Govindaraja Temple, Tirupati

Last updated

Govindarajaswamy Temple, Tirupati
Tirupathi (6337140675).jpg
Rajagopuram of Sri Govindarajaswamy temple, Tirupati
Religion
Affiliation Hinduism
District Tirupati
Deity Govindaraja
Festivals Brahmotsavam, Vaikuntha Ekadasi
Governing body Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
Location
Location Tirupati
State Andhra Pradesh
Country India
India Andhra Pradesh location map (current).svg
Om symbol.svg
Location in Andhra Pradesh
Geographic coordinates 13°40′59.7″N79°20′49.9″E / 13.683250°N 79.347194°E / 13.683250; 79.347194
Architecture
Type Dravidian architecture
Inscriptions Telugu and Dravidian languages
Website
tirumala.org

Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple is an ancient Hindu Vaishnavite temple situated in the heart of Tirupati city in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh in India. The temple was built during 12th century and was consecrated in the year 1130 AD by Ramanuja. [1] The temple is one of the earliest structures in Tirupati and also one of the biggest temple complexes in the district. The Tirupati (down hill) city is built around this temple. The temple is currently administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. [2]

Contents

Legend

It is believed that during invasion of Govindaraja Perumal Temple in Chidambaram, the Utsava murti (processional deity) was brought to Tirupati for safe keeping. The Utsava murti was taken back after the invasions. [2]

History

Govindaraja Temple was consecrated in the year 1130 AD by saint Ramanuja. However, there are structures inside the temple complex which belong to 9th and 10th centuries. Before Govindaraja was consecrated as the presiding deity, another form of Vishnu - Parthasarathy enjoyed that honour. [2] Kotturu, a village at the foot of Tirumala hills, was moved to the vicinity of Govindaraja Temple which was later merged into city of Tirupati. [3]

Presiding Deity

The temple is dedicated to the god Vishnu, who is referred to as Govindaraja-swamy. The deity is in reclining yoga nidra posture, facing east, with his right hand under his head and left hand straight over his body. Vishnu's consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi are seated at his feet. In some texts, Govindaraja is mentioned as the elder brother of Venkateshwara, a form of Vishnu whose chief temple is in Tirupati.

Architecture

The temple is one of the largest temple complexes in Andhra Pradesh.[ citation needed ] A 50 m high, seven-storied Rajagopuram was constructed on the east entrance of the temple by Matla Anantaraja, a local chieftain. [3] This structure has Ramayana scenes and portrait of Matla Anantaraja and his three wives carved onto the passage walls. [3] Towards the west of Rajagopuram, there are two enclosures of the temple, arranged one behind the other. The outer enclosure hosts sub shrines of the consort of Govindaraja - Pundarikavalli (a form of Lakshmi) and Alvars. The inner enclosure hosts the main shrine of Govindaraja along with shrines of Krishna with his consort, Andal. Towards south west corner of the inner enclosure, there is a shrine dedicated to Kalyana Venkateswara which had a mandapa with finely finished colonettes on the outerpiers and with central space lined with yalis projecting inwards. The pavilion in the middle had columns of grey green granite and wooden roof. [3]

Besides Govindaraja, the shrines of Parthasarathy (the former presiding deity) and Kalyana Venkateswara are considered religiously significant.

Govindaraja temple also has shrines of goddess Padmavati, Ramanuja and Andal near the entrance. There is a structure housing the Vishnu avatars to the right side of the entrance as like common in other Vishnu temples. There are also shrines dedicated to Chakratalwar, Lakshmi Narayana, Anjaneya and Tirumala Nambi.

Administration

The temple at present is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and follows the vaikhanasa vadakalai mode of worship.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Venkateswara</span> Major deity in Hinduism

Venkateswara, also known as Venkatachalapati, Balaji and Srinivasa, is a Hindu deity, described as a form or avatar of the god Vishnu. He is the presiding deity of Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati. His consorts, Padmavathi and Bhudevi, are avatars of the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai</span> Temple in India

The Parthasarathy Temple is a 6th-century Hindu Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Vishnu in Chennai, India. Located in the neighbourhood of Thiruvallikeni, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th to 9th centuries CE and is classified as among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. The name 'Parthasarathy' means the 'charioteer of Arjuna', referring to Krishna's role as a charioteer to Arjuna in the epic Mahabharata.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Srivari Brahmotsavam</span> Annual lunar festival

Sri Venkateswara Swami Vari Brahmotsavam or Srivari Brahmotsavam is the most significant annual fête celebrated at the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala-Tirupati, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, India. which falls between the Telugu calendar of Aasveeyujamu and the Gregorian calendar months of September or October.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala</span> Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh, India

The Venkateswara Temple of Tirumala, called Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, is a Hindu temple situated in the hills of Tirumala at Tirupati Urban Mandal in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared on the earth to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the place is also known by the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntha and the deity here is referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple and Tirupati Balaji Temple. Venkateswara is also known by other names including Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa. The temple is run by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which is under control of Andhra Pradesh Government. The head of TTD is appointed by Andhra Pradesh Government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Koodal Azhagar Temple</span> Hindu temple in Madurai

Koodal Aḻagar Temple in Madurai, a city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Viyooga Sundarrajan, and his consort Lakshmi as Mathuravalli.

Ugra Srinivasa is one of the idols in the Tirumala Venkateshvara Temple at Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. Ugra means anger and Srinivasa means Venkateshvara with this idol being originally called Venkatatturaivar and this idol is showing the angry form of Venkateshvara. He is also known as Snapana Murti.

Malayappa Swami is the current utsava murti in the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala. Malayappa Swami is worshipped during religious ceremonies and processions wherein it would be inappropriate to use the main deity. The two deities are worshipped equally and believed to be non-different in personality.

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala a landmark Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to be appeared here to save mankind from the trials and troubles of Kali Yuga.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Konetirayala Temple, Keelapatla</span> Hindu temple in India

Konetirayala Swamy Temple is a Hindu temple of Lord Venkateswara in the town of Keelapatla, Palamaner, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal is a Hindu temple in Saidapet, Chennai, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Venkateswara, an incarnation of the Hindu deity Vishnu. It was constructed during the 12th century, but, according to historical records and inscriptions found within the temple, may consist of elements dating back more than 1000 years. The temple was constructed during the era when the South India was under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple</span> Hindu temple in Thoothukudi

The Makara Nedunkuḻaikathar Temple is one of the Nava Tirupathi, nine Hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu located Thenthiruperai along Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the southern bank of Thamiraparani river. It is located 5 km from Alvar Thirunagari All these 9 temples are classified as Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alvars. The temple is referred to as Sukra sthalam, a location for the planet deity, Sukra. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Makara Nedunkuḻaikathar and his consort Lakshmi as Tiruperai Nachiyar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alipiri</span> Neighborhood of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India

Alipiri Padala Mandapam or Alipiri is the place at foot of seven hills in Tirupati, the pilgrim city of Sri Venkateswara Swami, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a neighbourhood of Tirupati city.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Padmavathi Temple</span> Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh, India

Padmavathi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Padmavathi (Alamelumanga), the consort of Venkateswara. The temple is situated in Tiruchanur area of Tirupati city in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Venkateswara Temple is an important Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is dedicated to Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from the trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. The temple is situated at a height of 853 m (2,799 ft) on Tirumala Hills which are part of the Seshachalam Hills and is constructed in Dravidian architectural style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sowmya Narayana Perumal temple</span> Vishnu temple in Thirukoshtiyur

Sowmyanarayana Perumal Temple is an ancient temple located in Thirukoshtiyur, a village in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Sowmyanarayana Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Thirumamagal. The temple is known as the place where Ramanuja, the expounder of Vishishtadvaita philosophy preached the holy ashtakshara "Om Namo Narayanaya" to all people, irrespective of their varna.

Betrayaswamy temple in Denkanikottai town in Krishnagiri district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple is Classified one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavate tradition. It is located 30 km from Hosur and 60 km from Bangalore and 318 km from Chennai, 77 km from Dharmapuri. In this temple Constructed in the Hoysala style of architecture, the temple is dedicated to Vishnu who is worshipped as Devaperumal and his consort Lakshmi as Soundaryavalli in this temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kalyana Venkateswara Temple, Srinivasamangapuram</span> Hindu temple in India

Kalyana Venkateswara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple at Srinivasamangapuram in Tirupati. It is located in Tirupati District of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to the god Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu and is referred to as Kalyana Venkateswara. The temple is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Venkateswara Temple, Dwaraka Tirumala</span> Hindu temple in India

Sri Venkateswara Temple is a Hindu temple located in Dwaraka Tirumala of Eluru district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Known as "Chinna Tirupati", it is considered a spiritual alternative to the famous Tirupati temple. The temple is unique for housing two idols of Lord Venkateswara: a self-manifested idol and a second idol installed for complete worship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Varahaswamy Temple</span> Hindu temple in Tirupati

The Sri Varahaswamy Temple, also called Bhu Varahaswamy Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Varaha, situated at hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati, located in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh state, India. The temple is situated on the northern premises of Venkateshvara Temple, Tirumala, on the north-west corner of Swami Pushkarini. This temple is believed to be older than the Venkateshvara shrine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Venugopalaswamy Temple, Karvetinagaram</span> Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh, India

Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple is a Hindu-Vaishnavite temple situated at Karvetinagaram in, Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh state, India. The Temple is dedicated to Krishna, considered by believers to be the ninth incarnation of Vishnu's Dasavatharam, who is referred to as Venugopala. It is situated at a distance of 58 km from Tirupati and 12 km from Puttur.

References

  1. ↑ Nair, Shantha (7 January 2014). Sri Venkateshwara by Shantha Nair. ISBN   9788184954456 . Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 "Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams - SRI GOVINDARAJASWAMI TEMPLE" . Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Nair, Shantha (7 January 2014). Sri Venkateshwara. ISBN   9788184954456 . Retrieved 10 February 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.