Sri Bhu Varahaswami is the first deity to be visited in Tirumala. He is also called ‘Shweta Varahaswamy’. Varaha Swamy Temple in Tirumala is located in the north of the Sri Venkateswara Temple, on the banks of Swami Pushkarini.
As per the custom of Tirumala kshetra, the Tirumala yatra will be considered complete only after visiting Varahaswamy first, performing pooja and making offerings to him. Only after that, the devotees should visit Lord Venkateswara. This is also the treaty of the Lord that he had made with Varahaswamy.
The place got the name Varahakshetra.
According to legend, Tirumala was originally Adi Varaha Kshetra (the home of Sri Adi Varaha Swami), and it was with his permission that Lord Sri Venkateswara took up residence here.
According to the Brahma Purana, pilgrims should first offer Naivedyam to Sri Adi Varaha Swami, before visiting the Sri Venkateswara Temple.
According to Atri Samhita (Samurtarchanadhikara), the Varaha Avatara is worshipped in three forms:
- Adi Varaha
- Pralaya Varaha
- Yajna Varaha
The idol of Sri Varahaswami in Tirumala is that of Adi Varaha, as it resembles the description of the Adi Varaha murti in Vaikhanasa Agama texts.
Tirumala Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple Darshan Timings:
Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Friday: Morning 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Tirumala Varahaswamy Temple Story:
According to legend, Lord Varaha remained on this mountain on Swami Pushkarini’s northern bank after saving the Earth from Hiranyaksha. Hence Tirumala Hills is also referred to as Adivarahakshetra. Lord Varaha gave the territory to Lord Venkateswara upon his request during the start of Kaliyuga. As gratitude, before being offered to him, Lord Venkateswara provided Varahaswamy first bell, puja, and Naivedyam. Even today this is being pursued as a tradition. Pedda Tirumalacharya refurbished this temple in 1535 AD.
Before giving to Lord Venkateswara, Naivedyam will be provided to Lord Varaha based on the legend. And devotees must also have Lord Varaha darshan in front of Lord Venkateswara. The pilgrimage to Tirupati is not supposed to be full without Varahaswamy’s darshan.
Vallabha Pillar:
Lord Vishnu assumed the Boar avatar to rescue Bhu Devi from the demon Hiranyaksha. The legend says that Lord Venkateswara resided here with the permission of Bhuvaraha swami.
The tradition is that the Prasadam is being offered to Varahaswami first and next to Lord Srinivasa. Here is a pillar called ‘Vallabha Pillar’. Sri Varaha Swami stands with His leg upraised and holds Bhu Devi in His arms in this temple.
Tirumala Varahaswamy Temple Festivals :
Daily rituals are held as per Vaikanasa Agama. Chakrasnanam event during Annual Brahmotsavams, Vaikunta Dwadasi, Rathasapthami will be held in the Mukha mandapa of Varahswamy Temple. Varaha Jayanti is also celebrated.
Tirumala Varahaswamy Temple Address:
Balaji Nagar,
Tirumala,
Tirupati,
Andhra Pradesh – 517504.