Govindaraja Swami Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 1 km from Tirupati Railway Station & 22 km from Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, Sri Govindaraja Swami Temple is one of the important temples in Tirupati, located in the heart of the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Tirupati city.

The original temple had Sri Parthasarathi as the main deity. Sri Ramanuja added the Sri Govindaraja deity in 1130 AD. Yadavaraya Dynasty made several gifts for decoration of the chariot and carrying necessary repairs of the temple. The temple came in for greater importance in 1506 AD during the rule of Vijayanagara Dynasty and from then onwards different rulers in a different way developed the temple.

This famous temple in Tirupathi is a remarkable achievement of the ancient south Indian architecture. It has an impressive outer gopura and an inner gopura. The inner most gopura is the earliest one, dating from the 14th century and has carvings that depict scenes from Ramayana and Lord Krishna's life. The temple has two main shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. The shrine to the north is Sri Govindaraja and the shrine to the south is Sri Parthasarathi (Lord Krishna). The idols of Rukmini and Satyabhama are also found here.

The presiding deity Sri Govindaraja Swamy is found lying on Ananta. He is considered as brother of Lord Venkateswara. The Govindaraja Swamy was the caretaker of massive wealth borrowed from king Kubera for the marriage ceremony of Lord Venkateswara with Padmavathi Devi. He efficiently utilized this wealth to conduct one of the most glorious marriages in the mythology. Hence Govindaraja Swamy is considered to be the god who helps you elevate your wealth and efficiently manage the wealth acquired.

This temple complex includes museum and smaller shrines like Kalyana Venkateswara Swami Temple, Andal Temple, Salai Nachiyar Devi Temple, Ramanuja Temple, Vyasaraya Anjaneyaswami Temple, Alwar Temples, Chakrathalwar Temple, Manavala Mahamuni Temple, Vedanta Desikar Temple and Anjaneyaswami Temple.

This is the biggest temple in Tirupati town and attracts lakhs of pilgrims. The abhisekhas are performed to a small idol as the main statue is said to have built using sand. This temple is managed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanm board.

The Bramhotsavam of Govindaraja Swamy during the month of May-June (Vaisakha) and annual Float festival held in February - March, attract a large number of devotees every year.

Timings: 5AM - 12:30 PM, 1:15 PM - 4:45 PM and 6 PM - 9:30 PM