

The Temple is constructed in Dravidian architecture and is believed to be constructed over a period of time starting from 300 AD. The Garbagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) is called AnandaNilayam. The presiding deity, Venkateswara, is in standing posture and faces east in Garbha griha. The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship. The temple is one of the eight Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras and is listed as 106th and the last earthly Divya Desam. The Temple premises had two modern Queue complex buildings to organize the pilgrim rush, Tarigonda Vengamamba Annaprasadam complex for free meals to Pilgrims, hair tonsure buildings and a number of pilgrim lodging sites.

It is the richest temple in the world in terms of donations received and wealth.The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily, while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most-visited holy place in the world.

It is around 435 km (270.3 mi) from Vijayawada, 571.9 km (355.4 mi) from Hyderabad, 138 km (85.7 mi) from Chennai, 291 km (180.8 mi) from Bangalore, and 781.2 km (485.4 mi) from Visakhapatnam There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala. According to one legend, the temple has a murti (deity) of Lord Venkateswara, which it is believed shall remain here for the entire duration of the present Kali Yuga.

History

The first recorded endowment was made by Pallava queen Samavai in the year 966 CE. She donated many jewels and two parcels of land(one 10 acres and other 13 acres) and ordered to use the revenues generated from that land to be used for the celebration of major festivals in the temple.The Pallava dynasty(9th century), the Chola dynasty(10th century), and Vijayanagara pradhans (14th and 15th centuries) were committed devotees of Lord Venkateswara. The temple gained most of its current wealth and size under the Vijayanagara Empire, with the donation of diamonds and gold.In 1517, Vijayanagara Emperor Krishnadevaraya, on one of his many visits to the temple, donated gold and jewels, enabling the Ananda Nilayam (inner shrine) roofing to be gilded. After the decline of Vijayanagara Empire, leaders from states such as the Kingdom of Mysore and the Gadwal Samsthanam worshiped as pilgrims and gave ornaments and valuables to the temple. Maratha general Raghoji I Bhonsle (died 1755) visited the temple and set up a permanent administration for the conduct of worship in the temple.

After the dawn of Vijayanagara Empire, the temple went into the hands of Golconda in July 1656 and then it was under the French for a short period of time and under Nawab of Carnatic till 1801 CE. During the early 19th century the temple went under the rule of the East India Company, who leased the temple for auction to a tenant. The tenant had to pay a fixed amount to the East India Company by imposing taxes and fees for Sevas in Temple.

In 1843 the East India company transferred the Administration of Temple along with other Temples in Tirupati to Mahants of Hathiramji Muth, who acted as Vicaranakartas. It was under the rule of Mahants for six generations until 1933 when Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams was formed as a result of the TTD Act in 1933.The Act of 1933 was superseded by Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Act of 1951. Again in 1966, the temple was placed under direct control of Andhra pradesh State Endowments Department, with Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments act.In 1979, act of 1966 was rolled back with new Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams act, where temple administration was vested to a committee consisting of Executive officer, Chairman and two other members nominated by Government of Andhra Pradesh.

This Temple bears on its walls several inscriptions which are of historical, cultural and linguistic importance. The number of inscriptions on the Hill Temple and in the temples of Lower Tirupati and Tiruchanur exceed one thousand. There is evidence to suggest that many early inscriptions on the walls of the temples have disappeared beyond recovery. As many as 640 inscriptions are found engraved on the walls of the temple.They are published by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams along with the inscriptions found in other related temples in and around Tirupati. All the inscriptions are in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.

Swami Pushkarini Lake,Tirupati

Set within the boundaries of the Thirumala Temple, Pushkarini Lake is a well-known sacred lake. According to the history, Lord Vishnu took a long bath with his wife Lakshmi Devi. This lake is well known for its natural beauty.

Overview

Swami Pushkarini Teertham is one of the several holy teerthams in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. Located next to on the north eastern side of the Srivari Temple Swami Pushkarini was originally in Vaikuntam and legends say that it was brought to earth by Garuda, for the sport of Lord Venkateswara.

It is believed that bathing inthe Swami Pushkarini during the Brahmotsavam along with the moment of bathing of Chakrathalawar on the day of chakrasnanam is equivalent to bathing in the holy River Ganges.. It is one of the religiously significant 7 thirthams on Tirumala among the 108 other thirthams found in the forest belt of Tirumala. The wooden-float festival of Lord Sri Venkateswara(Teppotsavam)in the month of February/March and Avabhrudhasnanam or Chakrasnanam during Brahmotsavam takes place in the Swami Pushkarini

The Swami Pushkarani the natural spring fresh Water Lake located on the northern side of the Srivari temple is one of the seven holy thirthas on the Tirumala hill range.As part of the rejuvenation of the ancient tradition the Puskarani is also offered harathi puja every day preferably in the evenings.

The Pushkarini spread over one and half acres has a mandapam in the middle built by the Saluva King Narasimha Raya in 1468. Later the saint-poet Tallapaka Annamacharya was instrumental in constructing steps to the lake ‘mid ‘ mandapam. New filters and state of the art drains were installed in the Pushkarini in 1972. Every year the existing water in the Pushkarini is drained at regular intervals and refilled with fresh water that emerged from its springs. he water in the Swami Pushkarini has a state-of-the-art recycling facility and water is treated before it gets into lake and recycled continuously.

The water of this lake is considered holy and sacred and fit for performing rituals at the Srivari Temple and on par with that of water of the holy river of Ganges. ‘Swami Pushkarini is significant component of the legend of Srivari temple at Tirumala and also resplendent of the hoary mythology’ says Agama adviser of TTD Sri Sundara Varada Bhattacharya..A bath in the Swami Pushkarini is believed to clean pilgrims of their sins and bestow temporal prosperity -purifies one’s body and soul.

History

Swami Pushkarini Lake is situated within the main premises of Sri Venkateswara Temple that has religious significance. This is also considered to be the holy lake of Vaikuntha, where Lord Vishnu used to take bath with his wife. Garuda is believed to have brought the theertha and water at this site. The holy water tank at this place is associated with cleansing all the evils and sins of the people

Swami Pushkarini was originally in Vaikuntam and belonged to Sri Maha Vishnu. It was set on Earth by Garuda, for the sport of Sri Venkateswara. It is adjacent to the Sri Venkateswara temple. Pilgrims bathe here before entering the main temple. The mukkoti of Swami Pushkarini (the merging of over three crore teerthams in Swami Pushkarini) occurs on Mukkoti Dwadasi (the twelfth day of the fortnight of Dhanur Masa). Therefore, it is believed that bathing in the Swami Pushkarini on this day, is equivalent to bathing in the holy river, Ganges. On the western bank of the Swami Pushkarini is the Sri Varahaswami temple, while on its southern bank is the Sri Venkateswara temple.

Akasaganga Teertham,Tirupati

Akasaganga is a holy place where people from all over the world come to see the scenic beauty and the amazing architecture of the natural waterfall.

Overview

It is recommended that one should visit this place during the monsoon because at that time the flow of water is good and you can enjoy the stunning view of water coming from between the two rocks. The waterfall is almost 5km away from the main temple and people are allowed to take a holy dip in water. it is believed that once you take a dip in this holy water you are free from all the sins you have done in your past. In ancient times the priests of the temple used to carry this holy water travelling a long distance in the dense forest as the holy water has a lot of significance. In the vedas it is written that the Akashaganga originates from the feet of the main deity Padmavathi.

There is greenery all around and you can see the different types of rocks and species of plants and animal the nature lovers are really gonna enjoy this place. While visiting the Akasaganga there are many beautiful temples that lies on the path of Akashaganga and are a major tourist attraction.For reaching this place you can take buses that are available from 5 am in the morning till 7 pm in the evening. All the local food stuff and facilities of drinking water and toilets is available near to Akashaganga. Akashaganga has an enormous religious significance in Hindu mythology.

This is a waterfall situated close to the main temple thereby gaining an edge over the other holy falls since all the rituals performed in the temple use the water from here. What gives this place further significance is that it is believed that the lord himself showed this waterfall to the person who used to bring water for his daily poojas.

The water body in itself is a beautiful site and makes for a serene view, particularly in the rainy season. The holy water is also mentioned in the Vedas and in fact many believe that the Akasaganga Teertham originates from the feet of the deity.

History

One of the most sacred waterfalls in the country Akasha Ganga Waterfalls are visited by almost every devotee who come to Tirumala to seek blessings of the Lord Venkateswara. This waterfall also holds high religious significance, as its holy water is used for Lord’s abhishekam. The main deity of Tirupati Temple, Lord Venkateswara who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is given holy bath with its water every day.

In the Vedas which are some of the most sacred scriptures of Hindu religion, Akasaganga Teertham has been mentioned. According to the legend, Akasha Ganga theertham has originated from the lotus feet of Lord Venkateswara. All the rituals of the temple are conducted with its waters, indicating the high importance of this waterfall. The Tirumala Nambi family is allowed to take dip in the holy waters of Akasa Ganga.

It is said that during ancient time, priests used to cross the forests, and walks on the coarse landscapes to reach waterfall and bring its water for Lord’s abhishekam early in mornings. However, when Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) started taking care of temples of Tirupati, it created direct pipelines from the waterfall to the temple, simplifying the work to a large extent.

It is believed that Akasaganga Teertham has the powers to cleanse evils and bring good luck to everyone who takes a dip in its water. The temple governance has constructed a platform where running water has been provided for devotees.

Although one can visit Akasa Ganga throughout the year, it is best go during or after monsoon. During monsoon, the area around is covered with lush greenery as well as the waterfalls appears more refreshing and wider. While on their way to Akasa Ganga, pilgrims can visit Papavinasanam, Gogarbham, and Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple as well. These are also located on the Tirumala Hills. There are Government run buses as well taxi services taking tourists around all sightseeing places in Tirupati-Tirumala.

Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignan Mandiram,Tirupati

Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignan Mandiram is a museum which started back in 1980. The museum is also a meditation centre where people visit to meditate and offer prayers. There are many meditation halls in the museum where people can meditate.

Overview

The meditation halls are functional all round the year. One can find different religious artifacts such as Pooja utensils inside the museum. The place assures you with tranquility and peace of mind.Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignan Mandiram is a museum which started back in 1980. The museum is also a meditation centre where people visit to meditate and offer prayers. There are many meditation halls in the museum where people can meditate.

There aren't really "moderators" here, it's pretty much a community process. See Wikitravel:Votes for deletion for the deletion process, but you might want to read Wikitravel:What is an article? first. My inclination would be that there should be two articles, one for Tirupati and one for Tirumala. Tirupati is a major temple on Tirumala hill and there is a township on Tirumala, basically supporting the temple. If Tirumala were a destination of its own, then Tirupati could have been an article under the "really large attraction" exception. But the temple overshadows the town.

History

This is one of the famous spiritual Centre of this region. This museum was started its operations in 1980. You can find lot of people making various type of meditation and ritual in the vicinity of this museum. There are various pooja utensils in the vicinity of this place which will make you happy and surprise. The hall for meditation is functional all-round the year and is an ideal place for making peaceful meditation. The calm and peaceful environments all-around of this place is the perfect thing for attaining spiritual peace. When you are in Chittoor district then you should visit this museum.

Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignan Mandiram is a museum, which started its operations in 1980. It is also a meditation centre, where spiritual visitors can meditate and offer prayers. There are several religious artefacts like pooja utensils inside this museum. The hall for meditation is functional all round the year and is an ideal place for making peaceful meditation.

The Sri Venkateswara Museum was established in 1980. Stone and wooden carvings, articles used for puja, and traditional art and architecture are displayed here.Now, a new building, called the Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignana Mandiram has been constructed for the purpose. The building also has meditation halls for pilgrims.

Silathoranam,Tirupati

Natural Arch, Tirumala hills is a distinctive geological feature 1 km (0.6 mi) north of the Tirumala hills temple, near the Chakra Teertham in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Overview

The arch is also called Silathoranam in the local language (Telugu language: sila means ‘rock’ and thoranam means a garland strung over a threshold, connecting two vertical columns or an ‘arch’ as in this case). The arch measures 8 m (26.2 ft) in width and 3 m (9.8 ft) in height, and is naturally formed in the quartzites of Cuddapah Supergroup of Middle to Upper Proterozoic (1600 to 570 Ma) due to natural erosive forces.

Another popular tourist places in Tirupati is Silathoranam, a natural rock formation, with immense archaeological significance along with religious importance. Near to the Chakra Teertham Silathoranam is at a distance of only 1 km from the famous Tirupathi Temple. The rock formation is called as Silathoranam, which is Telugu Language means as rock (Sila) and arch (Thoranam).

With a height of 3 meter and width of 8 meter, it presents a captivating view. According to geological findings these rocks belong to the pre-Cambrian era and about 1.5 billion years old; suggesting billion years of history of Tirumala hills as well. It was in 1980s when geologists had found out that two different rock sets are connected through an exceptionally thin link.

There have been many views regarding its shape. Scientifically, this formation of rocks is associated with extreme climatic changes and corrosions. This phenomenon is considered to be very rare and termed as ‘eparchean unconformity’, denoting rare geological fault. According to another view, this rare rock formation of Silathoranam has been carved out of a quartzite.

History

Silathoranam is a natural rock formation in Tirumala, which is situated near the Chakra Theertham. This rock formation holds an archaeological importance and resembles the hood of a serpent, a discus and a conch. Local inhabitants also believe that this rock is dedicated to the idol of Lord Venkateswara. It actually dates back millions of years and is generally categorised as a pre-Cambrian rock formation.

This site is equivalent to two other sites in the world, including the Rainbow Arch Bridge of Utah in the USA and the other cutting through the headland of the Dalradian Quartzite in UK. It was found accidentally while geologists were digging a geological fault on the hills of Tirumala. Several geologists believe that this rock might have been carved out of quartzite, whereas others believe that it has been formed due to the wave action from oceanic transgression.

Some geologists also believe that this rock formation is a result of climatic change and corrosion in the region. Presently, it is a national monument, which is preserved by the state government.

TTD gardens,Tirupati

The TTD Gardens are maintained by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam and are home to a variety of flowers including hibiscus, bougainvilleas and crotons, among others.

Overview

Another must-visit when in Tirupati is TTD Gardens. Situated near the main temple, TTD Gardens are spread across an area of 46 acres and supplies 500 kg of flowers every day to Tirupati Balaji Temple and other temples in and around Tirumala.

TTD Gardens or the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam in Tirupati is a beautiful flower garden area spread across 460 acres of land. The garden fulfills the demands of flowers used for decorating the deities and for the Pujas at the various temples. The garden houses about 200 varieties of flowers that are being hybridized and mutated in the four chambers at the garden. Over 10 lakh plants are planted in TTD garden.

You will find a wide variety of plants like roses, davana, lotuses, tulasi, Chrysanthemus, Kangambaram, Exora, etc. The TTD garden in Tirupati is believed to be established by Sri in the 14th century by Sri Ramanujaand Sri Andalwar. He was the disciple of Sri Ramanuja and used to make garlands for Sri Venkateshwara Swamy. The TTD garden also houses several ponds and water tanks which serve as irrigation source here as well as a perennial water supply for the visitors visiting the Thirumala Temple.

TTD Gardens or the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam is located in the center of Tirumala city. A popular place for sightseeing in Tirupati, TTD Gardens present visitors with mesmerising landscapes, a wide variety of flowers and a refreshing environment.

Spread over an area of 460 acres, TTD Gardens provide flowers for all the temples in Tirupati and Tirumala. These gardens are from where flowers are taken for holy purpose of temples. From garlands for ornamenting the deities to flowers for beautifying temples’ mandapam, pandals and festive decoration, TTD flower Garden produces flowers for every purpose. This exquisitely designed TTD flower garden was initially constructed with the purpose of adorning the town of Tirupati along with fulfilling the requirements of flowers at various temples.

History

TTD Gardens, situated near the main temple, contains flowers and ornamental garden within its area spanning 460 acres. This garden is maintained by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam and is the main area from where around 500 kg of flowers are sent to different temples. The patch in this garden was paved by Ramanuja and his disciples in the 14th century.

There are four nurseries in this garden including Gogarbham Dam area, Divyaramam area, Travellers Bungalow area and Sri Padmavathi Guest House area. The main varieties of flowers at this garden are hibiscus, crotons, bougainvilleas and others.

Every year, on the occasion of Brahmotsavam, an annual horticulture show, named Pushpa Yagam is organized at the garden. TTD Department also allows devotees to donate flowers to the temple in the name of Sri Vari Pushpa Kainkaryam. There are government run buses which offer free services for transporting flowers in Tirumala. A delight for photographers because of its captivating landscapes, TTD Gardens allure every visitor with its incomparable beauty.

vedadri Narasimha Swamy Temple,Tirupati

Vedadri is a village in Krishna district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on National Highway 9 in Jaggayyapeta mandal of Vijayawada revenue division.

Overview

Vedadri is a village in Krishna district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on National Highway 9 in Jaggayyapeta mandal of Vijayawada revenue division.It is one of the villages in the mandal to be a part of Andhra Pradesh Capital Region.The village is one of the religious destination for Hindus, with the shrine of Lord Laxmi Narasimha on the banks of River Krishna.

The Narasimha Swamy temple at Seebi is located in the Sira taluk of Tumkur district, in the Indian state of Karnataka. Seebi is located on National Highway 4, just 20 km north of Tumkur city.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a vaishnavite temple and one of the eight sacred places of Lord Vishnu in India. It is situated at the foot of the Auspicious Hill in Mangalagiri of Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the temple in the series of three temples located on and at the bottom of the hill, the other two being Panakala Narasimha Temple on the hill and Gandala Narasimha Temple at the top of the hill.

Narasimha iconography shows him with a human torso and lower body, with a lion face and claws, typically with a demon Hiranyakashipu in his lap whom he is in the process of killing. The demon is powerful brother of evil Hiranyaksha who had been previously killed by Vishnu, who hated Vishnu for killing his brother.Hiranyakashipu gains special powers by which he could not be killed during the day or night, inside or outside, by god, demon, man or animal.Coronated with his new powers, Hiranyakashipu creates chaos, persecutes all devotees of Vishnu including his own son.Vishnu understands the demon's power, then creatively adapts into a mixed avatar that is neither man nor animal and kills the demon at the junction of day and night, inside and outside.Narasimha is known primarily as the 'Great Protector' who specifically defends and protects his devotees from evil.The most popular Narasimha mythology is the legend that protects his devotee Prahlada, and creatively destroys Prahlada's demonic father and tyrant Hiranyakashipu.

History

According to the renowned British Raj era historian and epigraphist B. Lewis Rice, legend has it that once a merchant carrying grain on bullocks stopped at Sibi. When a pot of grain was boiled on a projecting rock, its color turned blood red causing the merchant, his attendants and the buffalos to swoon. While in the unconscious state, the god Narasimha appeared in the merchant's dream and informed him the rock was his abode and that the merchant should build a temple for him at that spot as atonement for desecrating his abode.

A small was thus built by the merchant. In more recent times, the consecration of a larger temple over the pre-existing shrine was taken up by three wealthy brothers: Lakshminarasappa, Puttanna and Nallappa who were the sons of Kacheri Krishnappa, a Dewan in the court of King Tipu Sultan of the Mysore Kingdom. Story goes that Nallappa had a dream in which the god Narasimha promised him eternal happiness if a temple was raised where it stands today. The completion of the temple construction took ten years. The Narasimha Swamy temple is a simple yet elegant Dravidian structure built around the end of the 18th century. The main deity of the temple is Narasimha, an avatar (incarnation) of the Hindu god Vishnu.The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

The main attraction in the temple are the mural paintings on the ceiling and walls of the mukhamantapa (entrance hall) which depict courtly as well as religious themes such as scenes from the Hindu puranas (epics): the Bhagavata, the Narasimha Purana, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The murals follow the same artistic idiom found in the murals of the Daria Daulat Bagh in Srirangapatna. According to the critic Veena Shekar, the art of mural paintings migrated to Karnataka and the murals in this temple are "folkish" in character.According to the art historian George Michell, the murals of this temple are among the best from the Mysore period and the courtly paintings depicting processions exude a Mogul influence.

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple,Tirupati

Alamelu mangapuram(tiruchanoor) is the Home of Goddess Sri Padmavati Devi, situated five kms. from Tirupati Town, This Temple is devoted to Sri Padmavati Devi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara, This ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Padmavati draws a large number of serious pilgrims every day. The Goddess, also known as Alamelu Manga in Telugu.

Overview

Sri Padmavati is the heavenly consort of Lord Venkateswara Swamy. As Goddess Padmavati, a symptom of Goddess Mahalakshmi had increased from Padama mean lotus plant. Goddess Padmavati provided darshan to Master Venkateswara on a red Lotus plant in Padma sarovar lake at Alamelu mangapuram after his strong penance for 12 decades.

Padmavathi Temple is the temple dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi or Alamelumanga, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. The Temple is situated in Tiruchanur, at a distance of 5 km from Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

It is believed that the Goddess Lakshmi was born as Alamelu to Akasha Raja, the ruler of this region, and wed Venkateshwara of Tirupati. Goddess Lakshmi gave darshan to Lord Venkateswara on a red Lotus flower (Padma in Sanskrit) at Alamelu mangapuram after his deep penance for twelve years. According to tradition, the Mother Goddess manifested Herself in the holy Pushkarini called Padmasarovaram in a golden lotus. The Venkatachala Mahatyam states that Lord Suryanarayana was instrumental in blossoming of the lotus in full splendour.

A temple dedicated to Lord Suryanarayana is situated on the eastern side of the Pushkarini. The Padma Purana gives a vivid description of the advent of the Goddess and subsequent wedding with Lord Srinivasa.The manifestation of Sri Padmavathi Devi occurred in the month of Karthika on Sukla Paksha Panchami when the star Uttarashada in the ascendent. The Brahmotsavam of the Goddess is celebrated with all pomp and glory to commemorate the auspicious occasion of Her avatara.

History

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple is located in Tiruchanoor, which is about 5 km from the Tirumala Hills. The main deity of the temple is Goddess Padmavathi, who is believed to have married Lord Venkateswara. This temple was built during the reign of Thondaman Chakravarthy and it is believed that devotees should first visit this temple before offering prayers at Sri Venkateswara Temple.

Padmavathi was the daughter of Akasha Raja of Thondamandalam, who was found in a lotus, when he performed a great yagna. Since she was found in a lotus, she was named Padmavathi and was married to Lord Venkateswara. She is also called as Alamelu Manga, meaning an inexhaustible source of love and compassion.

Sri Varahaswami Temple,Tirupati

Sri Varahaswami Temple in Tirumala is to the north of the Sri Venkateswara Temple, on the banks of Swami Pushkarini.According to legend, Tirumala was originally Adi Varaha Kshetra, and it was with his permission that Lord Sri Venkateswara took up residence here.

Overview

In the divine seven hills of Tirumala, located on the banks of Swami Pushkarini, is the Sri Varahaswami Temple also known as Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple. Standing to the north of Tirupati Balaji Temple, this temple also holds immense religious significance. It is dedicated to Sri Bhu Vara Swamy, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, a form of the wild boar. According to the legend behind the temple, when Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy came down to Earth, to the hills; Sri Bhu Varaha Swami was residing there.

According to Hindu scriptures, the original name of Tirumala is Adi Varaha Kshetra, which means the abode of Sri Varaha Swamy. There has been mention of the temple is the Brahma Purana as well. According to it, Lord Varahaswami who was residing on the hills gave the land of holy seven hills to Lord Venkateswara Swamy when requested. In order to thank him, Lord Venkateswara gave the gift of first darshan and also the first naivedyam to Sri Varahaswami. This privilege was given by the lord as a thanks giving gesture.

It has been mentioned in the holy book of Brahma Purana, it is essential for the devotees should first offer Naivedyam, which is the food cooked and offered to the God, to Sri Varahaswami. It has also been specified that pilgrims must visit the Sri Varahaswami temple, and seeks lord’s blessings before offering their prayers at Tirumala Temple. Hence this has been practised by every devotee, they visit Sri Varahaswamy temple first and then head towards the Tirupati Temple. According to the beliefs, for a pilgrim to have a complete Tirupati visit, he or she first must take bath in the holy waters of Swami Pushkarini, and then offer their prayers to Sri Varahaswami Temple and afterwards a visit to the Tirupati Balaji Temple.

History

Sri Varahaswamy Temple is located on the banks of Pushkarini River, which faces the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Varaha incarnation. Varaha is believed to be the guardian of the Tirumala Hill and Lord Venkateswara took his permission to stay at this hill.

It is customary to offer prayers to Lord Varaha before worshipping at Sri Venkateswara Temple. Devotees also offer Naivedyam at this shrine before moving to the main temple at Tirumala. Lord Varahaswamy can be worshipped in three main ways of Yajna Varaha, Adi Varaha and Pralaya Varaha.

Sri Venugopalaswami Temple,Tirupati

Sri Venugopalaswami Temple in Tirupati is a temple dedicated to Sri Venugopalaswami and his consorts. The temple thus houses beautiful idols of the three deities - Sri Venugopalaswami, Sri Rukmini and Sri Satyabhama Ammavaru.

Overview

Sri Venugopalaswami Temple in Tirupati is a temple dedicated to Sri Venugopalaswami and his consorts. The temple thus houses beautiful idols of the three deities - Sri Venugopalaswami, Sri Rukmini and Sri Satyabhama Ammavaru.

Located at KarvetiNagaram, Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple is near to Puttur that is 48 km from Tirupati. The ancient temple of Sri Venugopala Swamy is the only temple in and around Tirupati which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna has been depicted in his childhood form. The Lord’s idol is with a flute in his hand while it has been placed in front a cow. A pot of butter is also kept in front of the Lord as according to legends, Lord Krishna, in his form of a small kid, used to love butter. Along the Lord’s statues, statues of his beloved consorts, Goddess Rukmini Devi and Goddess Satyabhama Ammavaru are also placed in the main temple.

The statue of lord Krishna and the goddesses are symbolic of the immense capabilities of the Lord to be omnipresent through the passage of time. It also represents how the Lord Krishna is his favourite position with flute and pot of butter at the same time is accompanied by his consorts.

This temple has rich historical background as well as high religious significance. It has been a holy place for pilgrims since many decades. Many priests and poets have spoken and written about Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple. For instance, the poet and singer, Sarangapani, has contributed more than 200 padams, admiring the Lord Sri Venugopala Swamy of Karvetinagaram and his gracious presence in our lives.

This temple is highly popular among pilgrims as it is said to offers cure to all kinds of worries to every devotee, whoever prays to the Lord with devotion and faith. Many couples who wishes for child come to Sri Venugopala Temple to seek lord’s blessings.

History

Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple is situated in Karvetinagaram, which is around 48 km from Tirupati. It is a 14th century temple, which is believed to be sanctified by Sri Ramanujacharya. On either side of the main deity, Sri Venugopala Swamy, there are idols of Sri Rukmini Ammavaru and Sri Satyabhama Ammavaru. It also houses a sub temple of Sri Seetharamula Pattabhishekam.

The chief festivals celebrated in the temple are Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Gokulashtami, Brahmotsavam and Teppotsavam.