Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple

Introduction to Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple

Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple is a famous temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. This significant pilgrimage spot attracts devotees and tourists from various parts of the country. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam manages and administers the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple. It follows the Vaikhanasa Vadakalai worship methods.

History of Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple

The ancient Chola king named Krimikantha was an ardent Shiva devotee who hated Vishnu, so he destroyed all the Vishnu temples in his kingdom. The idols of Sri Govindaraja Swamy, Sridevi, and Bhudevi were immersed in the sea near Chitrakuta (Chidambaram). Some Vaishnavas brought these idols to Tirupati and started performing Poojas for them.

Knowing this, Ramanujacharya made new idols with the help of the king and his disciple Yadavaraya. He consecrated the new idols in Tirupati along with the Utsava Murtis brought from Chitrakuta. All Poojas are performed like those of Tirupati as per the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition.

The Architecture of Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple

Saint Ramanujacharya consecrated the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple in 1130 AD. The temple, which has a seven-tier Raja Gopuram, was built in 1628 in the Dravidian architectural style. The queen of Viranarasinga of Yadavarayas contributed to the decoration of the chariot and necessary repairs in 1239 AD.

Lakshmi Devi's shrine is on the left side of the first entrance. She sits on a lotus with four hands, holding a lotus in her upper hands while her lower hands hold the 'Abhaya' (protection) and 'Varada' (benediction) Mudras.

There is a separate shrine for Sri Ramanuja. On the left of the second entrance is a shrine for Vishnu's 'Kurma' avatar. On the second gopuram, carvings depict the times of the Ramayana and Krishna's pastimes.

The temple's presiding deity is Sri Govindaraja Swamy, an incarnation of Vishnu. He faces east and reclines on his serpent bed with Sridevi and Bhudevi. The four-faced Brahma appears on the lotus rising from his navel, bearing the divine weapons Shankh, Chakra, and others in his four hands. The idol is beautifully decorated with jewels and garments, reflecting the temple's rich cultural heritage. As the main statue is made of sand, priests perform the Abishekam on the small idol.

Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple has two main shrines dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna. Devotees can worship Sri Govindaraja in the north and Krishna in the south, along with his divine consorts Satyabhama and Rukmini. Earlier, the main altar had Sri Parthasarathi. Sri Ramanuja added Sri Govindaraja in 1130 AD.

There are many Mandapams, including 16-pillared and 100-pillared halls, showcasing exquisite Dravidian architecture and craftsmanship. The Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple complex has a museum and smaller shrines, including Kalyana Venkateswara Swami Temple, Salai Nachiyar Devi Temple, Alwar Temples, Vyasaraya Anjaneyaswamy Temple, Chakkarathalwar Temple, Manavala Mahamuni Temple, Vedanta Desikar Temple, and Anjaneyaswamy Temple. The idol of Andal (Godadevi) is on the southern side of Sri Govindaraja Swamy to promote his wealth.

Festivals in Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple

The annual festival Brahmotsavam is one of the most significant events attracting hordes of devotees. This occasion highlights grand processions, special rituals, and cultural performances.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi and the annual float festival are other important festivals celebrated in the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple. Music, dance, and devotional singing are held during these occasions.