Swetha Varahi Temple, a unique spiritual landmark near Tirupati

Nestled on the serene banks of Rayala Cheruvu near Tirupati, Sri Sakthi Peetam has emerged as a distinctive spiritual destination that blends devotion, nature and the traditions of Shaktism.

Located about 14 km from Tirupati town at the foothills of Tirumala, the temple is known for its tranquil surroundings and its unique spiritual significance.

Established under the guidance of Sri Siddheswarananda Bharati Swamy and Sri Ramyananda Bharathi Swamini, the Peetam was envisioned as a centre to promote Hindu Dharma and highlight the role of women in spiritual practices.

The temple follows the principles of the Saaktheya tradition, which reveres the Divine Mother as the supreme source of energy and creation.

The temple is home to several rare deities, including Sri Marakatha Sakthi Kaali and Sri Marakatha Siddheswara. It is also renowned for housing the country’s first-of-its-kind idols of Sri Paathala Swetha Varahi, Sri Paathala Adharvana Pratyangira Bhadrakali and Sri Swarna Kubera.

Devotees also worship Dasa Mahavidyas, Kalabhairava Swamy, Radha-Krishna, Sri Sakthi Ganapathi, Sri Sakthidhara Subrahmanya Swami, Malayala Hanumantha, Shirdi Sai Baba, Sri Mutyalamma, Sri Chakra Mahameru and Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya.

A major attraction of the Peetam is the Pathala Swetha Varahi Kshetram, where the sanctum sanctorum is situated below ground level.

The temple is widely believed to offer spiritual solace and divine blessings, with devotees praying for relief from health, financial, educational, marital and other personal challenges.

The annual Varahi Navaratri Brahmotsavam commenced on July 15, marking the beginning of the nine-day spiritual festival at Sri Sakthi Peetam.

The celebrations opened with the blessings of Courtallam Swamy Sri Siddheswarananda Bharati Swamy, while the rituals were conducted under the guidance of Sri Ramyananda Bharathi Swamini.

The inaugural day featured traditional ceremonies, including Deepa Sthapana, Ganapati Puja, Kalasa Puja, Maha Sankalpam and Varahi Mahayantra Puja. Following these rituals, devotees accepted the sacred Varahi Deeksha as part of the festival.

A large number of devotees thronged the Peetham to seek the blessings of Goddess Varahi. To facilitate pilgrims, the temple administration has arranged free meals throughout the festival.

In addition, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) is conducting a medical camp at the venue to provide healthcare support to devotees during the celebrations.

Image Credit: Jiyash lakshmipathy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tirupathi.png