Vakula Devi Temple, Perur, Tirupati – Legends

Vakula Devi Temple, Perur, Tirupati – Legends

As per the legend of Tirumala, it dates back to Dwapara Yuga when Yasodha, the foster mother of Lord Krishna (avatar of Lord Vishnu) complains to him that she couldn't witness any of his marriages. To this, Lord Krishna replies he would ensure she would get such opportunity later in Kali Yuga. In Kali Yuga, Lord Vishnu adorns the world as Lord Venkateswara and Yasodha is reborn as Vakula Devi, foster mother of Lord Venkateswara, to arrange his wedding with Padmavati the daughter of King Akasha Raja.

Thus, Vakula Devi fulfills her wish to witness the Kalyanam (wedding) of Lord Venkateswara. The love and affection between mother-son is so evident that Naivedya is first offered to mother and only later, to Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala. The Priests ring the large bells at Vakula Devi temple to indicate Naivedya offered to the mother, and later the priests at Tirumala submit offerings to Lord Venkateswara.

Such was the tradition followed in earlier days until the temple was destroyed, and lost its glory. Also, she supervises the preparation of food that is to be offered to her son. For this reason, a hole is made to the wall which separates Vakulamatha sannidhi and Srivari Potu (Kitchen). As per the wishes of Vakula Matha (mother), this temple was constructed in such a way that visage of Matha faces the Seven Hills, where her son Lord Venkateswara resides.