Thondaman Chakravarthi / Thondamanadu Temple
The holy place where the Supreme deity of Kaliyuga Sri Venkateswara Swami along with His Consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi appeared to the King Thondaman Chakravarthi who built the temple in Tirumala and receives His puja and prayers and stayed as per king wish is ‘Thondamanadu’.
The deity of the ‘Thondamanadu’ temple Sri Venkateswara Swami is known for His consideration towards the devotees who are in dire need of God’s blessings and He blesses all the devotees liberally. Thondaman Chakravarthi, who was the brother of Aakasaraju ruled the kingdom Thondamandalam or Thurdeeramandalam with this place as the capital. Hence this place was named ‘Thondamanadu’.
Legend
There is an interesting sthalapuranam behind why Lord Venkateswara Swami stayed in Thondamanadu. Aakasaraju, father of Padmavathi Devi and fatherin- law of Sri Venkateswara Swami ruled Narayanapuram or Narayanavanam as his capital.
After the death of Aakasaraju, his son Vasudasa, brother of Thondaman fought for the Kingdom. As per the wish of Padmavathi Devi, Lord Venkateswara Swami supported Vasudasa, brother of Padmavathi Devi. But Thondaman is a dearest devotee of Lord Venkateswara, hence Lord gave His Conch and Discuss to Thondaman.
When the battle became fierceful, Lord Venkateswara made peace between both. According to the peace treaty, the kingdom was divided into two and Narayanapuram was given to Vasudasa and Tundarimandalam was given to Thondaman. As per Lord Venkateswara’s order, Thondaman built a temple in Tirumala. Lord Venkateswara Swami stayed there.
Thondaman Chakravarthi – Visiting Tirumala every day
Thondaman Chakravarthi used to go to Tirumala temple every day to worship Lord Venkateswara. As days passed on, due to his old age it became difficult for Thondaman Chakravarthi to visit the temple every day. He felt very unhappy. On seeing his unhappiness and struggle, Lord Venkateswara Swami visited Thondaman’s house and received his prayers and as per Thondaman’s wish, Lord Venkateswara Swami stayed here with Sridevi and Bhudevi.
The speciality of this temple is, that we can see Lord Sri Venkateswara Swami with His Consorts here in sitting posture. It is the rear posture of Lord Venkateswara. We cannot see anywhere else. Thondaman Chakravarthi built a temple in his own house and spent his whole life praying to Lord Venkateswara Swami.
Temple Structure
In Thondamanadu, Sri Venkateswara Swami temple is towards the East and it was built in a large area. The main Entrance has Raja Gopuram. The Raja Gopuram consists of Three Tiers at the top. There are Balipeetam, Dwajasthambam, and Garudalwar Mandapams in front of the main temple in temple premises.
The main Temple consists of four mandapas i.e.
- Mahamandapa,
- Mukhamandapa,
- Antaraalayam and
- Garbhagruha.
At the entrance of Antaraalayam, we find the idols of two dwarapalakas Jaya and Vijaya.
In the main Sanctum Sanctorum, we find the Idol of Sri Venkateswara Swami in sitting posture having four hands with Conch, Discus, Yogamudra, and Abhaya hastam along with His Consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi on both sides. This is the only place where Lord Venkateswara Swami is in a sitting posture.
Belief
It is believed by the devotees that, intimacy will be increased between the married couple, and quick marriage for unmarried youth is done by praying to this god. In addition to Main Deities, we can also see Utsava Murthies
- Sri Srinivasa Swami,
- Sri Sitaramalakshamana Swami,
- Sri Anjaneya Swami,
- Sri Viswaksena,
- Sri Ramanujacharya and
- Sri Thondaman Chakravarthi in Antarala.
History of the temple
It is known from the Historical Evidence that the Temple was constructed during the 9th and 10th Century AD. The Vimana of this temple resembles that of the Anandanilaya Vimana of Tirumala. The kings of Chola, Pallavas, Vijayanagara, and other rulers performed pujas here for their well-being.
During the later 20th century the temple lost its Glory. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams took over the temple in 2008, initiated many developmental works and reconstructed the temple. After reconstruction, in 2016 kumbabhishekam was performed. In August 2017, TTD organized Pavitrotsavams in the temple. Recently TTD constructed Rajagopuram also.
Festivals and Rituals
In the temple, everyday daily rituals are being performed as per Agama Sastras. In Every Friday, Abhishekam is being performed. Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dhanurmasa Utsavas are being performed every year grandly.
How to Reach
Thondamanadu is situated Seven kilometers from Srikalahasthi and 28 kilometers from Tirupati in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. Transport facilities are available from Srikalahasthi. The visit of ‘Thondamanadu’ and the Darshan of Sri Venkateswara Swami results endless blessings for the Devotees.
