Tirupati Govindaraja Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Tirupati Govindaraja Temple, Andhra Pradesh

GS Sannidhi St, Varadaraja Nagar,

Tirupati, Chittoor District,

Andhra Pradesh 517501

Moolavar

Govindaraja

Amman

Pundarikavalli.

Introduction

The Govindaraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in the heart of Tirupati city in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India. The presiding deity of the temple is Govindaraja, and the goddess is Pundarikavalli. The city of Tirupati (downhill) has grown around this ancient temple. The temple is managed and administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Puranic Significance

• The Govindaraja Temple was constructed in the 12th century AD and was consecrated in the year 1130 AD by Saint Ramanujacharya.
• It is believed that during the invasion of the Govindaraja Perumal Temple in Chidambaram, the Utsava Murti (processional deity) of Govindaraja was brought to Tirupati for safekeeping. After the invasions, the Utsava Murti was returned to its original temple in Chidambaram.
• Govindaraja is considered to be the elder brother of Lord Venkateswara, the main deity of the nearby Tirumala Temple. The temple holds immense religious significance and is one of the earliest temple structures in Tirupati.

Special Features

• The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is referred to as Govindaraja Swamy. The deity is in a reclining yoga nidra posture, facing east, with his right hand placed under his head and his left hand stretched over his body. At his feet are Sridevi and Bhudevi, the divine consorts of Vishnu.
• Govindaraja is mentioned in some texts as the elder brother of Venkateshwara, adding to the temple’s significance.
• The temple complex is one of the largest in Andhra Pradesh, with notable features such as:
  • A 50-meter high, seven-story Rajagopuram at the east entrance, constructed by Matla Anantaraja, a local chieftain. The passage walls of the Rajagopuram feature carvings of Ramayana scenes, as well as portraits of Matla Anantaraja and his three wives.
  • Two enclosures within the temple complex, arranged one behind the other. The outer enclosure houses sub-shrines dedicated to Pundarikavalli (the consort of Govindaraja) and the Alvars (devotees of Vishnu), while the inner enclosure hosts the main shrine of Govindaraja along with shrines for Krishna and his consort Andal.
  • A shrine dedicated to Kalyana Venkateswara is located in the southwest corner of the inner enclosure. It features a mandapa with finely finished colonettes and a central space lined with yalis projecting inwards.
• Other significant shrines in the temple include those of Parthasarathy (the former presiding deity) and Kalyana Venkateswara, both important religious symbols.
• Govindaraja Temple also features shrines dedicated to Padmavati, Ramanuja, Andal, and other deities such as Chakratalwar, Lakshmi Narayana, Anjaneya, and Tirumala Nambi.

Festivals

• Vaisakha Festival (Annual Brahmotsavam)
• Float Festival
• Adhyanotsavam
• Thiruvadipuram
• Godaparinayam
• Sri Salai Nachiyar Panguni Uttiram Festival

Century/Period

12th Century AD

Managed By

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams board

Nearest Bus Station

Krishnapuram Tanna

Nearest Railway Station

Tirupati Station

Nearest Airport

Tirupati

Location on Map

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