Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple
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.
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STORY OF THE UPAMAKA TEMPLE
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.
