Shri Varaha Swamy Temple — Attraction in Andhra Pradesh

The Varahaswamy Temple in Tirumala is one of the most sacred yet often overlooked shrines, located just north of the Pushkarini (holy pond) and a short walk from the main Tirupati Balaji Temple. What makes this temple truly special is its deep historical and mythological significance.

According to legend, before Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji) took up residence in Tirumala, it was Varaha Swamy, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who ruled the sacred hills. It is believed that Lord Venkateshwara sought permission from Lord Varaha to stay on the hills and promised that all devotees must first offer prayers to Varahaswamy before visiting his own shrine. This ancient belief continues even today, and many devout pilgrims make it a point to visit Varahaswamy Temple before heading to the main Balaji temple.

The temple itself is small but spiritually powerful. The idol of Lord Varaha is majestic and carved in a unique style, radiating strength and protection. The atmosphere inside is serene, with fewer crowds, allowing for peaceful darshan and reflection. The priests here are kind and perform the rituals with devotion, often explaining the significance to curious visitors.

The architecture reflects a blend of Dravidian style with modest stone carvings and a beautifully simple sanctum. The temple premises are clean, and its proximity to the water tank adds a calm, sacred aura to the experience.

If you're in Tirumala, do not skip this temple. It's not just about following tradition — the energy, history, and peacefulness make it a deeply fulfilling visit on its own.

A sacred spot rich in mythology, history, and spiritual depth. Highly recommended before your...

The Sri Varahaswamy Temple, also known as the Bhu Varahaswamy Temple, is a significant Hindu shrine located in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this temple holds immense religious importance and is considered older than the renowned Venkateswara Temple.

Location:

The temple is situated on the northern bank of the Swami Pushkarini lake, adjacent to the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala.

Legend and Significance:

According to Hindu mythology, after rescuing the Earth (personified as Goddess Bhudevi) from the demon Hiranyaksha, Lord Varaha chose to reside on the Tirumala hills. Recognizing the sanctity of this site, Lord Venkateswara sought Lord Varaha's permission to inhabit the hills. In gratitude, Lord Venkateswara decreed that devotees should first pay homage to Lord Varaha before visiting his own shrine. This tradition continues, with pilgrims offering their initial prayers and naivedyam (food offerings) to Lord Varaha.

Temple Timings:

The Sri Varahaswamy Temple operates daily with the following schedule:

Monday to Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Friday: 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Visiting Protocol:

It is customary for devotees to first visit the Sri Varahaswamy Temple before proceeding to the Venkateswara Temple. This sequence is believed to complete the pilgrimage and bestow the full blessings of both deities.

The Sri Varahaswamy Temple stands as a testament to ancient traditions and the deep-rooted spirituality of Tirumala, offering devotees a profound connection...

I visited Shri Varaha Swamy Temple during my trip to Tirumala, and it was a truly memorable and divine experience. This temple is one of the most important shrines in Tirumala, as it is traditionally believed that devotees should first offer prayers here before proceeding to Lord Venkateswara Swamy’s darshan. Knowing this significance made the visit feel very special and gave a sense of completeness to my pilgrimage.

The temple is located close to Swamy Pushkarini, which makes the surroundings very peaceful and refreshing. The atmosphere is calm, and even though many devotees visit, it never feels overly crowded. The darshan was smooth, and I was able to spend some time in prayer without any rush. The priests were courteous and guided the devotees with respect, which added to the positive experience.

Cleanliness and maintenance are also well taken care of, and the temple premises are neat and organized. Sitting quietly for a few minutes gave me a feeling of peace and positivity. It was a spiritually uplifting experience that I will always remember.

Overall, Shri Varaha Swamy Temple is a must-visit for every devotee coming to Tirumala. It is serene, well maintained, and filled with divine energy, making the pilgrimage feel...