Varahaswamy Temple
Hindu temple in Tirupati
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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 Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala, on the 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 Bhu Varahaswami Temple (right corner), Tirumala | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Tirupati district |
| Deity | Varaha (Vishnu) and Bhudevi |
| Festivals | Varaha Jayanti, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, |
| Governing body | Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams |
| Location | |
| Location | Tirupati |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Country | India |
.svg)  Location in Andhra Pradesh | |
| Coordinates | 13°41′05.6″N 79°20′51.9″E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Dravidian architecture |
| Specifications | |
| Temple | 1 |
| Elevation | 853 m (2,799 ft) |
| Website | |
| www | |
Religious significance
As per local Hindu legend, after saving the earth from the asura 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 Adi Varaha Kshetra.[2] In the beginning of the present Yuga Kali Yuga, Varaha donated land to another form of Vishnu - Venkateswara on his request. As a gratitude, Lord Venkateswara offered the right of 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 darshana ("sight") of Varaha before Lord Venkateswara. It is believed that the pilgrimage to Tirumala will not be complete without having a darshana of Varaha.[4][1]
History
The temple was renovated by Pedda Tirumalacharya in the year 1535 CE.[5]
Administration
The temple is part of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple and is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
Architecture
Ritual practices
Daily rituals are held as per the Vaikhanasa Agama. The Chakrasnanam event during annual brahmotsavams, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, and Rathasaptami, are held in the mukha mandapa of Varahaswamy Temple.[6] Varaha Jayanti is also celebrated.[1][2]