Sri Venu Gopala Swamy Temple is located in the historic town of Bobbili, in Vizianagaram District, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is situated near the Bobbili royal palace. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venugopala Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, who is depicted playing the flute.
In 1757, the Battle of Bobbili destroyed the original temple during the siege by General Bussy and the Raja of Vizianagaram. Following this, Chinna Ranga Rao, the surviving heir of the Bobbili royal family, returned from exile and took the initiative to rebuild the temple near the royal residence.
The reconstructed temple features a prominent Raja Gopuram (temple tower) built in 1851 by Swetha Chalapati Ranga Rao. This gopuram is unique in the region for being taller than the main sanctum. Additionally, the Vasantha Mandapam, constructed in 1825 by Maharaja Krishna Das Ranga Rao, stands in the middle of the temple tank, known as Narayana Pushkarini.
Long ago, the region of Bobbili was ruled by a brave and pious royal family who considered Lord Krishna in his flute-playing form – Venugopala Swamy – as their Kula Devata (family deity). It is believed that the idol of Lord Venugopala Swamy was self-manifested (Swayambhu) or appeared naturally in the region. The rulers were deeply devoted to the deity and built a temple for him within the Bobbili Fort, making it the spiritual centre of their kingdom.
The town of Bobbili itself gets its name from “Bebbuli,” which means “Tiger” in Telugu, symbolizing valour. The kings always sought Lord Krishna’s blessings before battles and important decisions. The presence of Lord Venugopala Swamy was believed to protect the town and ensure the prosperity of its people.
The Venu Gopala Swamy Temple celebrates several vibrant festivals throughout the year. Teppotsavam, the float festival held in spring, features the deities on a beautifully decorated boat in the temple tank and draws large crowds. Kalyanotsavam, the divine wedding of Lord Venugopala Swamy with Rukmini and Satyabhama, is celebrated with devotion on Magha Shuddha Ekadashi. Pavitrotsavam, observed in the Bhadrapada month, is a purification ritual to cleanse the temple spiritually. The grand Brahmotsavam includes processions, Vahana Sevas, and special poojas. Other important festivals celebrated here include Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Ugadi, Sri Rama Navami, and Krishna Janmashtami.
