Mangalagiri
- Venkateswaraswamy Aalayam
The
famous pilgrim town Mangalagiri houses many ancient temples of great
repute, in addition to Rajyalakshmi Narasimhaswamy Temple. The
Venkateswaraswamy temple is built amidst those hoary temples
beckoning ardent attention. The icon of the Lord of Seven Hills in
standing posture as in Tirumala casts a spell on the viewers by his
size, sheen and excellent floral decoration. This decently built
ancient temple contains all the essential parts. And many adorable
Vaishnavate gods are installed in elegantly crected mini-shrines and
grand niches. Periodical festivals and nitya puja are offered
according to the tenets of agamas. Its glorious past is its plus
point for visitation. All yatris pay homage to this Kaliyuga
Bhagawan invariably; for, it is believed that this kshetra grants
mokshaprapti with a mere single visit. Lord Sri Rama, it is
recorded, visited this temple and obtained Mukti. As the story goes,
despite his adherence to righteousness and striving for Dharmapalana,
he had problems and they robbed him of his mental peace and physical
stamina. When advised by Vasishta, his Kulaguru, he visited and
worshipped this Lord. He shot what he had lost. And anyone can
fulfill his device, if only proper approa<-h is made though
austerities.
It
is accessible by town bus from Vijayawada, the premier town of
Andhra Pradesh.
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