Kalyana Venkateswara Temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Kalyana Venkateswara Temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Kalyana Venkateswara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Srinivasa Mangapuram in Tirupati Town in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is considered to be sacred next to Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala.  Those who are unable to make it to Tirumala can have darshan of Lord Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy to fulfill their wish. The Temple is situated very close to Srivari Mettu.

The temple is categorized as an Ancient monument of National importance by Archaeological survey of India. It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance. This ancient temple which is under the control of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is maintained by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams since 1967 and Utsavams and rituals in this temple are being performed since 1981.

Legends

After celebrating the marriage of Lord Venkateswara Swamy with Goddess Padmavathi, he did not immediately return to the Tirumala hills as it was not allowed the newlyweds to scale the hill for six months. At this situation the sage Agastya suggested that Lord Venkateswara along with his wife could stay at his ashram. Then, the Lord graciously accepted this request and stayed here for the entire six months.

History

There is no substantial evidence about its origin of construction. Devotees also believe that the ancient temple’s destruction took place in 1324, during the reign of Sultans. As per the inscriptions on the temple, one can say that the grandson of Sri Annamacharya, Sri Tallapaka Chinna Tirumala Acharya had renovated this temple during 16^th Century A.D. Moreover, Tallapaka family maintained this Temple over a long period of time. Later, the temple was under the control of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from 1967 to 1981. In 1981 the temple was handed over to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. At present the temple is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD).

The Temple

The Temple is facing west with 5 tiered Rajagopuram with a huge temple tank in front of the entrance. Presiding Deity is called as Kalyana Venkateswara. He is facing west and is in standing posture with four hands with left two hands one in Varada Mudra and one holding Chakra and right two hands one in Kati mudra and the other holding Shanka. There are shrines for Rama, Ranganatha, Padmavathi, Sakti Vinayaka, Lakshmi Narayana, Veerabhadra, Avanakshamma, Parasareswarar, Andal and Agastheeswarar in the Temple premises.

Pooja Timings

Timings	From	To
Darshan Timings	5:30 a.m	7:30 p.m.
Kalyanothsavam	11 AM	12 PM
Sahasranamarchana	7:30 a.m.
Sarvadarsanam	(Throughout the day)

Festivals

The Brahmotsavam is held during the months of February and March. On this occasion the Lord Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy ascends on a Simha Vahanam (Lion Carrier Ratham) to be a drawn-along with the devotees. Also, daily Kalyana Utsavam is celebrated with pomp and glory.

Prayers

Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple is an alternative to those devotees who are unable to visit the Balaji Temple on the Tirumala Hills. As the name indicates, this temple carries significance for newlywed couples. Newlyweds offer prayers first in this temple as this is the place where Lord Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy with Goddess Padmavathi Devi stayed for six months, just after their wedding. A devotee who takes part in the Kalyana Utsavam and ties a ‘Kappu’ on their hand, can find their best, most beloved life-partner or find new happiness from their existing relationship.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Chandragiri Railway Station, 3 Kms from Chandragiri Bus Station, 13 Kms from Tirupati Railway Station, 14 Kms from Tirupati Central Bus Station, 25 Kms from Renigunta Railway Junction, 30 Kms from Tirupati Airport, 61 Kms from Chittoor, 145 Kms from Chennai and 159 Kms from Chennai Airport. It is easily accessible through buses as well as private vehicles. There are many frequent buses which go via Srinivasa Mangapuram to Piler, Talakona, Madanapalli, Bhakara Peta and Ramgam Peta. Sri Vari Mettu (steps to reach Tirumala by walk) is very close to this temple.

Location