Govindarajaswamy Temple, Tirupati

Timings

5.00–8.45 AM, 9.30 AM–12.30 PM, 1.45–5.00 PM, 6.00–8.00 PM

Nearest railway station

Tirupati (about 0.5 km)

Nearest airport

Tirupati, Renigunta (about 20 km)

Main festival

Brahmotsavam (May–June)

Ideal time needed

1–2 hours

History and legend

Tradition says the idol of Govindarajaswamy was moved from Chidambaram to Tirupati for safekeeping during a period of invasions, and later taken back when things settled. Lord Vishnu is then said to have appeared to Ramanuja in a dream and asked for his image to be installed permanently in Tirupati, which is how the present temple came to be consecrated.

Devotees believe that a visit here removes obstacles on the way to prosperity.

What to see

The main gopuram is the showpiece. Its tiers are covered with sculpted panels drawn from the Ramayana and from the Gita, and it is worth pausing outside to study them before going in. Inside, the complex has several shrines, halls and corridors, and the temple tank, called the Pushkarini, is used during the float festival.

Festivals

The temple follows a busy festival calendar, and these are the main events.

• Annual Brahmotsavam, usually in May–June, with daily processions
• Float festival (Teppotsavam) on the illuminated temple tank
• Adhyayanotsavam, a 21-day festival held around January
• Ratha Saptami in January or February, marked by processions

Timings

Darshan runs daily in four slots: 5.00–8.45 AM, then 9.30 AM–12.30 PM, 1.45–5.00 PM and 6.00–8.00 PM. Timings can change on festival days, so check locally before you go. Dress conservatively and leave footwear at the counter.

How to reach

Tirupati railway station is only about half a kilometre away, and the central bus station about 2 km, with autos available everywhere. Tirupati airport at Renigunta is roughly 20 km from the temple. Nearby, you can also see the Sri Venkateswara Museum and Bala Vinayaka Tank. We can include this temple in a Tirupati and Tirumala pilgrimage package.

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