The Divine Destinations near Tirumala
Nestled amidst towering hills and lush greenery, Tirumala Balaji Temple is a sacred haven for devotees to lose themselves in spiritual enchantment. While this beautiful temple is the iconic part of the 7 hills, there are other ancient temples in the vicinity that are equally reverential.
A pilgrimage to Tirumala can be an enriching experience, and more so, if the other spiritual sanctuaries in the vicinity are paid a visit. Exuding a harmonious aura and carrying rich cultural heritage in their folds, each temple in and around the 7 hills has a spiritual significance par excellence.
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Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
Goddess Padmavathi is believed to be the reincarnation of goddess lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Located in Tiruchanur, about 5 KMs from Tirumala, this beautiful Sri Padmavathi Ammavari temple houses the radiant goddess Padmavati in all her glory. As per legend, this architectural marvel of a spot is where the union of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi took place. It is customary for devotees to worship at this temple after their darshan of Lord Balaji at Tirumala.
Sri Vakula Matha Temple, Peruru
Dedicated to Sri Vakula Devi, the foster mother of Lord Venkateswara, Sri Vakula Devi temple is situated in Peruru, about 5 km away from Tirupati. The serene visage of the matha idol faces towards the 7 hills where her child resides. As per legend, Sri Vakula Devi is believed to be the reincarnation of Matha Yasodha and arranged the wedding of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi. Visit this beautiful shrine, enjoy a wonderful darshan, and usher in positivity and zest for life.
Tataiahgunta Gangamma Temple
Sri Tataiahgunta Gangamma is considered to be the grama devatha of Tirupati town. She is the sister of Lord Venkateswara. Devotees throng the sanctum sanctorum to seek positivity and harmony. There is a beautiful legend associated with this beautiful shrine and the residing goddess.
In ancient times, Tirupati and the surrounding areas were ruled by a cult king called ‘Palengondulu’, and atrocities against women were rampant. During those times, the goddess Gangamma was born in a small village called ‘Aviala’, and she was exquisitely beautiful. When Palengondulu approached Gangamma with ulterior motives, she tried to kill him. Fearing her fierce demeanor, Palengondulu went into hiding in the nearby forest.
Goddess Gangamma knew that a hidden enemy is far worse than an enemy in plain eyesight. Gangamma planned ‘Ganga Jathra.’ As part of the rituals, the folks of Tirupati performed vichithra veshadharana, where they curse Goddess Gangamma for a period of 8 days. Emboldened by the negative chants against Goddess Gangamma, Palengondulu came out of hiding and died in the hands of the goddess Gangamma.
Remembering this iconic incident, Gangamma Jathra is a famous 8 day local festival celebrated by the people of Tirupati, in May. Each day is a beautiful tribute to the grama devatha who restored peace to the town. To enrich this festival, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam sends a Seer for Goddess Gangamma, on behalf of Lord Venkateswara. The seer includes sarees, turmeric, kumkum, bangles etc.
Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple
Located in the foothills of Tirumala, this beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is named after Sage Kapila who meditated at this spot to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The lingam here is believed to have been installed by Sage Kapila himself. A natural waterfall called Kapila Theertham flows outside the temple complex. This water is considered an elixir that cures devotees from ailments and botherations.
Sri Varahaswami Temple
Dedicated to Lord Varaha, one of the powerful reincarnations of Lord Vishnu, Sri Varaha Swami Temple is situated on the banks of Swami Pushkarini, the holy pond that is believed to have been created by Lord Vishnu himself. The main deity is Lord Varaha, a boar with the head of a human. This beautiful temple is steeped in the history of how Lord Varaha retrieved the earth from the demon king Hiranyaksha.
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple
Located about 12 km from Tirumala, Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple is dedicated to the marital union of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi. Lord Venkateswara blesses his devotees in groom avatar. Considered as an auspicious spot to seek marital bliss, this temple is thronged by couples on their wedding and wedding anniversaries. The unique feature of this temple is the ancient mango tree, believed to have been planted by Lord Venkateswara himself, that bears fruit all year long.
Sri Bedi Anjaneya Temple
Located directly opposite to Tirumala Balaji temple, Sri Bedi Anjaneya Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple houses a 21 feet tall Hanuman idol with handcuffed hands (Bedi-Cuffs) Legend has it that Lord Hanuman wanted to leave Tirumala on a quest, and this forced his mother to hand-cuff him till she returned from her daily chores. She is believed to have stayed back in Akasa Ganga, leaving her son handcuffed till eternity. Offering prayers here is believed to help devotees get rid of their sins and life discords.
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, in Govindaraja form with his consorts Sridevi and BhuDevi, Sri Govindarajaswami Temple is a beautiful spiritual destination to seek prosperity and wealth. Sri Govindaraja Swamy is believed to have been the caretaker of the massive loan taken by Lord Venkateswara from Kubera, for his wedding celebrations. Devotees throng the temple during the Annual Brahmotsavam celebrations. The pooja rituals of this temple are performed as per Vaikhanasa Agama.
Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple
Considered as one of the prime shrines dedicated to Lord Rama, the virtuous incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple is one of the spiritually significant temples in Tirupati. A shrine dedicated to Lord Anjaneya can be found directly opposite to this temple. A visit to this temple is believed to add tranquility, positivity, and zest for life in the minds of the devotees.
Srivari Padala Mandapam Temple
The pilgrims who take the alipiri route to Tirumala Balaji Temple consider it customary to first offer their prayers at Srivari Padala Mandapam Temple located enroute. As per legend, every day after the ekantha seva in Tirumala, Lord Venkateswara takes the Alipiri route to meet his consort goddess Padmavathi Devi in Tiruchanoor. He leaves his footwear at Alipiri padalu, hence the name Alipiri Padala Mandapam. The pilgrims carry the holy ‘Padukalu,’ the footwear that is believed to have been worn by Lord Venkateswara himself, on their heads and offer prayers to the presiding deity of Padalu Venkateswara Swamy.
Prasanna Venkateswara Temple, Appalayagunta
Located 15 kms away from Tirumala Balaji Temple, this temple is in the serene village of Appalayagunta. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, this shrine holds a majestic idol of lord Venkateswara in standing posture. It is believed that offering prayers at this temple can usher in blessings of prosperity and good fortune. The temple is revered for its exquisite architecture and a tranquil aura.
Japali Anjaneya Temple
Located on an auspicious Japali Betta Hill, this beautiful temple is situated inside a cave and dedicated to Lord Hanuman. As per legend, Lord Hanuman rested on this hill while returning from his quest to find Goddess Sita in Lanka. The deity here is also known by the name Karya Siddhi Hanuman, which means ‘the almighty who fulfills the dreams and hopes of his devotees.’ The natural stream flowing near the shrine is believed to have medicinal properties. The temple is considered a healing haven for devotees suffering from chronic illness and diseases.
Tirumala and Tirupati are the spiritually charged places of natural beauty, which give devotees a beautiful mix of spiritual enchantment and a delightful experience of living as one with nature. While the air sizzles with an auspicious aura, the heritage rich shrines dedicated to the almighty lords and goddesses recite tales of our cultural reverence and heartfelt beliefs.
Undertaking a pilgrimage to Tirumala Balaji Temple is a memorable gift you can give yourself. Why not make more memories by offering prayers at the other spiritual sanctuaries in the vicinity? Enrich your life with the magic of devotion and spiritual salvation!
