Dwaraka Tirumala? is an ancient holy place and a popular pilgrim center in Andhra Pradesh of South India. Dwaraka Tirumala is nearer to ‘Eluru’.It is also known as Chinna Tirupati.
Shrine’s History
Dwaraka named saint found the self-manifested idol of Lord Venkateswara on an ant-hill called Valmikam. Thus the place called as Dwaraka Tirumala. This place is also known as Chinna Tirupati. During Tretayuga King Aja, grandfather of Lord Rama worshipped the presiding deity. The feet of Lord Venkateswara are in the Valmikam. Another idol was bought from Tirupati and installed here 400 years ago. These two idols are located in the same sanctum sanctorum which is a unique feature of this temple. The idols of Goddess Padmavathi and Nanchari are installed in the Arthamandapa.
The main temple is a masterpiece of South Indian Architecture with its five-storied main Rajagopuram facing the south and three other gopuras on the other three sides. There are several temples of Alwars attached to the Prakara on all sides. The whole spacious compound has been surfaced with stone and flower trees. There are other shrines in the temple; Lord Anjaneya Swamy, Mount Garuda, the image of saint Dwaraka and image of Sri Tallakapaka Annamacharya.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
On entering the sanctum sanctorum, one feels a most inspiring and enchanting experience. The presiding mythological deity Lord Venkateswara is visible up to the Bust size and the lower portion is imagined to be in the earth. The holy feet are said to be offered to Bali Chakravarthi in Patala? for his daily worship. The full-size idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara standing at the back of the main idol is said to have been installed by the great social reformer Srimad Ramanuja of the 11 th century. The idols of Padmavathi and Nanchari are installed in the Arthamandapa facing east. This is a full equipped shrine to be a Divyasthala. The main temple is a masterpiece of South Indian Architecture with its five-storied main Rajagopuram facing the south and three other gopurams on the other three sides. The Vimana is in the Nagara style and old Mukhamantapa is extended to a great extent to suit the present day needs. There are several temples of Alwars attached to the Prakara on all sides. The whole spacious compound has been paved with stone and flower trees are grown in an order as if to feast the eye of the pilgrims.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Dwaraka Tirumala is about 40 Kms fromEluru and is well connected by Road.
APSRTC runs frequent buses fromEluru, Vijayawada, Tadepalli Gudem, Bhimavaram, Narasapuram, Tanuku and Kovvur
By Rail
The Nearest railway station is Bhimadole Railway Station which is 18 km away. Bus services are available to reach the temple.The nearest railway station is Eluru.
By Air
The Nearest airport is Vijayawada Airport which is 82 km away. Bus and taxi services are available to access the temple.
Shrine Timings
4 AM to 9 PM
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Brahmotsavam and Vaikunta Ekadasi are celebrated grandly in the temple.
The other festivals are:
Festival Month,
Giripradakshina January,
Swamy Vari Vysakha Kalyanam April-May,
Pavithrotsavams. September,
Swamy Vari Aswayuja Kalyanam September-October,
Teppotsavam. November,
