Chikka Thirupathi

Tips & Suggestions

Not much is documented about these temples and there are confusing articles too. Firstly, to sort out the confusion. There are 2 Tirupathi representations near Bangalore. One is called Chikka Tirupathi and the other is called Bangaru Tirupathi. Chikka Tirupathi is the place I visited on Sep 1, and Bangaru Tirupathi is at a place called Guttahalli in Malur Taluka in Kolar District (not yet visited). The legend (link 2 below) regarding Agni Devata is associated with Chikka Tirupathi and not Bangaru Tirupathi.

Make sure you keep asking the villagers if you are on the right route. Another key to see is for the yellow painted milestones bearing the number 207. The road is not an absolutely straight one, and turns at right angles at places. Any road that has not been tarred well enough or is not wide enough is not NH207.

Help Line/Phone Number

Tourism Information Counter
Bangalore Airport: +91-80-5268012.
Railway Station: +91-80-2870068
Govt. of India Tourist Office: KSFC Building,48,Church Street. Tel: +91-80-558517.

Conducted Tours Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation organizes a half-day Bangalore Sightseeing Tour. For details please call the KSTDC Head Office-Tel: +91-80-2212901/2212902/2275883/2275869. Fax: +91-80-2238016

Location info

• **Address:**Chikka Thirupath little town is 10 km off Sarjapur. It takes about an hour from the Sarjapur ring-road junction.

• District:

• **Nearest City:**Sarjapur

• Best time to visit: Jan-Dec

Climate & weather

Karnataka might not be called as the best state in India, but it is certainly catching up. The credit definitely goes to the stimulating climate that induces people for a holiday tour to this state again and again. The tropical monsoon climate that covers the entire coastal belt of Karnataka, gives the state a moderate summer and pleasant winters. The Southern part of Karnataka experiences hot, seasonally dry tropical savanna climate. The north Karnataka experiences hot, semi-arid, tropical steppe type of climate.

History of Chikka Thirupathi

Chikka Tirupathi, as the name suggests, is a miniature of the real Tirupathi. The story of this place goes like this. ‘Agni’, the fire god, during the incineration (dahana) of the forest of herbs (khandava vana), causes burn injuries to the serpent god Takshaka. Takshaka bestows Agni with a curse that he lose his ‘tejas’. A perturbed Agni comes to Lord Krishna, who suggests that the way out for him is to please Lord Vishnu, who can restore his ‘tejas’. So Agni gets the ‘shaapa-vimochana’ by performing a penance and pleasing Vishnu. With great joy, Agni builds a temple for Lord Venkateswara at Chikka Tirupathi. The lord here is aptly named as ‘Prasanna Venkateshwara’. All the utsavams that are held at Tirupathi are also held here. But compared to the main Tirupathi, not much rush was seen here.

Things to visit & highlights

Chikka Thirupathi temple, Krishnagiri Dam

How to reach Chikka Thirupathi

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Bangalore

• **Nearest Airport:**Bangalore

**Road Transport:**Kundalahalli (a.k.a. Brookefields) and it is just 9 kms from Whitefield. NH207 starts from Whitefield and goes past Channasandra, Ettagudi and Kalkunte to take us to Chikka Tirupathi. A total distance of about 20 kms from the NH207 starting point. The route is quite unlike what you get to see even upto Whitefield. Shady trees, green fields, vegetable plantations, quiet roads … etc. All the ingredients that make up a nice drive. The road is patchy at a few places, but that can be discounted.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Deserted dhaba: It was a simple but beautiful place, with a small pond (created by water from a borewell) on one side and fields on the other. Had a filling breakfast of aloo parathas and some ‘kurukal thindi’. washed the vessels in the pond, village ‘ishtyle’, and proceed.

Nearest visiting places

• Savana Durga Hills

A left turn some 7 kms before Magadi in Magadi road reduced our travel distance by some 8 kms and itz around 65 kms from bangalore city. Nice road to drive on and lotz of quarries on the way and road having lotz of bends and turns makes your drive a splendid one

• Antharagange Temples

One of the ancient temples of india. It has miraculous water coming from mouth of got cow statue 365 dayz a year. It is a holy place people visit this temple from many parts of the Karnataka, Kolar District and karnataka state on Mahashivratri festival day every year. It is protected by Forest authority of india, has lots of Monkeys and wild Deers

• Kaivara Temples

Kaivara is centre for pilgrimage. This place is located in the Chintamani Taluk of Kolar district in Karnataka, a state that is in the south western part of India.. It is about 65 km from Bangalore. This place is historically significant. It is said that the Pandavas of the great Indian epic Mahabharata lived here during the exile in the forest (Vanavasa)

• Kudumalai Temples

Though the name sounds like a place in Tamilnadu, this historically important place is located in Mulabagal taluk of Kolar district in Karnataka. Many people would have seen the century-old giant idol of Lord Ganesha in Bangalore on Bull Temple Road. The idol at Kurudumalai is as awe-inspiring

• Palar River

Palar is a river of southern India. It rises in Nandidurg hills in Kolar district of Karnataka state, and flows 93 km in Karnataka, 33 km in Andhra Pradesh and 222 km in Tamil Nadu before its confluence into the Bay of Bengal at Vayalur about 100 KM south of Chennai

• Ponnaiyar River

249 The river finally surrenders in to the Bay of Bengal at Cuddalore. The Ponnaiyar river basin is encircled by the Cauvery river basin in the west and south and Palar and Tondiar basins in the east and north respectively

• South Pennar River

The South Pennar River is known as Dakshina Pinakini in Kannada and Thenpennai in Tamil. It is also referred as Ponnaiyar .The river originates in the Nandi Hills in the Kolar district of Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before entering into the Bay of Bengal

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Karnataka’s cities offer diverse cuisine. Bangalore has a legendary food scene from iconic darshinis (stand-up eateries) to craft breweries. Mysore is known for Mysore pak and traditional meals. Temple towns (Udupi, Dharmasthala, Murudeshwar) offer excellent vegetarian fare.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Karnataka has a rich collection of churches primarily in Mangalore (Mangalorean Catholic), Bangalore (colonial-era), and Mysore. St. Philomena’s Cathedral in Mysore (neo-Gothic, one of Asia’s largest) and the Rosario Cathedral in Mangalore are the most photogenic. The interiors of Mangalorean churches with their detailed altars are worth shooting.

Best time to visit Chikka Thirupathi

Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) is the best time for a peaceful darshan with fewer crowds. Major festivals attract large crowds — visit on regular days for a more serene experience. Winter months (October to March) offer pleasant weather for temple visits.

Timings & opening hours

Typically 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Pooja timings vary — morning abhisheka is usually around 6:00-7:00 AM, evening aarti around 6:00-7:00 PM. Some temples have specific timings for darshan. Temple may close during midday hours.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry is generally free for all devotees. Special pooja tickets or darshan packages may cost ₹50-₹200. Camera fee: ₹20-₹50 for still cameras, ₹100-₹200 for video cameras. Parking is usually free or nominal (₹10-₹20).

Duration needed

30 minutes to 1 hour for darshan and exploring the temple premises. If the temple has historical significance or architectural interest, plan 1-2 hours.

Safety tips

Temple premises are generally safe. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas. Follow temple rules and dress code. Remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum. Be aware of your surroundings during festivals when crowds are heavy.

Things to carry

Carry a shawl or scarf for covering shoulders if required. Small change for offerings and donations. Camera (check photography policy first). Water bottle. Footwear bag if you prefer to carry your shoes.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station varies by location — typically the district headquarters station. Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) or Mangalore International Airport (IXE). Local transport includes buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis.

Things to do at Chikka Thirupathi

Participate in daily poojas and rituals. Explore the temple architecture — the gopuram (tower), pillared halls, and sanctum sanctorum. Observe the detailed carvings and sculptures that adorn the temple walls. Attend the evening aarti for a spiritual experience.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dress code for visiting the temple? Modest clothing is required. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Traditional Indian attire is appreciated.

Is photography allowed inside the temple? Photography rules vary — check signage at the entrance. Flash photography and video recording are typically restricted inside the sanctum.

What are the main festivals celebrated here? Major Hindu festivals like Mahashivaratri, Navaratri, and annual temple festivals (brahmotsava) are celebrated with special poojas and cultural programmes.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Pilgrims Destination

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Chikka Thirupathi

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Chikka Thirupathi on popular travel photography sites and social media.