Hindu temples are known by many different names, varying on region and language, including Alayam, Mandir, Mandira, Ambalam, Gudi, Kavu, Koil, Kovil, Déul, Raul, Devasthana, Devalaya, Devayatan, Devakula, Devagiriha, Degul, Deva Mandiraya, and Devalayam
Sri Adikesava Swamy Temple (also called Ramanujar Temple)
Sriperumbudur is the Birthplace of a philosopher and proponent of the Visishtadvaita philosophy Sri Ramanujacharya. There is a Big Vishnu temple in Sriperumbudur. The temple deity is ‘Sri Adikesava Swamy’ who is known for his consideration towards the devotees who are in dire need of God’s blessings and he is to bless all the devotees.
Sriperumpudur
Sriperumbudur is in the district of Thirvallur of Tamilnadu State which is 40 Kilometers southwest of Chennai on the National Highway – 4. As the deity is ‘Sri Adikeshava Swamy’, this place is known as ‘Sriperumbudur‘.
There was an interesting Sthalapurana about the temple and God. There was a Maharshi by the name of Kesava who is the devotee of Lord Mahavishnu. One day Maharshi reached this place and realized through his Sixth sense that, this place was apt for performing Penance.
He built an Ashram here worshipped Sri Mahavishnu and started Penance. One day Sri Mahavishnu pleased with his Penance, appeared before him and blessed Maharshi with a boon.
After seeing the Lord, Maharshi felt very happy and requested that God-
“I was pleased with your Darshan and what else I want”.
Pleased with Maharshi’s reply, Sri Mahavishnu realized the Bhakti towards him and he knew the desire of Maharshi and said-
“I was pleased with your devotion, and Lord blessed that, you can have my Darshan every day”
Mahavishnu turned into the deity form of Sri Adikeshava Swamy. The Maharshi Kesava installed the idol of Sri Adikeshava Swamy and performed Pujas daily during his lifetime.
Some Historical Evidences
It is known from the Historical Evidences that, the Temple was constructed during the 9th Century. Sri Ramanujacharya was born in 1017 AD and lived for 102 years. The kings of Chola and Pallavas built various parts of the temple. After that, the Kings of Vijayanagara renovated the temple. Sri Krishna Devaraya the king of the Vijayanagara Empire visited this temple and performed pujas.
Temple Description
In Sriperumbudur, Sri Adikesava Swamy temple is towards the west and it was built in a large area. The Mandapa is in the main entrance of the temple. The main Entrance has Raja Gopuram. The Raja Gopuram is consisting of Five Tiers at the top we can see Seven Gopura Kalasams. There are Balipeetham, Dwajasthambam and Garudalwar Mandapams in front of the main temple in temple premises.
4 Mandapas
The main Temple consists of four mandapas i.e. Mukhamandapa, Arthamandapa, Antarala and Garbhagruha. In Maha mandapa, there is a shrine of Sri Ramanujacharya. At the entrance of Antarala we can find the idols of two dwarapalakas namely Jaya and Vijaya. In main sanctum sanctorum, we find the idol of Sri Adikesava Swamy having four hands with Shank, Chakra, Gadha and Abhayahastam.
In temple premises, to the north side of the main temple, there is a separate temple for Deveri of Sri Adikesavaswamy. In this temple, we can see the Goddess of Sri Yetiraja Valli Ammavaru with four hands. In two hands we can see two Lotus flowers and in the other two hands, we can see Abhaya and Varada pose. In addition to the main deities, we can also see Sri Rama, Sri Anjaneya Swamy, Utsava Murthies, Sri Andal and Alwars, and Swami Manavala Mamuni.
There is a Pushkarini near the temple. It is believed that a dip in the pushkarini will cure all illnesses.
At the opposite of the Main temple, we can see the Birthplace of Sri Ramanujacharya. There is a large Mandapam built in his memory. In this Mandapam, we can see the idol of Sri Ramanujacharya. It is believed that, if meditated in this Mandapam one can excel in education and scientific temperament.
Sevas and Utsavams
In the temple, every day Suprabhata seva, Viswaroopa Darshana seva, Tomala Seva, Sahasra Naamaarchana and Ekanta seva are performed. There are weekly and monthly rituals performed in the temple. Annual Brahmotsavams will be celebrated in the month of Vaisakha Masam for nine days in a grand manner.
Various Vahana sevas and Radhotsavam will be performed to the god during Brahmotsavams. Sri Ramanujacharya Jayanthi is being performed on a grand scale every year. Vaikunta ekadasi and Dhanurmasa utsavas are being performed every year.
Sriperumbudur is situated 40 kilometres from Chennai, 16 kilometres from Thiruvalluru, and 30 kilometres from Kanchipuram. Transport facilities are available from the above places.
A visit to ‘Sriperumbudur’ generates peace and joy for the devotees.
All the gods and goddesses cure diseases, Among human beings, there are specialists like Cordialists, Dentists, psychiatrists etc. Among god, so we are specialists who cure the particular ailment. Lord Danvantry cures all the diseases. Under him, many perumals are doing some work as specialists.
Gunaseela Perumal of Gunaseelam is a specialist in driving away mental diseases. Generally, human beings can feel the effects of diseases and go to doctors for remedies. However, people who are affected by mental diseases cannot feel the impact of their diseases if the right treatment is not given.
This Lord especially has come to Gunaseelam to cure such an ailment. If the patients go to the temple and stay for 48 days and worship the Lord, He drives away the mental ailment and goes happily by the grace of the Lord.
Gunaseelam is situated in Musiri Taluk, Trichy District Infer to yield the request of Gunaseelam Rishi, Lord Prasanna Venkatachalapathy remained in Gunaseelam itself. Prasanna Venkatachalapathy (Mahavishnu) gives his Darsan to the devotees here. He lived in Ashram of Guru Thal pear at Hiru Panjali. It is difficult to have Darsan of Lord of Tirumala even in Kaliyuga.
Rishi went to Tirumala and requested Balaji to come to Tamilnadu for the sake of his devotees. Not only this but also he sat on the bank of river Kaveri and started his Penance. Lord Indra was afraid of losing his post and gave so much trouble to Rishi who proceeded with his Penance. At last, all the people agreed to the purpose of Rishi to have the Lord at Gunaseelam.
The auspicious day of this temple is in the month of Puratasi, Saturday Lord Venkatachalapathy with his consorts Sri Devi and Boodevi on Garuda Vahana. At that time Rishi Gunasekar requested Lord to be here at the end of Kaliyuga and He accepted Rishi’s request and stayed here. Goddess Lakshmi in his Bosom, said that this place is being called ‘Gunaseelam’. Starting from Dwapara Yuga to the end, every procedure went on very well.
But Gunaseelar was compelled to go to Theertha Yatra (pilgrimage) with Guru Thalpia, Gunaseelar asked one of his disciples to look after all formalities and puja to the Lord.
Due to frequent floods in Kaveri and trouble with forest animals, the discipline could not carry the Nithya puja, so he ran away from Gunaseelam to keep his promise Lord was in AcchaRoli and it was also submerged under the earth and was covered by an anthill of the white ant. There were so many changes with the passage of time.
Temple was Built
King Gnanavarman, the king of Uraiyur, had a gosala at Kallur and Gunaseelam. His cow shed was situated there. It was the practice that the milk got from these cows and sent to the palace of the Chola king.
One day the milk cans were empty without milk and the yadavas were afraid about thinking of the punishment by the king. There one old man guessed that the god and his temple are beneath the soil. Hearing this news king came there with his military. They destroyed the Ant hill (soil made by white ants) pouring the milk on anthill in piecemeal the Acharupam of god Venkatachalapathy was found.
The king was happy to see the Lord’s Dharsan with Thayaars and ordered the king to build a simple temple. Accordingly, the king built a temple, pujas were performed as Rishi Gunaseelam did. At the end of Kaliyuga big temple will be built. This was the divine voice of Perumal. So accordingly a big temple was built.
Katrali Temple
In 2001 (Kaliyuga year 5104) Karpagragam was raised to six feet high. Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam were built of stone and so it is called Katrali temple. Then a Kumbaabhishekam was performed, even today, according to Gunaseelam’s astra i.e. six-time puja, mid-moon puja, theertha prasadam are being carried out without fail.
Cure for all Mental Diseases
As already said prasanna perumal cured mental diseases, Nerve problem and Doshas regarding marriages and childbirth are driven away if you pray this perumal. A mental treatment centre approved by the government is functioning well for the mentally upset persons who are staying here for 48 days (one mandala), get divine water which is sprinkled on them. The patient has separate rooms.
A special psychiatry doctor is here to take care of such patients. Tirupati Venkatesa is staying in the name of Prasanna Venkatesa, all the prayers are answered here. The main perumal is Venkatesa. Utsava perumal is Srinivasa. Lord’s consorts are Sri Devi and Boo Devi. He is otherwise called Kaliyuga Varadhan, who guides these people and his name is a Mantra of today.
Gunaseelam is situated between Trichy- Namakkal private Buses and Town Buses are plying to this sacred place. As done in Tirupati Brahmotsavam is also being conducted during the month of purattasi. This is a special occasion for the devotees who come to Gunaseelam either regular devotees or mentally affected persons who come in person get salvation for their ailment.
In Kerala State, one of the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Krishna is the ‘Partha Sarathy Temple’ at Aranmula. In Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, the idol of Lord Krishna is in the form of Partha Sarathy (Charioteer of Arjuna, in the Kurukshetra war).
This temple is situated at a higher level, on the left bank of the Pampa River, a river famous as the last destination of pilgrims going to the “Sree Dharmasastha” (Ayyappa) Temple, at Sabarimala. Almost all pilgrims take a holy bath in the Pampa River after that, ascending the Hill shrine of Sabarimala, on foot. Some people offer oblations to the departed souls of their ancestors on the banks of river Pampa.
Legend has it that, Pandavas after the coronation of Pareekshit as king, went on a pilgrimage throughout India, and on reading Kerala, each one of the Pandavas built a Maha Vishnu Temple here. Yudhishtira built a temple at Trichitattu, Bheema, at Thrippulliyoor, Arjuna at Neelakkal, Nakula at Tiruvammandoor and Sahadeva at Trikkodithanam.
It is believed that the idol of Lord Krishna, in the form of Partha Sarathy, was brought to the present site on a raft (boat) made of six bamboos, and installed and consecrated with all attendant rituals at the present site, and the place came to be known as ‘Aranmula’ (six pieces of bamboos).
Important Festivals
The important festivals in the Temple are : Ashtami Rohini (Janmashtami), Thiruvonam, Makara Sankranthi, Ponnumthottathu arattu, Ramayana Parayanam. Out of the above festivals, the most important ones are Ashtami Rohini and Thiruvonam.
This temple has a long tradition, connected with the famous Sree Ayyappa Temple, at Sabarimala. The sacred jewels of Lord Ayyappa (Thiruvabharanam), which are taken in a grand procession from the Panadlam Palace, are kept here for a while, before taking them to Sabarimala.
The ‘Tanka Ankhi’ (golden attire) donated by the king of Travancore to Lord Ayyappa, are stored in this temple and are taken to Sabarimala during Mamdalavillakku.
Palliyodams
These are Aranmula’s unique snake boats (known as Chundan Vallams). These are held by devotees in great esteem and reverence, as the divine vessels of Lord “Sree Parthasarathy”. These belong to different places on the banks of the Pampa River, and each will have a separate flag, 2/3 ornament umbrellas, four helmsmen, towers and singers.
The making of Palliyodams begins with locating a suitable tree, preferably Anjali, cutting it down to size, and taken to the construction site.
The work starts on an auspicious day (muhurtham). Each boat will have a length of 100 – 138 ft. with its rear portion with a height of 20 ft and a long tapering portion. It resembles a snake with its hood raised. Its hull is built of planks 83 ft. in length and six inches wide.
These Palliyodams are oiled every year with fish oil, coconut shell and carbon. Each Palliyodam is named after a particular village.
Ashtami Rohini (Janmashtami)
The most important festival in this temple is Janmashtami (birthday of Lord Sree Krishna). On this day, a unique mass feast, which has devotional moorings, is given to the crew of Palliyodams at “Sree Partha Sarathy Temple” at Aranmula. Vallasadhya is conducted as a ‘Vazhivadu’ (offering) to the Lord.
A large number of Palliyodams (snake boats) will arrive at the temple ghat and the carsmen offer Mirapara (filling of a vessel with paddy/rice) at Nadappanthal near the golden flag post, and after offering prayers, they circumambulate the temple, singing folk sings (Vanchi pattu) praising Lord Krishna.
After Ucha Pooja and Nivedyam (noon offerings), a grand feast is served to the devotees, numbering nearly a lakh, with rice and 44 side dishes and four types of puddings, served on banana leaves. Before this, the Melsanthi (chief priest) of the temple transfers the sacred fire from the Sanctum Sanctorum to the temple kitchen, to begin preparations for the feast.
The 44 side dishes consist of banana chips, Aval (flattened rice with jaggery mixed), ghee, Avial (mixed vegetable curry), Olen (mixed vegetable curry with coconut milk), kalan (curry with curd/buttermilk) mango curry, Kichidi (curry made with rice and gram) etc. Adaprathaman, Aravana Payasam, Kadala Prathaman and Kadali Prathaman are the puddings served to the devotees, that day.
Thiruvonam
‘Thiruvonam’, which falls in the month of Chingam, (August-September) is the most important festival of Malayalees. This is celebrated in memory of the demon king, Mahabali, when there are all-around prosperity, equality, discrimination based on caste, creed or status and there were no evils of theft, telling of lies, cheating etc.
When Lord Maha Vishnu, in his Avatar as ‘Lord Vamana’, vanquished Mahabali and sent him to the nether world, Mahabali sought and obtained a boon to visit his subjects on ‘Thiruvonam’ day, which was readily grants.
People of Kerala start welcoming Mahabali from the star ‘Atham’ for 10 days by offering Pookkalam (ornamental flower arrangement) in front of their homes until the day of ‘Thiruvonam’, on which day there will be a grand feast.
At Aranmula “Sree Partha Sarathy” Temple, Onam is celebrated by holding ‘Thiruvona Sadhya, after special poojas at noon. A day before Thriuvonam, i.e., Uttarashada star day, a specially decorated boat called “Thiruvoni Thoni”, carrying provisions and vegetables for ‘Ona sadhya’ at the Aranmula Temple, starts its journey from Kattoor Maha Vishnu Temple – Ghat at 6.00 p.m.
The eldest member of Mangattu, Bhattathiri, with 18 of his Assistants, board the Boat and this reaches Aranmula in the early hours of Thriuvonam day. There will be an every burning lamp in the boat. Throughout the journey of the boat, there will be Nadaswaram recital and will be escorted by many Palliyodams.
People will be thronging the river bank for a darshan of this divine vessel and will offer prayers by floating lighting lamps in the river. On reaching Aranmula temple, Melsanthi of the temple, transfers the sacred fire from the Sanctum Santorum to the ceremonial lamp kept in the boat and the provisions and vegetables will be carried to the temple kitchen for preparing of food and side dishes.
After the Ucha Pooja and Nivedyam (noon offering) a sumptuous feast will be served to all the devotees.
Aranmula Vallamkali – Boat Race
Aranmula Vallamkali (boat race) is a world-famous water carnival originating in the temple rituals. It is believed that the installation and consecration of the Idol of Lord “Sree Partha Sarathy” at Aranmula was on Uthruttathi star. The boat race is held in commemoration of this, every year.
This is one of the most important water carnivals in Kerala.
Aranmula Kannadi (Mirror)
Aranmula is also famous for its mirror, which is popularly known as ‘Aranmula Kannadi’, though instead of glass, it is made of five metals with a front surface reflecting mirror. The exact used in preparing this mirror is still unknown. Legend says that this area’s then chieftain (ruler) brought craftsmen from Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu and one of their descendants made the mirror.
Let us all pray to Lord “Sree Partha Sarathy” to guide us in our tribulations, as he did in the case of Arjuna.
Lord Narasimha is one of the dasa avatars of Sri Maha Vishnu. However, the Narasimha avatar has a unique significance, especially in South India. There are many Narasimha temples throughout Telugu states.
Nine significant Temples (Nava Narasimha Temples)
Among them, nine significant temples depict different forms of the Lord. In addition to them, there are many Narasimha temples in both states. The reason for this is that Lord Narasimha, after killing Hiranya Kashipa, wandered in the forests of these states and ultimately married Sri Mahalaxmi who donned the avatar of Pratyangira/Chenchu Lakshmi (a tribal girl).
Ahobilam
Ahobilam is a major pilgrimage centre in South India, located in Allagadda mandal in Kurnool district (136 km) in AP. According to local legend, this is where Lord Narasimha blessed Prahlad and killed the demon Hiranya Kashipa. It is an important place of worship for Vaishnavites and is one of the 108 Divya Desams.
Though the main temple is on the plain ground, there are eight more on the hills of Nallamala. Only a few visit them except the one on the first hill, because of the rugged climb and desolate forest area.
Penchalakona
The temple, located 70 km from Nellore is amidst lush trees and waterfalls. It is a very popular temple in that area. The original name PenuSila Kona (penu=big; sila=stone; kona=forest) got transformed into Penchala Kona. The presiding deity in this shrine is Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, along with His consort Chenchu Lakshmi.
It is believed that Lord Narasimha, after killing Hiranya Kashipa, took a bath in the tank nearby and attained tranquillity.
Sri Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is located in Kadiri, 94 km from Anantapur of AP. Kadiri is an alternative name for the Sanskrit word, Khadri, meaning canary wood or Indian mulberry. The town has derived its name from the legend that Sri Narasimha Swamy emerged from a Khadri tree.
Sri Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple
The presiding deity in this temple is seen with eight hands and hence is known as Ashtabahu Narasimha. Prahlad is seen standing with folded hands beside the Lord. The amazing fact is that sweat comes out of the sacred idol after Abhishekam is performed. The more the priests wipe it, the more it oozes out of the idol.
Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy dwells in Simhachalam, on the outskirts of Vishakhapatnam. Facing West, the temple is built in the Kalinga architectural style atop a scenic hill. The idol is a composite form of Varaha and Narasimha.
The main idol is always smeared with sandalwood paste (to ward off the ferocity) in an oval shape which is removed only once a year on Vaisakha Sudha Tadiya. The oval form is decorated with thirunama on it. This temple is very popular in the northern Andhra districts. Locals fondly refer to the deity as “Simhadri Appanna”.
Antarvedi
Antharvedi is located at a distance of 130 km from Kakinada, and 100 km from Rajahmundry. Sri Lakshmi Narasimha temple is situated at the estuary i.e., where the Bay of Bengal and Vashista Godavari converge. It is the place where Lord Brahma performed Rudrayaga and installed Lord Neela Kantheswara.
As that place was made a stage or “Vedik” to perform the Yaga, it was named as “ANTARVEDI”. It is the place where Lord Narasimha killed Rakta Vilochana, the son of Hiranyaksha, who was a menace to dharma.
Mangalagiri
Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
This temple is located at the foot of a hill and it is traced to the time of Yudhishtira. About 200 years ago a stupendous gopuram on the eastern gate was built. It is one of the tallest gopurs in South India and the only one of its kind in this part of India. It is 53ft. high and 49 feet wide with 11 tiers.
Panakala Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
This temple is on a hill. Lord Rama visited this temple. It was also visited by spiritual personages like Sri Adi Sankara, Ramanuja, Chaitanya Prabhu and Sri Krishna Deva Raya.
It is a regular practice in the temple to offer panakam (a beverage made of jaggery and water)as naivedya. The peculiarity of the above offering is that the Lord receives it with a gurgling sound while the beverage is poured into his mouth (whatever the quantity).
Half of the quantity of the beverage comes out of his mouth which is distributed as prasad. Another mysterious fact is the absence of flies or ants of any kind on the hill. Nobody knows where to and how the Panakam goes leaving the entire area always dry.
Vedadri
This temple is right on the banks of the Krishna. Here Lord Narasimha is in Yoga mudra, hence called Yoga Narasimha. The temple can be reached from the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway via Jaggayyapet (15 km). In addition to the main deity, Sri Jwala Narasimha Swamy is also on the hillock, which can be approached from within the temple.
Besides this, Swamy manifests as a hugeSaligrama in the river which is also worshipped by the devotees.
Yadadri (Yadagiri Gutta)
Yadagiri Gutta is 60 km from Hyderabad and is near Bhongir. The deity is in a cave on a hillock. He is also called Yadagiri hence the name Yadagiri Gutta (hill). Recently, it has been renamed as Yadadri. Currently, the temple is being renovated in a big way.
It dates back to Treta Yuga when Yada rishi, the son of the great sage RishyaSrung and Santa Devi did penance inside a cave. Lord Narasimha revealed himself in five different forms Jwala, Yogananda, Gandabherunda, Ugra and Lakshmi narasimha.
It is also called as Pancha Narasimha Kshetram. The idol disappeared after some time but many years later He revealed himself as five majestic avatars through a devout lady.
Dharmapuri
Dharmapuri is situated at a distance of about 28–30 km from Jagityal town and 42 km from Manchiryal railway station on Khazipet- Balharsha line. There is a rare temple of Dattatreya here. It is said that at Dharmapuri, NarasiAha Deva meditated in Yoga mudra, hence worshipped as Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.
Apart from the main deity of the temple of Lord Sri Narasimha, there are temples of Brahma Dev and Sri Rama Lingeshwara Swamy here. Because there are three deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar in the same temple, this temple is also known as Trimurthy Kshetram.
Some believe that Malyadri is one of the Nava Narasimhas (Nava Narasimha Temples) of Telugu states and not Kadiri. Hence, it is also included here
Malyadri
This temple is very popular in the Prakasam district of AP. One can reach it from Singaraya Konda, a town 144 km from Guntur. Here, Swamy manifests himself as Jwala Narasimha in a cave. Malyadri means hillocks in the form of a mala i.e. a garland of hillocks. It is said that Swamy manifested here at the request of Agastya Rishi.
The idol blesses the devotees with the fourth hand. Swamy grants blessings to Yakshas, Gandharvas, Sidhas, and Devamunis for six days (Sunday to Friday) and to the mortals (Manavas) only on Saturdays.
There are several huge natural caves in this area, all formed of a single stone. Though the temple is open only for one day in a week, from dawn to dusk, thousands of devotees throng this place. People perform weddings all through the year on this holy hill, without bothering about auspicious muhurt.
There are several famous Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temples in India. Among them, Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple located in Srirangam is one of the most famous and ancient historical temples. Srirangam is the foremost of eight swayam vyakta (Self-manifested) kshetrams of Sri Maha Vishnu.
Srirangam – Location
It is the first and most important of 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Sri Mahavishnu. Srirangam is at a distance of 12 kilometres from Tiruchunapalli town and 325 Kilometers from Chennai, the State Capital of Tamil Nadu.
Srirangam is on the banks of river Kavery. It is an island bounded by the rivers Kavery and Kalladam. As the deity is Sri Ranganatha Swamy, this place came to be known as Srirangam. Srirangam is also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakovil, Bhooloka Vaikuntam and Bhogamandapam.
Click here for the temple’s location on Google Maps
Sthalapurana / Legend
There is an interesting Sthalapurana about the temple and God. The details of this kshetram are found in the Srirangamahatmyam. As per it, Sri Ranganatha Swamy is Swayambhu and the moorthy was brought to Bhooloka by Garudalwar from Vaikuntam when Lord Brahma did penance.
After some time, Brahma gave the Moorthy to Ikshwaku Maharaja. In Trethayuga, after the battle between Rama and Ravana and after Sri Rama was coronated Sri Rama gave the deity to Vibhishana. As Vibhishana was on the way to Lanka, he placed the deity at the present place where the temple is now located. After some time he was not able to lift the deity from that place and thus Vibhishana pray God with despair.
Sri Ranganatha Swamy was pleased with his prayer and blessed Vibhishana saying, “I am pleased with your devotion; I will see Southside at all time and bless you and you could be able to have my Darshan every day” Lord Sri Ranganatha Swamy stayed here.
Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Temple Structure
Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Temple is very big having 156 acres in extent with Seven prakarams and 21 Gopurams. The Rajagopuram is built in 12 tiers with 236 feet total height and 12 kalasas. The Seventh Prakaram is like a fort wall having 3072 feet in length and 2321 feet in width.
The Seven prakarams have separate names and various structures.
The Seventh prakaram is named as Chittarai Veedhi. We can see Sri Krishna Mandir in the east and Sri Andal Sannidhi in the southwest.
The Sixth prakaram is Thiru vikraman veedhi.
The Fifth prakaram is Agalangan Thiruveedhi. In this prakaram Sri Ranganayaki Ammavari Sannidhi is there along with many other upasannidhis.
Aatinandan Thiruveedhi is Fouth prakaram.
The Third Prakaram is called as Kulasekhara Thiruveedhi.
The Second prakaram is Rajamahendran Thiruveedhi.
The First and important prakaram is Dharmavaran Thiruveedhi. The main temple is located in this prakaram.
Gayathri mandapam
In the main Garbhalayam we find Lord Sri Ranganatha Swamy reclining on Adisesha of seven hoods. In front of Garbhalayam there is 24 pillared mandapa called as Gayathri mandapam. Each of the pillars represents each of the 24 letters of the Gayathri Mantra.
The main Garbhalayam has a Golden Vimanam. It is shaped like the Tamil OM symbol. Along with the main Sannidhis, there are 53 upasannidhis.
History of the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple
It is known from the historical pieces of evidence that, the Temple was constructed during the 6th and 7th Century AD. The kings of Chola, Pallava, Pandya and Vijayanagara empires built various parts of the temple.
During the Delhi Sultan’s invasion in the 14th Century, the Mulaviraattu was kept underground and the idols of the Utsava deities were kept in the Tirumala temple. The temple was rebuilt by the Vijayanagara Kings in the 15th Century. The Glory of the temple begins in 1571 AD.
Among 12 Alwars 11 wrote 241 Pasurams on Sri Ranganatha Swamy of Srirangam.
Sevas
Annual Brahmotsavams will be celebrated in the month of Dhanurmasam for twenty days in a grand style. Various vahana sevas and Rathotsavam and kalyanam will be performed to the Lord during Brahmotsavams grandly.
In March / April 10 days, Brahmotsavams will be celebrated. Along with this, special poojas will also be performed on festival days.
Accommodation and Travel Facilities
Accommodation facilities are available at Yatri Nivas run by the temple and other Mutts and in Private Lodges too. There are Bus and Train Facilities from various towns and cities of Tamil Nadu. Tiruchirapalli is well connected with Road, Rail and Air routes.
A Visit to the temple of Lord Sri Ranganatha Swamy in Srirangam gives peace and joy to the devotees.
Narayanavanam is located at a distance of about 45 km from the town of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. It is said that the place got the name ‘Narayanavanam’ as it was the place where Srimannarayana went hunting. In the inscription of 1467, the name of this place was mentioned as ‘Narayanavarapattu’ and in the inscription of 1537 it was mentioned as ‘Narayanapurampattu.’
It is well known that all these names are derived from Srimannarayana. These names changed in usage over time and formed ‘Narayanavanam’. The marriage of Sri Venkateswara Swamy and Sri Padmavati Devi took place in Narayanavanam.
Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Narayanavanam
Goddess Sri Avanakshamma in Narayanavanam – Legend
There is an interesting sthalapuranam regarding the stay of Goddess Sri Avanakshamma in Narayanavanam. As per the ‘sthalapuranam’ Lord Brahma installed and worshipped the Goddess here. In the past, Lord Brahma started creation. During this time, a demon named Somakasura was troubling the sages and destroying their ‘yagnas’. Somakasura once attacked Satyaloka and stole the Vedas. He hid them in the sea.
To save the Vedas, Lord Sri Mahavishnu assumed the form of a fish i.e., Matsyavataara and reached the bottom of the ocean. At this time Lord Brahma prayed to Goddess Parvati, who is the Goddess of Power, and asked Her to kill Somakasura and bring the Vedas back. Goddess Parvati granted Lord Brahma’s prayers and attacked Somakasura. Lord Sri Mahavishnu who was in the form of Matsyavataara assisted the Goddess.
Amna Yakshi Ammavaru –> Avanakshamma Ammavaru
After killing Somakasura, Jaganmata brought the Vedas back and presented them to Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma, who started creation, felt grateful to Goddess Parvati for Her help. With this, Lord Brahma made an idol and installed it in the area of the present temple and worshipped the Mother as Sri ‘Amnayakshi Ammavaru’.
Later Agastya Maharshi reached there and worshipped the goddess. ‘Amna’ means the Vedas and Akshi means eyes. That means the Goddess who protected the Vedas was worshipped by Lord Brahma as ‘Amna Yakshi’.
Over time, the name ‘Amna Yakshi’ has become ‘Avanakshamma’.
Sri Avanakshamma Ammavari Temple Structure
The temple of Sri Avanakshamma in Narayanavanam is located in a spacious courtyard. Opposite the main temple, one can see the Balipeetham made of stone. The main Gopuram consists of one stair. One can see the idol Sri Avanakshamma in this Gopura Mandapam.
After entering the temple, one can see Balipeetham, Dwaja Sthambham and Thrishulam. Devotees offer turmeric, kumkuma and bangles at the thrishulam and offer ‘puja.’ The main temple consists of Mahamandapa, Mukhamandapa, Antaralayam and Garbhalayam. In the main sanctum sanctorum, Sri Avanakshamma Ammavaru appears as ‘Shaktirupini’ with sticking out tongue.
Sri Avanakshamma wears a sword and a ‘thrishulam’ with both hands and poked the demon under Her feet with ‘thrishulam.’ Along with the main deity, one can see small statues of ‘Ammavaru’, ‘Sri Shankari Devi’ and ‘Utsavamurthis’. It is said that the idol of Ammavaru which was worshipped by Lord Brahma earlier was small.
Naga Devatas
Akasharaju installed a big idol which is currently being worshipped. Usually, there is an Ekakalasa Gopuram above the sanctum sanctorum. This temple has a gopuram like Galigopuram on the sanctum sanctorum. Five ‘kalasalas’ are enshrined on this gopuram. One can see in the temple premises the Lord Ganesha on the platform under the peepal and neem trees and ‘Naga Devatas.’
History of the Temple
It is said that Akasha Raju the king of Narayanavanam got the daughter Padmavati Devi after worshipping Sri Avanakshamma. It is said that Sri Padmavathi Devi along with her father used to go to the temple regularly and worship the Goddess.
During the marriage of Sri Venkateswara Swami and Padmavati Ammavaru, Padmavati Devi performed Gouripuja in this temple, and after the marriage, Sri Venkateswara Swami and Padmavati Devi visited and worshipped the goddess.
Along with the rulers of Narayanavanam and Karvetinagaram, the rulers of Thiruttani worshipped the goddess and worked for the development of the temple. In 1967, the management of the temple was taken over by the TTD.
Sevas
The Brahmotsavam of Narayanavanam Sri Avanakshamma Ammavaru will be performed every year in August and September for eighteen days apart from daily pujas. During the Brahmotsavams different ‘vahana sevas’ including the Radhotsavam will be performed grandly. Special poojas will also be performed at Ammavaru in Ashadamasam.
More Details
There are no accommodation facilities for devotees in Narayanavanam. It is located in A.P. on the Tirupati-Chennai road approx. 45 km away from Tirupati and 8 km away from Puttur.
How to Reach the Temple
Buses are available from Tirupati, Chennai, Puttur and Chittoor. Almost all trains stop at Puttur Railway Station on the Renigunta-Chennai main line.
From Tirupati Srinivasam, one can take a tourist bus operated by the Department of Tourism and visit this place along with other places.
Final Word
It is believed that childless people who worship Goddess Avanakshamma Ammavaru will get children.There is a strong belief among the devotees that those who will visit the goddess and worship Her, get married quickly.
May the Goddess Sri Avanakshamma Ammavaru grant prosperity and eternal bliss.
Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy – Ekasila Nagaram, Vontimitta
Kodandarama Temple at Ekasila Nagaram, Vontimitta is a famous tourist centre. It is known for its architectural and historical significance. To know about the history of that magnificent masterpiece, one has to go back to the history incorporated in our ancient myths and puranas.
According to the concept of our ancient Hindu cosmology, time is divided into four great epochs. The first great epoch was Krutayuga, the next was Tretayuga followed by Dwaparayuga and the last and current yuga is Kaliyuga. These four yugas are called as the great epochs or Mahayugas. For convenience, those four yugas are subdivided into small parts and as of now, we are in the 28th part. In Kaliyuga, we are in 5120th year. (as of year 2020)
Each age has its significance. The iconic characters of our myths and Puranas belonged to the first three yugas. The incarnation of Rama and Krishna in different epochs left an incredible effect on the people of India. Though Rama and Krishna belonged to Tretayuga and Dwaparayuga, the path of Dharma that was shown in their period is a prototype to the people of the present epoch.
Penance of Jambavantha in Krutayuga
The story of Ekasila Nagaram at Vontimitta in South India goes back to Krutayuga. Jambavantha was a distinctive character in Ramayana. He performed severe penance for 100 years to see Rama and to serve him wholeheartedly.
Though Jambavantha’s dwelling place was the Himalayas, he had chosen Ekasila Nagaram at Vontimitta near Palakondalu in Sesachalam Hills. Ekasila Nagaram was also called as Rukshaparvat or Ruksha Hill as it was the place of thick trees and bears.
The information about Ekasila Nagaram was cited in the slokas of Srisaila Kanda of Siddipeta Mahatyam in Skandapurana. Ekasila Nagaram is in the way of Kasirameshwaram which is the sacred place of Siva Kesava. Standing in the direction of North, Jambavantha did penance. Sri Ramachandra blessed Jambavantha, standing on the opposite hill of it.
The same place where Jambavantha received blessings has become a sacred and pious place to the devotees of Rama in Kaliyuga.
The voyage transverse of Sri Rama in exile
The temple at Vontimitta has the idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana without Hanuma. Hanuman who is usually represented in most of Rama, sita and Lakshmana temples, is missing at Vontimitta. A separate temple was built for Hanuma. It was said in Puranas that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana had spent their period of exile for some time at Vontimitta.
From there, at a distance of half a kilometre, there was the hermitage of Saint Mrukandu. Rama and Lakshmana protected the hermitage from demons. A few years after the incident, Ravana abducted Sita. In search of Sita, Rama and Lakshmana reached the hill where Hanuma resided. Hanuman met Rama and Lakshmana for the first time, after the abduction of Sita. It was the reason why the Hanuman idol was not placed in the temple of Rama.
Sri Sanjeevaraya Swamy Temple
The story of Hanuma does not end with it. Hanuma’s temple was separately built at Vontimitta. During the war with Ravana, Lakshmana lost his consciousness. Rama had sent Hanuma for Sanjeeveni, a sapling that brought back the consciousness. While he was bringing, he felt tedious. Hanuma kept his foot on the hill at Vontimitta to relax. Hence, a separate temple was constructed for Hanuma, calling him on the name Sanjeevaraya.
One could see the petals of Sanjeevini carved in the hands of the Hanuman idol. Those who are suffering from diseases or unnecessary fears can visit the temple of Hanuma to regain their health and also to get rid of their fear.
The story of Jambavanth
The episode of Kishkindha Kanda in Ramayana speaks about the relationship that was developed between Sugreeva & Rama. After the death of Vali, his brother Sugreeva ascended the throne. Sugreeva promised Rama that he would help him in search of Sita. He had assigned the work of searching Sita to Hanuma and Jambavantha. For Jambavantha, Rama was not new.
In Krutayuga, Jambavantha did penance to see Rama. His intense desire to see Rama fulfilled in Tretayuga.
As he desired, Jambavantha received a chance to be with Rama and to work for Rama. In search of Sita, Jambavantha came to the same place where he received blessings from God when he did penance. It was Ekasila Nagaram at Vontimitta.
He relaxed on the hill where he was blessed and the next morning, when he was about to leave, he selected a rock and worshipped it with utmost devotion, imagining it as Rama with Sita & Lakshmana. A temple was built in the same place where Jambavantha consecrated a rock, imagining it as an idol.
Inauguration of the Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple
Vontudu and Mittudu were the two tribal brothers who used to control the people of Ekasila. A sudden and unexpected change had come in their behaviour. The reason could be the dream that had come to them in which they saw Rama with Sita.
They became ardent devotees of Rama. Once the king of Udayagiri, Kamparayulu visited their place. Taking the king’s visit as a great opportunity to start a temple at Ekasila Nagaram, the two tribals showed the king, the places where Jambavantha laid a rock imagining it as Rama with Sita and also showed an artesian well that was created by Rama to satisfy Sita.
Witnessing the authentic proofs of Kritayuga, King Kamparayulu felt very happy and accepted the request of Vontudu and Mittudu to build a temple at Ekasila Nagaram at Vontimitta. Beside the temple, for the construction purpose, a lake was dug. The king gave the responsibility of the temple and the lake to Vontudu and Mittudu.
In the year 1356 AD, many years after the inauguration of the temple, a surprise visit by King Bukkaraya took place. Accompanied by Bukkaraya, his teacher Vidyaranya visited the place. They were captivated by knowing the significance of the place.
Bukkaraya with the blessings of his teacher consecrated the idols of the three deities – Rama Sita and Lakshmana in the temple. A small village formed around the temple. As that was the place controlled by Vontudu and Mittudu and the place was also named Vontimitta.
Extension of the Temple
The temple that was built in the beginning when Bukkaraya had been consecrated was not spacious. There was only a sanctum sanctorum, a small dome, an inner chamber and a main gate. The temple was very small. Two centuries after the inauguration, a king called Matlaraju who belonged to the Vijayanagara clan developed Siddapatam as the centre for his administrative works. Vontimitta was very near place to Siddapatam. The king used to visit Vontimitta which was nearby.
Due to his frequent visits, the place gained recognition. After that period, Anantha Raju – son of Matla Elamaraju, Tiruvengalanatharaju – son of Anantha Raju and Kumara Anantha Raju – son of Tiruvengalanatha, three kings developed the temple at Vontimitta. They had taken the responsibility of the temple and extended the temple boundaries. Rangamandapam, Open-air theatre, Kalyanamandapam, Great Wall, Three ornate towers, Sanjeevaramaswamy temple and Ramatheertham were some that were built during the reign of the three kings.
The responsibility of TTD
As the time passed, the temple was left in poverty. It was due to the rule of Mohammadians and the Britishers. Little care was taken on the temple. In the 20th century, a devotee called Vavilikolanu Subbarao travelled to many places to gather the amount to bring back the splendour of the temple. With his devotional work, the temple had regained its magnificence.
After the bifurcation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh, Badhrachalam, the place well known for Rama temple, was given to Telangana. The then Andhra Pradesh government, to bring back the grandeur of the temple of Rama at Vontimitta, handed over its responsibility to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Since then, the temple of Vontimitta has received State recognition.
Many changes have taken place in and around the temple. Three streets are built around the temple. A floor with granite stone is laid inside the temple. There is a park with beautifully carved images outside the temple. A sacred water tank is located in the precincts of the temple.
An open-air theatre was built inside the village to perform the marriage ritual of Sri Rama. Throughout the year, various rituals are celebrated in that Open-air theatre. Pandits chant vedas early in the morning daily and on every full moon day, there takes place Sita Rama marriage ritual.
Annammaya Visit to the Temple
The temple at Ekasila Nagaram in Vontimitta, a town of Kadapa district located in the way between Kadapa and Tirupati. Chennai and Mumbai rail line crosses Vontimitta. It is said that saint-poet Annamacharya who had written 32000 Sankeerthanas on Tirumala Venkateswara, visited the temple and composed songs in honor of Rama.
There are many famous temples in Kadapa District. Devuni Kadapa Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is one of the most famous and ancient temples in Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is at a distance of three kilometres away from Kadapa. It is in the area of Kadapa Municipal Corporation.
Toli Gadapa (First Threshold) to Tirumala Temple
It is considered as Toli Gadapa (First Threshold) to Tirumala Temple. In ancient days, devotees who were going to Tirumala for the grand ‘darshan’ of Sri Venkateswara Swamy used to visit first Devuni Kadapa and then proceed to Tirumala.
So, it is called Devuni Gadapa. Later, it is popularly known as Devuni Kadapa.
There was an interesting Sthalapurana about the temple and God. As per Sthalapurana, Krupacharya, the brother-in-law of Dronacharya installed Lord Venkateswara in Devuni Kadapa.
Hanumath Kshetram
Tirumala is known as Varaha Kshetram whereas Devuni Kadapa Kshetram is famous as Hanumath kshetram. During ‘vanavasam’ (exile) Sita was taken away by the Ravana. Lord Rama, in search of Sita, reached this place and stayed for some time. During this period, he believed that someone would help him in search of Sita. Lord Rama strongly believed that he would get help from Lord Hanuman. With this idea, Lord Rama installed the idol of Lord Hanuman.
During Dwapara Yuga, Krupacharya, the brother-in-law of Dronacharya lost the Kurukshetra war and wanted to have a grand darshan of Lord Venkateswara. He proceeded to Tirumala and reached Devuni Kadapa on the way to Tirumala. But he was unable to proceed further to Tirumala due to old age and offer prayers to Lord Venkateswara from this place. During this time he found the idol of the Lord and installed it in front of Lord Hanuman.
From that day people who were unable to visit Tirumala used to visit Devuni Kadapa and they would have a glorious ‘darshan ’ of Lord Venkateswara. It is believed that the devotees who are going to visit Tirumala should have a ‘darshan’ of the Lord in the Devuni Kadapa to complete their trip successfully.
The History of the Temple
As per the chronicles from the 14th century onwards, the Vijayanagara rulers Harihara, Bukkaraya, Saluva Narasimharayulu and Sri Krishnadevaraya developed the temple and offered prayers to Lord Venkateswara here.
Between 1801 and 1807, the Collector of Dattamandala Sir Thomas Manro developed the Raja Gopuram of the temple when the temple was in ruin stage. Later, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams took over the temple and took up many developmental works.
Annamayya’s Composition
Great scholars eulogize the glory of the temple and the Lord. Padakavitha pitaamaha Sri Tallapaka Annamayya visited this temple many times and composed ‘kirtanas’. Annamayya praised Devuni Kadapa Sri Venkateswara Swamy as Kadapa Rayudu, “Venkatadri Kadapa Rayudu” in his keerthanas as follows:
“Kadanaku Na Mata Kadaparaya-neku Kappa moilu meni chaya kadaparaya”……
The Structure of the Temple
In Devuni Kadapa, Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple is towards the West and it was built in a large area. The temple has a marvellous Raja Gopuram. The Raja Gopuram consists of five storeys at the top. One can see five Gopura Kalasams.
There are
Paadala Mandapam,
Balipeetham,
Dwajasthambam and
Garudalwar Mandapam in front of the main temple.
The main temple consists of four Mandapas namely Ranga Mandapa, Mukhamandapa, Antaraalayam and Garbhagruha. The Rangamandapam was built with pillars. At the entrance of Antaraalayam, one can find the idols of two dwarapalakas namely Jaya and Vijaya.
In the main sanctum sanctorum, one finds the idol of Sri Venkateswara Swamy having four hands with Conch, Chakra, Kati and Varada Hastam. One can also see the idol of Lord Hanuman on the back side of the main temple. On the temple premises, to the south side of the main temple, there is a separate shrine for Goddess Padmavathi Devi.
In this temple, one can see Goddess Padmavathi Devi with four hands in a sitting posture. In two hands one can see two lotus flowers and in the other two hands, one can see Abhaya and Varada postures. On the roof of Mukhamandapa of Ammavari temple, there are two impressions of lizards.
It is believed that one’s sins will be washed away if one touches the lizards. In addition to the main deities one can also see Lord Vinayaka Swami, Lord Viswakshena, Goddess Goda Devi, Lord Chenna Kesava Swami and idols of the Alwars, There is a Pushkarini near the temple.
The Brahmotsavams
Devuni Kadapa Sri Venkateswara Swami Brahmotsavams will be performed every year in the month of Maghamasam for Nine days .
During Brahmotsavams different ‘vahana sevas’ including Rathotsavam and Kalyanotsavam will be performed in a grand manner. On Rathasapthami which is Lord Surya Bhagavan’s birthday, Lord Venkateswara’s Rathotsavam will be performed here in a grand scale.
Temple Location
Devuni Kadapa is situated three kilometres from Kadapa. Kadapa is situated two hundred and eighty kilometres from Chennai, and one hundred and forty-five kilometres from Tirupati. Bus and Rail facilities are available from all the main towns and cities.
Air connectivity for Kadapa is also available from Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Chennai.
Let us have a glorious glimpse of Lord Venkateswara Swamy in Devuni Kadapa during the Brahmotsavams. The visit of ‘Devuni Kadapa’ initiates peace and bliss in the hearts of the devotees.
About five thousand years ago, Lord Venkateswara Swamy descended from Vaikuntam and incarnated himself on Venkatachalam. Lord Venkateswara Swamy known for fulfilling the desires of his devotees has in subsequent periods been consecrated and adored in several places other than Venkatachalam at the request of his devotees.
One such holy place is Upamaka in Nakkapallimandal of Visakhapatnam district. Several devotees have served Sri Venkateswara, the omnipotent Lord of the temple, in different forms and turn received his grace.
Even today, lakhs of devotees participate in various celebrations in the temple seeking the Lord’s blessings.
Sage Narada observed that people in Kaliyuga are short-living, innocent and whiling away their time in sinful acts. Distressed by the pain suffered by the people, he felt that Lord Srimannarayana was the only God who could alleviate them from such a dreadful situation.
On his way to the Lord, he adored Sri Kalahastiswara and offered him umpteen prayers. Lord Siva told him that Sri Venkateswara is the only God who can protect the devotees and advised him to visit the Lord on Venkatadri.
Narada offered his prayers to Mother Janambika Devi and Sri Kumaraswamy before proceeding to Venkatadri. He then reached Sukapuram to offer his prayers to Sri Mahalaxmi. He prayed to Padmavathi Devi for her blessings. Pleased by the devotion of Narada, Sri Mahalaxmi placed her padukas (sandals) on his head and assured him that his desires would be fulfilled shortly.
Subsequently, Narada reached Venkatadri, took a holy dip in Pushkarini and offered prayers to Lord Varahaswami. He also prayed to Hanuman there.
He then entered the sanctum sanctorum of the main temple and had the darshan of the Lord in Ananda Nilayam. His happiness knew no bounds as he saw that the Lord was glowing with powerful brilliance and splendour.
He prayed to the Lord thus: “Oh Lord Srimannarayana, the protector of the Universe! Govinda! I offer my obeisance to you. You are omniscient. This entire universe is your personification. Oh! Saviour of the Distressed! Bless me. Blessed are the visitors to this temple because of your well-known generosity towards the devotees! May we request you to manifest on Garudadri which is nearer to the east of the sea?”
Pleased by the prayers of Narada, the Lord said, “Oh Narada, I will fulfil your desire. You are very close to me. You are the most favoured devotee of mine. As per your wish, I will come to Garudadri in the guise of a hunter. I will protect those devotees who surrender to me and grant them redemption. That place will be renowned as Upamaka.”
Narada was overwhelmed with joy at the assurance of the Lord. He prayed to him and returned. This is how Upamaka has turned out to be a holy place of Lord Venkateswara. Those who worship the Lord here will be absolved of all sins and blessed with prosperity and salvation.
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple – Details
As per the history, Emperor Srikrishna, the ruler of Kandregula kingdom in East Godavari district, constructed the temple. Thereafter, during the 17th and 18th centuries, the ruler of Pithapuram offered a golden crown decked with precious diamonds and emeralds. It appears that he fixed an auspicious day to crown himself. On the previous day, the Lord appeared in his dream and questioned him how he could wear the crown in the presence of the Lord in Upamaka temple.
The next day, the ruler went in a great procession consisting of elephants, horses and a fleet of army men to Upamaka and humbly offered the crown to Lord Venkateswara. This temple has been mentioned in the compilation of Hindu temples made by Brown.
Bhagawad Ramanujacharya after visiting 108 divine places in India compiled a sloka on this temple. References about the temple are found in the words, “tarksyshadrisimhachalo”. Tarksyadri means Garudadri. It is believed that Ramanujacharya visited this temple during his life span between 1017 and 1137. The rituals are performed in the temple according to the Pancharatra Agama.
Besides the daily rites of worship,
Kalyanotsavam,
Brahmotsavam,
Adyayanotsavam,
Tirukalyanam,
Tiru Nakshatram of the twelve Alwars,
Lord Rama’s adhyayanotsavam,
Sri Venu Gopala Swami kalyanotsavam on the eleventh day of bright lunar fortnight in Vaisakha masa,
dhanussankramanam
are performed in the temple.
On these holy occasions, Lord Venkateswara with His Consorts is taken in procession on
Punyakoti Vahanam,
Ponna Vahanam,
Brass Garuda Vahanam,
Wax (Lakka) Garuda Vahanam,
Hamsa Vahanam,
Rajadhiraja Vahanam,
Asva Vahanam,
Gaja Vahanam,
big and small chariots.
The speciality of this temple is the entry to the devotees into the temple through the northern side. The hill looks like a Garuda (eagle) from a distance and hence this place is known as Garudadri. It is believed that those devotees who take the prasadam during Panchamruta abhishekam will be blessed with children.
The prominence of Upamaka Kshetram
UPMAKA KSHETRAM is prominently known as “PLACE OF PAVALIMPU” (Rest) to Swamy. In other words, it is a place of rest for the Lord. How fortunate it is to UPAMAKA KSHETRAM, which is endowed with this divine providence.
It is the experience of every devotee that lord Venkateswara – upamaka guards with invisible arms and fulfils their needs. If one once gets the darshan of lord Venkateswara, one would develop an attachment with upamaka unwittingly. Such is the charisma and magic of the lord.
Upamaka, One of the TTD temples
Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Upamaka came under the jurisdiction of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in 2015. Since then, it has been making progress, with several rituals being performed on a grand scale.
How to Reach Temple
Sri Sri Sri Venkateswara Swamy vari Devastanam Upamaka is well connected by both Rail and Roadways. It is situated at a distance of 4 km from Narasipatnam Road Railway Station.
BY ROAD
APSRTC Buses are available from Rajahmundry / Kakinada and Visakhapatnam at an One Hour interval.
APSRTC Buses are available from Tuni and Yellamanchili at frequent intervals.
Regular Auto Services are available from Narasipatnam Road, Addu Road and Nakkapalli.
BY TRAIN
Most of the Trains passing between the Kolkatta – Chennai line will stop at Tuni station, which is 20 km distance from Upamaka.
Some of the trains passing between the Kolkatta – Chennai line will stop at Narasipatnam Road, which is a 4 km distance to Upamaka.
BY FLIGHT
The nearest Airport is situated at Visakhapatnam, which is 90 Kms distance to Upamaka.
Sri Sridevi Bhudevi Sametha Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Thondamanadu
The temple of Lord Venkateswara is one of the most renowned temples in Chittoor district. It attributed the greatness, glory and grandeur to the temple of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala. Lord Venkateswara and His two consorts, Sri Devi and Bhudevi, came and resided in the place as per the wish of the emperor Tondaman and the temple is called Sri Sridevi Bhudevi Sametha Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy.
The emperor, a staunch devotee of Lord Venkateswara, shared half of the area of Narayanavanam with King Akasaraju and established his capital. Over time, Tondamanadu became Tondamandalam in the name of the emperor Tondaman.
This place’s popular name was Tondamandalam until the reign of the kings of Vizianagara. This place is approximately thirty kilometres away from Tirupati.
Sri Sridevi Bhudevi Sametha Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple – Click here for Google Maps Location
Thondamanadu- SthalaPurana
There are many legends behind the advent of Lord Venkateswara along with His two consorts to this place. It is said that the emperor Tondaman used to go to Tirumala through a tunnel to do service to the holy feet of Lord Venkateswara and to start his administrative affairs.
To ask help from Lord Venkateswara, Tondaman entered the sanctum sanctorum. On seeing him, the two consorts of the Lord escaped from the inner temple. Sri Devi hid in the chest of the Lord and Bhudevi hid in the Golden Well.
Lord Venkateswara got angry with the emperor and said that he should not come to this place again. He told the emperor that He would come to his place along with the river Viraja. This is one kind of mythological narration.
There is also another version of the incident. The emperor Tondaman requested the Lord to come to his place as he could not come to His place due to his old age. So Lord Venkateswara came to Tondamanadu.
Sri Sridevi Bhudevi Sametha Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Thondamanadu
Once a Brahmin was going to Kasi on a pilgrimage. He wanted the emperor to look after his wife and children till he came back. The emperor promised the Brahmin. He put them in a room. Out of forgetfulness, he failed to nourish them with food and water. After some time, the Brahmin came to the emperor and asked him to hand over his wife and children.
Suddenly, the emperor recollected the past. But he told the Brahmin that they would come in the morning as they had gone to Tirumala to have the grand darshan of Lord Venkateswara. The Brahmin kept quiet. The emperor Tondaman came to the Lord and prayed to Him to give them life.
Lord Venkateswara granted the Brahmin’s request by compulsion. It was assumed that Lord Venkateswara stopped talking to the emperor Tondaman from that time onwards. This is another legend. Whatever may be the mythological legends, Lord Venkateswara was receiving offerings from His devotee, Tondaman. Let us know about the details of the emperor Tondaman and his previous birth.
The Previous Birth of Tondaman
In the olden days, there was a Vaikhanasa saint Gopinath who was a staunch devotee of Lord Krishna. To see Lord Krishna directly, he did a rigorous penance by not allowing even food and sleep. Lord Vishnu was gratified. He appeared before him and asked him what type of boon he wanted.
The devotee earnestly requested Lord Vishnu to see the ‘avatar’ of Lord Krishna and give him a chance to perform ‘seva’ to Lord Krishna. Lord Vishnu told him that Lord Krishna was in the anthill in the ‘avatar’ of Lord Venkateswara on the Seshadri Hill and ordered him to worship Lord Krishna and he would be blessed.
Poolabavi
Gopinath went there happily and ordered his servant by the name Ranga Dasu to worship Lord Venkateswara with various flowers as the Lord loves flowers and to develop a flower garden. He dug a well for watering the flower plants. The well is called ‘Poolabavi.’
The servant Ranga Dasu used to bring flowers to the devotee Gopinath for worshipping the Lord. According to reliable sources, Tirumala is called ‘Pushpa Mandapam‘. One day a Gandharva king along with his wives was enjoying ‘jalakreedalu’ in the Swami Pushkarini near the ‘Poolabavi.’ Ranga Dasu witnessed the wonderful and captivating scene and forgot his time to take away the flowers to the Lord for worship in time.
Ranga Dasu being blessed
After some time, he realized his mistake and quickly plucked the flowers and went to his ‘guru’ Gopinath. The saint Gopinath asked Ranga Dasu for his delay in bringing flowers. He told his ‘guru’ all about the incident and begged his pardon. Lord Srinivasa appeared before him and told him. “Don’t worry about it, Ranga Dasu. It is not your mistake. It is due to my ‘Leela.’ I grant you a wonderful boon to serve Me.
You will leave this body and become the son of King Sudharma who is ruling Narayanapuram. Your name will be Tondaman hereafter.’ By saying so, Lord Venkateswara vanished. This Ranga Dasu is Tondaman, the brother of Akasa Raja in his next birth.
The Legend of Tondaman
Near Tirupati, there was a place called Narayanapuram. King Sudharma was ruling it. Akasaraju was his son. King Sudharama went hunting and tired terribly. He took rest at Kapila Theertham. Meanwhile, he saw a beautiful woman belonging to Nagas coming from Kapila Thirtheertham after her bath.
Charmed by her beauty and grace, he married her in Gandhrava mode. Tondaman was born to the couple. Over time, King Sudharma made Akasaraju the caretaker of Tondaman. Later, he died. Dharani Devi is the wife of Akasaraju. The two were ruling the country looking after the welfare of their people.
The Marriage of Goddess Padmavathi and Lord Srinivasa
There were no children to Akasaraju and Dharani Devi for a long time. By God’s grace, they had a female child on earth. They named the baby Padmavathi. After some time, Dharani Devi delivered a male child. His name is Vasudana. After Goddess Lakshmi had left Vaikunta, Lord Vishnu was not happy.
He left Vaikhuntam and searched for Lakshmi in the ‘Bhuloka’. He spent His time in the association of Vakula Mata in the Venkatachala Hills.
Vakula Matha Temple – Perur near to Tirupati
Over time, Lord Srinivasa and Goddess Padmavathi loved each other deeply. The royal parents of Padmavathi felt satisfied and happy. They conversed with the Deva guru Bruhaspathi and decided to fix their wedding. They would be an ideal couple. Under the supervision of King Tondaman, their marriage was celebrated on Friday i.e., Vaisakha Sukla Dasami in a grand manner.
According to the rules of marriage, the newly wedded couple should not climb a mountain for six months. They decided to stay in the ‘ashram’ of the saint Agastya.
Once they received a piece of information that King Akasaraju was on his deathbed. They went to Narayanapuram. King Akasaraju said to Lord Srinivasa, “I am blessed because you are my son-in-law. I see you at the last moment of my life. Please protect my brother and my son. They are innocent.” By saying so, he died happily.
Later his wife, Dharani Devi also passed away. Lord Srinivasa and Goddess Padmavathi Devi gave them the kingdom and went to the hermitage of the saint Agastya. After the death of Akasaraju, King Tondaman and Vasudana quarrelled over the kingdom. Both of them went to Lord Srinivasa for help in their battle. Lord Venkateswara gave Tondaman His Conch and Chakra.
He stood on the side of Vasudana and fought in favour of Vasudama. Meanwhile, Goddess Padmavathi came and made a wonderful treaty by sharing the kingdom equally and stopping war between them. Tondaman got Tundimandalam and Vasudana got Narayanapuram.
Vimana Venkateswara Swamy
One day Tondaman came to see Lord Venkateswara. Lord Venkateswara ordered Tondaman to build a temple at Tirumala. Accordingly, King Tondaman built a grand temple shining with gems and other valuable stones. He built three ‘prakaras’ around the temple, ways for pradakshana and built madapas, kitchens and ‘bangaru bavi’in them.
The temple is called ‘Ananda Nilayam’. On the vimana of ‘Ananda Nilayam’, he installed Lord Srinivasa Murthy. He is renowned as “Vimana Venkateswara Swamy’. During the auspicious and grand time, Goddess Padmavathi and Lord Venkateswara entered the ‘Ananda Nilayam’ in the sacred presence of ‘Mukkoti Devatas’.
King Tondaman used to worship Lord Srinivasa with gold lotuses every day. One day there were some flowers made of clay in the presence of the Lord. Tondaman got angry and asked the priests, “Who are offering the clay flowers to the Lord in worship? Lord Venkateswara Himself answered Tondaman that a devotee by the name of Kuravanambi was offering those flowers after his work of pottery was over. He used to prepare the flowers with the remained clay. Tondaman repented and asked him pardon for his foolishness. As said earlier, Lord Venkateswara appeared as a statue along with the river Viraja.
Veetta Pirunda Perumal
Tondaman came out and found the river flowing in front of his house and made its journey towards the tank. Thus his desire was fulfilled. Lord was born in his house. He called the Lord ‘Veetta Pirunda Perumal’ (The Lord who was born in the house). Perumal is along with His two consorts. He is magnificent with His ‘Abhaya hasta’. Tondaman built the temple around them and also built a fort around the temple.
The temple ‘Vimana’ is similar to the ‘Ananda Nilaya Vimana’ of Tirumala. Lord Venkateswara along with His consorts came to His younger uncle Tondaman’s house and received his services.
Ananda Nilayam – Tirupati Balaji Temple in Tirumala
Architectural Style of the Sri Sridevi Bhudevi Sametha Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple
In Tondamanadu, the statue of Tondaman was seen with folding hands on the gateway in front of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Perumal. On the other side, there were the statues of Lord Lakshmi Narayana. In ‘Mukha Mandapa’, there were the statues of Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja and Sri Rama.
On the other side, there was the statue of Lord Anjaneya was seen. As there is a similarity in respect of the Vimanas in both the temples at Tondamandu and Tirumala, the sculptor of the two Vimanas was the same.
Tamaragunta
Tondamanudu arranged to bring the water of Akasa Ganga through Kapila Thirtham by digging a well. The tank became famous as ‘Tamaragunta.’This water is used for the ‘Abhishekam’ of the Lord. The idol of Lord Venkateswara is in the sitting posture at ten feet high.
Usual worship and ‘utsavs’ were being celebrated to Lord Venkateswara. Devotees come to the temple in leaps and bounds from different corners of the world and they become elated and blessed. In 2008, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams brought the “Sri Sridevi Bhudevi Sametha Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy” temple under their control to enhance its glory and development.
The temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tondamanadu has its grandeur and has become renowned in the ‘Puranas’.
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