Sri Varahaswamy Temple Tirumala
A sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu, essential to visit before Lord Venkateswara's darshan.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful darshan, fewer crowds
Sri Varahaswamy Temple Tirumala
Best Time
Peaceful darshan, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu, essential to visit before Lord Venkateswara's darshan.
"A must-visit for every devotee coming to Tirumala; it is serene, well maintained, and filled with divine energy."
🎯 Prioritize Varaha Swamy First
Always visit Sri Varahaswamy Temple before Lord Venkateswara for a complete pilgrimage.
🎟️ Book Darshan Tickets Early
Secure your darshan tickets in advance, especially for special darshans, to avoid long queues.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lord Varaha's Divine Presence
Main Sanctum
Witness the majestic idol of Lord Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, radiating strength and protection.
Sacred Swami Pushkarini
Temple Pond
Experience the serene atmosphere beside the holy Pushkarini, a place for peaceful reflection and spiritual cleansing.
Historical Significance
Temple Premises
Immerse yourself in the rich mythology and history of the temple, predating Lord Venkateswara's arrival.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prioritize Varaha Swamy Before Balaji
Plan Your Tirumala Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Prioritize Varaha Swamy First
Always visit Sri Varahaswamy Temple before Lord Venkateswara for a complete pilgrimage.
🎟️ Book Darshan Tickets Early
Secure your darshan tickets in advance, especially for special darshans, to avoid long queues.
📱 Leave Phones Behind
Cell phones and prohibited items are not allowed inside the temple premises.
💧 Dip in Swami Pushkarini
Take a serene dip in the temple pond (no soaps allowed) for spiritual purification.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Prioritize Varaha Swamy First
Always visit Sri Varahaswamy Temple before Lord Venkateswara for a complete pilgrimage.
🎟️ Book Darshan Tickets Early
Secure your darshan tickets in advance, especially for special darshans, to avoid long queues.
📱 Leave Phones Behind
Cell phones and prohibited items are not allowed inside the temple premises.
💧 Dip in Swami Pushkarini
Take a serene dip in the temple pond (no soaps allowed) for spiritual purification.
🚶♀️ Consider the Steps
For a more traditional experience, consider climbing the 3550 steps to reach Tirumala. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Sri Varahaswamy Temple a divine and spiritually uplifting experience, emphasizing its importance as a precursor to Lord Venkateswara's darshan. The peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained premises, and courteous priests contribute to a memorable pilgrimage. While often overlooked, its historical significance and serene energy make it a highly recommended visit.
"I visited Shri Varaha Swamy Temple during my trip to Tirumala, and it was a truly memorable and divine experience. This temple is one of the most important shrines in Tirumala, as it is traditionally believed that devotees should first offer prayers here before proceeding to Lord Venkateswara Swamy’s darshan. Knowing this significance made the visit feel very special and gave a sense of completeness to my pilgrimage.
The temple is located close to Swamy Pushkarini, which makes the surroundings very peaceful and refreshing. The atmosphere is calm, and even though many devotees visit, it never feels overly crowded. The darshan was smooth, and I was able to spend some time in prayer without any rush. The priests were courteous and guided the devotees with respect, which added to the positive experience.
Cleanliness and maintenance are also well taken care of, and the temple premises are neat and organized. Sitting quietly for a few minutes gave me a feeling of peace and positivity. It was a spiritually uplifting experience that I will always remember.
Overall, Shri Varaha Swamy Temple is a must-visit for every devotee coming to Tirumala. It is serene, well maintained, and filled with divine energy, making the pilgrimage feel truly blessed.."
T. Ravi Kumar
"Like everyone else, we finally visited the Tirupati temple. I can't believe that discussing the history and mythology of this temple would take years.
This temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Many devotees visit this temple and donate their hair. This temple was once closed for twelve years,The reason is that It is said about this temple that the doors of this temple were closed for 12 years because a king had hanged 12 people on the wall of this temple, due to which God himself appeared at that time.
Legend has it that before Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji) took up residence in Tirumala, Varaha Swamy, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, ruled the sacred hills. It is believed that Lord Venkateshwara sought permission from Lord Varaha to stay on the hills, with the understanding that all devotees would first offer prayers to Varahaswamy before visiting his shrine. This long-standing tradition endures to this day, with many devout pilgrims visiting Varahaswamy Temple before proceeding to the main Balaji temple.
There are two ways to visit here: one is by walking up the 3550 steps that climb up the side of the mountain, the other is by Bus a 22 km road up the mountain."
Harish Barman
"This temple is dedicated to Lord Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
It is located near the Tirumala pushkarini (temple pond).
Story says when Lord Vishnu wanted to stay at Tirumala, He first asked permission from Lord Varaha. So devotees visit Varaha Swamy temple before going to Lord Venkateswara.
The temple is small but very powerful, and many pilgrims offer prayers here for blessings.
Festivals like Varaha Jayanthi are celebrated here with devotion."
Vignesh Kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Tirumala by climbing approximately 3550 steps or by taking a bus that travels a 22 km road up the mountain. The Sri Varahaswamy Temple is located near the Swami Pushkarini, a short walk from the main Venkateswara Temple.
While specific parking for the Varahaswamy Temple might be limited, general parking facilities are available in Tirumala. It's advisable to use the designated parking areas and walk or use local transport.
Yes, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available in Tirumala to take you to various points, including the Sri Varahaswamy Temple. Negotiate fares beforehand.
Within Tirumala, you can walk to nearby temples like Sri Varahaswamy, use the free bus services provided by TTD, or hire auto-rickshaws for convenience.
There are specific entry points and timings for vehicles entering Tirumala. It's best to check the latest TTD guidelines for any restrictions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Sri Varahaswamy Temple is generally free. However, for special darshans or quicker access, TTD may offer paid tickets or passes.
The temple timings can vary, but it is generally open from early morning until late evening. It's advisable to check the official TTD website or inquire locally for the most accurate timings.
Yes, a modest dress code is expected. Devotees should wear traditional Indian attire or clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
While the primary focus is on Lord Venkateswara's darshan, special darshan tickets might be available for Varahaswamy Temple during peak festival times. Check TTD for details.
Generally, there are no entry fees for the main darshan at Sri Varahaswamy Temple. Donations are welcome.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
According to legend, Lord Venkateswara sought permission from Lord Varaha to reside on Tirumala hills. It's customary to seek Varaha Swamy's blessings first, signifying respect and completing the pilgrimage. +1
Compared to the main Venkateswara Temple, Sri Varahaswamy Temple is often less crowded, offering a more peaceful darshan experience.
Basic facilities like drinking water and restrooms are usually available. Lockers are provided for valuables like cell phones and cameras.
Photography is generally prohibited inside the sanctum and inner premises of the temple. Please adhere to the signage and instructions from temple staff.
Hair donation is a significant ritual at Tirumala, primarily associated with Lord Venkateswara. While some may offer it, it's not a mandatory requirement for Varahaswamy Temple.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find Annadanam (free meal service) provided by TTD near the main Venkateswara Temple. Several small eateries and restaurants are also available in Tirumala town.
Yes, Tirumala is a vegetarian pilgrimage site, so all food options are strictly vegetarian.
Food items are generally not allowed inside the temple premises. It's best to consume your meals before entering or at designated areas.
Annadanam is a free meal service offered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to all pilgrims, providing a wholesome vegetarian meal.
While Tirumala focuses on pilgrimage, there are a few decent restaurants offering South Indian cuisine. For more upscale dining, you might need to travel to Tirupati town.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the sanctum and inner areas of Sri Varahaswamy Temple to maintain the sanctity of the place.
You can capture beautiful shots of the temple's exterior, the Swami Pushkarini, and the surrounding scenic beauty of Tirumala.
The areas around Swami Pushkarini offer serene views. The journey up to Tirumala also provides scenic vistas.
Mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple. You will need to deposit them at the cloakroom before entering.
Focus on architectural details of the exterior, the spiritual ambiance, and the natural beauty of the surroundings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While photography is not allowed inside, the serene surroundings of the Swami Pushkarini offer opportunities for family photos. Consider the Annadanam (free meal service) for a convenient and wholesome meal for the entire family after your temple visits.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Utilize the free bus services within Tirumala and take advantage of the Annadanam for meals. Carrying an ID like an Aadhar copy is essential, and leaving valuables like cell phones at the cloakroom is recommended to avoid issues.
🧘 Spiritual Seekers
+1The temple's serene atmosphere, especially during early mornings, allows for quiet contemplation and prayer. The proximity to the Swami Pushkarini further enhances the spiritual ambiance, offering a tranquil space for reflection before the main darshan.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Lord Varaha
+1It is believed that when Lord Venkateswara decided to reside in Tirumala, he sought permission from Lord Varaha. As a mark of respect and to ensure the continuity of Varaha Swamy's dominion, Lord Venkateswara promised that all devotees would first offer prayers at the Varahaswamy Temple before proceeding to his own shrine. This tradition is deeply ingrained in the pilgrimage, making a visit to this temple an integral part of the spiritual journey for many devotees.
The temple itself, though smaller than the main Venkateswara Temple, is considered spiritually potent. The idol of Lord Varaha is described as majestic and powerful, radiating a sense of protection and divine grace. The atmosphere within the temple is often noted for its serenity, allowing for a more personal and peaceful experience of devotion.
Pilgrimage Etiquette and Traditions
+1Devotees are expected to adhere to a modest dress code, covering shoulders and knees, to show respect for the sacred site. Photography is prohibited inside the temple to maintain the sanctity and focus on devotion. It is also customary to deposit valuables like mobile phones and cameras at the designated cloakrooms before entering the temple premises.
Many pilgrims also choose to take a dip in the Swami Pushkarini, the holy pond adjacent to the temple, as a ritual of purification. While soaps are not allowed, the act of bathing in the sacred waters is believed to cleanse sins and enhance spiritual merit.
Navigating Tirumala: Travel and Access
Once in Tirumala, the Sri Varahaswamy Temple is conveniently located near the Swami Pushkarini, a short walk from the main Venkateswara Temple. For movement within Tirumala, pilgrims can utilize the free bus services provided by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), walk between the various shrines, or opt for local auto-rickshaws.
Planning your visit in advance is crucial, especially regarding darshan tickets. Booking special darshan tickets for Lord Venkateswara can significantly reduce waiting times. While Varahaswamy Temple entry is generally free, understanding the flow of the pilgrimage and the proximity of the temples can help optimize your time and spiritual experience.
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