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12th CENTURY SHINE CARRIES ELEVEN GOPURA KALASMS WITH ELEGANCE
TIRUPATI, MAY 22, 2026: Traditionally consecrated in 1130 AD by the great Sri Vaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya, Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple is not only regarded as the oldest one but also stands as the tallest shrine, located in the Heart of the temple city of Tirupati.
Distinguished by its imposing multi-tiered gopuram, with eleven Kalasams, the temple houses Sri Maha Vishnu as Sri Govindaraja Swamy lying with majesty in the reclining posture.
Mythological importance:
It was strongly believed by devotees that Sri Govindaraja Swamy is widely revered as the elder brother of Sri Venkateswara.
It is Sri Govindaraja Swamy who acted as the caretaker of the vast wealth borrowed from the Lord of Wealth, Sri Kubera, to fund the celestial marriage of Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi Devi.
Devotees also believe in an interesting story that is deeply intertwined with the significance of the temple. By measuring the abundant wealth, Sri Govindaraja Swamy became tired and rested on Adisesha, the divine serpent king, and hence the posture of the presiding deity appears here in the reclining form.
Sacred sub-shrines:
The temple houses several sub-shrines dedicated to Sri Partha Sarathi Swamy, Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy, Sri Choodikudutha Nachiyar (SriAndal), Sri Salai Nachiyar Ammavari Temple(Sri Pundarikavalli Temple), Sri Bhasyakarla vari Temple, Sri Anajaneya swamy, Sri Thirumangai Alwar, Sri Kurath Alwar, Sri Madhurakavi, Ananta Alwar, Sri Chakrathalwar, Sri Mudal Alwar, Sri Manavala Mahamuni, Sri Vedantha Desikar, Sri Nammalwar, Sri Sanjeevaraya swamy, Sri Tirumala Nambi Sannidhi, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy temples.
Historical significance:
The temple tank, spread in over 2.5acres and radiates immense spiritual serenity. The divine waters attracts scores of devotees during the seven day annual Teppotsavams.
Festivals:
Akin to Tirumala, this temple also observes several festivals throughout the year.
The following are the important festivals that are being conducted in Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple with religious fervour.
- a) Vaisakha Festival (Annual Brahmotsavam )
- b) Float Festival
- c) Adhyanotsavam
- d) Thiruvadipuram
- e) Godaparinayam
- f) Sri Salai Nachiyar Panguni Uttiram Festival
- g) Radhasapthami
- h) Jyestabhishekam
- i) Anivara Asthanam
- j) Neeratotsavam
- k) Buggotsavam
- l) Pavithrosthavam
- m) Pushpayagam ( Introduced in 2014 )
In addition to the above, Parveta Utsavam and Ponna Kalva utsavams are also being conducted every year.
Further, Pournami Garudaseva is conducted on the Full moon day of every month.
Besides this, each Alwar Sathumorai and Thirunakshatram are conducted for 10 days in each of the 12 Alwar Temples in a big way.
Golden Gopuram:
The golden vimana Gopuram adds divine splendour to the sacred shrine. Similarly, the temple Dhwajasthambham was also reconsecrated.
Annaprasadam:
Every day Annaprasadam is offered to over 3000 devotees and the Annaprasadam was also introduced in the evenings from February 2026 onwards.
Glorious History:
This temple which has a glorious history of over one thousand years was built by the Chola kings in 10th century A.D. This temple was well developed by various kings especially by Sri Krishna Deva Raya in 15h century.
The symbols, images, sculptures and raja mudrikas of the Vijaya Nagara dynasty can be seen on the rocky walls of the outer mandapams, which speaks about the versatility of this ancient temple that is standing ‘Tall’ at the centre of the temple city majestically.
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