The Sri Varahaswami Temple, also called Bhu Varahaswamy Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the boar-headed avatar of Vishnu, Varaha. It is located in the Tirumala hills of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.
The temple is believed to be older than the famous Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala . It is situated on the northern premises of the Venkateshvara Temple, on the northwest corner of the Swami Pushkarini, a holy water tank.
According to Hindu legend, Lord Venkateswara sought permission from Varaha to reside on the Tirumala hills. Therefore, many pilgrims visiting Tirumala consider it customary to first seek blessings at the Sri Varahaswami Temple before proceeding to the Venkateswara Temple.
The Sri Varahaswami Temple itself is a rock-cut temple, situated on the northern bank of the Swami Pushkarini. It is a small temple, and darshan (viewing of the deity) typically takes only 20-30 minutes. However, wait times can be longer during festivals and holidays.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you are planning to visit the Sri Varahaswami Temple:
- Dress code: As with most Hindu temples, there is a dress code for visiting the Sri Varahaswami Temple. Men should wear dhotis or kurtas and pants, and avoid wearing shirts without sleeves. Women should wear sarees or salwar kameez, and avoid wearing shorts or skirts above the knee.
- Timings: The temple is typically open from dawn to dusk. However, it is always best to check the temple website or with a local guide for the latest timings.
- Offerings: Devotees can offer puja (prayers) and aarti (worship with lamps) at the temple. Offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets are also common.
Visiting the Sri Varahaswami Temple is a unique experience that allows pilgrims to pay homage to an important figure in Hindu mythology. Whether you are a devout Hindu or simply interested in Indian culture, the temple is a worthwhile stop on your trip to Tirupati.