Velugonda -  Tiruvengalanatha Aalayam

This ancient cave temple enshrines a four and half a foot high granite icon of Tiruvengadanatha and it is said to be swayambhu. It is extremely grand to look at with Sri-Bhu-Nila devis to his sides. The dignified bearing of the face of the archamurti is heightened by the beautifully trimmed moustache twisted on the glossy puffed cheeks. This sort of sight is rare and so mesmerizes the viewers at a single glance. The proportionate sculpturing of his whole frame beautified by the multi-coloured garlands interspered with diamond studded jewels and peacock feathers over the curly hair casts an enchantment on the viewers and wrings veneration the moment they stand before it. There is another mandir for Tayaru in the cave itself. And at the edge of the hill there is a mini-Sivaalayam with grand linga. The hill top is quite extensive and so is accommodating several Dharmasalas. Renowned for the bounteous grant of boons, this cave temple is visited by a steady stream of pilgrims and tourists throughout the year.

The yearly Brahmotsav is celebrated with Navahnika Diksha as enunciated in the Pancharatragama and it is a grand occasion for devout Vaishnavates in particular. Its pull then is great and everything is carried out on a grand scale.

It lies 3 km off Garladinna on the way to Markapur from Podili of Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, commanding bus facilities from both ends.

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