Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, Tirumala
ಶ್ರೀ ವರಹಸ್ವಾಮಿ ದೇವಾಲಯ
Vishnu (Bhu Varaha Swamy) temple · Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
Photo: Siddharth Verma 101 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple is a shrine of Vishnu in his Varaha (boar) avatar at Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which administers it, places it to the north of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple on the bank of the Swami Pushkarini tank.
The temple matters to every pilgrim to Tirumala. By long tradition, devotees visit Bhu Varaha Swamy before going for darshan of Lord Venkateswara.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, Tirumala
According to the legend recorded by TTD, Tirumala was originally known as Adi Varaha Kshetra, the abode of Varaha. TTD cites the Brahma Purana for the account that Varaha granted land on the hills to Venkateswara at his request. In gratitude, Venkateswara is said to have given Varaha the privilege of the first darshan and first naivedyam (food offering).
Because of this tradition, TTD describes a visit to Bhu Varaha Swamy before Venkateswara as essential. A 2011 Times of India report adds that the first bell, puja and naivedyam at Tirumala are still offered to Bhu Varaha Swamy. These are matters of faith and are presented here as tradition.
Heritage
History of Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, Tirumala
TTD describes Varaha as already present on the hills when Venkateswara descended to earth, which is the shrine's place in sacred tradition. Dated historical records of the temple's construction were not found among the sources consulted, so no founding or renovation date is given here.
The temple is closely tied to the main shrine's ritual calendar. The Hindu reported in 2013 that, on the last day of the annual Brahmotsavam, the processional deities and the Chakrattalwar were carried from the main temple to the Bhu Varaha Swamy temple before the Chakrasnanam immersion in the Pushkarini.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
TTD lists the temple's daily darshan hours in two sessions, morning and evening (checked October 2026). Hours can change during festivals, so confirm current arrangements with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams before travelling. TTD's general dress code and conduct rules for Tirumala apply.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) (official website) before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, Tirumala
Varaha Jayanti
TTD performs a special annual abhishekam for Bhu Varaha Swamy on the Shravana star in the month of Shravana; news reports describe snapana tirumanjanam with milk, ghee, honey and coconut water.
Brahmotsavam – Chakrasnanam day
On the final day of the Brahmotsavam the processional deities and Chakrattalwar are taken to this temple before the holy dip in Swami Pushkarini, as reported by The Hindu.
Location
How to Reach Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, Tirumala
The temple is inside the Tirumala temple town, beside Swami Pushkarini and just north of the main Venkateswara temple, so pilgrims usually visit it on foot as part of their Tirumala visit.
To reach Tirumala, travellers first come to Tirupati, which TTD describes as connected by road, rail and air. TTD notes that pilgrims can also get off at Renigunta or Gudur railway stations and continue to Tirupati by road, or fly into Chennai or Bengaluru and drive down. From Tirupati, Tirumala is reached by the ghat road or the footpaths.
Location: Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
Nearest railway station: Tirupati (also Renigunta, per TTD)
More in Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh · Vishnu (Bhu Varaha Swamy) temples · Temples in Chittoor District
Questions
Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, Tirumala: Frequently Asked Questions
Why do pilgrims visit Varaha Swamy before Venkateswara at Tirumala?
According to the legend recorded by TTD, Varaha granted the land on the hills to Venkateswara, who in return gave Varaha the first darshan and first offering. TTD therefore describes visiting Bhu Varaha Swamy first as the tradition.
Where exactly is the Bhu Varaha Swamy temple?
It is on the bank of Swami Pushkarini, to the north of the main Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala.
Who manages the temple?
It is administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which lists it among the temples at Tirumala.
When is Varaha Jayanti celebrated at Tirumala?
TTD observes it every year on the Shravana star in the month of Shravana, usually in August or September, with a special abhishekam.
What is Adi Varaha Kshetra?
It is the traditional name for Tirumala, meaning the dwelling place of Varaha, according to TTD and reports in The Hindu.
What are the temple timings?
TTD lists morning and evening darshan sessions. Timings can change, so confirm with TTD before visiting.
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Wikidata Q48731552 — structured data (CC0)
- Wikipedia — Varahaswamy Temple — text facts from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
- Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams — Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple – Temple Legend
- Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams — To Reach Tirupati
- The Times of India — Varaha jayanti celebrated at Tirumala
- The Hindu — 'Varaha jayanti' today
- The Hindu — Brahmotsavam concludes with Chakrasnanam festival
- The Hindu — With creation of 13 new districts, A.P. now has 26 districts (archived)
- District Administration Tirupati, Government of Andhra Pradesh — Tirupati District official website
- The Hindu — New districts to come into force on April 4
Further reading: Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, Tirumala on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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