Govindaraja Temple, Tirupati, Hindu temple in Chittoor district, India
The Govindaraja Temple in Tirupati houses a central prayer hall with an east-facing reclining Vishnu statue, flanked by two consorts at its feet. Two sequential walled courtyards surround the main shrine and several smaller prayer chambers for Krishna and Andal.
The philosopher Ramanuja consecrated this temple in 1130, making it a center of worship for followers of his school. During a period of regional invasions, the site served as a safe refuge for a sacred processional statue from Chidambaram.
The name Govindaraja means "king of cowherds", a title referring to Vishnu in his earthly form. Devotees walk through the complex following a clockwise path, stopping to offer flowers and prayers at each shrine along the route.
The open courtyards allow natural light and air circulation throughout the complex. Visitors should wear comfortable clothing that covers shoulders and knees, as the grounds invite walking exploration.
Before Govindaraja became the primary deity, Parthasarathy was the original worshipped figure in this temple. The switch marked a shift in the religious focus of the site and its followers.
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