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Kapilatirtham
It is believed that one who takes bath in Kapilatirtham and starts the journey will not face any problems in reaching the temple. This was the ashram of Kapila Maharshi. Goddess Lakshmi Devi stayed in this Ashram when she came to earth from
Vaikuntam.
Japali
The Hanuman temple at Japali, is one of the least known and most worthy places of visit in Tirumala. After a kilometre's trek into the woods, the darshan of lord Anjaneya is really a memorable experience. It is located 3 kms from Gogarbham dam.
Talakona
This enchanting picnic spot of great scenic beauty is located 40kms from
Tirupathi.
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple
This Temple is the main attraction for pilgrims at Tirupati and the biggest in town. The earliest of the records belong to the year 1235 AD. The Guruparampara accounts of the Vaishnavas ascribe the foundation of the shrine to Ramanuja.
Peculiar features of Govindarajaswami temple
There are two shrines and not one, as usual, in the center of the innermost enclosure. An outer wall encloses these two shrines. The shrine to the South is that of Krishna, popularly known as Parthasarathi, while the shrine to the North is that of Govindaraja. The Krishna shrine is presently closed for worship. The earliest record found on the innermost gopura belongs to the fifteenth year of the Yadavaraya chief, Viranarasingadeva of 1224 AD.
Sri Kalyana Venkateshwara Temple
The main shrine stands in the centre of the courtyard and consists of the garbhagriha, antarala in two sections, mahamantapa and mukhamantapa. The adhisthana of the first three members is very high and ornate; the Vimana above the garbhagriha is of the dvitala type containing the series, kuta, panjara, sala, panjara and kuta. There are lions in the four cardinal points on a phalaka over the second storey. The sikhara is round and belongs to the vesara order.
Sri Agastheswara Swamy Temple
This temple has an inscription engraved on its wall. It is dated in the 31st year of Kulothunga Chola, but this is not a foundation inscription. This inscription may be helpful at best in setting the latter limit i.e. 1100-01 AD for its foundation. This temple square on plan has an ekatala and a square sikhara among the five types described above. This temple may be classified under the type I represented by the Irugisvara temple at Yatavakili. The points of similarities are the square plan and the square sikhara, the absence of niches on the walls, niches with griva with nandis at the corners.
Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swami temple
Located 15 kms from Tirupati, the self-manifested vigraha is known for the joyous mood of lord Venkateswara, thus fulfilling the wishes of the devotees. On his way to Tirumala, lord Venkateswara is said to have stayed here for some time, after his wedding with goddess Padmavathi. It is believed that when a devotee performs abhishekam (on Friday) here, all his wishes will be fulfilled.
Sri Venkateswara Sanctuary
Sprawled over 506 sq.kms of land; Sri Venkateswara sanctuary & National Park are an adventurers delight. The rich wildlife provides a perfect retreat.
Sri Kalahasthisvara Temple, Kalahasthi
The temple has four huge towers on all its four sides. A huge tower of 120 ft. height, known as Raja Gopuram gives the temple a majestic look. The Gopura of the temple is adorned with various sculptures of Gods and Goddesses.The temple stands close to Swarnmukhi River. The earliest inscription in this temple belongs to the period of Rajaraja Chola. It is a repository of artistic excellence in Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara tradition.
According to the legend, the linga of Lord Shiva was worshipped by a spider (Sri) that built a web over it. A snake (Kala) adorned the linga with a gem., while an elephant (Hasti) washed the linga with water. Hence, the name Sri Kalahasti. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of 'Vayulinga' in this temple located about 36kms from Tirupathi and between two steep hills on the bank of the river Swarnamukhi. This is one of the finest examples of exquisite temple architecture. It was here that the Lord Shiva tested the unshakable devotion of Kanna (later, Bhaktha Kannappa). Devotees come here to perform rituals to gain boons.
Kanipakam
The present temple is constructed in the 11th century by king Kulottunga of Chola dynasty and further developed in 1336 by the emperors of Vijayanagaram. One peculiarity of the Idol is that it eternally grows in size. To testify the fact that the Lord is growing, the Silver "Kavacham" that was manufactured 50 years ago is now too small for the idol.
Sri Srinivasa Mangapuram
It is believed that at this place that the lord saw Padmavathi. It is believed that the persons who aren't married pray here, to get married. Unlike the temple at Tirumala, this temple is very peaceful, very calm and with natural beauty as an added attraction. One should not miss the Kalyana Venkateshwara Swamy Temple.
Horsley Hills
A perfect summer retreat, this picturesque hill station is at 126 m above sea level. It is 151kms from Tirupathi and 150 kms from Banglore. It is 25 kms from Madanapalli and connected by daily bus service. The hills are breathtaking and enchanting with thick flora and fauna
Narayanavanam
This interesting place is believed to be the venue of the sacred marriage between Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi. The temple lays 36kms from Tirupathi and is dedicated to Lord Kalyana Venkateswaraswamy.
Alamelumangapuram: No visit to Tirupati is complete without a visit to Alamelumangapuram, located about 4kms from Tirupathi. Lord Viswakarma is said to have built this magnificent temple, the dwelling of Goddess
Padmavathi.
Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple
One of the inscriptions in the temple says that Sri Venkateshwara Swamy is incarnation of Sri Rama, and Padmavathi whom he married was at the time of Ramavatara a woman named Vedavati, who was substituted for the real Sita at the time of Ravana's abduction. It is believed that Narasimharaya Mudiliyar started the temple construction. The pilasters found on the walls of the garbhagriha and antarala have Vijayanagara capitals. There is a projecting cornice above the wall with its outer surface decorated with Simhalalata gables and its surface cut into compartments by vertical and horizontal rafters. The Vimana is of the ekatala type containing the series - kuta, panjara, sala, panjara and kuta. Above this tala, there is a phalaka containing lions in the Four Corners. The sikhara is round and contains vertical ribbon cuttings and belongs to the vesara order. There is a single metal kalasa above the
sikhara.
Chandragiri Fort
A stronghold of the Vijayanagar Empire, Chandragiri is situated on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi, located 11kms from Tirupathi. This ancient fort was built on a huge rock and the ruins of the palaces and temples tell the story of the bygone glorious past. The palaces, mahals and temples of the royal family are simply breath taking. APTDC offers a beautiful sound and light show everyday in Telugu and English at Chandragiri fort.
Hare Rama Hare Krishna Mandir
In Hare Rama Hare Krishna temple every morning Pooja is conducted at 6:00 a.m, their religious and moral preaching takes place followed by Bhajans of Shri Krishna, his life and Bhagavad-Gita, recitation takes place throughout the day.
The Holy Relic Shrine
The spiritual stature of Sri Aurobindo needs no special introduction. The very life of this divine manifestation has been providing spiritual guidance to thousands of devotees all over the world. Relics that have been personally consecrated by Sri Aurobindo are interred here, under a gulmohar tree. A rare bust size statue of Sri Aurobindo, a great work of dexterity and devotion is installed over it, which has another set of relics beneath it. The fact that the sculpture belongs to the 1940s, a time when no photographs of the guru were taken, makes it all the more magnetic.
The surroundings of the tree vibrate with spiritual knowledge and blissful peace. It is believed that when meditates in the surroundings of the tree, the mind becomes an ideal receptacle of ever new joy. With all the ingredients of a spiritual feast, the relic tree, which is situated in NGO's colony, is one of the places worth visiting in Tirupati.
Nagalapuram
The sunrays fall on the moola vigraha on March 26,27 & 28 on the forehead, nabhi & feet. This sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Veda Narayanaswamy. The place is about 65 kms. south east of Tirupati. Ph. 08576 - 65282
The Parasareswara Temple
This temple is situated in Jogi Mallavaram, a hamlet to the South of
Tiruchanur.
Gudimallam
The archaeological Department maintains this temple. It is 20 kms from Tirupati and has Lord Shiva in the form of Linga with Brahma Rakshas at the bottom, Sri Parasurama in the middle and Parameswara on top.
Appalayagunta
The temple of Lord Prasanna Venkateswaraswami is Located at Appalayagunta, 15 kilometres from Tirupati. Devotees for relief from chronic diseases worship the imposing image of Anjaneya.
Karvetinagaram
This temple, situated near Puttur at a distance of 58 kilometres from Tirupati, is dedicated to Lord Venugopalaswami with Rukmini and
Satyabhama.
Vayalpadu
The ancient Temple dedicated to Lord Sri Rama is located here. Vayalpadu is about 199
krns. fromTirupati.
Ramagiri
A unique temple of Lord Siva. It is 60 kms away from Tirupati.
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