Vadapalle is a village in Konaseema district (earlier part of East Godavari District) of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located in Atreyapuram Mandal of Ravulapalem revenue division. This village is famous for its temple with presiding deity Sri Venkateswara Swamy (also known as Yedu Sanivaramulu Venkanna, which means seven Saturdays Sri Balaji), located on the banks of River Godavari. The deity of Sri Venkateswara in this temple is made of red sandalwood.
It is believed that Sri Venkateswara in this temple will fulfil the wishes of the devotees who perform 11 pradakshinas (circumambulation) on 7 Saturdays continuously. One can find a large number of devotees here on every Saturday. On every Saturday mela stalls are arranged which occupy half kilometer road from the temple. People also believe that by performing Goda Devi Kalyanam (Goda Devi is the only female Alwar among the twelve Hindu poet-saints of South India, the ardent devotees of Sri Vishnu) at this temple unmarried boys and girls will get married. Sri Venkateswara Swamy in this temple is also known as Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy.
This temple is popularly known as “Konaseema Tirupati”. Near Rajahmundry the river Godavari is split into two branches, Vashishta and Gowtami. These two branches travel for around 100 KMs before entering the sea, Bay of Bengal. The region surrounded by these two rivers i.e., Vashishta and Gowtami is known as Konaseema. Konaseema is full of coconut trees and agricultural lands surrounded by canals and check dams which is a feast for the eyes.
It is believed that Sage Narada was instrumental in installing in this temple the idol of Sri Venkateswara which appeared as Swayambhu. The roof of the temple is filled with “Govindanamalu” (several names of Sri Vishnu) and many devotees recite them while performing Pradakshinas. It is said that Vadapalle village’s original name was Odapalle also known as Naukapuri (in Sanskrit). In 1759 a trader and owner of fleet of ships Pinapotu Gajendrudu built the Vadapalle temple when the original temple was almost submerged in the river, and he also donated 275 acres of land along with lot of ornaments and jewellery to the Sri Venkateswara.
Annual ceremony, Bhramotsavam performed for 10 days every year in October is attended by hundreds of devotees from far off places. Kalyanotsavam is performed every year in Chaitra masa (April-May) for 5 days.
Brahmotsavam literally means great festival. This festival is normally conducted in the temples for 10 days. During this period, every morning and evening the Utsavamurthy (portable deity that is kept in the temples for celebrating festivals by taking the idol of God in procession around the temple surroundings) is taken out seated on a huge vehicle and carried through the town.
The commencement of the utsavam or festival is marked by a ceremony called the Dhwajarohanam or the hoisting of the flag on Dhwajasthamba (flag-stand) located in the centre of the outer court of the temple. During the festival, the God of the Temple is taken out seated on a vahana or vehicle which are many in number like- the swan, the lunar orb, the solar orb, the lion, the horse, the elephant, the car, the garuda, etc. The conclusion of the Bhramotsavam is marked by the Dhwajavarohanam or the lowering of the flag.
People in the East and West Godavari Districts of Andhra Pradesh consider the Vadapalle temple of Sri Venkateswara next to Tirupati Balaji temple and Dwaraka Tirumala temple near Eluru, Andhra Pradesh. This temple is conspicuous by its vast precinct surrounded by the Vadapalle village with greenery and typical rural background. There are several villages in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana by name Vadapalle and in order to distinguish, local people call this place as Lolla Vadapalle (Lolla is a village near to Vadapalle in Konaseema).
Vadapalle Sri Venkateswara swamy temple is located 10 KMs from Ravulapalem town (which is on National Highway 216A) and 40 KMs from Rajahmundry city. Nearest railway stations are Nidadavole Junction (30 KMs), Tanuku (38 KMs) and Rajahmundry (40 KMs).
– Dr. B.N.V.Parthasarathi
Ex Senior Banker, Management and Financial Consultant, Visiting Faculty at Premier B Schools and Universities
Very good and relevant information regarding Vadapalli Sri Venkateswara Temple