Vadapalli Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple — Attraction in Andhra Pradesh

Update as on latest visit in September 2024

The temple has gained popularity very well in recent times, but the devotee’s satisfaction is dropping due to below par management and new rules like mobiles & luggage/bags are not permitted inside temple, yet still many keeps using them. Temple management started giving contracts to 3rd party vendors with whom they make tie-ups by earning huge amounts there by collecting Rs.10/- per mobile, Rs.20/- per bag, Rs.5/- per chappals pair etc., which seems to be a bit higher compared to bigger temples where the charges are very less. For pooja related, the outside shop vendors sell Ashtotaram set for Rs.350/- and Rs.120/- for kalyanam. All the pooja items get collected by the temple sevaks before the pooja starts, which get sorted out and taken back somewhere else. It's only those flowers, bananas & coconuts are used for Lord seva and are given in limited quantity back to devotees after the pooja. Also, the priests openly ask for dakshina for themselves, sevaks, Brahmins/purohits, sweepers etc.

Transport: From Ravulapalem bus stand: Govt. city buses operate to Vadapalli temple only on Saturday’s and Sunday’s (last bus at 3 PM) with 1-way Tariffs as Rs.20/Adult & Rs.10/Kids. Every day, private sharing 7-seater auto charges Rs.20/Adult, but they start only if there are a min. of 10 passengers.

From Rajahmundry/Vijayawada: Govt. city buses operate limited 3-4 services directly to temple only on Saturday’s from far distances in the early mornings from Rajahmundry railway station or Vijayawada bus stand. Private sharing 7-seater auto’s charge Rs.70/Adult, directly from Rajahmundry railway station to Vadapalli temple, if there aren’t enough passengers they charge around Rs.700 for 1-way trip. Also, every day from Rajahmundry railway station, govt. buses (Express-Rs.50/- Adult & Rs.30/- kids |Ultra-Deluxe-Rs.45/-Adult |Pallevelugu-Rs.40/-Adult & Rs.20/-kids) run towards/via Ravulapalem for every 15-20 minutes where one can get down and take buses on week-ends or Autos on weekdays to temple.

Accommodation: Vadapalli: There are some mini private rooms available near temple premises in Vadapalli, that costs around Rs.600/- for Non-AC (Indian style toilets) & Rs.1,200/- for AC (Western style toilets). Try exploring the area asking the shops where one can find them.

Ravulapalem: Many lodges/hotels are available in the Ravulapalem center like RK Residency (Not worth for the cost being charged) who charge around Rs.2,600/- per night for a room with double bed and an additional charge of Rs.300/- for extra bed. Few decent hotels that are few more meters away on the national highway charges around Rs.3,000/-. Google to search and call the related.

Rajahmundry: If coming by train from other locations, one can book a IRCTC retirement room using their PNR for a max. of 48 hours and the rooms are available on the 1st floor above the booking counter, The rooms are pretty decent and clean, with the highest at Rs.2,027/- incl. taxes for a AC Executive room that comes with a bug double queen bed, a single bed, a sofa suitable for sleeping and sofa for sit/relax coming with amenities like Free WiFi, Smart TV, Geyser etc.

Lunch: Every day, lunch is provided by temple management from 11am to 3pm which is always crowded at any time of the week. Previously, every one used to have food by standing in the premises of the temple and move quickly, but with new rules, food is being served inside the building with seating arrangements made (like in Tirupati) so lot of waiting time is expected standing in queues.

Old review (unedited) at the time of 1st visit in August 2023

Located in a rural atmosphere, the journey towards the temple is scenic and very pleasant.

Mostly crowded during Saturday as well as Sunday.

Free darshan queue moves much faster than special darshan Rs.50 ticket.

Though the quantity is less, Ladoo Prasad...

Here’s an enhanced overview of Vadapalli Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple (also known as Vadapalli Venkanna Swamy Temple or “Konaseema Tirupati”):

🏛️ Location & Significance

Vadapalli is a small village on the banks of the Godavari River, within Atreyapuram Mandal, Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh, about 10–11 km from Ravulapalem and 24 km from Rajahmundry .

The temple is famous as a spiritual counterpart to Tirupati and draws devotees from across the region .

Legend & Deity

According to tradition, the idol of Sri Venkateswara, made of red/sandalwood, was discovered inside a wooden box on the Godavari River’s banks. Devotees believe this divine manifestation answers sage and community prayers to preserve Dharma during the Kali Yuga .

The deity is affectionately called Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy (auspicious, marriage-blessing form) .

Architecture & Temple Layout

The temple complex features a majestic multi-storied Rajagopuram (gateway tower), reputedly up to 153 ft tall. There’s a large vimanam (tower) with a kalasam, inner mandapams, sacred steps (about 100 steps symbolizing spiritual ascent), and corridors lined with Govindanamaalu (inscriptions or names of Govinda) to aid worship during pradakshinas (circumambulations) .

Rituals & Festivals

Darshan Timings:

Sunday–Friday: 6 AM–1 PM & 4 PM–8 PM

Saturday: 4 AM–2 PM & 4 PM–8 PM

Special Practices:

Performing 11 pradakshinas each Saturday for 7 consecutive Saturdays (the "7 Saturdays ritual") is believed to grant wishes .

Goda Devi Kalyanam – a ceremonial marriage rite especially for unmarried devotees, seeking blessings for marital prosperity .

Annual Festivals:

Brahmotsavam celebrated grandly for around 5–10 days during Ashveja or Chaitra months. Events include Dwajaarohanam (flag-hoisting), Kalyanotsavam, Rathotsavam (chariot festival), Pushpotsavam, Chakra Snanam, and Vedotsavam .

Sevas & Pooja Fees

Common services include:

Gothranama: ₹ 5

Kesakandana (head shaving): ₹ 25

Ashtothram/Sahasranamam: ₹ 150 (fees vary slightly by source)

Special sevas: Vehicle pujas/Thulabharam/Goda Devi Kalyanam/Veda Asirvachanam – charges range from ₹ 50 to ₹ 1,116 .

Kalyanam ticket: ₹ 750 per couple; dress code enforced (dhoti + kurta for men, saree/pallu outfit for women). Not held on Saturdays .

Amenities & Travel

Facilities include designated parking (₹ 30 for cars, ₹ 10 for bikes), water points, toilets, and annadanam meals around 10:30 AM .

Accessibility:

Reachable via RTC buses, taxis, and personal vehicles from Ravulapalem (11 km away), Rajahmundry (rail/airport), and Amalapuram .

Steeped in regional history, the temple also had a role in the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1931, where devotees adorned its chariot with India’s Tricolour, aligning faith and patriotism against colonial rule .

✅ Summary Table

Feature Details

Deity Sri Kalyana Venkateswara (sandalwood idol) Key Rituals 7 Saturdays, Goda Devi Kalyanam, Brahmotsavam Temple Timings Weekday: 6–1 & 4–8; Sat: 4–2 & 4–8 Seva Fees ₹ 5–₹ 1,116 (varies) Travel Distance Ravulapalem 11 km, Rajahmundry 24 km

This temple offers a beautiful blend of spiritual significance, legendary lore, and communal heritage—a must-visit for pilgrims and culture enthusiasts alike. Let me know if you'd like details on bus schedules, online seva booking, or nearby...

Nestled in the serene landscape, the Vadapalli Venkateswara Swamy Temple is a remarkable spiritual destination that offers devotees and visitors a profound religious experience. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, this temple stands as a testament to traditional architectural and spiritual heritage. Temple Architecture: The temple showcases classic South Indian temple architecture, with intricate carvings and traditional design elements that reflect the rich cultural and religious traditions of the region. The sanctum sanctorum houses the main deity of Lord Venkateswara, beautifully adorned and meticulously maintained. Spiritual Atmosphere:

Peaceful and serene environment Calm and meditative atmosphere Welcoming to devotees and spiritual seekers Maintains traditional religious practices

Key Features:

Beautifully decorated main shrine Well-maintained temple premises Regular religious ceremonies and rituals Accommodates both daily worship and special festivals

Special Occasions: During major Hindu festivals like Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and other significant religious celebrations, the temple comes alive with special decorations, elaborate rituals, and a heightened spiritual ambiance. These occasions attract a large number of devotees from surrounding areas. Visitor Information:

Clean and well-maintained premises Separate queues for darshan Prasadam distribution Relatively less crowded compared to major pilgrimage centers

Practical Considerations:

Free entry No strict dress code mentioned, but traditional attire recommended Photography may be restricted inside the main shrine Ideal for those seeking a peaceful spiritual experience

Surrounding Area: The temple is located in a relatively tranquil setting, offering visitors a break from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The natural surroundings complement the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. Recommendations:

Best visited during early morning or evening hours Ideal for those interested in spiritual experiences Good for family visits and religious observances Suitable for both local devotees and tourists interested in cultural experiences

Potential Improvements:

Could benefit from more detailed signage Might need enhanced facilities for out-station visitors Parking facilities could be expanded

Overall Experience: The Vadapalli Venkateswara Swamy Temple offers a genuine, peaceful spiritual experience. It stands as a serene place of worship that connects visitors with divine energy and provides a momentary escape from worldly concerns. Personal Tip: If possible, try to visit during festival times to experience the full spiritual and cultural richness of the temple. The special celebrations provide a deeper insight into the religious traditions associated with Lord...