Vishnu Temples

Mangalagiri Temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha and located in Andhra Pradesh. There are three Narasimha Swamy temples in Mangalagiri – the Panakala Narasimha Swamy on the hill, the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at the foot of the temple and the Gandala Narasimha Swamy at the top of the hill.

Mangalagiri is one of the 8 Mahakshetrams where Lord Vishnu manifested himself. Originally this place was popular as Thotadri where Devi Lakshmi did tapasya. During Vijayanagara Kingdom, this place was also famous as Mangala Nilayam. Mangalagiri Temple is a sacred place where a devout person can find peace and bliss.

What is the history of Mangalagiri Temple?

According to the history of Mangalagiri Temple, a very intriguing story revolves around how the mountain came into existence. The hill looks like an elephant in shape. Hrasva Srungi, the son of the king Pariyatra, visited all holy places for the purpose of regaining normal bodily stature.

He finally came to Mangalagiri and stayed there for three years to fulfil his penance. His father came to take him back home but he to serve Lord Vishnu for eternity took the shape of an elephant and remained at the place. Devotees also believe that all the Devas asked him to stay at the place so that he can attain Moksha and salvation in his life.

What is the significance of Mangalagiri Temple?

Here is the significance of Mangalagiri Temple:

• Sri Channapragada Balaramadasu constructed the steps to the Mangalagiri Temple in 1890.
• On the right side of the steps to reach the Mangalagiri Temple, there lies a stone inscription by Sri Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagar and further up, one can see the foot prints of Mahaprabhu Chaitanya.
• A temple of Lord Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy  is there at midway of the steps where there is only the face with the mouth widely open.
• Behind the Mangalagiri Temple there is the abode of Sri Lakshmi, to the west of which there is a tunnel that, according to beliefs, can lead you to the great Vundavalli caves on the banks of the Krishna.
• Panakala Narasimha Swamy is the God Who Drinks Panakam.
• Also, the god is self-existent here.
• The God takes jaggery water as an offering served by a conch. When the Jaggery water is actually poured into the mouth of the Lord, a gargling sound is there as if the Lord is actually drinking it.  The sound becomes shriller and shriller when the Lord is drinking.

What are the timings of Mangalagiri Temple?

Here are the timings of Manglalagiri Temple:

Timings	From	To
Open	7 am	8:30 pm
morning Archana	7:00 a.m	7:30 a.m.
Panakam and seva darshan	7:30 a.m	1:00 p.m.
Mahanirvedana	1:00 p.m

What are the festivals celebrated at Mangalagiri Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Mangalagiri Temple are:

• The Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Brahmothsavam is the grand annual festival. Devotees believe that  Dharmaraja started the celebration at the behest of Lord Krishna. The celebrations take place for 11 days during the months of February-March.
• Srirama Navami, Hanumajayanthi, Narasimhajayanthi, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and Mahasivarathri are other festivals. On Mahasivarathri, the Lord goes on a procession on a small chariot.
• Further, the Phalguna Suddha Purnima that happens on Chaturdasi, commences the marriage of Santha Narasimha Swamy, and Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

How to reach Mangalagiri?

Here’s how to reach Mangalagiri Temple:

• Air: the nearest airport is Vijayawada airport. It is also connected by Hyderabad and Vishakapatnam.
• Rail: Vijayawada also connects with all major cities in India so the rail route is frequently availed.
• Road: Vijaywada also connects well with Madras, Nellore, Vizag and other cities.

Where to stay in Mangalagiri?

Some of the places where one can stay near Mangalagiri Temple are:

• Fortune Murali Park Hotel- this hotel is along the banks of the Krishna River and overlooks the Indrakiladri Hills. Fortune Murali Park Hotel is three kilometers from the Vijayawada Railway Station and 20km from the airport.
• The Gateway Hotel, M.G.Road is another grand place to check in. It has an welcoming atmosphere with luxurious decorum.

What are some places to visit near Mangalagiri Temple?

Some of the places one can visit near Mangalagiri Temple are:

• Kanaka Durga Temple is a siginificant temple in Vijayawada. On Friday evenings, the priests dress the goddess in silken finery.
• At Amararama Temple, Lord Shiva is also worshipped as Amaralingeswara Swamy or Amareswara Swamy, along with his consort Bala Chamundika. This Temple along with the Draksharama Temple in Draksharamam, Ksheerarama Temple in Palakol, Somarama Temple in Bhimavaram and the Kumararama Temple in Samalkota, forms the holy Pancharama Kshetram.
• The Undavalli Caves are a great architecture of cave complex. A cluster of 64 caves of black rock make the place truly magnificient. They also hold lovely figurines made of monolithic black granite rock. Moreover, the most notable is the stunning image of a reclining Vishnu.

Srinivasa Mangapuram temple is an ancient Hindu Vaishnavite temple present at Srinivasamangapuram which is 12 km from Tirupati in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu and is referred to as Kalyana Venkateswara Temple.

The presiding deity of the temple is Venkateswara who is also Kalyana Venkateswara. The deity will be facing west and is in standing posture with four hands with left two hands one in varada mundra and one holding Chakra and right two hands one in kati mudra and the other holding Shanka.

What is the history of Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple?

According to the history of Srinivasa Mangapuram temple, the temple itself is believed to have I existed from very ancient times and it is said that Sri Venkateswara is referred to even in the Rigveda. ‘Sri Venkatachala Mahatrnyam’ contains Puranic lores from the twelve Mahapuranas.

After celebrating the marriage of Lord Venkateswara Swamy with Goddess Padmavathi, he did not immediately return to the Tirumala hills. But instead he visited the sage Agasthya’s ashram to seek blessings. Yes, even the lord is humble enough to seek blessings from elderly and wise.

As it was scientifically wrong for the newlyweds to scale the hill for six months, the lord was unable to immediately return to the Tirumala mountain-temple. At this situation the sage Agastya suggested that Swamy Venkateswara along with his wife could stay at his humble ashram. Then, the Lord graciously accepted this request and blessed with the ashram with his presence for the entire six months.

About the temple history, this is no substantial indication about its construction. Devotees also believe that the ancient temple’s destruction took place in 1324, during the reign of Sultans. As per the inscriptions on the temple, one can say that the grandson of Sri Annamacharya, Sri Tallapaka Chinna Tirumala Acharya had renovated this temple during 16th Century. Moreover, Tallapaka Family maintained it over a long period of time.

Later it came under the administration of Archaeological Department, Government of India. Finally in 1967, it came under the control of TTD.

What is the significance of Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple?

Here’s the significance of Mangapuram Temple:

• Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple is an alternative to those devotees who are unable to visit the Balaji Temple on the Tirumala Hills. Many newly-wed couples also come here to seek the lord’s blessing for a happy married life.
• Sri Rama Temple, Sri Ranganayaka Temple, Sri Padmavathi and Sri Andal Temple are other shrines in this complex. Devotees can also find small shrines including Sri Sakti Vinayaka Swami, Sri Veerabhadra Swami, Sri Avanakshamma, Sri Parasareswara Swami and Sri Agastheeswara Swami.
• According to Vaikhanasa Bhagavat Shasthram Lord Venkateswara’s idol is ‘Sthanaka yoga Viraha Murthy’. Sthanaka means Standing, Yoga means this idol is mainly for Rishis who wish to attain Mukthi, Viraha means without Sanka and Chakra.
• The idol at Srinivasa Mangapuram is consecrated by Srikrishna Devaraya with the help of Vaikhanasa Priests at Tirumala so that He will be always in touch with the Lord Balaji as he is a diehard devotee of him. So it is a Pratista made by Humans. Whereas in the Tirumala Temple Lord Balaji is self existent and devotees believe that a self existent idol is more powerful than a Pratistitha idol.

What are the timings of Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple?

Here are the timings of Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple:

Timings	From	To
General Darshan timings	5:30 a.m	7:30 p.m.
Kalyanotsavam	11 AM	12 PM
Sahasranamarchana	7:30 a.m.
Sarvadarshanam	(Throughout the day)

Which festivals are celebrated at Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple are:

• The premier focus of the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple is the “Kalyana Utsavam” every day.
• The “Bramhostav” held during the months of February and March.  On this occasion the Lord Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy ascends on a Simha Vahanam (Lion Carrier Ratham) to be a drawn-along with the devotees.

How to Reach Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple?

Here’s how to reach Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple:

• By road: it is 12km from Tirupati. Local buses and autos are available making the journey easier.

Where to stay nearby?

Some of the places where one can stay near Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple are:

• Hotel Fortune Select Grand Ridge is one of Tirupati’s five star hotels at the intersection of Chennai-Bangalore highway, on the Tiruchanoor road. This hotel is just beside Shilparamam Theme Park..
• Situated at a distance of 17 km from Tirupati Airport, KVP Residency is another place that provides ample car parking space. Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple is at a distance of 25 km from the place.

What are some temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Srinivasa Mangapuram Temple are:

• Kanipakum Temple:- You may visit one of the most important Vinayaka temple in south India, at a distance of 86 KM from the Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple.
• Tirumala Venkateshwara Swamy Temple:- It is at a distance of 12 KM. Frequent buses are available. Or you can reach through private vehicles.
• Srikalahasti Temple:- It is at a distance of 60 KM. One can also cover this distance under one and a half hours with a private vehicle or taxi cab. Srikalahasti temple is famous for the Rahu Ketu Pooja.

Govindaraja Swamy temple is an ancient Hindu Vaishnavite temple in Tirupati city of Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh state in India. The temple is one of the earliest structures in Tirupati and also one of the biggest temple complexes in Chittoor district. This temple is closely associated with Tirumala Balaji Temple.

The Tirupati (downhill) city is built around this temple. Further, the temple is for Lord Vishnu, who is Govindarajaswamy. Govindarajaswamy, and the elder brother of Lord Venkateswara.

What is the history of Govindaraja Swamy Temple?

According to the history of Govindaraja Swamy Temple, a large number of inscriptions found in this temple and in the Sri Venkateswara Temple. The earliest of the records belong to the year 1235 A.D when the Chola King, Raja Raja III was ruling the place.

In the year 1239 A.D the queen of Viranarasinga of Yadavaraya made a gift for decoration of the chariot and carrying necessary repairs. The temple came in for greater importance in 1506 A.D. during the rule of Saluva dynasty of Vijayanagar and from then onwards different rulers in a different way developed the temple. Nayakas, the successors to the Vijayanagar Empire built it.

Before consecrating Govindarajaswamy as presiding deity, Sri Parthasarathy Swamy was the presiding deity of the temple. 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.

What is the significance of Govindaraja Swamy Temple?

Here’s the significance of Govindaraja Swamy Temple:

• It’s outer Gopuram which is visible from quite a distance.
• Govindaraja Swami Temple also has two main shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. The shrine to the north is Sri Govindaraja while the shrine to the south is Sri Parthasarathi (Lord Sri Krishna as the charioteer of Arjuna).
• The idols of Rukmini and Satyabhama (Krishna’s wives) are also here. The original temple had Sri Parthasarathi on the main altar. ‘Sri Ramanuja’ added the Sri Govindaraja deity around 1130 AD.
• The nearby shrine is in honor of Sri Ramanuja and on the left of the second entrance is a ‘Kurma’ Deity, Lord Vishnu as a tortoise. There are also carvings depicting the pastimes of the Ramayana and Lord Krishna’s pastimes on the second gopuram.
• Sri Govindarajaswamy temple is a huge complex with many other sub-shrines in it. Parthasarathy temples, 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.

What are the timings of Govindaraja Swamy Temple?

Here are the timings of Govindaraja Swamy Temple:

Timings	From	To
Open	5:30  am	9:30 pm
Viswarupa sarva darshan	5:30 am	6:30 am
Archanantharam darshanam	8:00 am	to 8:45 am
Sarvadarshanam	1:15 pm	4:45 pm
Sarvadarshanam	6:00 pm	8:00 pm

Which festivals are celebrated at Govindaraja Swamy Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Govindaraja Swamy Temple are:

• 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.
• Moreover, the celebrations of all the festivals of this temple take place with great aplomb. These involve Bramhostavam, Float festival, Rathasapthami and other utsavam’s that take place at Tirupati or surrounding temples.

How to reach Govindaraja Swamy Temple?

Here’s how to reach Govindaraja Swamy Temple:

• Air:  Nearest airport to Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple is Chennai international airport, which is 108 km away from Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple.
• Rail: Nearest railway station is renigunta which is 10 km away from Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple.
• Road: bus and car services are available on a fair amount basis.

Where to stay nearby?

Some of the places where one can stay near the temple are:

• Hotel Bhimas Deluxe at G Car Street, Tirupati is Easily reachable from Tirupati RailwayStation (0.25 km). This hotel in Tirupati provides comfortable accommodation.
• Hotel Fortune Select Grand Ridge is one of Tirupati’s five star hotels at the intersection of Chennai-Bangalore highway, on the Tiruchanoor road. This hotel is just beside Shilparamam Theme Park .

What are some places to visit nearby?

Some of the places one can visit nearby are:

• Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple – This temple in honor of Sri Rama is within a distance of about a kilometer from Tirupati Railway station. The Temple is in memory of the visit of Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita to Tirupati while returning from Lanka.
• Alamelumangapuram Tiruchanur, also known as Alamelumangapuram, located about 5 kms from tirupati is also an ancient sacred place. The Temple of Sri Padmavathi Devi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara is in this place. Devotees also believe that the visit to tirumala is fruitful only after a visit to sri Padmavathi devi temple at tiruchanur.
• Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple is at an easily commutable distance of 12 KM to the west Tirupati. It is also the alternative for Tirumala Devastana, and has great divine power.
• Another important Lord Krishna temple is famous as the Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple. Also, this is the only Krishna temple in the vicinity of Tirupati, depicting the Childhood of Lord Krishna. It is in the town Karvetinagaram, at a distance of 42KM from the Tirupati.