Sri Varahaswami Temple

The temple of Sri Varahaswami in Tirumala is to the north of the Sri Venkateshwara temple, on the banks of Swami Pushkarini. The presiding deity is Varaha Swami, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of a boar that was staying on the hills when The Lord descended unto earth. He had to take permission from Lord Varaha to stay here and grant HIM (Lord Varaha), the privilege of first view by the visiting pilgrims and first Naivedyam (sacred offering of food to Lord for consecration) in return. Thus it is imperative that pilgrims visit Sri Varaha Swami first and The Lord, only later. According to legend, Tirumala was originally the Adi Varahakshetra (place belonging to Sri Adi Varahaswami). Lord Sri Venkateshwara took up residence here, with the permission of Sri Varahaswami. According to Brahmapurana, Naivedyam (food offered to God) should first be offered to Sri Varahaswami. Pilgrims should visit Sri Varahaswami temple prior to Sri Venkateshwara temple.

Sri Venkateshwara Temple:

The famous temple of Sri Venkateshwara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkatadri Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. There are several exquisitely carved doorways, mandapams and shrines that you will come across inside the Sri Venkateshwara Temple complex. There is only one entrance in the east surmounted by a gopura, known as the Padikavali mahadwaram. Inside the Temple complex main places are Sampangi Pradakshinam, Krishna Devaraya Mandapam, Ranga nayaka Mandapam, Tirumala Raya Mandapam, Aaina Mahal, Dhwajasthambha Mandapam, Nadimi Padi Kavili, Vimana Pradakshinam(contd)

Sri Varadarajaswami Shrine Potu, The Main Shrine, Sankeertana Bhandara, Bangaru Bavi, Snapana Mandapam Ramar Meda, Shayana Mandapam, Garbha Gruha, Kalyana Mandapam Sri Ramanuja Shrine, Sri Narasimhaswami Shrine, Tirumamani Mandapam Bangaru Vakili, Mukkoti Pradakshinam, Sri Vishwaksena Temple, Sri Yoga Narasimhaswami Temple, Sri Garuda Temple.

The Swami Pushkarini (The Sacred Temple Water Tank) It is very usual and highly probable to find a water tank either just beside or nearby every Hindu temple constructed during the ancient and medieval times. The waters of the tank were strictly for temple purposes only - like for the God's "bath" that is a ritual/worship, cleaning and washing the temples insides and outsides. The water in the Swami Pushkarini is absolutely NOT stagnant OR infected. It has a state-of-the-art recycling facility and water is treated before it gets into and recycled continuously. A bath in the Swami Pushkarini is believed to clean pilgrims of their sins and bestow temporal prosperity. Pilgrims bath here before entering the main temple. A bath in the holy tank purifies one's body and soul.

The Akashganga Waterfall

The Akashganga (Heavenly Ganges likened to The Milky Way OR heavenly river) waterfall is about 3 Kms north of the Tirumala temple. This is very famous for the prime reason is that its waters are used for The Lord's bath every day. This is a beautiful place where the mountain stream gushes out in a deep but very well paved and accessible ravine. Water is procured from this place for Abhishekam. In rainy season Akashganga's gushing waters provide a beautiful sight and a bath here at that time is really refreshing.

The Papa Vinashanam (cleanser of Sins)

About 5 Kms north of the Tirumala temple is a deep bowl formed by the surrounding hills that created a reservoir ages ago and many a mountain stream emptied into it. This came to be known as the Papavinashanam (The Cleanser of sins). Its waters were initially used for worshipping purposes but abandoned later because of the distance from the temple. It is still used though,for special occasions. To conserve water forever increasing number of pilgrims and therefore, the temple township, a dam was constructed across but the pilgrims, thus preserving the tradition, provided a bypass for bathing. It is believed that the holy waters of this place dissolve the sins of the devotees. Hence this place is known as Papavinashanam. A dam constructed here regulates the water flow.

The Great Geological Arch (Shila Thoranam)

This is one of the three archives discovered in whole world. A very rare phenomenon of two different sets of rocks connected together in the form of a thin link was found. This formation is known to exist elsewhere only at the 4 fingers of Texas and somewhere in Australia. Pilgrims must make it a point to visit this wonder of the world during their Tirumala trip. No buses are available. Private vehicles are allowed. It is 2km from main temple.

Sri Bedi Anjaneyaswami Temple: Sri Anjaneyaswami temple is located opposite the Sri Varahaswami temple on the North Eastern banks of the Swami Pushkarini. It was constructed during the Mahant's period. The idol's hands are joined in supplication (in the Anjali pose).

Japali Hanuman Temple: The Hanuman temple at Japali, is one of the least known and most worthy places of visit in Tirumala. After a kilometre's trek into the woods, the darshan of lord Anjaneya is really a memorable experience. It is located 3 kms from Gogarbham dam.

TTD Gardens: The TTD Gardens - ornamental, landscape and flower gardens - occupy an area of 460 acres in Tirupati and Tirumala. The gardens were set up to beautify the area in and around Tirumala The Gardens Department of TTD meets the demand for flowers of all the temples in Tirumala. It supplies garlands for adorning the deities and for decorating the mandapam, pandals and vahanas on festive occasions.

Sri Padmavathi Temple at Tiruchanoor

No visit to Tirupati is complete without a visit to Alamelumangapuram, located about 4kms from Tirupathi. Sri Padmavathi is the divine consort of Lord Venkateswara. 'Kalyanotsavam' is performed here as in Tirumala between 10.30 a.m. and 12 noon every day. Five members are allowed (Rs. 500/-). Special darshan (Rs. 5/-) is advisable. Darshan starts from 6.30 a.m. on Weekdays and from 8.00 a.m. on Fridays. Tiruchanoor (also known as Alarmelu Mangapuram) is 4 km from Tirupati. Buses ply throughout the day.

Sri Kalahasti
This famous Saivite temple in Kalahasti, 38 km from Tirupati, is one of the Panchabhoota Kshetras. Located on the banks of river Swarnamukhi, Sri Kalahasti Temple is one of the most ancient temples in South India. Lord Siva is worshipped here in the form of Vayu Linga (one of the elements air). The legend says that Sri (spider), Kala (cobra) and Hasti (elephant) worshipped Lord Siva here and attained Moksha. Hence this place is known as Srikalahasti.
Kannappa Nayanar (a tribal hunter) attained salvation in this place by offering his eyes to this Lord. Kannappa Temple is on a hillock adjacent to the temple from where we can view the temple town of Sri Kalahasti. Sri Gnana Prasoonambika is the consort of the Lord and abhishekams are also performed for her as for Sri Kalahasteeswara. Patala Ganapati is a small underground temple located in the same complex. Pilgrims should make it a point to visit this interesting place. One has to bow down carefully to worship this Ganapati 20 feet below on a very narrow staircase. Sri Kalahasti Temple is also famous for performing Sarpadosha (RahuKetu) Nivaarana Pooja. The fee is Ps. 250/- inclusive of Pooja material. Many pilgrims perform this pooja here. Sarvadarshanam : 5.00 am to 9.30 pm Rahu, Ketu Puja (Rs.250/-) : any time Pacha Karpoora Abhishekam : 5.30 pm

Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka swamy Temple - Kanipakkam The present temple is constructed in the 11th century by king Kulottunga of Chola dynasty and further developed in 1336 by the emperors of Vijayanagaram. One peculiarity of the Idol is that it eternally grows in size. To testify the fact that the Lord is growing, the Silver "Kavacham" that was manufactured 50 years ago is now too small for the idol. Sri Govindarajaswami Temple - Tirupati Sri Govindarajaswami is the elder brother of Lord Balaji. His temple is the main landmark of Tirupati town. It has an imposing Gopuram that can be seen from a distance. Saint Ramanujacharya consecrated the temple in 1130 AD. The festivals and functions are similar to those conducted in the Sri Govindarajaswami is the elder brother of Lord Balaji. The annual Brahmotsavam in this temple is celebrated in the month of Vaisakha every year. Pilgrims must visit this temple without fail. This temple complex includes museum and a cluster of shrines like those of Sri Parthasarathy, Godadevi Aandal and Pundarikavalli. The principal deity is an impressive Sayanamurti (the Lord in a sleeping posture). The timings for Sarva Darshan are 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., 1.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. to 8.45 p.m. special Darshan tickets (Rs. 5/-) are available.

Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple - Tirupati

This temple is situated in the heart of Tirupati town. The presiding deities are Sita, Rama and Lakshmana. A Chola king built this temple during the tenth century AD. The temple of Anjaneyaswami, which is directly opposite, is a sub shrine of this temple. According to legend, this temple commemorates the visit of Sri Rama to Tirupati. The festivals of Ugadi and Sri Ramanavami are celebrated in this temple on a grand scale. Every year the temple celebrates the Brahmotsavams to the Lord Sri Rama.

Sri Kapileshwaraswami Temple - Tirupati

Sri Kapileshwaraswami Temple is the only temple dedicated to Lord Siva, in the pantheon of Vaishnava temples in Tirupati. It is situated about 3 km to the north of Tirupati, at the foot of the Tirumala Hills. The sacred waterfall called Kapila Teertham (also known as Alwar Teertham) is located here. Annual Brahmotsavams and festivals like vinayaka Chavithi, Maha Shivaratri, Skhanda Shasti and Annabhishekam are performed in a grand manner.Waterfalls in this place are an attractive sight (especially in rainy season). One can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, as this place is located a little away from the town. City buses and autos are a means of conveyance to reach the Kapila Teertham.

Hare Rama Hare Krishna (Krishna mandhir) - Tirupati

In Hare Rama Hare Krishna temple every morning Pooja is conducted at 6:00 a.m, their religious and moral preaching takes place followed by Bhajans of Shri Krishna, his life and Bhagavad-Gita, recitation takes place throughout the day. It is located near Alipiri in Tirupati.

Sri Kalyana Venkateshwaraswami Temple - Shrinivasa Mangapuram

Sri Kalyana Venkateshwaraswami temple is at Shrinivasa Mangapuram situated 12 km to the west of Tirupati. According to legend, Lord Venkateshwara stayed here after his marriage with Sri Padmavati Devi, before proceeding to Tirumala. Annual Brahmotsavam and Shakshatkara Vaibhavam are celebrated in grand manner.Sevas performed are and the fees mentioned here are per person, unless otherwise specified. Nithya Archana - permanent for Rs 542.00, Nithya Archana - one year for Rs 42.00, Abhishekam for Rs 100.00, Thomala Seva for Rs 10.00, Archana for Rs 10.00, Archana & Aarti for Rs 5.00, Abhisheka Darsanam for Rs 5.00, Vahanam Puja (for a 4-wheeler) for Rs 50.00, (for a 2-wheeler) for Rs 25.00, Kalyana Utsavam for Rs 500.00.

Sri Kalyana Venkateshwaraswami Temple - Narayanavanam

Sri Kalyana Venkateshwaraswami temple at Narayanavanam is 40 km from Tirupati. Lord Sri Venkateshwaraswami and Sri Padmavati Ammavaru, daughter of Akasa Maharaja were married here. Sri Kalyana Venkateshwaraswami is the main deity here.

Sri Veda Narayanaswami Temple, Nagalapuram:

Sri Veda Narayanaswami temple is located in Nagalapuram, 70 km southeast of Tirupati. It is believed that Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, in the form of Matsya, killed the Rakshash (demon) Somakudu here, and retrieved the Vedas from the latter. The sanctum sanctorium houses an image of the Matsya form of Vishnu, with Shridevi and Bhudevi on either side. A peculiar feature of the idol is that it holds the Sudarshana Chakra in prayoga (ready for release). The temple was constructed by Sri Krishnadeva Raya, the Vijayanagara emperor, and is a fine specimen of the Vijayanagara style of architecture. The most important annual festivals in this temple are Brahmotsavam, and Surya Puja along with the Float festival, conducted on the 12th, 13th and 14th days of the month of Phalguna. During these three days, the sunrays fall on the main deity between 0600 hrs and 0615 hrs. On the first day, they fall on the feet, on the second - on the chest and on the third - on the forehead, depicting worship by Sri Surya Bhagavan (the Sun God) himself. The annual Brahmotsavam is conducted in the month of Jyeshtha.

Sri Kailasanathakona Located 43kms from Tirupati, the Kailasanathakona perennial waterfalls originate from a creek in a rock. This enchanting landscape becomes all the more worth seeing as there is a small temple of Shiva and Parvathi. The water is considered to have medicinal values. Try this out.

Sri Subrahmanya swamy temple - TIRUTTANI

Sri Subrahmanya swamy temple is in Tiruttani. Lord Sri Subrahmanya swamy is the main diety here along with goddesses Sri Valli and Sri Devayani. The annual Brahmotsavam will be celebrated in this temple in the month of Adi (tamil month) every year. On the eve of krittika(a star's name), a day in the month of Adi, a grand ritual celebration will take place as "Adi krittika" . Lot of Devotees carry their "Kavadi" to thier spirtual homages to the God in this particular day. Krittika is the special day of every month for the Devotees to worship the God and carry the kavadies because krittika is the Lord's birth star. Convenient bus facility can avail from Tiruttani town to top of the hill. And also there are steps for pedestrians ranging 2 km. Tiruttani is in Tamilnadu, but it is near to A.P. border, 66 km far from Tirupati.

Chandragiri Fort - Chandragiri

A stronghold of the Vijayanagar Empire, Chandragiri is situated on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi, located 11kms from Tirupathi. This ancient fort was built on a huge rock and the ruins of the palaces and temples tell the story of the bygone glorious past. The palaces, mahals and temples of the royal family are simply breath taking. APTDC offers a beautiful sound and light show everyday in Telugu and English at Chandragiri fort.

Talakona

This enchanting picnic spot of great scenic beauty is located 40 kms from Tirupati, near Bakarapeta Talakona is one of the best places as picnic spots. It is the place where a beatuful waterfalls are located in deep thik forest. Usually Lord Siva Temple is being visted by so many devotees. It is also the place where many cinema shootings have been conducted for its enchanting natural beauty

Horsley Hills - Madanapalli

From Tirupati, this delightful hill resort is named after W.D.Horslley, then collector of Cuddapah Dist. A perfect summer retreat, this picturesque hill station is located at an altitude of 1265mts. It is 151 kms from Tirupathi and 150 kms from , Banglore. It is 25 kms from Madanapalli and connected by daily bus service. The hills are breathtaking and enchanting with thick flora and fauna.