Sri Govindaraja Swami Temple is an ancient Hindu-Vaishnavite temple and one of the most important temples, located in the heart of Tirupati town in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. The temple was built in the 12th century and was consecrated in 1130 AD by Saint Ramanujacharya. The temple is one of the oldest structures in Tirupati and also one of the biggest temple complexes in the district. The temple is currently administered by the TTD.
The original temple had Sri Parthasarathi as its main deity. Sri Ramanuja added the Sri Govindaraja in 1130 AD. The Yadavaraya dynasty donated various gifts to decorate the chariot and make necessary repairs to the temple. The temple became more important in 1506 AD during the reign of the Vijayanagara dynasty and thereafter, different rulers developed the temple differently. This famous temple is a remarkable achievement of ancient South Indian architecture. It has an impressive exterior gopuram and an interior gopuram. The inner gopuram is the oldest, dating from the 14th century and has carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the life of Sri Krishna. The temple has two main shrines dedicated to Sri Vishnu and Sri Krishna. The northern shrine is Sri Govindaraja and the southern shrine is Sri Parthasarathi (Sri Krishna). Rukmini and Satyabhama idols are also found here.
The presiding deity Sri Govindaraja Swamy is reclining on Ananta. He is considered the brother of Sri Venkateswara Swamy. Sri Govindaraja Swamy was the custodian of the enormous wealth lent by King Kubera for Lord Venkateswara’s wedding ceremony with Padmavathi Devi. He effectively used this wealth to conduct one of the most glorious marriages in mythology. Hence, Govindaraja Swamy is considered to be the god who helps you increase your wealth and manage the acquired wealth effectively.
Sub shrines are Kalyana Venkateswara Swami Temple, Andal Temple, Salai Nachiyar Devi Temple, Ramanuja Temple, Vyasaraya Anjaneyaswami Temple, Alwar Temples, Chakrathalwar Temple, Manavala Mahamuni Temple, Vedanta Desikar Temple and Anjaneyaswami Temple.
This is the biggest temple attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. Abhisekhas are performed to a small idol as the main statue is said to have been built using sand. This temple is managed by the TTD board.
There are many festivals that are celebrated at Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple with great enthusiasm and dedication. Some of these festivals are the Vaisakha festival (annual Brahmotsavam), the float festival, the Goda Parinayam, the Adhyanotsavam, the Thiruvadipuram, the Pushpayagam, etc.
Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple’s schedule is 5.00 to 21:00 If you are interested, you can opt for a special entrance paying a minimum by taking a ticket from the ticket counter. With the entry, one can opt for the fast darshan. This temple is only half a kilometer from the Tirupati railway station and 1.5 km from the Tirupati RTC bus stop.
Free Anna Prasadam is distrubuted from 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Small Laddu is also offered at Free Cost to the devotees, every day between 5:00 AM to 8:45 AM i.e Suprabhatham – Archananthara Darshanam.
Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple Sarva Darshanam Timings:
Morning Hours: 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM and 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM
Archana Anantara Darshan: 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM
Afternoon Hours: 1:30 PM to 4:45 PM
Evening Hours: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Entry tickets are not required for
Children under 12 years of age, Physically Challenged devotees and Old age peoples
Note: This is not for Senior Citizens
Daily Pooja / Arjita Sevas Timings and Fee:
| Timings | Seva Details |
|---|---|
| 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM | Suprabatham |
| 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM | Vishwa Roopa Sarva Darshanam |
| 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM | Thomala Sev |
| 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM | Archana |
| 8:00 AM– 8:45 AM | Archananthara Darshanam |
| 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM | First Bell – Suddhi, Naivedyam – Sathamura |
| 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Sarvadarshanam |
| 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM | Ekantham – Mid Day Bell, Suddhi, Naivedyam |
| 1:15 PM – 4:45 PM | Sarvadarshanam |
| 4:45 PM – 6:00 PM | Ekantham – Thomala ( Will remove Morning Thomala flowers and fresh Mala will be placed for Swamy), Second Bell, Naivedam |
| 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Sarvadarshanam |
| 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Suddhi, Ekantha Seva |
| 9:30 PM | Closing of Temple |
Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple History:
One of the most important temples not only of Tirupati but of all of India, the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple was sanctified in 1130 AD by the venerated Saint Ramanujacharya. Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple has not only received immense religious significance but also shows undeniable architectural excellence.
If you look at the history of Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple in Tirupati, the legend goes back to the time of Islamic rule in South India. When the southern part of India, witnessed the Muslim invasion, to maintain its security, the statue of Lord Govindaraja Swamy, the deity of Chidambaram was taken to Tirupati, which was then returned once the situation returned to normal. However, the revered Saint Sri Ramanujacharya had a dream in which Lord Govindaraja Swamy informed him of his desire to reside in Tirupati. Because of that when he visited the place he saw in his dream; He found the statue of Lord Govindaraja Swamy there. It was then that he advised the king to build a temple in the same place.
According to legends, Sri Govindaraja Swamy is the elder brother of Sri Venkateswara Swamy. It is believed that he organized the most glorious marriage in the universe between Sri Venkateswara Swamy and Goddess Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru. It is said that he obtained from King Kubera an immense amount of wealth for marriage, which he rightly used in the direction of the divine marriage attended by the gods, the public and kings everywhere. According to some beliefs, Sri Govindaraja Swamy is blessed with a line on the left which indicates that he would return four times the wealth he had obtained from King Kubera. This is the reason why devotees seek Lord Govindaraja Swamy to help them increase their wealth and guide them in better managing their wealth.
The architecture of Tirupati Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple also attracts visitors with its architectural beauty. It dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries and has an imposing seven-story Gopuram with 11 kalasas. Adding to the beauty of Gopuram is the handmade work recreating various scenes of Hindu epics such as Ramayana, and Bhagavata with examples of Sri Venkateswara Swamy’s life. The little gopuram follows the high Gopuram. Its gopuram interior is comprised of an impressive courtyard and a large indoor stone room, which serves as a perfect hangar for tourists, even during the festival fever.
Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple Address:
Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple,
GS Mada Street,
Varadaraja Nagar,
Near Railway Station,
Tirupati,
Andhra Pradesh – 517501.
Phone: +(91)-877-2264592/2264593