A vast Shaivite temple set in a dramatic gorge of the Swarnamukhi River, 36 km east of Tirupati. The complex is dominated by a 36-metre seven-storey gopuram at the eastern entrance. The inner sanctum is unusual: the lingam itself sits in a small alcove that has never been touched by human hand, and only the priest can perform the rituals through a small opening.
The temple draws particularly large crowds for Rahu-Ketu astrological remedy puja, performed daily — visitors believe these rituals counter inauspicious planetary influences in their birth charts. Queues are long but move; budget a half day for the visit. Combine with Tirupati on a single trip — the routes are well connected by frequent buses and shared taxis.