Govindaraja Temple, Tirupati

The Govindaraja Perumal temple is located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. The temple is among the 108 Divya Desams devoted to the Hindu God Vishnu. The temple is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple is also a significant shrine to the Hindu God Shiva. The temple has been refurbished a times by the Cholas, Vijayanagras, Cheras, and Pallava royals in the Middle Ages and ancient periods. There are 6 everyday routines and 2 major annual celebrations held at the temple. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

History

According to legends, the mountain Chitrakoodamalai in North India was the place where Lord Rama once had been. When Lord Rama was sent together with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshman to exile, he discovered a place in South India that reminded him of the mountain in the north. He called that place Chitrakoodam and stayed there during his exile. That is how Chitrakoodam got its name.

According to legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati once chose to have a dance duel. Lord Shiva asked Lord Brahma to judge their duel at Thiruvaalankaadu. Unable to choose the winner, Lord Brahma asked them to seek Lord Vishnu’s aid. Lord Vishnu inquired to duel in Chitrakoodam. When Lord Shiva began dancing, his earring fell off. Lord Vishnu felt that now Lord Shiva would lose and will declare Goddess Parvati as the winner. Lord Shiva picked up the earring and put it back on with his feet and continued dancing. This significantly satisfied Lord Vishnu and Goddess Parvati. Goddess Parvati conceded defeat and Lord Vishnu declared Lord Shiva as the winner.

Importance

The temple is among the 108 Divya Desams devoted to the Hindu God Vishnu. The temple is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. Inside The temple is also a significant shrine to the Hindu God Shiva.

Architecture

The temple is among the big temple complexes in Andhra Pradesh. A 50 m high, 7-storied Rajagopuram was built on the east entrance of the temple by Matla Anantaraja, a local chieftain. This structure has Ramayana scenes and pictures of Matla Anantaraja and his 3 wives sculpted onto the passage walls. Towards the west of Rajagopuram, there are 2 enclosures of the temple, arranged one behind the other. The outer enclosure hosts sub-shrines of Pundarikavalli and Alvars. The inner enclosure hosts the primary shrine of Govindaraja together with the shrines of Krishna with his consorts, Andal. Towards the southwest corner of the inner enclosure, there is a shrine devoted to Kalyana Venkateswara which had a mandapa with finely finished colonettes on the outer piers and with the main area lined with yalis projecting inwards. The structure in the middle had columns of grey-green granite and wood roof.

Idol

The Idol of deity is in reclining yoga Nidra posture, facing east, by keeping right hand under his head and left hand straight over his body. Sridevi and Bhudevi the consorts of Vishnu are in sitting posture at the foot of Govindaraja.

Moolavar:

The Moolavar of this Divyadesam is Sri Govindarajan. He is giving his Seva Kindantha (Sleeping) Thirukkolam in Bhoga Sayanam facing his Thirumugham towards the east direction. Prathyaksham for Thillai Moovayiravar, Paanini, Padhanjali, and Vyakpathra Maharishi.

Thayaar:

The Thayaar found in this Sthalam is Pundaregavalli. She has a separate sannadhi in this temple.

Utsavar:

1. Devadhidevan. Also known as Parthasarathy. He is in a sitting posture.
2. Chitira Koodhathullan with two wives.
3. Sri Rama in his Vanavasa Kolam (i.e. poses as in his forest surroundings).

Mangalasasanam:

1. Thirumangaialwar – 32 Paasurams
2. Kulasekara Alwar – 11 Paasurams.

Total – 43 Paasurams

Pushkarani:
Pundarega Pushkarani.

Vimanam:
Saathvega Vimaanam.

Festivals

• Brahmotsavam
• Vaikuntha Ekadasi
• Gajendra Moksha festival (is the prominent festival celebrated in the temple.)
• Chittirai festival (is celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai March–April for 10 Days)

Nearby Attractions

• Kapila Theertham
• Chandragiri
• Talakona Waterfalls
• Srinivasa Mangapuram
• Tiruchanur
• Tirumala
• Parvati Mohan

How to Reach

By Air: Tirupati has an airport of its own. Therefore, you can reach it directly by air. It is well-connected to cities like Hyderabad, Delhi, Bangalore, etc. The distance between the airport and the temple is 15 km.

By Train: Tirupati has good rail connectivity, and hence one can take a direct train from other major cities of India to reach it. From the railway station, you can use public transport to reach the temple.

By Road: As Tirupati is a popular pilgrimage spot, it has a well-maintained road network, and hence it is easily accessible by road.

Temple Timings

Darshan Timing

Morning Timing	09:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Afternoon Timing	01:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Evening Timing	06:00 PM to 08:30 PM

Aarti and Pooja Timing

Aarti and Pooja	Timing
Ushathkalam	07:00 AM
Kalasanthi	08:00 AM
Uchikalam	12:00 PM
Sayarakshai	06:00 PM
Irandamkalam	07:00 PM
Ardha Jamam	10:00 PM

Temple Video