Where Lord Venkateswara Stayed After Marriage – A Guide to Srinivasa Mangapuram



Location

  • Srinivasa Mangapuram is situated about 12 km west of Tirupati, in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh.
  • It lies en route to Chandragiri and is easily accessible by road from Tirupati.

Main Deity

  • The temple is dedicated to Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy, a post-marriage form of Lord Venkateswara (Vishnu).
  • This form represents the divine phase after his marriage to Goddess Padmavati, and the deity is revered for granting blessings related to marriage and family harmony.

Subshrines and Other Deities

  • The temple complex includes shrines for:
    • Goddess Lakshmi
    • Goddess Padmavati
    • Garuda (Vishnu’s vehicle)
    • Alwars (Vaishnava saints)
  • There are also smaller shrines for Anjaneya (Hanuman) and other guardian deities.

Temple Significance

  • Historical Legend: After marrying Padmavati, Lord Venkateswara stayed at Srinivasa Mangapuram for six months before moving to Tirumala. Hence, this temple is considered a sacred transitional abode.
  • Spiritual Importance:
    • It is believed that couples facing marital issues or seeking marriage receive divine blessings here.
    • The temple is often visited before proceeding to Tirumala, as a preparatory spiritual stop.
  • Architectural Style: Built in Dravidian style, the temple features intricate carvings and a serene ambiance.
  • Festivals Celebrated:
    • Brahmotsavam
    • Vaikuntha Ekadasi
    • Kalyanotsavam (symbolizing divine marriage)

History

  • The temple dates back to ancient times, with its origins tied to the divine journey of Lord Venkateswara after his marriage.
  • It was renovated and maintained by various dynasties and later brought under the administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
  • Historically, it served as a spiritual retreat for devotees who couldn’t climb the Tirumala hills, offering darshan of Lord Venkateswara in his Kalyana (married) form.

Legends

  • According to Vaishnava tradition, after marrying Goddess Padmavati, Lord Venkateswara stayed at Srinivasa Mangapuram for six months before ascending to Tirumala.
  • During this time, he is believed to have blessed local devotees, meditated, and performed rituals, making the site sacred.
  • The temple is thus considered a symbol of divine marital bliss, and devotees often pray here for successful marriages and family harmony.

Architecture

  • Built in Dravidian architectural style, the temple features:
    • A tall gopuram (tower) at the entrance with intricate sculptures.
    • A spacious prakaram (outer courtyard) and mandapams (pillared halls) for rituals and gatherings.
    • The sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) houses the majestic idol of Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy, adorned in wedding attire.
  • The layout is designed to reflect peace and sanctity, with emphasis on symmetry and spiritual flow.

Daily Rituals

  • Suprabhata Seva: Early morning awakening of the deity with sacred hymns.
  • Thomala Seva: Decoration of the deity with garlands.
  • Archana and Abhishekam: Regular offerings and ceremonial bathing of the idol.
  • Kalyanotsavam (Daily): A symbolic reenactment of Lord Venkateswara’s divine marriage, performed for devotees seeking marital blessings.
  • Sahasranama Archana: Chanting of 1000 names of Vishnu for spiritual merit.
  • Prasadam Distribution: Includes laddu and pulihora, considered sacred and auspicious.

Major Festivals

  • Brahmotsavam (Annual): A multi-day celebration with processions, vahanams (divine vehicles), and cultural programs.
  • Vaikuntha Ekadasi: Celebrated with special darshan through the Vaikuntha Dwaram, symbolizing entry to heaven.
  • Kalyana Mahotsavam: Grand reenactment of the divine wedding, attracting thousands of devotees.
  • Pavitrotsavam: Ritual purification of the temple and deities.
  • Rathotsavam: Chariot procession of the deity around the temple streets.

Beliefs and Devotional Significance

  • Marital Blessings: Devotees believe that worshiping here ensures successful marriages, resolves family disputes, and brings domestic harmony.
  • Spiritual Transition: The temple marks the phase between Lord Venkateswara’s earthly marriage and his ascent to Tirumala, symbolizing life’s sacred transitions.
  • Alternative to Tirumala: For those unable to climb Tirumala hills, darshan at Srinivasa Mangapuram is considered equally powerful and fulfilling.
  • Healing and Prosperity: Many believe that regular worship here brings health, wealth, and peace of mind.

Temple Timings

  • Open Daily: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Daily Pooja Schedule

Time SlotRitual / SevaDescription
5:00 – 5:30 AMSuprabathamAwakening the Lord with sacred hymns
5:30 – 6:00 AMViswaroopa DarshanFirst darshan of the day in divine form
6:00 – 6:45 AMThomala SevaDecoration of the deity with garlands
6:45 – 7:00 AMKoluvu & Panchanga SravanamCourt session and reading of daily almanac
7:00 – 7:30 AMSahasranama ArchanaChanting of 1000 names of Vishnu
7:30 – 8:30 AMSattumorra & 1st BellOffering of food and first bell ritual
8:30 – 10:00 AMSarva DarshanGeneral darshan for all devotees
10:00 – 11:00 AM2nd Bell & BaliSecond food offering and ritual procession
11:00 – 5:30 PMSarva DarshanContinued general darshan
11:00 – 12:00 PMNithya KalyanotsavamDaily symbolic celestial wedding
5:30 – 6:30 PMNight Bell & BaliEvening offering and ritual
6:30 – 7:30 PMSarva DarshanFinal darshan session
7:30 – 8:00 PMSuddhiTemple purification
8:00 PMEkanta SevaLord’s rest for the night

Getting Here

By Road

  • From Tirupati: The temple is just 12 km west of Tirupati, en route to Chandragiri.
  • By Car/Taxi: Easily accessible via Tirupati–Chandragiri Road. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available from Tirupati.
  • By Bus: APSRTC buses and private autos ply frequently between Tirupati Bus Stand and Srinivasa Mangapuram.

By Train

  • Nearest Railway Station: Tirupati Railway Station (TPTY), well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
  • From the station, take a taxi or bus to the temple.

By Air

  • Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (TIR), about 25 km away.
  • Taxis and app-based cabs are available from the airport to the temple.

Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Early mornings (5–8 AM) or evenings (6–8 PM) for peaceful darshan and cooler weather.
  • Footwear: Leave shoes at designated counters; temple premises are strictly barefoot.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred—men in dhoti/kurta, women in saree/salwar.
  • Nithya Kalyanotsavam: If you're seeking blessings for marriage, attend this daily ritual between 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
  • Avoid Peak Days: Weekends and festival days can be crowded—plan weekday visits for a serene experience.
  • Combine with Nearby Temples: You can also visit Chandragiri Fort, Kapila Theertham, or Tirumala as part of a spiritual circuit.

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