Dwaraka Tirumala - Sri Venkateswara Aalayam

This ancient Vaishnava kshetra, nick named as Chinna Tirupathi has adorned several pages in mythologies and is associated with many celestial dignitaries, who chose to descend again and again to emancipate maharshis and duhkarthis. According to legend when Dwaraka maharshi propitiating Ford Vishnu did penance for long; Hari and Hara both appeared to his great surprise. Overwhelmed at his good fortune, he prayed to Vishnu to abide in this kshetra forever by placing his holy feet on his head as foot stool. It was granted and hence it is called Dwaraka Tirumala. Lord Maheswar enchanted by the Nature's bounty and unwilling to go back alone, preferred to stay here taking the role of Kshetrapalaka. There is a beautiful temple for him a few metres off the mandir arid all the devotees invariably visit it during their stay. This holy thirtha kshetra was visited by Sri Rama in Tretayuga and Pandavas in the Dwapara, besides a host of luminaries from every field ever since its inception. To cap as it were, there is the sacred river Pampa flowing in the middle of the kshetra from west to east and joining Godavari as Uttarvahini later. In addition, there is a holy pond called Sudarsan thirtha materialised by Sri Mahavishnu with his Sudarsan chakra for the benefit of Maharshis dwelling here. To signify, as it were, the eternal Omnipresence of Lord Mahavishnu here, every stone embodies Sudarsana seal and can be seen when split up. That is the glory of this sacred Dwaraka Tirumala. Last but not the least, it is believed that there is Tejomani in the hillock on which the temple stands, as evidenced by the appearance of divyajyoti in the imposing tower, when the temple doors are closed.

There are two moolavigrahas in the garbhagriha set up one behind the other. The front one is visible from navel above, and hence another big size icon of Chaturbhuja Venkateswara was brought from Tirupathi and installed behind the original one. The bigger icon holds in his hands disc, conch and the other two revealing varada and abhaya symbol. There are placed here the beautiful icons of Alimelumanga Tayaru and Andal, and receiving special Kumkumarchana on Fridays. Built over a hillock with a broad sturdy prakara and grand mahadwar with a multi-tired high tower, enshrining many mini-shrines in the vast courtyards, this temple elevates the yatris with a single visit and short stay due to hovering Dwaraka Maharshi's spirit hovering over the entire area.

The temple celebrates two Kalyanotsavams for the two archamurtis - one falling is Vaisakha and another in Asweeja mass. Another annual festival celebrated during Dhanurmasa is a big draw and lures lakhs of people. The daily pujas is offered according to Vaikhanasa agama. Realising the sanctity of the place, many marriage ceremonies are celebrated here round the year. And enough accommodation is available in many choultries and modern well-equipped lodges. Many illustrious persons, like Acharya Nagarjuna etc. were born here and brought immortal glory to the kshetra. Thousands of pilgrims, who cannot make tips to the Seven Hills visit this holy kshetra deeming it equal to it in every aspect. Hence the apt name Chinna Tirupathi.

It lies 35 km off Eluru of West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh having plenty of transport facilities by train and bus.

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