Devunikadapa - Lakshmi Venkateswara Aalayam

This ancient Vaishnava kshetra has a long legend started with Kripacharya of Mahabharat fame. On account of Kripacharya's doing penance and dwelling here then in Dwapara yuga, it was called Kripasram and Kripavati, which later was called Kripa for short. The sthalapurana affirms that this holy icon was installed by Kripacharya himself. As it enshrines a big size Hanuman's image in the garbhagriha behind the archamurti, it went by the name Hanumat kshetra.

The temple has several big well-built mandaps for many ado gable deities, like Andal, Vishwaksena, Alwars and Mother Mahalakshmi. It is a very big temple having all the essential parts enclosed in a sturdily built prakara with three imposing towers on three sides. The sculpture adorning the mandaps and niches display excellent craftsmanship that detain the viewers long. Another plus point it claims is - an unusual big tank called Hanumat Pushkarini lying in its close proximity used for annual float festival, when huge crowds participate with great zeal. There are temples here for Durga, Eswara and Anjaneya surrounding it. This sacred shrine was lavishly endowed by the Vijayanagara kings, like Harihararaya, Narasimharaya etc. Renowned Vaggeyakaras, such as Annamacharya ahd Kshetrayya visited and offered devotional verses, which are sung with unbounded fervour even today.

The archamurti popularly called Prasanna Venkateswara facing west gives darsan with Mother Mahalakshmi's figure embossed elegantly and prominently on his chest and utsavamurtis at his feet. There are chiselled two images of lizards on the ceiling and it is said by touching them one will be freed from sins. Belief lifts. In the days of yore, yatris were going to Tirupati en route this kshetra alone treating it as portal - Kadapa. Hence the name Devunikadapa. The annual festival - Brahmotsav falling in Mahga masa is celebrated with great fervour.

It lies in 3 km off Cuddapah, the head quarters town of the same name of Andhra Pradesh, commanding train, and bus facilities.

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