Hidden Temples Around Tirupati Uncover hidden temples near Tirupati — Kapileswara, Govindaraja, Kanipakam & more. A pilgrim’s offbeat guide to spiritual exploration.
Beyond the well-trodden pilgrim routes lies a constellation of Hidden Temples Around Tirupati — each with unique legends, lesser crowds, and serene ambiance. If you want to go deeper into spiritual exploration, this guide will lead you to those tucked-away shrines, their stories, how to reach them, and tips for visiting.
Contents
Quick Facts
| Temple | Distance / Location | Deity | What Makes It “Hidden” / Unique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple & Kapila Theertham | Foothills / at base of Tirumala | Shiva | Adjacent to a waterfall, blending nature + devotion |
| Govindaraja Temple | In Tirupati city | Vishnu (Govindaraja) | Ancient urban temple, overshadowed by Venkateswara shrine |
| Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple | ~ 68 km from Tirupati | Ganesha | Famous Ganesha temple but off main tourist path |
| Vedadri Narasimha Swamy Temple | In rural / scenic area near Tirupati | Narasimha | Quiet, nature-surrounded shrine |
| ISKCON Tirupati | Within Tirupati | Krishna / Radha | Modern temple, peaceful ambience |
| Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignan Mandiram | In Tirupati | N/A (museum & spiritual center) | Less visited spiritual interpretive center |
| Kodandarama Temple | In Tirupati / nearby | Rama, Sita, Lakshmana | Historic, smaller scale but rich in lore |
Temple Profiles & Highlights
Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple & Kapila Theertham
- Situated at the foot of the Tirumala Hills, this temple is associated with a scenic waterfall (Kapila Theertham).
- The temple is dedicated to Shiva, believed to be worshiped by Sage Kapila.
- Visiting here offers a mix of natural beauty + spiritual calm before ascending the hills.
Govindaraja Temple (Tirupati)
- Built in the 12th century, consecrated by Saint Ramanujacharya.
- It lies in the heart of Tirupati city and is often overshadowed by the more famous shrine.
- The deity is Vishnu in reclining form (“Yoga Nidra” style) in some traditions.
Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple
- Located ~68 km from Tirupati, in Chittoor district.
- Dedicated to Lord Ganesha (Varasiddhi Vinayaka), this temple is well known locally but less visited by many Tirupati pilgrims.
- The idol is believed to grow over time — one of its unique claims to fame.
Vedadri Narasimha Swamy Temple
- A quieter shrine dedicated to Lord Narasimha, set in a peaceful environment.
- Ideal for devotees seeking tranquility away from major crowds.
ISKCON Tirupati
- A modern spiritual center, dedicated to Krishna & Radha, with regular bhajans, kirtans, and community programs.
- It adds a contemporary dimension to the temple circuit.
Sri Venkateswara Dhyana Vignan Mandiram
- A spiritual / museum space combining devotion with interpretive exhibits (Puja artifacts, carvings) in Tirupati.
- Less frequented by general tourists — good for contemplative visits.
Kodandarama Temple
- Dedicated to Lord Rama along with Sita & Lakshmana.
- Historic in character, it adds Vaishnava variety to your pilgrim map.
Sample Itinerary: Offbeat & Hidden Trail
| Day | Route / Temples Covered | Notes / Timing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Start: Kapileswara & Kapila Theertham → proceed to Govindaraja → ISKCON → Dhyana Vignan Mandiram → Kodandarama temple | This gives a gentle first day, staying largely within city + foothills |
| Day 2 | Early: Drive to Kanipakam (Ganesha temple) → Return via Vedadri Narasimha | Best to allocate full morning for Kanipakam and then relax mid-day at Vedadri |
| Optional Add-On Day | Mix these hidden temples with your standard “big ones” like Tirumala, Srikalahasti | Creates a hybrid pilgrimage of famous + hidden |
Tips for Exploring Hidden Temples
- Check temple timings — hidden temples may have restricted hours, often morning & evening only.
- Transport — hiring a private vehicle or taxi gives flexibility especially for remote routes.
- Combine nature + worship — Kapila Theertham and Vedadri add scenic value.
- Light crowd benefit — fewer crowds allow deeper reflection and photography.
- Guide or local help — In rural areas, a local guide or directions can be helpful.
Challenges & Precautions
- Facilities (toilets, drinking water) may be limited in lesser visited temples.
- Some roads may be narrow or rough — check your vehicle’s capability.
- Avoid monsoon season for waterfall temples due to slippery paths.
- Respect local customs, timing, and rituals.
FAQs
- Are these “hidden” temples open year-round?
Most are, but timing windows may be limited during off-seasons or special festivals. - Do I need special permits for remote temples?
Usually no, but for very remote ones in forested zones — check local rules. - Can I combine hidden temple visits with Tirumala Darshan?
Yes — plan hidden ones either before or after your hill visit depending on schedule. - Is Kanipakam too far for a day trip?
It is ~68 km away — doable as a morning trip if you start early and plan return time. - Do hidden temples charge entry or fees?
Most are free or accept small donations; larger temples like Kanipakam may have modest fees.
The Hidden Temples Around Tirupati provide a compelling alternate pilgrimage track — less crowded, abundant myth, and serene energy. Whether it’s Kapileswara’s waterfall charm, Govindaraja’s urban sanctity, Kanipakam’s Ganesha grace, or the calm of Vedadri and ISKCON, these shrines complement the mainstream circuit beautifully. Use this guide to craft a soulful, offbeat journey.
🧭 Useful Links
- Famous Temples in Tirupati – Complete Pilgrim Guide
- Tirumala Venkateswara Temple History & Darshan Timings
- Andhra Pradesh Temple Tourism Circuit – Official Map
- Incredible India – Tirupati Tourism Information
- Andhra Pradesh Tourism – Temple Trails Official Portal
Author: TemplesMap Editorial Team
Bio: TemplesMap is India’s most trusted temple travel resource — blending devotion, verified information, and cultural storytelling. Our editorial team includes historians, local guides, and spiritual writers who bring every temple’s story to life with authenticity and accuracy.