Varahaswamy Temple Tirumala Guide
At Tirumala, tradition asks pilgrims to see one deity before Lord Venkateswara himself: Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy, the boar incarnation (avatara) of Lord Vishnu. His shrine stands on the northern bank of the sacred Swami Pushkarini tank, and according to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), it is considered essential to have his darshan first because the hill was originally his abode. Lord Venkateswara is believed to have received the land from Varaha and, in gratitude, granted him the privilege of the first puja and the first naivedyam. This guide covers why the Varahaswamy darshan comes first, the temple’s timings, location, prasadam, and the rituals that make it one of Tirumala’s most significant yet often-overlooked shrines.
Why darshan of Varahaswamy is taken first
Tirumala is also known as Adi Varaha Kshetra — the sacred field of the primordial boar. As per local Hindu tradition recorded in the Brahma Purana, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Varaha to rescue the Earth goddess (Bhudevi) from the demon Hiranyaksha, and afterwards chose to dwell on this hill on the northern bank of Swami Pushkarini. At the dawn of the present age (Kali Yuga), when Lord Venkateswara wished to reside on the same hill, he requested land from Varaha, who granted it.
In return, Venkateswara bestowed on Varaha a permanent honour: the right to receive the first darshan and first naivedyam from every pilgrim and from the temple’s own daily offerings. TTD’s own temple legend states plainly that “it is imperative for the pilgrims to pay a visit to Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy before visiting Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy.” In practice, devotees traditionally first bathe (or sprinkle themselves) at Swami Pushkarini, take darshan of Varahaswamy, and only then proceed to the main Venkateswara shrine — a sequence held to complete the Tirumala pilgrimage.
Location — beside Swami Pushkarini
The Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy temple is located just north of the main Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, on the bank (north-west corner) of the Swami Pushkarini, the holy tank at the heart of Tirumala. It is reached from the North Mada Street that rings the main temple. Because it sits right beside the Pushkarini, pilgrims who take a dip in the tank often visit the Varaha shrine as their very next stop, exactly as the tradition prescribes. The shrine is believed by many to be older than the Venkateswara temple itself, reinforcing its “Adi” (first/primordial) status.
Timings, darshan and cost
According to TTD, the temple is open in two sessions through the day, with the shrine closed in the afternoon for rituals. Because the Varaha shrine lies within the main Tirumala complex, actual access can vary with crowd-control and festival arrangements, so confirm current timings on the official TTD portal before you plan.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Deity | Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy (boar avatar of Vishnu) |
| Location | North bank of Swami Pushkarini, off North Mada Street, Tirumala |
| Darshan timings (per TTD) | Approx. 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (confirm on official portal) |
| Darshan cost | Free; no separate ticket typically required |
| Managed by | Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) |
| Ritual tradition | Vaikhanasa Agama |
| Recommended sequence | Swami Pushkarini → Varahaswamy → Sri Venkateswara Swamy |
Prasadam and offerings
The defining offering at this shrine is ritual rather than commercial: because Varaha holds the right of first honours, the first bell, first puja and first naivedyam of the daily worship are dedicated to him before they are offered at the main temple. Devotees traditionally offer their prayers here first as part of a complete Tirumala visit. Standard TTD prasadams associated with Tirumala (such as the famous Sri Vari laddu) are distributed through official TTD counters in the wider temple complex under TTD rules; the specific prasadam and any seva details for the Varaha shrine are best confirmed on the official TTD portal, as arrangements can change.
Rituals and festivals
Daily worship follows the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition, the same ritual system used at the main Venkateswara temple. The most important annual observance is Varaha Jayanti — the deity’s appearance day — celebrated in the Telugu month of Shravana, when a special abhishekam (ceremonial bathing of the deity) is performed. The shrine also features in the broader Tirumala festival calendar, including observances tied to Vaikuntha Ekadashi and the Brahmotsavams, during which special ceremonies such as Chakrasnanam are conducted at Swami Pushkarini nearby.
Tips for pilgrims
- Go here first. To follow the traditional sequence, visit Varahaswamy before joining the main Venkateswara darshan queue.
- Combine with the Pushkarini. The shrine is steps from the sacred tank, so it fits naturally after a dip or sprinkle of the holy water.
- Mind the afternoon break. The shrine typically closes midday; plan a morning or evening visit.
- Check the official portal. Timings, sevas and crowd arrangements at Tirumala change with festivals and darshan load — verify on tirumala.org before travelling.
- Dress and conduct. Traditional attire and standard temple discipline apply, as with all shrines inside the Tirumala complex.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I visit Varahaswamy before Lord Venkateswara?
Because Tirumala is Adi Varaha Kshetra — Varaha’s own land. Lord Venkateswara received the hill from Varaha and, in gratitude, granted him the right of first darshan and first naivedyam. TTD tradition holds that a Tirumala pilgrimage is not complete without first taking darshan of Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy.
Where exactly is the Varahaswamy temple?
It stands on the northern bank (north-west corner) of Swami Pushkarini, the sacred tank just north of the main Sri Venkateswara temple, reached from North Mada Street in Tirumala.
What are the temple timings?
Per TTD, the shrine is generally open around 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with an afternoon closure for rituals. As timings can vary with festivals and crowd management, confirm on the official TTD portal before your visit.
Is there any charge for darshan at Varahaswamy?
No separate ticket is typically required; darshan of the Varaha shrine is free. Any special sevas are governed by TTD and should be checked on the official portal.
What is the significance of the “first naivedyam” to Varaha?
As a mark of gratitude for the land, Lord Venkateswara ordained that the first bell, first puja and first food offering (naivedyam) each day go to Varaha before being offered at the main temple — a tradition still followed at Tirumala today.
What is the main festival at the temple?
Varaha Jayanti, the deity’s appearance day in the month of Shravana, is the principal annual festival, marked by a special abhishekam. The shrine also participates in the wider Tirumala festival calendar.
Sources & last verified (July 2026)
- Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) — Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple Legend: tirumala.org/Varaha_TempleLegend.aspx
- Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) — official portal: tirumala.org
- Varahaswamy Temple — Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varahaswamy_Temple
Editor’s note: tirumalatirupationline.com is an independent pilgrim-information guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) or any temple or government body. For official timings, sevas, darshan tickets and accommodation, please use only the official TTD portal at tirumala.org. Ritual timings and arrangements can change; verify before you travel.
Last reviewed: July 7, 2026
