Mopidevi Temple Guide: The Sacred Abode of Lord Subrahmanya in Andhra Pradesh

 

 Location Overview

·         Temple Name: Sri Subrahmanyeswara Swamy Temple (Mopidevi Temple)

·         Location: Mopidevi Village, Mopidevi Mandal, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh – 521125

·         Nearest Towns:

o    Repalle (12 km)

o    Vijayawada (64 km)

·         Access: Well-connected by road and rail; buses from Vijayawada to Avanigadda pass through Mopidevi

Deities and Subshrines

Main Deity

·         Sri Subrahmanyeswara Swamy (Lord Murugan/Kartikeya)

o    Worshipped in the form of a Swayambhu Lingam (self-manifested)

o    Known as the Lord of Snakes, associated with Sarpa Dosha Nivarana

Subshrines and Associated Icons

·         Nandi, Garuda, and Cock idols—crafted by the potter-devotee Veeravarapu Parvathalu

·         Sri Sakaleswara Swamy Temple nearby, housing a Swayambhu Shiva Lingam

·         Sacred anthill site where the Lingam was discovered

·         Sacred tree where devotees tie cradles for child blessings

History and Significance

Mythological Legend

·         Lord Subrahmanya, as a child, laughed at naked sages (Sanaka, Sanatkumara, Sanatsujata, and Sankara) during their visit to Kailash.

·         Goddess Parvati reprimanded him, and to atone, he performed penance on Earth in the form of a serpent.

·         The site of his penance became Mopidevi, meaning “the place of penance”.

Discovery of the Lingam

·         Veeravarapu Parvathalu, a potter and devotee, dreamt of the Lord revealing a Lingam beneath an anthill.

·         Villagers unearthed the Swayambhu Lingam, and Parvathalu crafted clay idols of Nandi, Garuda, and Cock to accompany the deity.

Scriptural Reference

·         Mentioned in the Skanda Purana by Rishi Veda Vyasa as a sacred site for penance and healing.

Spiritual Significance

·         Known for Sarpa Dosha Nivarana, Rahu-Ketu Poojas, and blessings for:

o    Childless couples

o    Marriage delays

o    Health issues

·         Devotees often report miraculous healings and serpent sightings, believed to be divine manifestations.

Legends

Subrahmanya’s Penance in Serpent Form

·         The Sanaka, Sanatkumara, Sanatsujata, and Sankara Rishis, known for their renunciation, once visited Mount Kailash unclothed, as a symbol of detachment.

·         At the same time, Sachi Devi, Swaha Devi, Saraswati, and Lakshmi were also present—fully adorned.

·         Lord Subrahmanya, seated on Parvati Devi’s lap, innocently laughed at the contrast between the clothed goddesses and the naked sages.

·         Parvati Devi scolded him, and realizing his mistake, Subrahmanya sought forgiveness and chose to perform penance on Earth.

·         He took the form of a serpent and meditated at this site, which later came to be known as Mopidevi—meaning “the place of penance”.

The Potter’s Dream and the Swayambhu Lingam

·         A humble potter named Veeravarapu Parvathalu, a devotee of Lord Subrahmanya, had a divine dream.

·         The Lord appeared and revealed the presence of a Swayambhu Lingam beneath an anthill in Mopidevi.

·         The next day, villagers unearthed the Lingam and began worshipping it.

·         Parvathalu crafted clay idols of Nandi, Garuda, and Cock—symbols associated with Subrahmanya—and installed them beside the Lingam.

Mention in Skanda Purana

·         The Skanda Purana, particularly the Sahyadri Khanda, mentions Mopidevi as a sacred site on the banks of the Krishna River.

·         It is described as a powerful kshetra for Sarpa Dosha Nivarana and spiritual healing.

Architectural Highlights

Style & Structure

·         The temple showcases a blend of Dravidian and Chola architectural styles.

·         Originally built during the Chola dynasty in the 11th century, and later renovated by the Kakatiya dynasty in the 12th century.

·         The current structure reflects Vijayanagara-era renovations, with traditional mandapas and a compact layout.

Sanctum & Idol

·         The main sanctum (garbhagriha) houses a Swayambhu Lingam of Lord Subrahmanyeswara, believed to have emerged naturally from the earth.

·         The idol is made of black granite, approximately six feet tall, and depicts the Lord with:

o    Six faces (Shanmukha)

o    Twelve arms, holding divine weapons

Mandapas & Gopuram

·         The temple includes:

o    Maha Mandapa – the main hall for devotees

o    Artha Mandapa – transitional space before the sanctum

o    Mukha Mandapa – entrance hall

·         A 40-foot tall Gopuram (tower) marks the temple’s entrance, adorned with traditional carvings

Temple Tank & Sacred Tree

·         The temple features a Pushkarini (sacred tank) believed to have healing properties.

·         A sacred tree near the temple is tied with cradles by couples praying for children.

Rituals and Festivals

Daily Poojas

Performed from 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, these include:

Pooja Name	Ticket Price (₹)	Details
Abhishekam	₹60	Ritual bathing of the Swayambhu Lingam with sacred substances
Mahanyasa Rudrabhishekam	₹516	Elaborate Vedic chanting and abhishekam
Sahasranama Archana	₹55	Chanting of 1000 names of the deity
Ashtottara Archana	₹45	Chanting of 108 names
Pancha Harathi & Chaturveda Swasti	Free (6:30 PM daily)	Evening aarti with Vedic blessings

Popular Sevas

·         Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Pooja – ₹280

·         Naga Pratishta (2-day ritual) – ₹5116

·         Nithya Kalyanam (Daily celestial wedding) – ₹1116

·         Saswatha Abhishekam (Annual) – ₹3500

·         Saswatha Kalyanam (Annual) – ₹10,000

·         Annadanam (Food offering) – ₹1116

Family Rituals

·         Ear Boring, Naming Ceremony, Annaprasana, Aksharabhyasam – ₹60–₹150

·         Cradle Offering (Uyala Seva) – ₹80

·         Tonsuring (Mundan) – ₹10

Pooja tickets are issued daily from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the temple counter.

Major Festivals Celebrated

Skanda Shashti

·         Celebrated in Karthika Masam (Oct–Nov) for 6 days

·         Marks the victory of Lord Subrahmanya over the demon Surapadma

·         Includes special abhishekams, alankarams, and processions

Nagula Chavithi

·         Celebrated in Karthika Masam, dedicated to serpent worship

·         Devotees perform Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Poojas and offer milk to anthills

Magha Shashti

·         Celebrated in Magha Masam (Jan–Feb), believed to be the birthday of Lord Subrahmanya

·         Special Kalyanotsavam and annadanam are conducted

Ashada Sukla Panchami & Naga Panchami

·         Auspicious for removing Naga Dosha and seeking fertility blessings

·         Devotees tie cradles to the sacred tree for childbirth prayers

Beliefs

Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Kshetram

·         The temple is renowned for relieving Sarpa Dosha, a karmic affliction believed to arise from harming serpents or ancestral misdeeds.

·         Devotees perform Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Pooja and Naga Pratishta to:

o    Overcome marriage delays

o    Seek childbirth blessings

o    Resolve health and mental disturbances

Blessings for Childless Couples

·         Couples tie cradles to the sacred tree near the temple, praying for progeny.

·         Many return with their newborns to offer thanksgiving rituals like Annaprasana and Ear Boring.

Penance and Redemption

·         It is believed that Lord Subrahmanya himself performed penance here in the form of a serpent to atone for his childish mistake.

·         Hence, devotees believe that sincere prayer and penance at this temple can absolve sins and bring inner peace.

Getting Here

By Train

·         Nearest Railway Station: Repalle Railway Station (8 km from the temple)

o    Well-connected from Guntur and Tenali

o    From Repalle, take a share auto or private taxi (20–30 minutes via Penumudi Bridge)

By Bus

·         From Vijayawada:

o    Distance: ~75–80 km

o    Take buses heading to Avanigadda, Nagayalanka, or Challapalli—they pass through Mopidevi

o    Route: Vijayawada → Kankipadu → Vuyyuru → Pamarru → Kuchipudi → Movva → Kodali → Challapalli → Mopidevi

·         From Machilipatnam:

o    Distance: ~32 km

o    Buses and autos available via Challapalli

By Road

·         From Vijayawada:

o    ~2 hours via NH214A

o    Scenic route through Krishna delta villages

·         From Gannavaram Airport:

o    ~70 km via Kankipadu – Vuyyuru – Pamarru – Kuchipudi – Challapalli – Mopidevi

·         From Tenali:

o    ~55 km via Repalle

Nearest Airport

·         Vijayawada International Airport (Gannavaram) – ~70 km

o    Taxis and buses available from the airport to Mopidevi

Tips

Best Time to Visit

·         Morning Darshan: 4:30 AM – 11:00 AM

·         Evening Darshan: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

·         Avoid peak hours during Skanda Shashti and Nagula Chavithi unless you're attending for the spiritual experience.

Ritual Preparation

·         Take a holy dip in the temple tank before darshan if possible.

·         Wear traditional attire (dhoti/saree preferred); avoid western casuals.

·         Bring coconuts, milk, and turmeric if performing Sarpa Dosha or Rahu-Ketu poojas.

Booking Tips

·         Pooja tickets are available at the temple counter from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

·         For Naga Pratishta or Saswatha Sevas, book in advance via temple authorities or website.