Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple
Central Tirupati, Tirupati district · Lord Vishnu as Govindaraja Swamy, reclining, with Sridevi and Bhudevi
The reclining Vishnu around whom Tirupati town grew – consecrated by Ramanuja in 1130 and crowned by a seven-storey gopuram.
The Govindaraja Swamy temple stands in the heart of Tirupati town, and the lower city grew up around it. Saint Ramanuja consecrated it in 1130 CE. The presiding deity is Vishnu as Govindaraja, reclining in yoga-nidra (meditative sleep) and facing east, with Sridevi and Bhudevi at his feet. Tradition calls him the elder brother of Lord Venkateswara. The temple's seven-storey east gopuram is one of the landmarks of the city, and the large complex holds many subsidiary shrines, including those of Parthasarathy, Andal and the Alwars.
Timings
- Temple open: About 5:00 AM (Suprabhatam) – 9:00 PM (Ekantha Seva)
- Thomala Seva: 6:30 – 7:00 AM
- Sahasranamarchana: 7:30 – 8:00 AM
Darshan types and costs
- Sarva darshan – Free
- Special entrance / quick darshan – ₹5 / ₹20 (older TTD listing)
Sevas and costs
- Suprabhatam – ₹10 (older TTD listing – check at counter) (Daily, 5:00 – 5:30 AM)
- Thomala Seva – ₹10 (older TTD listing – check at counter) (Daily, 6:30 – 7:00 AM)
- Sahasranamarchana – ₹10 (older TTD listing – check at counter) (Daily, 7:30 – 8:00 AM)
- Ekantha Seva – ₹10 (older TTD listing – check at counter) (Daily, 9:00 PM)
- Pournami Garuda Seva – Free to watch (Every full-moon evening)
How to book darshan
Darshan is free. Sevas are sold at the temple counter; TTD says they can also be booked in advance on its booking portal.
Dress code
Traditional dress is expected: dhoti or kurta-pyjama for men; saree, half-saree or churidar with dupatta for women.
Best time to visit
Any time of year; early morning is cooler and quieter. The Vaisakha Brahmotsavam (May–June) is the main festival.
How to reach
- air: Tirupati Airport (Renigunta), roughly 15 km.
- rail: Tirupati main railway station is close by in the town centre.
- road: In central Tirupati; reachable by auto or on foot from the bus stand and station.
Festivals
- Vaisakha Brahmotsavam – May–June (23–31 May in 2026)
- Pournami Garuda Seva – Every full moon
- Float festival (Teppotsavam) – Annually
- Vaikuntha Ekadasi – Dec/Jan
- Andal festivals – Through the year