Shri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple — Attraction in Andhra Pradesh

Sri Vedanarayana swamy temple nagalapuram in Chittoor district is a popular Vaishnava temple. Nagalapuram is 70 Km away from Tirupati on the Chennai-Tirupati Road.

Story behind sri vedanarayana swamy temple nagalapuram Construction

Sri vedanarayana swamy temple nagalapuram is a fine example of Vijayanagar style of architecture. Krishnadeva raya, the emperor of Vijayanagara, is said to have constructed the Temple in the last years of his reign at the behest of his mother Nagamamba. It is said that this place was then known as Nagamambapuram. It is also said that as the work was begun when his reign was coming to an end, the emperor could not complete it. Every year, the Sun provides a visual feast to the devotees during the ‘Surya Puja’.

Call it an astronomical marvel or whatever, the sun rays touch the presiding deity of Lord Vedanarayana Swamy situated in the sanctum sanctorum only on these three days. During Three days of the Surya Puja, the sun’s rays fall on the main diety from 6 to 6:15 pm. On the first day, the sun’s ray fall on the feet, the second day on the chest and the third day on the Lord’s forehead.

The rays of the setting Sun enter the main ‘Gopuram’, slowly sneak through the precincts to touch the main deity, tucked 600 feet away from the entrance. Mythology says that Lord Vishnu in his first incarnation as a fish (‘Matsyavathara’) waged a relentless war with Somaka the asura here to rescue the ‘Vedas’. Maha Vishnu was said to be in a frozen state due to his stay in underwater for a long period. The half-fish and half-human idol of Sri Vedanarayana in this temple is said to represent this very ‘Matsyavathara’.

This is an ancient stone temple probably built by Cholas or Pallavas. Beautiful sculptures can be seen on the huge pillars in the Prakaram (Circumambulatory and processional pathway) surrounding the sanctum. The idol of Maha Vishnu here is flanked by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi and the form of matsya or fish can be seen at its feet. The idol holds...

The Sri Veda Narayana Swamy Temple in Nagalapuram is a historically and architecturally significant temple, particularly noted for its association with the Matsya Avatar of Lord Vishnu. Here's a summary of key aspects gleaned from available information: Key Features: Matsya Avatar: The temple is one of the few dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Matsya (fish) Avatar. The deity is depicted with a human torso and the lower half of a fish, accompanied by Sridevi and Bhudevi. Historical Significance: The temple's history is linked to the defeat of the demon Somukasura, who stole the Vedas. It has connections to the Vijayanagara Empire, particularly during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya, who named the town Nagalapuram. Architectural Grandeur: The temple features grand gopurams (temple towers) and spacious prakarams (courtyards). It showcases traditional South Indian temple architecture. It is noted that there are unique multiple sets of Dwara palakas. Astronomical Phenomenon: The temple is known for an annual astronomical event where sunlight falls on the main deity on specific days. TTD Management: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) manages the temple. General Observations: Visitors often praise the temple's peaceful and divine atmosphere. Some reports mention ongoing renovation work, which may affect the viewing of certain areas. It is a very old temple, that is well maintained. To get the most up to date information regarding opening times, or current renovations, it would be best to contact the TTD directly.

NOTE: Main temple has balaalayam happening ( pooja samproshaknam) u can't visit inside the temple . outside ttd made a small temple there u can...

This temple in Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border in Nagalapuram is dedicated to the first avatar of Lord Vishnu - Sri Matsya Narayana or Veda Narayana swamy - the Lord is depicted as part human & part fish. It is believed that the Lord won over an asura who had stolen the Vedic texts from Lord Brahma and went into hiding at the bottom of the ocean. Lord fought, won, retrieved, and handed over the vedas to Lord Brahma in this place

In the temple, even as we enter, we are greeted by Lord Nagaraja Ganapathy and Goddess Vishnu Durga on the main entrance. The temple houses Lord Veda Narayana swamy along with His consorts, Sridevi & Bhoodevi inside the sanctum sanctorum. On the prakar near the garbha griha, we find different forms of Lord Vishnu like, Lakshmi Narasimha, Lakshmi Narayana, Hayagreeva, Vishnu Durga, Brahma, Venugopalaswamy, etc.

One cosmic miracle that this temple is famous for is - during Panguni month (Mar-Apr) on the dates 12-14, the rays of the Sun fall directly on the Lord’s vigraham, which is 630 feet from the main entrance and within the sanctum sanctorum itself. Not just a cosmic, but architectural miracle of the ancient builders of these temples

If you’re visiting or planning to visit this temple, you can combine along with Suruttapalli Sri Palikondeeswarar and Ramagiri Sri Vaaleeswarar temples nearby, not more than 15 mins...