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ToggleVaraha Swamy - First Diety to be visited
Varaha Swamy is the first deity to be visited in Tirumala. He is also called ‘Shweta Varahaswamy’.
An incarnation of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu in the form of a wild boar
As per the custom of Tirumala kshetra, the Tirumala yatra will be considered complete only after visiting Varahaswamy first, performing pooja, and making offerings to him. Only after that, the devotees should visit Lord Venkateswara. This is also the treaty of the Lord that he had made with Varaha Swamy.
The place got the name Varahakshetra.
Varahakshetra
‘Varahakshetra’ is an ancient time for Tirumala. In the ages past the mountain where Sri Varaha Swamy came to after saving the earth from the seas with his fangs is Venkatachalam.
Tarigonda Vengamamba narrated the conversation between Varaha Swami and Srinivasa in her book “Venkatachala Mahatmyam”,
Venkateswara prayed to Varaha Swamy asking him to show the place to reside until the end of Kali Yuga. “I won’t give the land without money,” said Varahaswami. When Venkateswara prayed Bhuvaraha Swami agreed.
Vallabha Pillar
Lord Vishnu assumed the Boar avatar to rescue Bhu Devi from the demon Hiranyaksha. The legend says that Lord Venkateswara resided here with the permission of Bhuvaraha Swamy.
The tradition is that the Prasadam is being offered to Varaha Swamy first and next to Lord Srinivasa. Here is a pillar called ‘Vallabha Pillar’. Sri Varaha Swamy stands with His leg upraised and holds Bhu Devi in his arms in this temple.
Special Abhishekam
Special abhishekam is performed every year, to the presiding deity in the holy month of Shravana, with the advent of the Shravana star on the auspicious occasion of Varaha Jayanthi.
Darshan Timings
- Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: Morning 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: Morning 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
The horns that come later are stronger and more powerful than the ears that come earlier
True to this proverb, Venkateswara who came late has become more important than Varaha swamy.
In due course of time, visiting Varaha swamy before the darshan of Lord Venkateswara procured prime importance.
