Chittur Temples

Tirupati Balaji Temple
The shrine is located on a hill at Tirumala, a group of seven hills known as Venkatachalam. This temple is located on the seventh peak of Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) and so the Lord is also called Venkatachalapati or Lord of the Seven Hills, which lies, on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.

Kapilatirtham Temple
Location: Tirupati, Chittoor Deity: Goddess Laxmi
Legend: It is believed that one who takes bath in Kapilatirtham and starts the journey will not face any problems in reaching the temple. This was the ashram of Kapila maharshi and goddess Lakshmi resided in this Ashram when she came to earth.

Sri Kalahasti Temple
The Kalahasti temple is dedicated to Kalahasteswara worshiped as Vayu Lingam. The Vayu Lingam, represents the element wind out of the five elements of Agni, Vaayu, Aakasam, Jalam and Prithvi. This is an important temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple`s main idol is the vayu (air) linga.



Sri Govindarajaswami Temple
Location: Tirupati, Chittoor
Deity: Lord Vishnu

It has an imposing gopuram, which can be seen, from a distance. Saint Ramanujacharya consecrated the temple in 1130 AD. The earliest records go back to the year 1235 AD. The Guruparampara accounts of the Vaishnavas ascribe the foundation of the shrine to Ramanuja. There are two shrines and not one, in the center of the innermost enclosure. An outer wall encloses the two shrines. The shrine to the South is dedicated to Krishna, popularly known as Parthasarathi, while the shrine to the North belongs to Govindaraja. The earliest record found is on the innermost gopura and belongs to the fifteenth year of the Yadavaraya chief, Viranarasingadeva of 1224 AD.

Festivals: The festivals and functions are similar to those conducted in the Sri Venkateswara temple. The annual Brahmotsava at this temple is celebrated in the month of Vaisakha every year. The annual float festival is also celebrated every year. This Temple is the main attraction for pilgrims at Tirupati and the biggest in town.


Agastheeswara Swamy Temple
Location: Tondavada
Deity: Lord Shiva

This shrine lies at the confluence of three rivers Swarnamukhi, Bhima and Kalyani. Agasthya Mahamuni installed the Sivalinga and is called Agastheeswara linga. This temple faces the east and all parivaradevathas (family deities) are installed in niches. The Dwarpalakas at the entrance are beautifully sculptured and heighten the grandeur of the hall. It has three entrances and a grand compound wall. Inside the second prakaram, there is a separate shrine for Parvati and is called Vallimata.

There is a tank outside the compound. The nearby village was named Tondavada by the kings of Chandragiri, and was used as a rest house for visitors and keeping elephants. Opposite the Aalaya and in the middle of the river there is a mantap with statues of Balaji, Ayyappa, and Ganapati. There is also a small shrine for Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Anjaneya near the tank.

Sivaalayam Temple
Location: Madanapalli, Chittoor
Deity: Lord Shiva

The ancient temple enshrines a big Sivalinga and lies on the western bank of river Bahuda. The recent renovation work has worked wonders for this temple. It has many Saivate gods installed in mandapams and small shrines.

Sivaalayam Temple
Location: Talakona, Chittoor
Deity: Lord Shiva

It is located in thick forest, infested with wild animals and inadequate transport facilities; this temple attracts lakhs of people, particularly on Mahashivratri festival every year. Shiva has been in this shrine for many centuries. It lies near Piler in the Chittoor district.

Pallikonda Sivaperuman Aalayam Temple
This shrine contains a rare icon of Lord Siva that in a reclining posture. It is a jewel in the crown of Saivism and so is the architecture. This black image is huge and is made with exquisite craftsmanship. Next to lies Parvati`s sannidhi that has a four-foot-high granite image and to its left, in a smaller shrine lies the Valmikeswara linga, and opposite it there is another Sivalinga.

Tiruchanur Padmavati Temple
This temple is known as Alamelumangapuram. Goddess Padmavati is believed to be a very benevolent goddess who readily forgives her devotees if they are repent. Devotees are showered with plenty as soon as they receive her blessings while praying to her, in this temple. She is sitting in Padmasana holding two lotuses in her upper hands.