Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Vari Temple, Narayanavanam - Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh

Experienced: August 2023

In the quiet village of Narayanavanam, not far from Tirupati (about 38 km) and close to Puttur, you'll find the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple. This special place is where Venkateswara Swami married Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru, the daughter of Akasa Maharaja. The main deity here is Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy. This temple has a long history. In ancient times, it was known as Narayana Puram, and during the Pallava period, it was called Narayanapuram. In the Vijayanagara era, it became Narayanavaram, and the locals lovingly called it Nannaram. Each name tells a part of the temple's story, making it a place rich in history and spirituality.

Unique Aspects

• This sacred place is where Lord Srinivasa and Padmavati, the daughter of Akasaraja, got married.
• One can find main deity carrying a hunting sword in his hand.
• Close to the main shrine is the sanctum of Goddess Padmavathi Thayar, and nearby, you'll find a grinding stone. It is believed that this stone was used to grind turmeric during the marriage of Srinivasa and Padmavathi.

Significance

Akasa Raju, the ruler of Narayanavanam, had a brother named Tondaman Chakravarty, who harbored a desire to claim the town as his own. Interestingly, the parents-in-law of Tirumala lived in Narayanavanam. Since Akasa Raju was childless, he decided to plow the land to prepare for a yagna. However, Tondaman discovered a baby girl named Padmavathi in a thousand-petalled lotus and brought her home, thinking there was no need for the yagna. Padmavathi, later known as Padmavati Devi, grew up in Narayanavanam, and it was here that the divine marriage of Lord Venkateswara took place. During the grand celebration of the marriage, all three crore deities gathered to witness the event. Siva and his ganas were especially captivated by Narayanavanam and chose to reside in sacred places like Sadasiva Kona, Kailasanadha Kona, Ramagiri, Surutpalli, and other holy spots along river banks.

In this sacred place, the main deity is Sri Kalyana Venkateswara, known for fulfilling all our wishes. The Lord faces east, with Lakshmi residing on his bosom. Adorning his waist is a Dasavatara band, and around his shoulders, there's a garland of salagramas, along with the Conch and the Discus. In one of his hands, he holds a hunting sword.

In this sacred place, the goddess resides in a separate temple with a distinctive vimana known as Vishnuchandravimana. Positioned to the southwest of the main temple, the shrine offers a unique spiritual experience. As you approach the main entrance, you'll encounter Saraswati on the right and Kamadhenu with Kalpavriksha on the left, bestowing their divine presence. Goddess Padmavati is gracefully seated on a lotus, featuring four shoulders and facing east. According to the Venkatachala Purana, Vedavati was reborn as Padmavati. The temple is surrounded by a pathway for circumambulation, with an outer circle for the auspicious Mahapradakshina. Notably, towards the Northwest, you'll find the temple of Andalamma (Goda Devi). The northern gate, a special passage, opens once a year on Vaikuntadwadasi day, adding to the sanctity of this sacred space.

Location

Narayanavanam, the divine residence of Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy, is situated just 35 km away from Tirupati City in the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. The heart of this temple town is adorned by the main deity, Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy. According to belief, it was within the sacred precincts of Narayanavanam that Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy entered into the divine union of marriage with Goddess Sri Padmavathi. The town holds the spiritual essence of this sacred union, drawing devotees seeking blessings and divine grace.

Address

Sri Padmavathi Sametha Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy,
Narayanavanam,
Puttur Rural Mandal,
Chittoor Region, Andhra Pradesh,
India, Pincode: 517581.