7 Must-Visit Temples in Tirupati for Pilgrims and Tourists
Intricate carvings, ancient inscriptions, glorious idols, and mystical environment greet the pilgrims who travel from different corners of the world to the holy city of Tirupati. Situated in Andhra Pradesh, this land is the abode of divine temples. Dravidian style architecture of multistoried entrance towers and huge complexes fascinates every tourist who comes to pay homage at the sacred shrines. Scroll below to discover the seven most popular temples in Tirupati and what marvels you can expect to find in them.
7 Popular Temples in Tirupati – A complete List
Take a look at some of the most respected holy shrines in the city of Tirupati. See what makes Tirupati one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in India. Find both Hindu and Jain temples in Tirupati in this list.
- Venkateswara Temple
- Padmavathi Temple
- Govindaraja Temple
- Kapila Theertham
- Kalyana Venkateshwara Temple
- Kodandarama Temple
- ISKCON Temple
1. Venkateswara Temple
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Popularly known as Tirupati Temple in India, the Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati dates back to 800 AD and is one of the wealthiest Tirupati temples in the world. Resting peacefully on the seventh peak of Tirumala Hills, just to the north of the flowing Sri Swami Pushkarini River, this temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims every day. This temple was built in commemoration of Lord Venkateswara. Believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, Lord Venkateswara took birth on Earth to destroy evil and restore peace and harmony. To date, his effigy stands inside the temple complex, and it is said it will remain there during the entire period of quarrel and disharmony, the Kali Yuga.
A silvery facade greets the eye as one enters the complex. Constructed in ancient Dravidian style, the architecture of this temple is composed of intricate carvings all over the walls. The temple has another entrance that is painted golden, a complete contrast to the main silver entrance. Pilgrims coming from all walks of life pay their homage to Lord Venkateswara by singing hymns and chanting prayers. The blessings of God are offered in the form of food, known as prasad. The temple is illuminated with lights and candles on grand festivals and is revered as one of the most magnificently built temples in Tirupati.
Location: S Mada St, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 2:30 am – 1:30 am
Main Deity: Lord Venkateswara
Nearby Places: Akasa Ganga, Silathoranam, and Sri Venkateswara National Park
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2. Padmavathi Temple
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The list of Hindu temples in Tirupati is incomplete without mentioning Padmavathi Temple. A pearly white five-story tower forms the fascinating entrance to this divine 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 the Kali Yuga, this temple is located near Tirupati Balaji.
The temple complex includes a large lake called Padma Sarovaram. Bathing in its waters with full devotion is considered divine, as this is 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
Timings: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Main Deity: Goddess Parvati
Nearby Places: Rural Handicrafts Centre, Marina Beach, Papavinasam Theertham
3. Govindaraja Temple
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Once upon a time, a great saint named Ramanujacharya saw Lord Govindraja Swamy in his dream. Pilgrims come here every year to worship Lord Govindraja and pray for the wealth and prosperity of their families. The monumental beauty of its architecture attracts many tourists. From its entrance to its inner courtyards, all aspects of this structure are designed beautifully. Because of its architectural wonder, it is popular as one of the famous temples in Tirupati.
The entrance of this temple has a seven-storied tower with the holy pot of Kalash built on its top. Carvings of scenes depicting the life of Lord Vishnu as Venkateswara and stories from Hindu legends like Ramayana are chiselled all over the stone complex of the temple. Bustling crowds fill the courtyard as they chant hymns and seek the blessings of their lord.
Location: GS Sannidhi St, Varadaraja Nagar, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 5:00 am – 8:30 pm
Main Deity: Lord Govindraja
Nearby Places: Sri Venkateswara Museum, Regional Science Centre, Tumbhuru Teertham, Chandragiri Fort
Related Post: Govindaraja Temple In Tirupati
4. Kapila Theertham
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Cradled at the foothills of the Tirumala Range is the ancient temple of Kapila Theertham, one of the most important Tirupati temples. The sacred Sarovar’s waters fill the centre of the complex, and the sparkling waters of the Kapila waterfall make gushing noises as they fall from the top. The scenic beauty around this temple is breathtaking.
The construction of this temple took many years, with prominent empires like Pallavas, Vijayanagaram, and Tirumala Mahants working towards its preservation. Thousands of Shiv bhaktas (devotees) bathe in the Sarovar waters to wash away their sins and start a new life. They also pay their homage to Maharishi Kapila by offering flowers on Kapila Linga. Aartis are presided over by priests, and devotees sing hymns praising Lord Shiva. On the auspicious occasion of Shivratri, the temple is decorated with scented flowers and glowing diyas.
Location: Kapila Theertham
Timings: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Main Deity: Lord Shiva
Nearby Places: Venkateswara National Park, Vaikuntha Teertham, TTD Gardens, Silathoranam
5. Kalyana Venkateswara Temple
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Looking for temples near Tirupati within 100 kms? Then, visit Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple, also renowned as Srinivasa Managapuram. It is the most famous Tirupati temple in India that has both spiritual and national importance. Said to have been constructed somewhere in the early 16th century, this Vaishnavite temple is devoted to Lord Venkateswara, the incarnation of the Hindu God Vishnu, born to restore harmony in Kali Yuga.
Touched by the sage’s devotion and humbleness, Lord Venkateswara blessed this place. He declared that if any ardent devotee cannot make it to his abode at Tirumala Hills, they can travel to this place and be blessed with his boon. Since then, the pilgrims who cannot visit Tirupati Balaji Mandir for any reason travel to this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. This revered landmark is considered one of the most important temples in Tirupati during the time of Kalyana Utsavam for love life. Pilgrims wishing for a perfect life partner and newlyweds seeking blessings for a happy married life visit this temple.
Location: Tirupati
Timings: 5:30 am – 7:30 pm
Main Deity: Lord Venkateswara
Nearby Places: Hare Krishna Land, Kaiga Falls, and Tada Falls
Related Post: Things To Do In Tirupati
6. Kodandarama Temple
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A dash of golden colour in a pearly white structure forms the landscape of the Kodandarama Temple of Tirupati. It is among the important temples in Tirupati that is devoted to Lord Rama, another incarnation of Lord Vishnu. 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 the 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
Nearby Places: Venkatagiri Fort, Gandikota Fort, MGB Felicity Mall, Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple
7. ISKCON Temple
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The enchanting architecture of the ISKCON temple in Tirupati features a lavender-blue structure with golden doors and arches. 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, the 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
Nearby Places: TTD Gardens, Kapila Theertham, Regional Science Centre, Papa Vinasanam Dam
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These are some of the most divine temples around Tirupati. These temples take you on an expedition of tranquillity and bliss and help you eliminate the negative emotions in your mind. So whether you want your wish to be fulfilled or just seeking some divine bliss, these temples in Tirupati should be a must-visit on your list when you’re taking a trip to Andhra Pradesh.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Temples In Tirupati
How many temples are there in Tirupati?
There are numerous Hindu temples in the city of Tirupati. These temples are devoted to various Hindu gods and goddesses and are admired for their architectural designs.
Is there any dress code for visiting the temples?
When visiting the temples in Tirupati, you need to make sure that you wear proper attire. Women devotees can wear sarees and suits. Men devotees are expected to wear a dhoti or a lungi with uttareeyam or kurta pyjama. Wearing Western dresses like Bermudas, shorts, skirts, etc. is forbidden.
Are there any rules to be followed when visiting a temple in Tirupati?
Yes, there are some general rules that you follow when visiting a temple in Tirupati. Never wear any footwear in/around any temple complex. Also, cell phones are prohibited in the temples even if kept in silent mode. Don’t consume non-veg and alcohol when you are in Tirupati. Do not wear flowers when visiting the Tirupati temples.
How many days are required to explore the city of Tirupati fully?
If you want to visit all the temples in Tirupati, 2-3 days are good enough for exploring this pious city.
What is the best mode of transportation to travel in Tirupati?
One can use buses to travel locally. There isn’t a metro there yet, though there are numerous trains that run locally. These trains, however, are not much preferred for visiting temples. Auto-rickshaws are also a popular choice in this city.
What are the famous tourist attractions one can visit in Tirupati?
Some famous sight-seeing in this city are Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Srivari Padala Mandapam, Sri Venkateswara National Park, Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Swami Pushkarini Lake, TTD gardens etc.
What places near Tirupati are the best to explore?
The city of Tirupati is closely connected with Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. It also has many beautiful lakes, waterfalls, museums, etc. waiting to be explored.
Which temple should we visit first in Tirupati?
Tirupati is one of the revered cities in India but for a perfect start, you can visit Sri Varahaswami temple where Lord Venkateswara and Padmavathy Thaayaar stayed when visited Tirumala for the first time. You will feel a different vibe and positivity while exploring this famous temple.
What are the famous temples near Tirupati?
Here are some of the famous temples near Tirupati within 100 km:
1. Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignan Mandiram
2. Vedadri Narasimha Swamy Temple
3. Akasaganga Teertham
4. Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
5. Sri Varahaswami Temple
What is the order of visiting temples in Tirupati?
Mostly, the order of visiting the temples in Tirupati depends on each individual's preferences and convenience. However, ideally, first, you should visit your Kula Deivam, the deity your family worships if the deity has a temple in Tirupati. Next, offer your prayers at Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple. Visiting the goddess first is considered customary. After that, visit Sri Varahaswami Temple, who was the lord of Tirumala before Lord Venkateswara settled here. Then, you can go ahead and visit the grand shrine of Tirupati Balaji or Lord Sri Venkateshwara Perumal. After that you can visit the temples of Sri Govindarajaswamyvaru, Sri Parthasarathiswamyvaru, Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswamyvaru, Sri Kothandaramaswamyvaru, and others.
Which day is less crowded at Tirupati Temple?
Weekends are heavily crowded at the Tirupati Temple, and weekdays are sparsely crowded, especially Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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