Varaha Swamy Temple

Sri Varahaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple located on the northwestern bank of Swami Pushkarini in Tirumala, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Varaha, the boar avatar of Lord Vishnu, it is situated adjacent to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The temple is notable for the tradition that pilgrims offer prayers here before visiting the main Venkateswara shrine, as Varaha is regarded as the original owner of Tirumala hills.

Visitors can expect a small, traditional South Indian temple with a stone gopuram and sanctum housing the idol of Varaha Swamy facing east towards Swami Pushkarini. The temple is located within the Tirumala temple complex, a short walk from the main Venkateswara Temple. The surroundings include the sacred tank, paved courtyards, and queue areas. Visitors can have darshan, observe rituals, and view the temple architecture and the Pushkarini tank.

The temple is believed to be older than the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple and is mentioned in Puranas as Adi Varaha Kshetra. According to tradition, Lord Venkateswara obtained permission from Varaha to reside on Tirumala hills, which was originally Varaha's abode. The temple has been renovated over centuries and is maintained by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

The temple holds religious importance as pilgrims traditionally visit Varaha Swamy before having darshan of Lord Venkateswara, following the belief that Varaha is the presiding deity of Tirumala. Daily rituals and offerings are performed, and the temple is an integral part of the Tirumala pilgrimage circuit.