Venkateswara Temple, Dwaraka Tirumala – Legends

Venkateswara Temple, Dwaraka Tirumala – Legends

Dwaraka Tirumala:

As per legend, Sage Dwaraka performed penance on Lord Venkateshwara on an ant hill near this place for several years. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Venkateshwara appeared before him and offered him a boon. The sage wished to have his presence at this place so that he could offer his service to the Lord. Acceding to his request, Lord Venkateshwara informed him about his presence in this place and showed him the location of the idol. The sage located the idol and installed the idol at this temple. Hence, the place came to be called as Dwaraka Tirumala.

Thus, this shrine is regarded as the miniature form of Tirupati and came to be called as Chinna Tirupati. The devotees call Lord Venkateswara of this temple as Kali Yuga Vaikunta Vasa. The devotees who wish to go and offer their donations, or tonsures or any other offerings to Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala Tirupati but due to some reason, if they are unable to go there, they can offer their donations, prayers and worship in Dwaraka Tirumala temple. This temple is considered equivalent to Tirupati.

Swayamvaram of Indumati:

As per the Brahma Purana, Aja Maharaja, the grandfather of Lord Rama, worshipped Lord Venkateshwara for his marriage. On his way to the Swayamvaram of Indumati, he went through this temple. However, did not offer prayers to the Lord. Though Indumati garlanded him, but he had to face the wrath of the other kings participated in the Swayamvaram. He realized that the battle was forced on him for ignoring the temple on his way to the Swayamvaram. On realizing his mistake, Aja Maharaja prayed to Lord Venkateswara to forgive him and the battle was stopped immediately.