Today is Vaikunta Ekadashi
Sri Velugonda Venkateswara Swamy Temple, also known as the Sri Tiruvengalanadha Swamy Temple, is a historic Hindu temple nestled in the serene village of Velugonda in Konakanamitla Mandal, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this temple is a spiritual hub for devotees and a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The temple is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture, reflecting the artistic brilliance of the Vijayanagara era. Its entrance is marked by an intricately carved *gopuram, adorned with sculptures of deities, mythological stories, and floral designs. At the heart of the temple lies the **garbhagriha, which houses the majestic idol of Lord Venkateswara, radiating divinity. Spacious **mandapams, supported by elaborately carved pillars, serve as venues for rituals and gatherings, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. A sacred tank, used for purification rituals, enhances the temple’s spiritual ambiance. The walls feature inscriptions and depictions of Hindu epics like the **Ramayana* and *Mahabharata*, further enriching its cultural and spiritual significance.
The temple’s origins date back to the 14th century and flourished during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. Historical inscriptions found within the temple indicate that it was under the patronage of Sri Krishnadevaraya, the famous Vijayanagara emperor, in 1521 AD. These inscriptions document the kings’ and local chieftains’ donations of land and resources for the temple’s maintenance and festivals.
Sthalapurana
According to local legends, the temple’s foundation is tied to a divine revelation. A humble farmer named Ramaiah, who had a vision of Lord Venkateswara instructing him to dig the earth in Velugonda to uncover a hidden idol. Following the deity’s guidance, Ramaiah unearthed the idol, which was believed to have self-manifested. This miraculous discovery established Velugonda as a sacred place.
Another popular legend speaks of the temple’s role during a devastating drought. Devotees organized a grand yagna (sacrificial ritual) to invoke Lord Venkateswara’s blessings. Miraculously, rains poured down, ending the drought and reaffirming the people’s faith in the deity’s power.
The temple is also known for countless miraculous healings and fulfillment of devotees’ prayers, making it a beacon of hope and spirituality for many.
Festivals
The temple is a lively hub of celebrations, where various festivals and rituals are observed with devotion and grandeur. The *Brahmotsavam* is the temple’s grand annual festival, featuring processions, special prayers, and cultural performances. Its highlight is the *Rathotsavam* (chariot procession), where devotees pull a large chariot carrying the deity through the streets. *Vaikunta Ekadasi* is celebrated with fasting and prayers, symbolizing the opening of the *Vaikunta Dwaram* (heavenly gate) for spiritual liberation. *Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, is marked with special prayers and traditional festivities. At the same time, **Sri Rama Navami* celebrates the birth of Lord Rama with rituals and recitations of the *Ramayana*, adding to the temple’s spiritual significance.
