TeresitaPennell: adding place

2026-05-04T12:50:28Z

adding place

New page

{{short description|Hindu temple in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name = Sri Venkateswara Temple, Dwaraka Tirumala
| image = East Gopuram of Dwaraka Tirumala Temple.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Gopuram of Dwaraka Tirumala temple
| map_type = India Andhra Pradesh
| map_caption = Location in Andhra Pradesh
| coordinates = {{coord|16|57|N|81|16|E|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| country = [[India]]
| state = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
| district = [[Eluru district|Eluru]]
| locale = [[Dwaraka Tirumala]]
| deity = [[Venkateswara]] ([[Vishnu]])
| festivals = Tiru Kalyanotsavam, Radhotsavam, Pavithrotsavam
| architecture = [[Dravidian architecture]]
| temple_board = Sri Venkateswara Swami Vari Devasthanam
| website = {{URL|http://www.dwarakatirumala.org/home.html}}
}}

'''Sri Venkateswara Temple''' is a [[Hinduism|Hindu]] temple located in [[Dwaraka Tirumala]] of [[Eluru district]] in the Indian state of [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=G. V. R. Subba Rao |first= |date=2024-05-17 |title=Vaisakha Maasa Brahmotsavams at Dwaraka Tirumala from May 18 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/vaisakha-maasa-brahmotsavams-at-dwaraka-tirumala-from-may-18/article68187096.ece |access-date=2024-11-20 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> It is dedicated to Lord [[Venkateswara]], an incarnation of Lord [[Vishnu]]. Known as "Chinna Tirupati" ({{Translation|"Mini Tirupati"}}), it is considered a spiritual alternative to the famous [[Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala|Tirupati temple]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-24 |title=Dwarka Tirumala: ఇవాళ్టి నుంచి ద్వారకా తిరుమల చిన వెంకన్న ఆశ్వయుజ మాస బ్రహ్మోత్సవాలు |url=https://ntvtelugu.com/news/venkanna-ashvayuja-month-brahmotsavam-of-dwaraka-tirumala-from-today-471957.html |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=[[NTV (India)|NTV]] |language=te-IN}}</ref> The temple is unique for housing two idols of Lord Venkateswara: a self-manifested idol and a second idol installed for complete worship.<ref name=":2" />

The temple's origins are linked to the sage Dwaraka, who is believed to have discovered the idol after intense penance. The temple attracts around 50 lakh devotees annually, with daily pilgrim counts reaching up to 40,000 on auspicious days.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2021-12-05 |title=Rajamahendravaram: Dwaraka Tirumala temple to be developed under PRASAD scheme |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/rajamahendravaram-dwaraka-tirumala-temple-to-be-developed-under-prasad-scheme-718210 |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=[[The Hans India]] |language=en}}</ref>

== History ==
The construction of key structures, including the [[Vimana (architectural feature)|vimana]], [[Mandapa|mantapa]], [[Gopuram|gopura]], and [[Prakaram|prakara]] is attributed to Dharma Appa Rao ({{Flourished|1762|1827}}), a ruler. Additionally, the golden ornaments and silver [[Vahana|vahanas]] at the temple were donated by Rani Chinnamma Rao, the queen of [[Mylavaram]] in Krishna District, who reigned from 1877 to 1902. These contributions significantly enhanced the temple's grandeur.<ref name=":3" />

== Legend ==
As per legend, the temple's origins trace back to the great sage Dwaraka, who discovered the self-manifested idol of [[Venkateswara|Lord Venkateswara]] after intense penance.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2023-09-19 |title=వెంకన్నకు అభిషేకం లేని ఆలయం.. ఎక్కడుందో తెలుసా..? విశిష్టత ఏంటంటే.. |url=https://tv9telugu.com/spiritual/do-you-know-the-secret-uniqueness-of-venkanna-temple-in-dwaraka-tirumala-1068499.html |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=[[TV9 Telugu]] |language=te}}</ref> Dwaraka Maharshi's penance was so intense that a large anthill (Valmikam) formed around him. When the Lord manifested, the lower half of the idol was submerged within the anthill, preventing the customary foot worship (Pada Puja) of the deity. As a solution, a second idol was brought from the main [[Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala|Tirupati temple]] and placed behind the original idol. This is why the temple at Dwaraka Tirumala houses two deities in its sanctum: the self-manifested idol and the second idol.<ref name=":2" />

According to the ''[[Brahma Purana]]'', the region between the [[Krishna River|Krishna]] and [[Godavari River|Godavari]] rivers, encompassing Dwaraka Tirumala, is considered highly sacred. Pilgrims unable to visit [[Tirumala]] often offer prayers and donations here, making it a spiritual alternative to the "Pedda Tirupati" ([[Tirupati]]).

The temple's significance is believed to date back to the [[Satya Yuga]] and continues to attract devotees. The deity is venerated as the "Vaikunta Vasa of [[Kali Yuga]]."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=About Temple |url=http://www.dwarakatirumala.org/temple.html |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Dwaraka Tirumala Official Website |archive-date=23 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023054100/http://www.dwarakatirumala.org/temple.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

A unique feature of the temple is the presence of two main idols under one ''Vimana Sikharam'': a self-manifested half-statue and a complete statue installed by sages to facilitate complete worship, including the Lord's feet. These idols symbolize [[moksha]] and the pursuit of [[dharma]], [[artha]], and [[kama]], respectively.<ref name=":3" />

== Location ==
The temple is located atop Seshachala Hill in [[Eluru district]], [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It is located approximately is 42 km from [[Eluru]], 15 km from [[Bhimadole railway station|Bhimadole Junction]],<ref name=":3" /> and 75 km from [[Rajahmundry]].<ref name=":1" />

== Architecture ==
The temple exhibits exquisite [[Dravidian architecture]], featuring a five-storied Rajagopuram and three smaller [[Gopuram|gopurams]]. The sanctum sanctorum houses the deity, visible only up to the bust, with the lower half believed to extend into the earth. The full-sized idol behind it, attributed to [[Ramanuja]], complements the main deity.<ref name=":3" />

Lord Venkateswara in this temple faces south, unlike in most temples where the deity faces east. This is believed to be due to the position of Dwaraka Maharshi, who performed penance facing the north, leading to the manifestation of the deity in the south-facing direction.<ref name=":2" />

Additional shrines within the complex include deities such as [[Padmavathi]], Nanchari, and [[Hanuman|Anjaneya Swamy]], alongside images of Sage Dwaraka and [[Annamacharya]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-05-16 |title=Dwaraka Tirimula, known as China Tirupati set for mega fete |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/160516/dwaraka-tirimula-known-as-china-tirupati-set-for-mega-fete.html |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |language=en}}</ref> The temple's hill is mythologically associated with [[Adisesha]], symbolizing a harmonious blend of [[Vaishnavism]] and [[Shaivism]].

== Festivals ==
The temple celebrates Tiru Kalyanotsavam twice a year, once in the month of [[Vaisakha]] and again in [[Ashvin (month)|Aswayuja]], honouring both the self-manifested and installed idols.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Moorthy |first=K. K. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K5HXAAAAMAAJ&q=Dwaraka+aalayam |title=Vishnu Mayam Jagat: A Mini Compendium of 400 Vaishnavate Temples |date=1996 |publisher=Message Publications |page=239 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Other major events include Giripradakshina (January), Radhotsavam (April and September), and Teppotsavam (November). These festivals attract thousands of devotees annually.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bandari |first=Pavan |date=2024-10-18 |title=Chinna Venkanna Kalyana Mahotsavam Celebrated grandly in Eluru District |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/chinna-venkanna-kalyana-mahotsavam-celebrated-grandly-in-eluru-district-915227 |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=The Hans India |language=en}}</ref>

== Rituals ==
Daily rituals commence with [[Suprabhatam]] and include offerings such as Nityarjita Kalyanam and Ekanta Seva. Weekly highlights include Swarna Tulasidala Seva on Wednesdays and Snapana Pooja on Fridays.<ref name=":3" /> The distribution of prasadam like laddu, pulihora, and appalu is an integral part of temple practices. The rituals performed in the temple as per the Vaikhanasa agama sastra.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 October 2024 |title=Dwaraka Tirumala : నేటినుంచి ద్వార‌కా తిరుమ‌లలో తిరుక‌ల్యాణ ఉత్స‌వాలు.. 16న కోన‌సీమ‌లో విజ‌య‌బేతాళ మ‌హోత్స‌వం |url=https://telugu.hindustantimes.com/andhra-pradesh/dwaraka-tirumala-swamy-thirukalyanam-utsav-starting-from-today-121728790585162.html |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=[[Hindustan Times]] |language=te}}{{dead link|date=February 2026|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Devotees often fulfill vows by [[Tonsure|tonsuring]] their heads at the Kalyana Katta near the temple, a tradition linked to Neela Devi's sacrifice for Lord [[Venkateswara]].

At Dwaraka Tirumala, Lord Venkateswara does not receive an abhishekam (ritual bath) due to the presence of red ants (Konijulu) in the inner sanctum. These ants emerge from an anthill-like formation under the idol whenever water is poured, as the lower half of the idol remains inside the anthill. To avoid disturbing the ants, the priests refrain from performing the ritual, and the ants are also said to emerge when metal objects are brought into the temple.<ref name=":2" />

== Management and facilities ==
The temple is managed by the Sri Venkateswara Swami Vari Devasthanam board. Facilities include free annaprasadam for thousands of pilgrims daily, a [[Goshala|Gosala]] housing over 300 cows, and well-maintained lodging for devotees. Ongoing development projects aim to enhance infrastructure, including a new annaprasada complex.<ref name=":3" /> The temple management also runs various educational institutions and an [[Ayurveda]] hospital.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2009-06-11 |title=Dwaraka Tirumala to get a facelift |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2009/Jun/11/dwaraka-tirumala-to-get-a-facelift-56754.html |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref>

In 2009, the temple's annual [[gross income]] was ₹28 [[crore]], with a [[net income]] of ₹12 crore.<ref name=":4" /> In 2020, the temple was included under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme, with ₹83.83 crore sanctioned for phased development to enhance amenities and promote religious tourism.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-04 |title=Rs 84 crore sanctioned for development of Chinna Tirupati |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/rs-84crore-sanctioned-for-development-of-chinna-tirupati-660158 |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=The Hans India |language=en}}</ref> In December 2022, the administration declared the temple a tobacco-free zone, banning smoking and tobacco products within the premises and imposing strict penalties for violations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-14 |title=Smoking, tobacco products banned at Dwaraka Tirumala |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/smoking-tobacco-products-banned-at-dwaraka-tirumala-773300 |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=The Hans India |language=en}}</ref>

== Nearby attractions ==
Notable nearby temples within 35 km include:
* Sri Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Guravaya Gudem
* Sri Seeta Ramachandra Swamy Temple, E. Yadavalli
* Parijata Giri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, [[Jangareddygudem]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Official website|https://dwarakatirumala.co.in/}}

{{Vishnu temples}}
{{Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh}}

[[Category:Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:Venkateswara temples]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Eluru district]]

Venkateswara Temple, Dwaraka Tirumala - Revision history

TeresitaPennell: adding place