Did you know that the temple of Sri Varaha Swamy Temple is said to be the place where the celestial boar took up the earth from the bottom of the ocean? This is not a myth, but a story that has been carved into the walls of this temple that dates back to antiquity. Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh in southern India, the Sri Varaha Swamy Temple is a beautiful structure with Dravidian architecture and a history of mythology. When you enter this spiritual sanctuary you are not just entering a temple but a story that began at the creation of the world.
Religious Significance Of Sri Varaha Swamy Temple
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Sri Varaha Swamy Temple is located in the town of Amadalavalasa in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. It is devoted to the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Varaha Swamy. The temple was constructed in the 12th century during the reign of the Chola dynasty, which is evidence of the Cholas’ architectural abilities and religious passion.
It is considered a sacred temple, as it is said that Lord Vishnu incarnated as Varaha (a boar) to save the earth from the demon Hiranyaksha. People visit this temple to pray and to feel the power present in it. The intricate carvings and the sanctum sanctorum are the primary areas where religious activities are performed during ceremonies and festivities.
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Sri Varaha Swamy Temple Architecture
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Sri Varaha Swamy Temple is a fine example of the Dravidian style of architecture. This temple has large gopurams and beautiful pillars and sculptures depicting the various forms of Lord Vishnu, which are carved out here. The temple has carved images of mythical animals, flowers and geometrical designs which testify to the artisans’ craftsmanship.
The Vimana, the tower above the sanctum, is richly adorned with sculptures of gods and goddesses and other celestial forms. The temple also has a large mandapa, or pillared hall, which is characteristic of Dravidian architecture and elaborate in its design. The work done on the stone carvings and the use of granite and sandstone also enhance the majestic look of the temple.
Top Places To See Around Varaha Swamy Temple
Exploring the surroundings of the Sri Varaha Swamy Temple in Tirupati offers plenty of fascinating destinations that enrich the cultural and spiritual experience. Here are the top three places to visit around the temple, each offering its own unique charm and historical significance.
1. Tirupati Balaji Temple
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Tirupati Balaji Temple, another famous temple of India is located just 22 kilometres away from the Varaha Swamy Temple. It is a temple devoted to Lord Venkateswara, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple is famous for its Dravidian style of architecture and the Venkateswara deity with precious jewels attached to it. Millions of people visit this temple every year, especially during the Brahmotsavam festival. Apart from the religious importance of the temple, the view of the Tirumala Hills is exquisite and the temple is a place that nobody should miss.
Timings: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Ideal time duration: 2-3 hours
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2. Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple
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Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple is 23 kilometres from the Sri Varaha Swamy Temple and is situated at the base of the Tirumala Hills. This is an old temple and the only temple of Lord Shiva in the entire Tirupati region. The temple is serene and has well-constructed structures with well-designed carvings. Among the most famous places is the Kapila Theertham, a waterfall that has been considered a holy place and is a place of interest because of the waterfalls. In most cases, the devotees must dip in the water before praying or engaging in their activities. It is ideal for those who have to work on themselves and look for a place to relax as it is very green and calm.
Timings: 5 AM to 4 PM and 4:30 to 9:00 PM daily
Ideal time duration: 1-2 hours
3. Talakona Waterfalls
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The other tourist site is the Talakona Waterfalls, which is 58 km from the temple and is the highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh, with a height of about 270 feet. Located in the A.P, the falls are situated in the Sri Venkateswara National Park and are enveloped by forests. The name Talakona is derived from the Telugu language, and it means ‘head hill,’ as the Kalyani river starts here. The area is also endowed with many endangered medicinal plants, which are found in the region. Tourists can embark on a hiking experience within the forest, marvel at the magnificent waterfalls and even take a bath in the natural pool formed at the base of the waterfalls.
Timings: 6 AM- 7:30 PM
Ideal time duration: 3-4 hours ( includes trekking and birdwatching)
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Best Places To Stay Around Sri Varaha Swamy Temple
Whether you’re visiting for religious reasons or seeking a peaceful getaway, the surrounding area provides a range of accommodation options to suit every traveller’s preference. From serene guest houses offering proximity to the temple to luxurious resorts with scenic views, here are some of the best places to stay around Sri Varaha Swamy Temple.
1. Sri Venkateswara Guest House
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Nestled in the heart of Tirupati, Sri Venkateswara Guest House is the ideal place to rest after a day of temple run. This is a beautiful cottage and may be old but it is very clean and very spacious and gives you a homely feel with constant supply of electricity and water. The attached Sarangi Restaurant is a food lovers’ delight that offers delicious South Indian Thalis and other North Indian delicacies. It is quite a distance to the temple but the TTD bus and the availability of many parking spaces make transport easy. If one is looking for a place that offers both spiritual energy and comfort, Sri Venkateswara Guest House is the place to be!
Address: M8HR+PCJ, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
Check-in time: 14:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM
2. Padmavathy Nilayam
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Located on the Tirumala Hills, Padmavathy Nilayam is your home away from home in the divine city of Tirupati. Just think of waking up to the beautiful balcony view, the sound of the garden – it’s a dream come true! These A/C cottages are large enough to accommodate your whole team, sleeping 8-10 persons in each, and the cost per night is from ₹2,000 to ₹7,000. The 24-hour check-in/out is a god send but do make sure to book online because these little treasures are hot properties! The two main factors that make this place special are the friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. Whether it is a pilgrimage or a leisure trip, Padmavathy Nilayam provides an experience that one will never forget.
Address: M8GW+P63, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
Check-in time: 3:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM
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3. MG Iris Hotel
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The MG Iris Hotel in Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh is a perfect place for families and travellers to stay in. It is centrally situated, within a kilometre from the railway station and bus stand, thus easily accessible. The hotel offers large clean rooms with comfortable king-size beds, which give the guests a royal feel. The hotel’s hygiene and cleanliness are also highly valued by guests, which are on par with the best metro city hotels. The service provided by the staff is friendly and warm, offering early check-in and late check-out at a small additional fee. MG Iris Hotel is a great place for family, a safe and comfortable stay with nearby places of interest such as Govindarajulu Swamy Temple.
Address: Tata Nagar, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517501
Check-in time: 12:00 Noon
Check-out time: 11:00 AM
4. Golden Tulip Tirupati
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Golden Tulip Tirupati is a hotel that is strategically located to cater for the needs of tourists in the Tirupati city while offering comfort. The peculiarities of this hotel are the following: the guests can check in very quickly, the rooms are spacious and the sheets on the beds are clean. The vegetarian restaurant on the premises is also popular among guests and offers delicious South Indian cuisine. Have a great breakfast with a variety of foods to eat and enjoy all the tasty foods that you want. The hotel is located in a good area and has enough space for parking cars, so it is perfect for tourists. Despite the fact that there are some issues with the electronic key cards, the staff was very friendly and helpful, and the overall experience at this clean and affordable hotel was simply unforgettable.
Address: Near Kapilatheertham, 20, Tirumala Bypass Road, Shiv Jyoti Nagar, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517507
Check-in time: 2:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM
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Sri Varaha Swamy Temple: Key Information
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This ancient temple holds significant spiritual importance and is a must-visit for devotees heading to the nearby Tirupati Balaji Temple. Known for its serene ambience and historical architecture, it provides a tranquil retreat for pilgrims. Here is essential information to help you plan your visit to Varaha Swamy Temple.
- Varaha Swamy Temple Timings: The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. During these hours, devotees can participate in various activities, such as prayers and other ceremonies.
- Varaha Swamy Temple Ticket Price: The visitors are allowed to enter the temple without any charges at the Sri Varaha Swamy Temple. However, there are special darshan and puja tickets which are available at a very cheap price and this enables the devotees to have a closer look at the deity.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Varaha Swamy temple in Vijayawada is early morning or late evening as the number of tourists is comparatively less during these times. It is always better to visit during festival seasons, especially during Vaikunta Ekadashi, which will be a different and exciting experience.
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The Sri Varaha Swamy Temple is not only a temple, but a history, art and spirituality all rolled into one. This temple is not just for the religious believer but for anyone who wants to be enlightened and transformed spiritually. Plan a trip to Tirupati and immerse yourself in the Temple’s rich cultural tapestry.
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Cover Image credit : By Krishnan.viswanathan for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sri Varaha Swamy Temple
What is the legend associated with Varaha Swamy Temple?
The temple is believed to be where Lord Vishnu in the form of a boar defeated Hiranyaksha and lifted the Earth from the ocean.
Where is Varaha Swamy Temple in Tirupati?
Sri Varaha Swamy Temple in Tirupati is located on the foothills of Tirumala, near the Papavinasanam Road, about 2 km north of the famous Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) on the seventh peak of Tirumala Hills.
Are there any inscriptions that date back to the ancient period of the temple?
The walls of the temple are carved with inscriptions that can be traced back to the Chola period.
When is the best time to come for a quiet trip to Varaha Swamy Temple?
Early morning on weekdays is the best time to visit the temple, when the crowd is less as compared to other times.
What are the local festivals that are held at Varaha Swamy Temple?
The temple has a grand festival in January on Vaikunta Ekadashi which thousands of people attend.
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