Dwaraka Tirumala Temple Andhra Pradesh

About the Temple:

“Dwaraka Tirumala” is an ancient holy place and a popular pilgrim center in Andhra Pradesh of South India. Dwaraka Tirumala is nearer to 'Eluru', the head quarters of West Godavari District, which is 42 KM away from Eluru. Dwaraka Tirumala is situated at 15KM distance from Bhimadole Junction, which is in between Vijayawada and Rajahmundry State Highway and Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam main Railway line.

Sthala Puranam :

This pilgrimage centre is called "Dwaraka Tirumala" after the great saint, "Dwaraka" who located the self manifested idol of Lord "Sri Venkateswara" after severe penance in a ‘Valmikam’ (ant hill). The devotees call Sri Venkateswara as Kaliyuga Vaikunta Vasa. This place is also called “Chinna Tirupati”.

As per Sastras North Indian rivers like Ganges and Yamuna are considered to be more and more holy as they go up to the origin and south Indian rivers like Krishna and Godavary are more and more holy as they go down the river to its mouth to the Sea. It is why there are numerous shrines and holy bathing ghats, at close intervals, on both sides of the great grand rivers Krishna and Godavary in their lower regions.

The region covered by our Dwaraka Tirumala is commanding the top most conspicuous position in India, being garlanded by these two great Indian rivers Krishna and Godavary, as pointed out by Brahma Purana.

The devotees who wish to go and offer their donations, or tonsures or any other offerings to Lord Venkateswara, Lord of Tirumala Tirupati, called as “Pedda Tirupati”, due to some reason, if they are unable to go there, they can offer their donations, prayers and worship in Dwaraka Tirumala temple.

Dwaraka Tirumala is a famous temple from the ancient times. According to some Puranas, the temple is popular even in Kruta yuga and is still attracting the devotees. According to Brahma Purana, Aja Maharaja, the Grand father of Lord Sri Rama also worshiped Lord Venkateswara for his marriage. On his way to the ‘Swayamvaram’ of Indumati, he passed by the temple. He did not offer prayers in the temple. The bride Indumati garlanded him, but he had to face a battle with the kings who came to the Swayamvaram. He realized that the battle was thrust on him for ignoring the temple on the way. After realizing this, Aja Maharaja prayed to the Lord Venkateswara. Suddenly the kings stopped the battle.

It is a great wonder to see two main idols under one Vimana Sikharam. One idol is a full and complete statue. The other is a half statue of the upper portion of the form of the Lord. The upper potion of the form is a self-manifested idol located by Sage "Dwaraka". The saints of the yore felt the prayers to the Lord are not complete without worshipping His holy feet. So, the saints joined together and installed a full statue behind the self-manifested idol, to worship the feet of the Lord according to Vaikhanasa Agamam.

It is believed that the prayers to the smaller statue of the Lord will lead to Moksha, and the big form stands for Dharma, Artha and Kama. The Tiru kalyanotsavam is celebrated twice a year. One for the self manifested idol in the month of “Vaisakha” and the other for the installed idol in the month of “Aswayuja”.

MAGNIFICIENCE OF THE SANCTUM SANCTORUM:

On entering the sanctum sanctorum, one feels a most inspiring and enchanting experience. The presiding mythological deity Lord Venkateswara is visible upto the Bust size and the lower portion is imagined to be in the earth. The holy feet are said to be offered to Bali Chakravarthi in “Patala” for his daily worship. The full size idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara standing at the back of the main idol is said to have been installed by the great social reformer Srimad Ramanuja of the 11 th century. The idols of Padmavathi and Nanchari are installed in the Arthamandapa facing east. This is a full equipped shrine to be a Divyasthala.

COMBINATION OF SIVA AND VISHNU ON ADISESHA:

The most peculiar aspect here is that the hill appearing to be a serpant in form, even to the naked eye, confirms the mythological version that Anantha, the serpant king has taken up this terrestial form of serpant hill and is carrying God Mallikarjuna on the hood and Lord Venkateswara on the tail, thus creating a happy and harmonious compromise of Vaishnavism and Saivism at a single place.

RENOVATION AND ORIGIN OF THE PRESENT STRUCTURE:

The magnificent monuments like, Vimana, Mantapa, Gopura, Prakara etc., stand to the credit of Dharma Appa Raoa recent ruler (1762 – 1827) and the golden ornaments and silver vahanas stand to the credit of the generous queen Rani Chinnamma Rao of Mylavaram, Krishna Dist. (1877 – 1902). These things immortalize the glory of the shrine.

The main temple is a masterpiece of South Indian Architecture with its five-storied main Rajagopuram facing the south and three other gopurams on the other three sides. The Vimana is in the Nagara style and old Mukhamantapa is extended to a great extent to suit the present day needs. There are several temples of Alwars attached to the Prakara on all sides. The whole spacious compound has been paved with stone and flower trees are grown in an order as if to feast the eye of the pilgrims.


Temple Tour (Holy places in the Temple):

Sri Swamyvari Temple
Anjaneya Swamyvari and Sri Garuda Swamivari Temples
Sage ‘Dwaraka’ Statue
Alwar Temples
Deeparadhana Temple
Four corner Mandapams
Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya Statue


Temple Activities for the day:

Daily worships begin with “SUPRABHATAM” at 4-00 AM and end with the ringing of bells at 9-00 PM according to “VAIKHANASA AGAMA SASTRA”.

Darsanam:

Darsanam : Darsanam is provided to devotees every day. Darsanam timings are Morning 6AM to 1 PM, 5 PM to 5.30 PM and 6.30 PM to 9 PM

The ticket rate for Darsanam is free

Seeghra Darsanam: This is a Special type of Darsan. People can use this type of Darsan having shorter period of time. Darsanam timings are Morning 6AM to 1 PM, 3 PM to 5.30 PM and 6.30 PM to 9 PM.

The ticket rate for this type of Darsan is Rs.50/- per head


Nitya Arjita Kalyanam:

Nitya Arjitha Kalyanam is performed every day to Lord Sri Venkateswara. The devotees can also participate in the Celebration of Kalyanam by paying certain amount.

Arjitha Kalyanam Rs. 1000/-: On payment of Rs.1000/- the Devasthanam will present one Sari, Jacket, Sanku chakra Namala Kanduva to the couple. 5 Laddus, 1 Pulihora and 1 Sarakara Pongal packet are presented. 6 persons will be allowed for Darsanam including Kalyanam performing couple and also for Anna Prasadam.

Arjita Kalyanam will not be celebrated on the following Days:

1. Makara Sankranti

2. Swamy vari Vysakhamasa Kalyanotsavams (From Vaisakha Suddha Dasami to Bahula Vidiya)

3. Swamy vari Aswayujamasa Kalyanotsavams (From Aswayuja Suddha Dasami to Bahula Vidiya)

4. Solar Eclipses

5. Krishnastami

6. Pavithrotsavams (From Sravana Suddha Trayodasi to Bahula Padyami)

Places to Visit

1. Sub-Temples:

A) Sri Konda Malleswara Swamy Temple: The temple of Sri Konda Malleswara Swamy is at a distance of 1 Km to the North-West of the main temple. The footpath leading to this Saivait temple is in a Sepant form and reminds the Serpant for the mountain.

Poojas/Seva Details:

1. Astottara Satanamarchana Rs.10/-

2. Sahasranamarchana Rs.15/-

3. Mahanyasapurvaka Abhishekam Rs.25/-

4. Rudrabhishekam Rs.30/-

B)Sri Renuka Devi (Kunkullamma) Temple: This temple is on the main road leading to the village, at a distance of half a mile towards south. This god is Gramadevatha. All pilgrims compulsorily halt at this temple and offer special offerings in the absence of which they anticipate danger.

Poojas/Seva Details:

1. Astottara Satanamarchana Rs.15/-

C) Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple: This is a small temple near the Siva Kalyana Mandapam.

Poojas/Seva Details:

1. Astottara Satanamarchana with leaves (Tamalapakulu) Rs.5/-

2. Sahasranamarchana with leaves Rs.10/-

3. Vahana Pooja (Small Vehicle) Rs.10/-

4. Vahana Pooja (Big Vehicle) Rs.15/-

5. Abhishekam Rs.10/-

6. Bhogams Rs.5/-

D) Sri Subramanyeswara Swamy Temple : This is a small temple near the bathing ghat, dedicated to Sri Kumara Swamy or Lord Subramanya. There is a big historical Nandi before the idol.

Poojas/Seva Details:

1. Mahanyasapurvaka Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam Rs.15/-

2. Mahanyasapurvaka Ekavarabhishekam Rs.10/-

3. Ekavarabhishekam Rs.8/-

4. Astottara Satanamarchana Rs.5/-

5. Sahasranamarchana Rs.8/-

6. Vighneswara Pooja Rs.5/-

E) Replica Temple at Bhimadole Junction:

2. Adopted Temples:

1. Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Anjaneya Swamy and Malleswara Swamy Temples, Mylavaram, Krishna District.

2. Sri Venkateswara Swamy and Santhana VenuGopala Swamy Temple situated at Lakshmipuram, Dwaraka Tirumala Mandalam, W.G.Dist.

3. Sri Bhooneelasametha Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vari Temple, Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Rangapuram, W.G.Dt.

4. Sri Seetha Lakshmana Hanumathsametha Sri Ramachandra Swamy Temple, East-Yadavalli.

5. Sri Chennakesava Swamy Vari Temple, Sanivarapupeta, Eluru.

6. Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple, Kotha Nagulur, Reddygudem(M), Krishna Dt.

7. Sri Kodanda Ramalayamu & Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Bhatlamagutur, W.G.Dt.

8. Sri Arempudi Choultry, A. Annavaram, E.G.Dt.

A) Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple , Anjaneya Swamy Temple Malleswara Swamy Temple, Mylavaram, Krishna Dt .

Yearly Poojas/Sevas:

Saswatha Sahasra Namarchana: On payment of Rs.1,116/- one can have the permanent worship on a required day in every year on their Name and Gotram in any one of the above temple.
Saswatha Nitya Gotranamarchana: On payment of Rs.1,116/- one can have the permanent worship everyday on their Name and Gotram in any one of the above temple.

1. Sri Venkateswara Swamyvari Temple:

Poojas/Sevas Details:

1. Astottara Satanamarchana Rs.10/-

2. Sahasranamarchana Rs.15/-

3. Arjitha Kalyanam Rs.300/-

4. Panchamrutabhishekam Rs.250/-

5. Vahana Pooja Rs.15/-

2) Sri Anjaneya Swamyvari Temple:

Poojas/Sevas Details:

1. Astottara Satanamarchana with leaves Rs.5/-

2. Sahasranamarchana with leaves Rs.10/-

3. Vahana Pooja (Small Vehicle) Rs.10/-

4. Vahana Pooja (Big Vehicle) Rs.15/-

5. Abhishekam Rs.10/-

6. Bhogams Rs.5/-

3) Sri Bhramarambha Malleswara Swamyvari Temple:

Poojas/Sevas Details:

1. Mahanyasapoorvaka Rudrabhishekam Rs.15/-

2. Laghunyasapoorvaka Rudrabhishekam Rs.5/-

3. Sahasranamarchana Rs.5/-

4. Navagraha Pooja Rs.15/-
B) Sri Venkateswara Swamy and Santhana Gopala Swamy Temple, Lakshmipuram, Dwaraka Tirumala (M)

Poojas/Sevas Details:

1. Astottara Satanamarchana Rs.10/-

2. Sahasranamarchana Rs.15/-

3. Karpoora Harathi Rs.2/-

c) Sri Bhooneelasametha Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, Sri Venkateswara Swamy vari Temple, Sri Padmavati Ammavari Temple, Rangapuram, W.G. Dt.

d) Sri SitaRamachandra Swamy Temple, East Yadavalli.
3. Institutions:
1. Sri Venkateswara Vykhanasa Agama patasala, Dwaraka Tirumala.

2. S.V. Junior College, Bhimadolu.

3. S.V. Junior College, Kamavarapukota.

4. Sri Venkateswara Oriental High School, Dwaraka Tirumala.

4. Parks and Gardens:

Sivodyanavanam at Sivalayam
Flower Garden at Northern side of Main temple
Park in Rani Chinnamma Rao Choultry
Garden at Laxmipuram temple
Stepped Garden at Sivalayam
Garden at M.S. Choultry

5. Narasimha Sagar:

Narasimha Sagar is a tank to the west of the village. This is alsocalled Swamyvari Pushkarini and Kumara Thirtha. The bathing ghat to the north of this tank is called Chakrathirtha and that to the west of the tank is called Ramathirtha. The Kumaratirtha is the main bathing ghat for all pilgrims. This is a dependable source of water supply to the whole village. A dip in the holy waters of this tank is considered to be the most essential step to liberation and eternal bliss.

6. Mandapams in Dwaraka Tirumala:

1. Kalyana Mandapam : A very spacious Mantapa in front of the Main Gopuram at the foot of the hill.

2. Vilasa Mandapam : On the main road to the south of Kalyana Mantapam.

3. Ugadi Mandapam : To the south of the village on the bank of Lingayya Tank.

4. Siva Kalyana Mandapam :

5. Samkranti Mandapam : In a village called Dorasanipadu to the north of the hill on Makara Sankranthi day Lord Venkateswara goes round the Malleswara Temple.

6. Vijaya Dasami Mandapam : At the bathing ghat of the Narasimha Sagram.

Route Map

Dwaraka Tirumala pilgrimage center is situated at distance of 17 KM from Bhimadole Railway Station, which is on the main Railway line between Vijayawada and Vizag. It is at a distance of 15 KM from Bhimadole Road Junction on the Highway between Vijayawada and Rajahmundry. This is at a distance of 42 KM from Eluru, 50 KM from Tadepalligudem. There are No.of Buses through Bhimadole Junction from Eluru, Vijayawada, Gannavaram, T.P. Gudem, Bhimavaram, Narasapuram, Tanuku, Kovvur, Nuzvid, Vuyyuru R.T.C. depots and also from Jangareddy gudem, Aswarao Pet, Sattupalli, Tiruvur and Bhadrachalam depots.

Trains Stop at Bhimadole Railway Station:

1. Rayagada Passenger:

From Vijayawada to Rayagada - 22.23 PM – 22.25 PM

From Rayagada to Vijayawada - 7.01 AM – 7.03 PM

2. Kakinada – Vijayawada Passenger:

From Vijayawda to Kakinada -

From kakinada to Vijayawada -

3. Simhadri Express:

From Guntur to Vizag -

From Vizag to Guntur -

4. Kakinada – Tirupathi Passenger:

From Kakinada to Tirupathi -

From Tirupathi to Kakinda -

5. Vijayawada – Visakhapatnam Passenger:

From Vijayawada to Visakhapatnam -

From Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada -

6. Tirumala Express:

From Vizag to Tirupathi -

From Tirupathi to Vizag -

7. Eluru – Rajahmundry Passenger:

From Eluru to Rajahmundry -
From Rajahmundry to Eluru -

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