10 Famous Temples in Tirupati

Located in the Southern region of Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is among the holiest cities in the country. It witnesses a lot of tourist footfall throughout the year owing to the Sri Venkateswara Temple located on top of the Tirumala hills. This hill holds mythological significance as it is part of the seven peaks called Sapthagiri and is widely believed that Vishnu resides under these peaks. There are a lot of temples in Tirupati, but it is also known for its universities and educational institutions. The “Best Heritage City” was also selected by the Smart Cities Mission to be developed as a smart city.

There are a lot of famous temples in Tirupati that devotees visit every year.

1. Sri Venkateswara Temple

   
   (Image Source: Nikhilb239)
   Located in the town of Trimula, Sri Venkateswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, who was a form of Vishnu. It is among the top temples in Tirupati as well as the country and is situated on the seventh peak – Venkatadri. It is believed that Sri Venkateswara came here to save mankind from Kali Yuga.
   
   How to reach: Regular bus service is available from Tirupati to Trimula. One can hire a taxi as well. Devotees can also trek from Alipiri which is about 11 km from the temple.
   Best time to visit: July to December
   USP: There are around 433 festivals celebrated at the temple every year. There are also idols of several deities collectively called Pancha Berams which include Bali Beram, Dhruva Beram, Snapana Beram, Kautuka Beram and Utsava Beram.

2. Sri Padmavathi Temple

   
   (Image Source: Vedamurthy.j)
   Considered as one of the most important temples in Tirupati, Sri Padmavathi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who was the wife of Lord Venkateswara. It is believed that after Venkateswara’s 12 years of penance, Lakshmi gave darshan to him on a red Lotus flower which is called Padma in Sanskrit.
   
   How to reach: The temple is just 5 km from the bus stand in Tirupati. Private transport can also be used to reach here.
   Best time to visit: Throughout the year
   USP: Lakhs of devotees take dips in the holy water on the last day of Padmavathi Brahmotsavams.

3. Sri Kapileswara Temple

   
   (Image Source: kkalyan)
   Maharishi Kapila was a devotee of Lord Shiva, after whom the temple has been named. Because of his devotion, he was granted darshan by Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati here. It is among the most famous temples in Tirupati and attracts huge scores of tourists throughout the year. It is believed that pilgrims are supposed to offer their prayers here before heading to the Venkateswara Temple.
   
   How to reach: Located at just 3 km from Tirupati, the temple can be easily reached by road.
   Best time to visit: Throughout the year
   USP: It is the only holy theertham at the foot of Trimula Hills

4. Sri Govindaraja Temple

   
   (Image Source: Arian Zwegers)
   Another famous temple in Tirupati is Sri Govindaraja Temple, located in the heart of the city. There many shrines in the complex but the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is known for its excellent architecture and religious significance. It is believed that Sri Govindaraja Swamy received immeasurable wealth from King Kubera which he used to organize his younger brother, Sri Venkateswara’s wedding.
   
   How to reach: It is at walking distance from the railway station and about 1 km from the bus station.
   Best time to visit: Throughout the year
   USP: The 14th-15th century architecture is beautiful and the scenes of Hindu epics have been made by hand within the temple

5. Kalyana Venkateswara Temple

   
   (Image Source: Agasthyathepirate)
   Considered an ancient monument of national importance by Archaeological Survey of India, Kalyana Venkateswara Temple is a famous temple in Tirupati. The four-armed idol of Venkateswara here is referred to as Kalyana Venkateswara and is facing West. There are idols of Sri Ranganatha and Lakshmi Narayana as well. It is also believed that after their marriage, Sri Venkateswara and Padmavathi stayed here for 6 months.
   
   How to reach: One can book a taxi or board a bus to reach the temple
   Best time to visit: Throughout the year
   USP: It is popular among marriage seeking individuals and newly married couples

6. Prasanna Venkateswara Temple

   
   (Image Source: Agasthyathepirate)
   Prasanna Venkateswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara as well. It was built by the then King of Karvetinagaram, Sri Venkata Perumalaraju Brahmadeva Maharaj, back in 1232 AD. It is believed that praying at the temple can fulfill wishes as the idol is in Abhaya Hasta posture. The temple is also home to Lord Vayu who is believed to cure chronic diseases.
   
   How to reach: One can book a taxi or board a bus to reach the temple
   Best time to visit: Throughout the year
   USP: It is popular among marriage seeking individuals and newly married couples

7. Vinayaka Temple

   
   (Image Source: Vin09)
   Located in Kanipakam, Vinayaka is one of the most famous temples near Tirupati. It was built in the 11th century and according to mythology, the deity here is self-manifested. A large number of visitors gather during annual Brahmotsavam for processions and the deity is taken on different vahanams.
   
   How to reach: It is about 68 km from Tirupati and can be reached by road through Chittoor town.
   Best time to visit: Throughout the year
   USP: The well in which the idol is present is always full of water.

8. Srikalahasti Temple

   
   (Image Source: Kalyan Kumar)
   Srikalahasti Temple is among the oldest temples around Tirupati. It was built in the 5th century to pay respect to Lord Shiva. It is situated on the banks of Swarnamukhi River and according to Hindu mythology, a devotee of Lord Shiva named Kannappa found salvation here. Srikalahasti Temple is also associated with Rahu and Kethu.
   
   How to reach: It is about 36 km from Tirupati and can be reached easily by bus or taxi.
   Best time to visit: Throughout the year
   USP: One of the Panchabhoota Sthalams, the Vayu linga can be seen here.

9. Agatheeswar Temple

   
   (Image Source: LIIT)
   Among the list of famous temples around Tirupati is the Agatheeswar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Of the five ancient Shiva temples on the banks of Swarnamuki River, Agatheeswar is one of them. Visitors can look at the inscriptions that are from the Chola and Pandya period. Devotees celebrate three yearly festivals here, along with six daily rituals.
   
   How to reach: At about 10 km from Tirupati, both public and private transport can be used to reach the temple.
   Best time to visit: Throughout the year
   USP: It is believed that the temple was created by Sage Agastya himself

10. Kodandarama Temple

    
    (Image Source: Raji)
    This temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, Sita Devi and Lakshman and is believed that after returning from Lankapuri, this is where Lord Ram, Sita Devi and Lakshman stayed. This famous temple in Tirupati was built in the 10th century. There is also a shrine of Lord Ram’s mount here.
    
    How to reach: The Tirupati RTC Bus Stand is just 3 km away from the temple and can be reached by any public or private transport
    Best time to visit: March to May
    USP: Ram Navami is celebrated here with full force. Another big event is Brahmotsavams that are celebrated for nine days every year

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