DWARAKA TIRUMALA
AT
WEST GODAVARI
Dwaraka Tirumala” is an
ancient holy place and a popular pilgrim center in Andhra Pradesh of South
India. Dwaraka Tirumala is nearer to 'Eluru', the head quarters of West
Godavari District, which is 42 KM away from Eluru.
Andhra Pradesh is a land of famous temples
and popular pilgrimage centers. Dwaraka Tirumala is a village cum mandal
situated in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, which is renowned for the
temple of Lord Venkateswara.
The place is also referred to as ‘Chinna
Tirupathi’. Dwaraka Tirumala Devasthanam is situated here atop Seshachala Hill
and where the god is manifested as Swayambhu. The feet of Lord Venkateswara at
this temple is believed to be in Valmikam (Ant-hill).
During the period of Tretayuga, Emperor Aja,
the grandfather of Lord Shri Rama is believed to have worshipped the presiding
deity. According to legend, Sage Dwaraka had unearthed the Lord here from
Valmikam (Ant-hill) and worshipped this deity, and hence it was named as
Dwaraka Tirumala.
As the feet of Swayambhu is in Valmikam,
nearly 400 years ago, another idol was reportedly brought from Tirupathi and
installed here on the back of Swayambhu, the pratishta of which was done as per
agama sastram.
The temple here has a unique
feature where two idols are worshipped in the same sanctum sanctorum and as a
result, two annual Bramhotsavams are performed, one during Vaisakhamasam (May)
for Swayambhu while the other is done during Aswayuja Masa (October) to the
deity.
Moreover, it is believed that since Sage
Dwaraka had performance penance in Northward direction, the Lord had appeared
before him in Southwards direction and therefore the temple here is located
facing South.
Devotees believe strongly that
their desires are fulfilled by worshiping this deity. The devotees fondly
call Lord Sri Venkateswara as Kaliyuga Vaikunta Vasa. The region covered
by Dwaraka Tirumala temple is considered to be the commanding position in
India, garlanded by two great rivers of South India Krishna and Godavari,
according to Brahma Purana.
Those who are unable to visit Tirumala
Tirupati, fulfill their wishes her, make donations and worship the lord in
Dwaraka Tirumala temple. Devotees also tonsure their head at this temple. The
historic temple continues to attract devotees from all over the world who
consider the divine destination as the one offering a complete spiritual
experience and believe that the Lord will relieve them of problems and bestow
his blessings.
Dwaraka Tirumala is
situated at 15KM distance from Bhimadole Junction, which is in between
Vijayawada and Rajahmundry State Highway and Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam main
Railway line.
