Varahaswamy Temple, Tirumala

Sri Varahaswamy Temple or Bhu Varahaswamy Temple is a Hindu-Vaishnavite temple situated at hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati, Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh state, India. The Temple is dedicated to the god Varaha, Vishnu's third avatar. The temple is situated on the northern premises of Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala, on north west corner of Swami Pushkarini.[1][2] This temple is believed to be older than the Venkateswara Shrine.[3]

Varahaswamy Temple, Tirumala
View of Swami Pushkarni and Sri Varahaswamy Temple(right corner), Tirumala
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictChittoor
DeityVaraha (Vishnu) and Lakshmi
FestivalsVaraha Jayanti, Vaikunta Ekadasi,
Governing bodyTirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
Location
LocationTirupati
StateAndhra Pradesh
CountryIndia
Location in Andhra Pradesh
Geographic coordinates13°41′05.6″N 79°20′51.9″E
Architecture
TypeDravidian architecture
Specifications
Temple(s)1
Elevation853 m (2,799 ft)
Website
www.tirumala.org

Religious significance
Main article: Legend of Tirumala

As per legend, after saving the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha, Vishnu's boar avatar Varaha stayed on this hill on the northern bank of Swami Pushkarini. Hence Tirumala Hills is also referred to as Adivarahakshetra.[2] In the beginning of the present aeon Kaliyuga, Varaha donated land to another form of Vishnu - Venkateswara on his request. As a gratitude, Venkateswara offered first bell, puja and Naivedyam (food offering) to Varaha before they were offered to him. This is being followed as a tradition even today.[4]

Devotees are prescribed to have darshan ("sight") of Varaha before Venkateswara. It is believed that pilgrimage to Tirupati will not be complete without having darshan of Varaha.[4][1]

History

This temple was renovated by Pedda Tirumalacharya in the year 1535 AD.[5]

Administration

The temple is part of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple and is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Architecture

The rock temple is situated in the Northern bank of Swami Pushkarini and is accessed from North Mada street of Venkateswara Temple.[1][2]

Poojas and 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.[6] Varaha Jayanti is also celebrated.[1][2]

See also

References
  1. "Tirumala Brahmotsavams conclude with 'Chakrasnanam'". The Times of India. 1 September 2011. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  2. "'Varaha jayanti' today". The Hindu. 4 September 2016. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  3. Balaji-Venkateshwara, Lord of Tirumala-Tirupati: An Introduction. Vakils, Feffer, and Simons. 2003.
  4. Flueckiger, Joyce Burkhalter (1 January 2015). Everyday Hinduism. p. 114. ISBN 97-8140-516-0216.
  5. Rao, V. Kameswara (1986). Temples in and Around Tirupati. V. Jayalakshmamma. Retrieved 15 February 2019.
  6. "Tirumala Brahmotsavams conclude with 'Chakrasnanam'". The Hindu. 28 October 2017. Retrieved 15 December 2017.


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