Sri Krishna Swamy Temple Tiruchanur,Andhra Pradesh
Sri Krishna Swamy Temple is located inside the sacred Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple complex at Tiruchanur (Alamelumangapuram), about 5 km from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), it is one of the most ancient Krishna shrines in the region.The main deity is Lord Sri Krishna in Padmasana (lotus posture). The sanctum also houses:
Balarama – elder brother of Krishna,Krishna in Kaliya-mardana form – subduing the serpent Kaliya,Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy– the man-lion incarnation of Vishnu.
Architecture
Built in 1221 AD during the rule of the Yadava dynasty, this temple is over 800 years old. The site itself has been a place of worship since the 9th century.The shrine is built in classic Dravidian style with carved stone pillars, a small gopuram, and an elegant sanctum. The peaceful simplicity of the temple reflects its great antiquity and deep devotional atmosphere.
History
This area was once called Sri Sukanoor, after Sage Suka Maharshi, who meditated here. A temple for Lord Venkateswara was built here in the 9th century for devotees who could not climb to Tirumala. In the 12th century, the Sri Krishna Swamy Temple was constructed, consecrating the idols of Krishna, Balarama, and Lakshmi Narasimha. The temple has been a continuous centre of Vaishnava worship for over eight centuries.
Sthalapurana
Long ago, in the sacred town of Tiruchanur (near Tirupati), Goddess Padmavathi, the divine consort of Lord Venkateswara, was born to King Akasharaja. She was an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, and her marriage to Lord Venkateswara is one of the most celebrated divine events in Hindu tradition.
According to the temple legend, during her early years in Tiruchanur, Padmavathi Devi and her companions were great devotees of Lord Krishna. They would gather every day in a serene garden filled with Tulasi plants and sing bhajans in praise of the Lord. It is believed that Lord Krishna, pleased by their devotion, appeared in front of them in his child form (Bala Krishna) and played with the girls.
The place where this divine appearance happened became sacred, and a temple for Lord Krishna was built there to commemorate the event. Devotees believe that Lord Krishna continues to bless his devotees here in his child form, especially granting wishes related to marriage, children, and family happiness.
Another part of the legend says that the deity here was originally worshipped by the Yadavas and later came under the care of the temple priests of Tiruchanur. Over time, the temple became closely associated with Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, and pilgrims visiting Tiruchanur would also visit Krishna’s shrine to seek his blessings before or after darshan of the Goddess.
The Sthalapurana also mentions that during Dvapara Yuga, when Lord Krishna married Rukmini and Satyabhama, He blessed Tiruchanur with his divine presence and promised that whoever worships him here with devotion will have their family life filled with joy, unity, and prosperity.
Festivals
Krishna Janmashtami is the grandest celebration, marked by special abhishekam, vibrant alankaram, soulful bhajans, and prasadam for all devotees. Other important occasions include Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Radhashtami, the Brahmotsavam of Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, and the Gokulashtami Utsavam, each observed with devotion and festive spirit.
