INTRODUCTION
Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Govindaraja, who is considered to be the elder brother of Lord Venkateswara, and he is worshipped similar to Lord Ventakeswara by the devotees, and this marvellous temple is situated in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The temple was built during 11th century AD and it was consecrated by the great Vaishnavite Saint Sri Ramanujacharya.
The temple is one of the biggest Temple in Tirupati, and it is considered as the most popular temple similar to Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala. At present this wonderful Govindaraja Temple is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. As per customary practice, whoever intends to visit Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala, must have to visit and worship Lord Govindaraja also at his temple. While Lord Venkateswara is worshipped as the divine father by his devotees, Lord Govindaraja is worshipped as the divine mother, since he carefully listens to the problems of his devotees and sort out it instantly. He is also fondly called by his devotees as M.G.R, which means Mother Govinda Raja.
In this temple, the deity of Govindaraja can be seen in Yoga Nitra form, also called as resting or sleeping form. We can also happily witness our beloved goddesses, Ma Sridevi and Ma Bhudevi who can be seen in the form of sitting posture at the foot of Lord Govindaraja. Apart from the main shrine of Lord Govindaraja, few more shrines can also be found at this temple, like shrines of Ma Padmavati Devi, Saint Ramanuja, Kurathazhwar, Chakaratazhvar, Hanuman and Andal. We can also see the deities of Vishnu Avatars, which must be worshipped by us by considering them as the Holy Navagrahas. Most of the Iyengars would name their male children either as Srinivasa or as Govindaraja!
We can also witness a wonderful shrine dedicated to Lord Kalyana Venkateswara at this temple. It is also believed that during Saturdays, Deva Rishi Narada and Gandharva Muni Sri Tumburu Bhagavan used to visit this temple in an invisible form, and they also used to circumambulate this temple for 108 times, by considering it as the Holy Tirumala Hills.
Vaikunta Ekadasi, Krishna Jayanti and Rama Navami are the important festivals celebrated at this temple. Saints like Vyasaraja, Kanakadasa and Guru Raghavendra have visited this excellent temple while they were on their way to the Sacred Tirumala Hills.
“OM SRI GOVINDARAJA PERUMALE NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR
