Sri Vakulamatha Temple, Peruru - Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Experienced: August 2023

Unique Aspects

• Temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara's mother.
• The temple was built according to the wishes of Vakula Devi (mother), ensuring that the face of the goddess is oriented towards the Seven Hills where her son resides.

Vakula Devi was formerly Yashoda in Lord Krishna's divine play. She is considered a partial expansion of Mother Yashoda. It is recounted that Lord Krishna left Vrindavana when He was around ten and a half years old. In the narrative, mothers typically witness their children getting married, and while Devaki was involved in the marriage of Krishna, Yashoda never had the chance to participate in such events. Understanding her desire, Lord Krishna promised her, "In my next incarnation, you will be there to arrange for My marriage."

Vakula Devi treated Lord Srinivas in the same way a mother cares for her own child. She would gather fresh fruits and vegetables, preparing delicious prasad for Him multiple times a day. Taking herbal products, she would create a paste and apply it to His head. Expressing affectionate words, she showered Him with motherly love. This deep maternal care brought great contentment to Srinivas, who resided on the Venkatadri mountain, also known as Seshadari and Narayanadri.

The Vakula Devi Temple, with a history of around 300 years, covers an expansive 50 acres and has evolved into a prominent tourist pilgrimage destination. The temple's Gopuram is adorned with a layer of gold weighing 20kg. Renovated in accordance with the Agama Shashtra, it stands as a testament to both its historical significance and religious adherence.

An intriguing aspect of this temple is that the inaugural pooja was conducted here before commencing at the main temple in Tirumala. However, during the invasions of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the temple experienced its share of turmoil, leading to a decline in its grandeur.

Even today, following the temple's restoration, the enduring bond of mother-son love is evident. The Naivedyam (offering) is first presented to Mata Vakula Devi before being offered to Lord Venkateswara. The priests signal the offering by ringing a large bell at the Vakula Devi temple, signifying the presentation to the Mother, followed by the priests at the main temple offering Naivedyam to Lord Venkateswara.

Vakula Devi holds the role of the foster-mother to the deity Venkateshwara. According to the Tirumala legend, her story traces back to the Dwapara Yugam. In this tale, Yashoda, the foster-mother of Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu), expressed her lament to Krishna that she missed witnessing any of his weddings. In response, Krishna assured her that in the Kali Yuga, she would have the opportunity she desired.

In the Kali Yuga, Vishnu is believed to have incarnated on earth as Venkateswara, and Yashoda was reborn as Vakula Devi, now the foster mother of Venkateswara. True to the deity's promise, Vakula Devi played a crucial role in arranging her foster-son's wedding with Padmavati, the daughter of King Akasa Raja.

Location

Sri Vakula Matha Temple is situated in Peruru village, just 10 km away from Tirumala hills and 5 km from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The temple beautifully represents the profound love between a mother and child. Peruru is a village close to Tirupati, which has good connectivity. Tirupati is well-linked to other main cities, offering numerous bus services. Once you reach Tirupati, you can easily book a car or take an auto to reach the Peruru temple.

Address

Sri Vakulamatha Temple,
Pathakalva, Peruru,
Tirupati Region,
Andhra Pradesh,
India, Pincode: 517505.