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ToggleVakula Matha Temple - Location
Vakula Devi, in the life of Lord Venkateswara, best exemplifies the mother-son relationship and as a symbol of motherly love, a Temple in her name was built about 300 years ago on Peruru banda hillock with more than 50 acres of land around scenic.
Perur village is located within 10 kilometers of Tirumala hills and 5 km from Tirupati.
As per the wishes of Vakula Maatha (mother), this temple was constructed in such a way that the visage of Maata faces the Seven Hills, where her son Lord Venkateswara resides.
Yashoda Devi - Mother to Lord Venkateswara
Vakula Devi is foster mother of Lord Venkateswara. In the past, Yasoda devi reared Vishnu in the incarnated form of Krishna and not fully satisfied by seeing his presence, desired to have it prolonged for some time longer.
He granted her wish in a boon saying that in another incarnation he would fulfill her wish. In accordance with this boon Vishnu in the form of Srinivasa was now making her happy.
Yashoda Devi, born as Vakulamata enjoyed his presence while serving him.
Old Image before construction of the temple from 2016
Vakula Maatha
In Kali yuga Yashoda Reborn as Vakula Devi as foster mother of Lord Venkateswara to arrange Marriage with Padmavathi. Thus Vakula Devi fulfills her wish to witness Kalyanam of Lord Venkateswara.
Love and affection of mother-son is evident as naivedyam ('bhogh' in Hindi) first offered to mother and later to Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.
The Priests ring the large bells at Vakula maata temple to indicate naivedyam offered to the mother, later Priests at Tirumala submit offerings to Lord Venkateswara.
Such was the tradition followed in earlier days until the temple was destroyed, lost its glory.
Vakulamatha is Yashoda herself
Yashoda was the foster mother of Little Krishna in Dvapara Yuga. Yashoda who witnessed his childhood miracles was worried that she could not perform even a marriage to Krishna. She was not fortunate enough to see any of his marriages as well. To condone her anguish, Krishna gave her a boon, “Oh mother! I will be born as Srinivasa in the Kali Yuga. At that time, I will marry Padmavathi, daughter of Akasha Raju. You will have the privilege of performing that marriage.” Yashoda of the past is the present Vakulamatha.
Vakulamatha took care of Srinivasa like his own mother. Srinivasa could relish her maternal affection once again. Once, Srinivasa went to the hillside for hunting. There, he saw Padmavathi chased by a herd of elephants. Protecting her from the attack of elephants, Srinivasa fell in love with her. Her maids drove him away hurling stones at him.
Vakulamatha was agitated to see Srinivasa bleeding. Srinivasa recounted his story of love for Padmavathi and requested her to mediate with Akasha Raju for the alliance.
Vakulamatha was hesitant if a king like Akasha Raju would accept the alliance with vagrants like them. Then, he revealed the secret that she was Yashoda and he was Krishna of Dvapara Yuga. Not only this, but another secret is that Padmavathi, daughter of Akasha Raju, was Vedavathi of Treta Yuga.
Vedavathi is Padmavathi
Sita was abducted by Ravana during the exile of Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana. The Fire God encountered him and asked him who she was. Ravana informed me that she was Sita. The Fire God denied that she was Sita. Pointing to Vedavathi, he said, “Actual Sita is with me.” Distracted Ravana took Vedavathi with him in place of the actual Sita. Vedavathi was in Lanka in place of Sita. After Ravana’s killing and Sita’s Fire-trial, two ladies in the guise of Sita, emerged from the flames.
Fire-God told perplexed Rama, “O Ramachandra! The lady who stayed in Lanka till now is Vedavathi. Actual Sita is with me.” Sita asked Rama to marry Vedavathi who underwent suffering in Lanka for her sake. But, Rama told her: “I am committed to the vow of a single wife in this Yuga. In Kali Yuga, I will manifest as Srinivasa and Vedavathi will be born as Padmavathi. Then I will marry her.”
Vedavathi is also a manifestation of Lakshmi. Maya was a scholar who used to recite the Vedas always. Once, he came across a nymph Urvashi. He got enamoured of her and his semen got ejected. Out of this emerged Lakshmi as a child. She was named Vedavathi because she was born when the Vedas were recited. This is the story of the present Padmavathi. Thus, Srinivasa told Vakulamatha about the past of Padmavathi.
