Tirupati is a holy city in the Indian state Andhra Pradesh. Trip to Tirupati will give you a memorable experience where you will get to visit temples as well as various enrapturing places. Besides seeking the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara at Tirupati Balaji Temple you can also sightsee many other prime destinations that are worthwhile.
Govindaraja temple is an age-old Hindu-Vaishnavite temple located in Chittoor District at Tirupati. The temple has ancient structure and one of the huge temple complexes in Andra Pradesh. The temple was built during 12 century and is administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Govindaraja temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is also known as Govindarajaswami.
Govindaraja Temple houses many sub-shrines like Parthasarathy temple, Kalyana Venkateshwara and many other shrines dedicated to Andal, Lakshmi Narayana Swami, Anjaneya, Alvars. Main deity rests in a reclining yoga nidra posture facing east. Deities of Sridevi and Bhudevi (Lord Vishnu consort) are also present which sits at the foot of Govindaraja.
A significant Vaishnavite Hindu temple, Kalyana Venkateshwara is located at Srinivasamangapuram in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It is located at a distance of 12 km from Tirupati. The temple has significant structure and is a centrally preserved site. It is identified by Archaeological survey of India as an ancient monument of national importance.
At the temple Lord Vishnu is worshipped in its Venkateshwara avatar which is also known as Kalyana Venkateshwara. Deities of Lakshmi Narayana swamy and Sri Ranganatha swamy is also enshrined at the temple.
It is the second most popular temple in Tirupati after Tirumala Venkateshwar temple. Kodandarama temple is situated in Chittoor district and was constructed in 10th century AD by Cholas. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama (Lord Vishu form) including Sita and Lakshmana. A sub-shrine devoted to Anjaneya (Lord Shri Ram mount) is also present. As per Varaha Purana, it was at this same place where Lord Ram along with Laxman and Sita Devi lived here during their return journey from Lankapuri in Treta Yugam.
It is an important Saivite temple and Theertham settled at tirupati. Apart from an important pilgrimage destination, Kapila Theertham is an important tourist site in Tirupati. The temple is named after the famous saint Kapila. As per legends, Kapila muni meditated and performed penance to Lord Shiva at this place.
Main highlight of the temple is the waterfall that is located inside the temple at the foot of Tirumala Hills. The water from the fall drops into a large Temple Pushkarini (temple tank) known as ‘Kapila Theertham’. Kapila Teertham is referred as one of the 108 holy theerthas on Tirumala hills. The Shiva lingam present at the temple is made of brass and is self-manifested. Other sun-shrines in the temple premises are devoted to Vinayaka, Subhramanya, Agasthesswara are also present.
It is devoted to Varadaraja Swamy (incarnation of Vishnu). Varadaraja temple is located in Vimanapradakshinam to the left of Vendivakili (silver doorway). The main deity is made of stone and rest in sitting position facing west.
At the shrine fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu i.e. Narasimha Swamy is worshipped. It is located towards the right of Vendivakili (silver doorway) in Vimanapradakshinam. Yaga Narasimha temple is believed to have been built in 1330A.D.-1360 A.D.
It is a small temple dedicated to Garuda (Lord Venkateshwara’s vehicle). Garuthamantha shrine is a part of Garudamandapam and is located opposite to Bangaruvakili (golden doorway) of Jaya-Vijaya. The main deity is situated to the west looking exactly at Lord Venkateshwara in Garbhagriha.
It is an ancient temple which is reckoned to be older then Venkateshwar temple and is devoted to varaha. As per traditions, a devotee must pay reverence to Lord Bhuvaraha before Lord Venkateshwara. Bhuvaraha Swamy temple or Sri Varahaswamy temple is situated on Swami Pushkarini Northern Banks.
This sub-shrine of Tirupati Balaji temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is situated opposite to Mahadwaram close to Akhilandam. Main highlight of this temple is that deity’s hands are handcuffed.
The mother of Lord Venkateshwara was Vakulamatha. A scared statute is present in the main temple which is devoted to her. It is believed that she look after the food & sevas that is offered to Lord Venkateshwara.
Situated within the Vimanapradakshina, Kubera Sannidi is dedicated to Lord Kubera. The deity is placed to the right of Garbhgriha and faces south to the Lord.
It was built in the 13th century A.D. Ramanuja shrine is also known as Bhashyakara Sannidhi. It lies next to the northern corridor of Vimana Pradakshinam.
It is a sacred pond that is situated within the temple premises. It is believed that Lord Vishnu use to bath with his wife in this lake. The water of the lake is considered auspicious which cleanses all the sins and purifies one’s body & soul.
Akasa Ganga is a captivating waterfall that is located near the Venkateshwara temple in Tirumala. The water of the fall is considered holy and is used for Lord Venkateshwara abhishekam. In other religious rituals of the temple also this water is used. Akasa Ganga is open throughout the year.
TTD Gardens is a lavishly decorated flower garden in Tirupati. It is spread over an area of 460 acres and an important sightseeing place in Tirupati. Flowers for the spiritual rituals performed at the temple are taken from these gardens. TTD gardens were established in 14th century by Sri Ramanuja and his disciple. TTD gardens are adorned with more than 200 varieties of plants.
Apart from wide array of plants this TTD Gardens also includes Anathapalli Gunta, Tank Mangalabhavi and Alwar Tank. There is also a section in the garden that is looked after by the TTD Department which showcases the various varieties of flowers brought from various places around the world.
ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Consciousness) is a Hindu religious organization. ISKCON temples are located all across the globe. In India, ISKCON temple in Tirupati is very popular. Also popular as Hare Rama Hare Krishna temple, ISKCON temple is located on Hare Krishna Road, Dwaraka Nagar in Tirupati.
ISKCON temple is a culturally rich heritage site where fine sculpture and painting work can be found. These works depicts various stories from the life of Lord Krishna. At the temple beautiful idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha can be found. One of the important sections of the temple is the Goshala. It lies exactly behind the temple complex. In the Goshala more than 90 retired cows and oxen are there. Darshan timings of ISKCON Tirupati temple is 4:15 AM-9:00 PM.
It is popular attraction in Tirupati that is located next to Karnataka Choultry. Srivari Museum displays the great history of the region. It is a well preserved heritage site which gives you brief information about the Tirumala Venkateshwara temple history & architecture. The museum displays various sculptures, scriptures, pictures etc. There is no entry fee of the museum. You can visit the museum throughout the year.
Rock garden in Tirupati is a naturally formed stone garden in shape of an arch. This rock formation has been refereed by geologist as pre-Cambrian. There are many mythological stories behind this rock formation. It is believed that Lord Venkateshwara walked on this arch when he was travelling to Tirumala from Vaikunt. As per another story the prime deity at the temple is of same height as the arch.
This Rock garden is also known as Silathoranam and was made in 1980. Visitors from all across the globe come to see the rare rock formation found here.