Narayanavanam - Kalayana Venkateswara Aalayam

This holy kshetra enjoys the reputation of the first meeting of Venkateswara with Padmavathi, the lovely daughter of Tondaiman, the king of this territory then. There are many evidences of this monumental act eulogised in Puranas and immortalised by Pravaktas and Vaggeyakaras. Realising its sacrosanct past, one treasurer, Virupanna by name adorning the court of Achyutaraya of great Vijayanagara empire built a temple of vast dimensions to perpetuate that unforgettable episodes of wedding of those erst-while Vaikuntavasis.

The temple vast in extension and rich in sculptural wealth contains many mini-shrines and niches for parivaradevathas. It has two broad sturdy compound walls with Mahadwaras both facing east surmounting imposing tower over them. The Dwajasthambha and Balipeetha are located in the second prakara. The garbhagriha, antarala, mukhamandap and mahamandap are very vast and embellished with the sculptural pieces of excellent craftsmanship. The garbhagriha has a dwitala vimana with sikhara built in Vesara style of architecture. It is quite enticing and imposing in size and shape. There are well built mini-shrines for Varadaraja, Rajamannar, Ranganatha, Vishnu and Kodandarama and they are receiving regular agamic worship.

In the garbhagriha, there is a beautiful icon of Padmavathi devi in addition to the captivating image of Venkateswara called here by the special epithet of the Kalyana Venkateswara. It is in standing posture decorated elaborately with multi-coloured garlands and dazzling diamonds. The Lord is infinitely gracious in granting the petitions of His devout bhaktas and denies nothing at any time. Steady streams of tourists and theists visit round the year. The Brahmotsav and Kalyanotsav are grandly celebrated that lure huge crowds.

It lies-5 km off Puttur, the taluq headquarters town of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, commanding train and bus facilities at all hours.

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