Nagalapuram

Nagalapuram is certainly one of the most interesting temples near Tirupati. The importance of this temple lies in the fact that this is the only temple dedicated to the Lord in his first avatar (incarnation) as Matsya, the great fish.
The main deity is Veda Narayana Perumal, since He is believed to have rescued the Vedas from the demon Somakudu. He is in a standing posture, his fish-like tail clearly visible, flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi, and in one of his hands holds the Sudarshana Chakra ready to be let loose. There are other sub shrines too, one dedicated to the goddess as Vedavalli, as well as shrines dedicated to Lord Rama as well as Hanuman.

An interesting thing about this temple is the Surya Puja celebrated in the Tamil month of Panguni (Phalguni: mid-March to mid-April). The festival is celebrated over 3 days. During these three days, the sun's rays fall on the main deity between 1800 hrs and 1815 hrs. On the first day, they fall on the feet, on the second―on the chest and on the third―on the forehead, depicting worship by the Sun God himself.
Additional information: Nagalapuram is about 70 km South East of Tirupati and 90 km north of Chennai.

Buses are available to Nagalapuram from Tirupati Bus Stand. The TTD also runs a temple tour, which includes this one, as well as many other temples nearby. The bus starts every morning from the Srinivasam Complex at the foothills. Tickets are available at the complex.