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Govindaraja Temple, Tirupati
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| Govindarajaswamy Temple, Tirupati | |
|---|---|
Sri Govindarajaswamy vaari Alayam | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Tirupati |
| Deity | Govindaraja |
| Festivals | Brahmotsavam, Vaikuntha Ekadasi |
| Governing body | Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams |
| Location | |
| Location | Tirupati |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Country | India |
  Location in Andhra Pradesh | |
| Geographic coordinates | 13°40′59.7″N 79°20′49.9″E / 13.683250°N 79.347194°ECoordinates: 13°40′59.7″N 79°20′49.9″E / 13.683250°N 79.347194°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Dravidian architecture |
| Inscriptions | Sanskrit and Dravidian languages |
| Website | |
| tirumala.org | |
| Part of a series on |
| Hinduism |
|---|
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Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple is an ancient Hindu-Vaishnavite temple situated at the heart of the Tirupati city in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh state in India. The temple was built during 12 century and was consecrated in the year 1130 AD by Saint Ramanujacharya.[1] The temple is one of the earliest structures in Tirupati and also one of the biggest temple complex in Tirupati district. The Tirupati (down hill) city is built around this temple. The temple at current is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.[2]
Legend[edit]
It is believed that during invasion of Govindaraja Perumal Temple in Chidambaram, the Utsava murti(processional deity) was brought to Tirupati for safe keeping. The Utsavamurtis were taken back after the invasions.[2]
History[edit]
Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple was consecrated in the year 1130 AD by saint Ramanujacharya. However, there are structures inside the temple complex which belong to 9th and 10th centuries. Before consecrating Govindarajaswamy as presiding deity, Sri Parthasarathy Swamy was the presiding deity of the temple.[2] Kotturu, a village at the foot of Tirumala hills was shifted to the vicinity of Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple which was later emerged into city of Tirupati.[3]
Presiding Deity[edit]
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is referred to as Govindarajaswamy. The 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. Before consecration of Govindaraja Swamy shrine, Sri Parthasarathi Swamy was the primary deity of the temple. In some texts, Govindaraja Swamy is mentioned as the elder brother of Venkateshwara (main deity). Govindaraja Swamy temple also has shrines of Padmavati Devi, Bhashyakarla Swamy (Saint Ramanuja), Kurthazhwar and Andal near the entrance. There is a structure housing the Vishnu Avatars to the right side of the entrance as like common in other Vishnu temples. Kalki Avatar here is depicted as Vajimukha (horse faced).
Architecture[edit]
The temple is one of the huge temple complexes in Andhra Pradesh. A 50 m high, seven storied Rajagopuram was constructed on east entrance of the temple by Matla Anantaraja, a local chieftain.[3] This structure has Ramayana scenes and portrait of Matla Anantaraja and his three wives carved onto the passage walls.[3] Towards the west of Rajagopuram, there are two enclosures of the temple, arranged one behind the other. The outer enclosure hosts sub shrines of Pundarikavalli and Alvars. The inner enclosure hosts the main shrine of Govindaraja along with shrines of Krishna with his consorts, Andal. Towards south west corner of the inner enclosure, there is a shrine dedicated to Kalyana Venkateswara which had a mandapa with finely finished colonettes on the outerpiers and with central space lined with yalis projecting inwards. The pavilion in the middle had columns of grey green granite and wooden roof.[3]
Administration[edit]
The temple at present is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
Sub-Shrines[edit]
Sri Govindarajaswamy temple is a huge complex with many other sub shrines in it. Parthasarathy temple, Kalyana Venkateswara Temple are of more importance among the sub-shrines. There are also shrines dedicated to Pundarikavalli, Andal, Chakratalwar, Alvars, Lakshmi Narayana Swamy, Anjaneya, Tirumala Nambi, Bhashyakarla Swamy (Saint Ramanuja).
Parthasarathy Shrine[edit]
Kalyana Venkateswara Shrine[edit]
Gallery[edit]
Govindaraja temple in lights during brahmotsavams
Govindaraja processional deity along with Sridevi and Bhudevi on Pedda sesha vahanam during brahmotsavams
Unjal Mandapam of govindharaja Temple
Matlaanantha Raju and his family at rajagopuram govindharaja Temple
A four pillared Mandapam in front of Govindaraja Temple
Rajagopuram of the temple
See also[edit]
- Hindu Temples in Tirupati
- List of temples under Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
- Govindaraja Perumal Temple, Chidambaram
References[edit]
- ↑ Nair, Shantha (7 January 2014). Sri Venkateshwara by Shantha Nair. ISBN 9788184954456. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams - SRI GOVINDARAJASWAMI TEMPLE". Retrieved 10 February 2016.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Nair, Shantha (7 January 2014). Sri Venkateshwara. ISBN 9788184954456. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
External links[edit]
| Anakapalli |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Chittoor | ||
| East Godavari | ||
| Kurnool | ||
| Sri Sathya Sai district | ||
| Tirupati | ||
| YSR (Kadapa) | ||
| See also | ||
| Hindu temples in other states (templates) | ||