Sri Govindaraja swamy Temple

Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple, Tirupati
Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple is one of the substantial sub temples associated with Sri Venkateswara Swamy Tirupati. As we all know Sri Venkateswara Swamy is known to shower love and blessings to his devotee's and followers. The Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple is one of the earliest proof's of the everlasting bliss of Sri Venkateswara. The temple is located as close as 500 Meters from Tiruapti Railway station and 1.5 KM from Tirupati Bus stand, this temple easily occupies your must-visit list of temples around Tirupati.

According to mythology, this temple derived its name from Maharshi Kapila, who immersed himself in ardent penance of Lord Shiva. With the unswerving devotion of Kapila Muni, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati presented themselves at this location and blessed him.

The Shiva Linga is considered to be self-manifested or Svayambhu form of Lord Shiva and is popularly known as “Sri Kapileswara Swamy”. In front of Kapila Lingam lies a very sacred Sarovara (lake) and this is the Bilam (cavity) through which Kapila Maharshi came to earth. A spring falls on the temple. Both the temple and the waterfall are considered to be highly pious.

The Pallava kings, Vijayanagara kings, Tirumala Mahants and so many others developed this historically and sacred temple. Greatness of Lord Sri Kapileswara was mentioned in the Kulothunga Chola inscriptions. These are the most ancient inscriptions among all the inscriptions found in the temple and belong to the 10th century. On the auspicious occasion of full moon day of the Karthika month, all the teerthas( holy water springs) of the three worlds of heaven, earth and underworld converge in this sacred Kapila Teertham.

The daily rituals in this temple are performed according to “Vaikhanasa Agama”. The rituals, festivals and functions in this temple are conducted in line with the rituals performed at Srivari Temple, Tirumala. Generally, the temple is opened daily by 5 AM with Suprabhata Seva and closed by 9 PM with Ekantha Seva. The following are the sub-temples situated in the premises of this temple.

• Sri Partha Sarathi Swamy Temple
• Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple
• Sri Choodikudutha Nachiyar Ammavari Temple (Sri Andal)
• Sri Salai Nachiyar Ammavari Temple (Sri Pundarikavalli Temple)
• Sri Bhasyakarla vari Temple
• Sri Anajaneya swamy Temple Near/Opposite Dwajasthambham
• Sri Thirumangai Alwar Temple
• Sri Kurath Alwar Temple
• Sri Madhurakavi and Ananda Alwar Temple
• Sri Chakrathalwar Temple
• Sri Mudal Alwar Temple
• Sri Manavala Mahamuni Temple
• Sri Vedantha Desikar Temple
• Sri Anjaneya Swamy Vari Temple
• Sri Nammalwar Temple
• Sri Sanjeevaraya swamy Temple (Mattam Anjaneya Swamy Temple)
• Sri Tirumala Nambi Sannidhi
• Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple, G.S. Mada Street, Tirupati

Significance of Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple
Sri Govindaraja Swamy is the elder brother of Swamy Venkateswara, who accomplished the ever-magnificent marriage between Venkateswara Swamy and Padmavathi Ammavaru. The Govindaraja Swamy was the caretaker of massive wealth being obtained from king Kubera for conducting the marriage. He efficiently utilized this wealth to conduct one of the most glorious marriages in the history. Hence Govindaraja Swamy is considered to be the god who helps you elevate your wealth and efficiently manage the wealth acquired.

Temple ArchitecturesThis temple is a remarkable achievement of the ancient south Indian architecture. It's tall and remarkable seven storied outer Gopuram with 11 kalasas was dated to be constructed around 14-15th century is the huge one in Chittoor distirct. This Gopuram is enriched with the handwork depicting the scenes from Baghavata, Ramyana and Sri Venketeswara swami's life. The tall primary Gopuram is followed by a smaller but no less remarkable inner Gopuram. The inner Gopuram holds a decorative courtyard with a spacious inner stone hall, which protects the devotee's even during the busy festival times.

The following are the important festivals conducting in Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple, Tirupati.

• Vaisakha Festival (Annual Brahmotsavam )
• Float Festival
• Adhyanotsavam
• Thiruvadipuram
• Godaparinayam
• Sri Salai Nachiyar Panguni Uttiram Festival
• Radhasapthami
• Jyestabhishekam
• Anivara Asthanam
• Neeratotsavam
• Buggotsavam
• Pavithrosthavam
• Pushpayagam

In addition to the above, Parveta Utsavam & Ponna Kalva utsavams are also being conducted every year. Further, Pournami Garudaseva was also introduced during every month on Pournami day for the convenient of the devotees to fulfill their vows before Lord Sri Govindarja Swamy Varu during processions taken place. Besides this, each Alwar Sathumorai and Thirunakshatram are conducted for 10 days in each of the 12 Alwar Temples.

Specialties of the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple
Sri Govindaraja Swamy is bestowed with the ability to remove of obstacles for the accumulation of wealth. Here the Lord occupies a resting position, after counting the volume of money he has received from Sri Kubera.

It is also believed that the Lord helps you acquire esteemed friends as it was he whom welcomed gods and goddesses from all over the globe. The temple shrine also has the remarkable presence of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Sri Parthasarati and Sri Andal. This also signifies the importance of Sri Govindaraja Swamy in Tiruptai History.

This temple is a remarkable achievement of the ancient south Indian architecture. It's tall and remarkable seven storeys outer Gopuram was dated to be constructed around 14-15th century. This Gopuram is enriched with the handwork depicting the scenes from Baghavata, Ramyana and Sri Venketeswara swami's life.

The tall primary Gopuram is followed by a smaller but no less remarkable inner Gopuram. The inner Gopuram holds a decorative courtyard with a spacious inner stone hall, which protects the devotee's even during the busy festival times.

Special Festivals conducted at the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple
As the temple is connected to a festive occasion, the Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple is home to many festivals of great perchance and importance.
On every Saturday festival there is an onrush of visitors seeking blessings to gain health and immediate wealth.
All the festivals of this temple are held here with great aplomb. These involve Bramhostavam, Float festival, Rathasapthami and other utsavam's that are held at Tirupati or surrounding temples.

History of Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple
The Sri Govindaraja Swamy is the elder brother of Swamy Venkateswara. He is credited for carrying out the marriage that the entire universe was eagerly waiting – between the Sri Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy and Sri Padmavathi Ammavari. This marriage was attended by the gods, kings and public from every universe, those incurred huge expenses. The Govindaraja Swamy met these expenses by accepting credit from Kubera, the king of wealth. After receiving the huge credit, the Govindaraja Swamy conducted one of the magnificent marriages the world has ever seen.

According to legends, the Govindaraja  Swamy was blessed with a left hand wealth line that said that he would return the four folds of everything he spend with his hand. This prediction stays true to itself, as he now continues to receive the immense wealth of his brother, the Sri Venkateswara Swamy. According the agreement, the principal interest will be dispensed in the kaliyuga. Afterward the main principal amount will be payed after the ending of ongoing kaliyuga. With Tirupati is one of the richest temples in Modern times, there couldn't be perceivable discomfort at paying back this amount to King Kubera.

Daily Sevas

Location
Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple

Timings
5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Distance
1.5 Kms from Tirupati RTC Bus stand
0.5 Km from Tirupati Railway station

Address
Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple,
Near Railway Station, Tirupati, Chittoor (Dist.)
Andhra Pradesh, India