The historical and holy temple Sri Venkateswara is situated in the 7th peak of the Venkata Tirupati Hill that lies in the south banks of Sri Swami Puskharini. The 80 meter wide and 123 meters long temple covers an area of 2.2 acres. A fine example for Dravidian temple architecture, Venkateswara temple has witnessed the rise and fall of various dynasties.
The historical and holy temple Sri Venkateswara is situated in the 7th peak of the Venkata Tirupati Hill that lies in the south banks of Sri Swami Puskharini. The 80 meter wide and 123 meters long temple covers an area of 2.2 acres. A fine example for Dravidian temple architecture, Venkateswara temple has witnessed the rise and fall of various dynasties.
Tirupati Devasthanam offers unparalleled amenities and services to the devotees who came there from far away places. One among the so called services is the Venkateswara Dhyana Vignan Mandiram, which started its functioning in the year 1980. It works as a museum and at the same time it serves as a good meditation centre to the pious and spiritually thirsty visitors.
Another temple, which holds the Matsya incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Sri Veda Narayanaswami temple is situated in Nagalapuram. This place is 70 km southeast of Tirupati. This legendary temple holds the belief that Vishnu, in the form of Matsya, recovered the Vedas after killing Somakudu. The sanctum sanctorum is adorned by the Matsya form of the Lord with Sridevi and Bhudevi on each side. Sudarsana Chakra of the idol is portrayed in such a way that it is ready for release.
Sri Varahaswami Temple on the banks of Pushkarini is situated in the northern face of the Venkateshwara Temple in Tirumala. This temple depicts lord in his Varaha incarnation. Legends say that Varaha is the guardian of the hill and lord Venkateswara had to take permission from Lord Varaha to stay here in the hill. So it is customary that the devotees pay their tribute to Varaha before proceeding to Venkateswara. It is also a testamentary practice that Naivedyam should first be offered to Sri Varahaswami.
Situated 14 kilometers from Tirupati, Sri Prasanna Venkateswaraswami Temple in Appalayagunta is the place where Lord Venkateswera took his rest while his voyage to Tirumala. This legendary place is believed to be the spot where the lord blessed Sri Siddeswara and other sages after marrying Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru. The main deity in the temple is famed for its joyous mood and it is assumed that the idol is a self-manifested vigraha. Abhishekam on fridays witness large participation of pilgrims since it holds the belief that it would fulfill all their dreams.
Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple in Alamelumangapuram is situated some 5 kilometers away from Tirumala. Goddess Padmavathi’s advent to earth is narrated in various sacred texts. A legendary temple, which holds the fabulous tale of Padmavathi’s birth and her marriage to Venkateswara, this temple happens to be an outstanding attraction in Tirumala.
Legends have it that Akasharaja of Thondamandalam had performed a great yagna and when the sacrificial ground was ploughed, there lies a lovely girl in a lotus. A celestial voice advised the king to look after the child with care and love. Since the child was found in a lotus, she was named as Padamavathi. When she grew up, Lord Venkateshwara came in search of her. The nuptial knot between them took place on a celestial manner.
A 10th century shrine constructed by the chola kings, Sri Kodanadaramaswami temple is dedicated to Sri Rama one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Lakshman and Sita flank the main deity. Stories say that the almighty Lord Rama along with his Goddess Sita and Lakshman made their stay sometime in this temple while their comeback from Ceylon.
Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple is the single most shiva temple in the midst of numerous Vishnu temples. It situates in the foothills of Tirumala, which is just three kilometers north to Tirupati. All important festivals such as Vinayaka Chathurthi, Maha Shivaratri and Annabhishekam and Brahmotsavam are being carried out here.
Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami temple is believed to be the place where Lord Venkateswara stayed for a while after his holy matrimony with Padmavathi. This temple at Srinivasa Mangapuram, carries Kalyana Venkateswaraswami as its chief deity. Main shrine in the center includes garbhagriha, mahamantapa and mukhamantap, which are highly ornate and embellished with fine carvings. All together the temple architecture displays the mix of dvitala and vesara order.