LOCAL TEMPLES IN AND AROUND TIRUPATI

SRI GOVINDARAJASWAMY TEMPLE :  It is one of the ancient temples located in Tirupati very close to Its Railway station. The shrine was consecrated by Saint Sri Ramanujacharya in the year 1130AD. It’s main deity, Lord Sri Govindaraja here will be seen in a reclining posture. Ph.0877 – 2264592.

SRI KODANDARAMASWAMY TEMPLE : This Temple dedicated to the Lord Sri Rama is situated within a kilometer distance from the Tirupati Railway Station. The Temple was built to commemorate the visit of Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita to Tirupati, while returning from Lanka after killing Ravanasura, For-any reference contact. Ph.0877 – 2264584

SRI KAPILESWARASWAMY TEMPLE : This shrine for Lord Siva is located at about three kilometres from Tirupati town, very close to Alipiri, the foot of Seven Hills. As Kapila Maharshi installed the Sivalinga here, the deity is called Kapileswara and the tirtham is known as ‘Kapilatirtham’ or Sri Alwar Tirtham as well, in the name of Sri Ramanujacharya. Ph.0877-2264587.

ALAMELUMANGAPURAM (TIRUCHANUR) :  Tiruchanur,  also  known  as  Alamelumangapuram,  located about 5 kms from Tirupati is the abode of Goddess Sri Padmavathi Devi, the Consort of Lord Venkateswara. The legend is that the Goddess revealed Herself seated on a lotus flower in the sacred temple tank, Padmasarovaram. Ph.0877 – 2264585 / 2264586.

SRINIVASAMANGAPURAM : Srinivasamangapuram, a small village, about 12km from Tirupati is where the temple of presiding deity Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple is located. Legends say that Lord after his marriage with Goddess Padmavathi Devi stayed here for sometime before proceeding to Tirumala through Srivari Mettu track. The shrine was renovated by Tallapaka Chinna Tiruvengatanatha in the 16th century. Ph.0877 – 2264588

NARAYANAVANAM : Narayanavanam is a &hall town about 22 kms. south east of Tirupati. A shrine dedicated to Kalyana Venkateswara is located here.  Puranas and legends claim that Lord Venkateswara married Padmavathi Devi, the daughter of Akasa Raja, at this place and to commemorate this, Akasa Raja built the temple. Ph.08577 – 264417.

APPALAYAGUNTA :  The temple of Lord Sri Prasanna Venkateswaraswamy is located at Appalayagunta,15 kilometres from Tirupati. It is only in this temple that the idol of Lord Venkateswara can be seen with His hand in “Abhaya Hastam” posture against the normal inverted hand posture. The idols of Goddess Padmavathi and Sri Andal are also seen in this ancient temple.

Sri Padmavathi Temple:  Pilgrims on their way to visit Sri Venkateswara Temple first stop and pay their respects to Goddess Padmavathi, the incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Said to be the wife of Lord Venkateswara in Kali Yuga, this temple is present in close vicinity of Tirupati Balaji.

The complex of the temple has a large lake called Padma Sarovaram. Bathing in its waters with full devotion is considered divine as this the lake where Goddess Padmavathi is said to have appeared as a golden lotus flower. On special festivals and grand celebrations, a huge crowd gathers to take a dip and pray in the old waters of Padma Sarovaram. Miniature temples belonging to other deities like Sri Krishna Swamy are also present inside the premises.

Location: Sannidhi St, Tiruchanur, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517503 
Timings: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Main Deity: Goddess Parvati

KodandaramaTemple :  A dash of golden colour in a pearly white structure forms the landscape of Kodandarama Temple of Tirupati. Dating back to many centuries ago, the temple was originally built by the kings of the Chola dynasty. It was later re-developed by the rulers of Vijayanagara kingdom. The temple worships the great king of Ayodhya, Lord Rama.

A popular legend also says that this temple was built after Jambavan went inside an illuminating cave and found a radiating idol. The compound of this temple has a shrine commemorating Lord Rama. Two miniature shrines of Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshmana are also constructed in its vicinity. There are inscriptions on the stoned walls of the temple, depicting the life of the gods. Every year during the festival of Brahmotsav, pilgrims perform aartis and decorate the idols.

Location: Tirupati
Timings: 5:00 am – 8:30 pm
Main Deity: Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshmana

ISKCON Temple :  Lavender blue structure with golden doors and arches form the enchanting architecture of ISKCON temple of Tirupati. Unlike other temples in Tirupati, the Radha Govinda Mandir is just a decade old and was built by the largest followers of Lord Krishna in the world, ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).

The interior of this temple comprises multicoloured walls and paintings depicting the glorious legends of Lord Krishna. Radiant marble effigies of Lord Krishna and his beloved Goddess Radha are seated inside the hall. The idols are lovingly decorated with fine jewellery, flowers and beautiful fabric. As you enter the complex, you will hear melodious chants of Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Pilgrims praying devotedly at the temple are offered free vegetarian food as a blessing of God. The food is said to satisfy the hunger of the needy and bless them with a happy life. The temple also has a guest house for those who wish to stay in the serene ambience of the temple.

Location: Tirupati
Timings: 4:15 am – 9:00 pm
Main Deity: Lord Krishna