Govindaraja Temple, Tirupati

Govindarajaswamy Temple, Tirupati

Rajagopuram of Sri Govindarajaswamy temple, Tirupati
Govindarajaswamy Temple, Tirupati
Location in Andhra Pradesh
Name
Proper name Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple
Telugu alphabet శ్రీ గొవిందరాజస్వామి ఆలయం
Geography
Coordinates 13°40′59.7″N 79°20′49.9″E / 13.683250°N 79.347194°E / 13.683250; 79.347194Coordinates: 13°40′59.7″N 79°20′49.9″E / 13.683250°N 79.347194°E / 13.683250; 79.347194
Country India
State/province Andhra Pradesh
District Chittoor
Locale Tirupati
Culture
Primary deity Govindaraja
Important festivals Brahmotsavam, Vaikuntha Ekadasi
Architecture
Architectural styles Dravidian architecture
Inscriptions Sanskrit and Dravidian languages
History and governance
Temple board Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
Website tirumala.org

Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple is an ancient Hindhu-vaishnavite temple situated at the heart of the Tirupati city in Chittoor 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 Chittoor district. The Tirupati(down hill) city is built around this temple. The temple at current is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.[2]

Legend

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

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

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is referred to as Govindarajaswamy. Govindarajaswamy is believed to be the elder brother of Lord Venkateswara.[2] The deity will be 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 concerts of Vishnu will be in sitting posture at the foot of Govindaraja. Before Govindaraja shrine consecration Sri Parthasarathi Swamy was the primary deity of the temple.

Administration

The temple at present is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Sub-Shrines

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, Alwars, Lakshmi Narayana Swamy, Anjaneya, Tirumala Nambi, Bhashyakars.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Sri Venkateshwara by Shantha Nair". Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams - SRI GOVINDARAJASWAMI TEMPLE". Retrieved 2016-02-10.
  3. ↑ "Sri Venkateshwara". Retrieved 10 February 2016.
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