The ancient and sacred Vasudeva Perumal Temple is located in the coastal village of Mandasa, near Palasa, in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh.
The temple of Sri Vasudeva Perumal is believed to be over 700 years old. It was once part of the ancient Mandasa Zamindari, whose rulers were devoted followers of Lord Vishnu. Over the centuries, the temple became a key Vaishnava shrine in the northern coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. After years of neglect, the temple was restored and reconstructed in the early 2000s under the guidance of HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji. This major renovation revived the temple’s past glory and made it one of the most active Vishnu temples in the area today.
The main deity of the temple is Lord Vasudeva Perumal, a powerful form of Lord Vishnu. He is depicted in a standing posture, radiating divine energy and grace. The name “Vasudeva” represents the Lord who pervades all living beings and the entire universe. Devotees believe that this form embodies five divine manifestations of Vishnu — Para Vasudeva, Vyuha Vasudeva, Vibhava Vasudeva, Antaryami Vasudeva, and Archa Vasudeva. Hence, worshipping him here is said to give the benefit of worshipping all five forms of the Supreme Lord. Along with the main deity, Goddess Lakshmi Devi (Thayar) is also worshipped, symbolizing divine prosperity, peace, and compassion.
Devotees who visit Sri Vasudeva Perumal Temple believe that the Lord grants spiritual knowledge (jnana) and removes all obstacles caused by ignorance and sin.
The Vasudeva Perumal Temple showcases a blend of ancient Andhra and Kalinga architectural styles. The sanctum houses the main idol of Lord Vasudeva, with a beautifully crafted Mukha Mandapa and Ardha Mandapa supported by carved stone pillars. A brass-covered Dwaja Stambha stands before the sanctum, and a Prakaram allows devotees to perform pradakshina. The temple was restored by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, preserving its traditional elements while strengthening its structure and gopuram.
Historically, Mandasa was a prosperous town under the rule of local kings known as the Mandasa Zamindars. They were great patrons of Vaishnavism and built the Vasudeva Perumal Temple as a mark of their devotion to Lord Vishnu. Over time, due to neglect and lack of maintenance, the temple fell into ruin. In the early 2000s, devotees and disciples of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji took up the task of restoring this heritage temple. The project began around 2003, and after years of meticulous work, the temple was fully reconstructed and reopened for worship. It is now managed by the Vasudeva Seva Samithi, which conducts daily pujas, Vedic rituals, and annual festivals, ensuring that the spiritual traditions continue unbroken.
According to legend, the region of Mandasa was once ruled by a virtuous king who, due to fate, committed the grave sin of Brahmahatya (the killing of a Brahmin). Deeply remorseful, the king prayed to Lord Vishnu for forgiveness. Moved by his devotion and repentance, Lord Vishnu appeared before him in the divine form of Sri Vasudeva and absolved him of his sin. The Lord declared that this land would forever remain sacred and that all those who worship him here with faith and purity of heart would be freed from their sins and blessed with wisdom and salvation.
It is also believed that the deity was originally brought from Kanchipuram, one of the most sacred Vaishnava centers, by devotees who wished to spread Vishnu Bhakti in this region. The Lord chose to reside permanently in Mandasa to bless the people of the area. Because of this divine association, Mandasa is considered one of the few sacred places in coastal Andhra where Lord Vasudeva manifests in his complete fivefold form.
The main festival of the Mandasa Vasudeva Perumal Temple is the annual Brahmotsavam held in the Magha month (February–March), celebrated with flag hoisting, daily vahana processions, and the grand Rathotsavam. Other major festivals include Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Sri Rama Navami, Krishna Janmashtami, and Garuda Seva, all marked by special poojas, abhishekam, alankaram, and devotional music, attracting devotees from nearby regions.
