Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple – A Hidden Vaikuntha in Andhra Pradesh

Temple Overview: Konda Bitragunta

Temple Name: Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple
Location: Konda Bitragunta, near Kavali, Bogole Mandal, Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh – PIN 524142

Deities Worshipped

Presiding Deity: Lord Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy

Depicted in Abhaya Hasta posture (symbolizing protection)
Unique feature: Shanku (conch) and Sudarshana Chakra (discus) are reversed compared to traditional iconography

Other Deities:

Goddess Padmavathi Devi
Andal Devi
Sage Narada Maharshi (worshipped for dispute resolution through Kalaha Nivarana Puja)

Historical Background

Established: Circa 1356 AD during the Chola dynasty
Sthala Puranam:

The temple is located in Bilakuta Kshetram, a sacred hill where Sage Narada performed penance to lift a curse.
The name "Bilakuta" is derived from "Bila" (tunnel), believed to connect to other Vaishnavite shrines.
The site is revered as "Kaliyuga Vaikuntha" – a divine abode of Vishnu in this age

Legend:

Narada Maharshi was cursed and sought redemption through penance here.
He requested the area be transformed into a Vaikuntha-like realm.
A devotee princess, Gauramba Venkateswara, dreamt of the Lord’s presence on the hill and initiated temple construction

Temple Traditions

Daily and Periodic Rituals

Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam: Performed daily with devotion, offering incense, lamps, and food to the deity.
Archana & Harathi: Regular offerings of flowers and camphor light to the deity.
Abhishekam: Ritual bathing of the deity with sacred substances like milk, curd, honey, and turmeric.
Kalyanotsavam: Symbolic celestial wedding of Lord Venkateswara with Goddess Padmavathi.

Unique Tradition: Kalaha Nivarana Puja

Purpose: To resolve disputes among couples, families, or business partners.
Deity Involved: Sage Narada Maharshi, whose idol is uniquely worshipped here.
Belief: Worshipping Narada here brings peace and reconciliation, a rare tradition not commonly found elsewhere.

Major Festivals

Panchahnika Brahmotsavam (March): A five-day grand celebration attracting lakhs of devotees.
Vaikunta Ekadasi, Rathotsavam, and other Vaishnavite festivals are observed with grandeur.

Architectural Highlights

Style & Structure

Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbha Griha):

Modeled after Ananda Nilayam of Tirumala, with a golden-hued vimana.
The deity is in Abhaya Hasta posture, symbolizing divine protection.

Mandapam Sculptures:

Intricate carvings from the Chola period (1356 AD) still visible on pillars and ceilings.
Reflects a blend of Dravidian and early Vijayanagara styles.

Unique Iconography

Shanku (Conch) and Chakra (Discus) are reversed in the deity’s hands—an extremely rare depiction in Vaishnavite temples.
Bilakuta Kshetram: The temple is built on a hill believed to have a tunnel (bila) connecting to other sacred sites, enhancing its mystical aura.

Temple Complex

Temple Tank (Koneru): Used for ritual purification and Theerthavari during festivals.
Hilltop Location: Offers panoramic views and a serene atmosphere ideal for meditation.
Marriage Mandapams: The temple hosts multiple weddings simultaneously, especially during auspicious muhurthams.

Scriptural and Mythological References

Sage Narada’s Penance

According to local tradition, Sage Narada Maharshi performed penance at this site to lift a divine curse.
He is believed to have consecrated the idols of Lord Prasanna Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi here.
This aligns with his role in scriptures as a divine messenger and spiritual provocateur who ultimately brings about cosmic balance.

Kalaha Nivarana Puja – A Rare Tradition

The temple is one of the very few in India where Narada is actively worshipped to resolve disputes.
This practice is rooted in the belief that although Narada is often seen as a “troublemaker” in mythology, his actions are always for a divine purpose that leads to peace.

Bilakuta Kshetram – The Tunnel Legend

The name “Bilakuta” is derived from “Bila” (Sanskrit for tunnel), suggesting a mystical underground connection to other Vaishnavite shrines.
This belief is symbolic of spiritual connectivity and hidden divine pathways, often referenced in regional lore.

Vaishnavite Shlokas and Worship

Devotees chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Achyutam Keshavam, and other Vaishnavite hymns during worship.
These are scripturally rooted in texts like the Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana, and Pancharatra Agamas, which guide temple rituals and deity worship.

Temple Timings

Day	Morning Timings	Evening Timings
Monday–Friday	6:00 AM – 12:30 PM	5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday	6:00 AM – 1:00 PM	4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday	6:00 AM – 12:30 PM	5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Daily Pooja Schedule

Time	Ritual Description
6:00 AM	Alaya Suddhi (Temple cleansing)
6:30 AM	Suprabatha Seva
7:30 AM	Tiruvaradhana
8:00 AM	Sahasranamarchana
8:30 AM	Maha Nivedana (1st Bell)
10:30 AM	Archana to Srivaru and Ammavaru
10:45 AM	Maha Nivedana (2nd Bell)
12:15 PM	Visranti Seva
12:30 PM	Temple Closes (Midday)
5:30 PM	Aradhana, Panakam, Naivedyam
7:00 PM	Tiruvaradhana
7:15 PM	Archana
7:30 PM	Maha Naivedyam (3rd Bell)
7:50 PM	Ekanta Seva
8:00 PM	Neerajanam

Special Weekly & Monthly Pujas

Day & Time	Special Seva Description
Friday – 9:30 AM	Abhishekam to Sri Varu and Ammavaru
Friday – 6:00 PM	Kumkumarchana to Ammavaru
Friday – 8:00 PM	Pallaki Seva to Ammavaru
Sunday & Tuesday – 9:30 AM	Archana and Aaku Puja to Anjaneya Swamy
Saturday – 8:00 PM	Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva
Saturday – 11:00 PM	Ekanta Seva (Late night ritual)
Saturday – Evening	Pallaki Seva to Santana Venugopala Swamy
Rohini Nakshatram Day	Abhishekam, Archana, Navaneeta Harathi, Venna Harathi to Venugopala Swamy
Pournami (Full Moon) – 7:00 PM	Garuda Seva to Srivaru
Every Saturday	Annadanam (Free meal distribution)

Getting Here

By Train

Nearest Railway Stations:

Bitragunta Railway Station – ~6 km
Kavali Railway Station – ~12 km

Both stations are well-connected by passenger and express trains from:

Vijayawada
Gudur
Tirupati
Chennai

From the station, you can hire autos or local buses to reach the temple.

By Bus

APSRTC buses and private services operate frequently to Kavali and Bitragunta.
From Kavali Bus Stand, take a local auto or shared vehicle to Konda Bitragunta.

By Road

Located just 12 km from Kavali on the Kavali–Bitragunta–Bogole route.
Roads are well-paved and scenic, passing through lush green fields and gentle hills.
Ample parking is available near the temple.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for a peaceful darshan and cool weather.
Footpath or Drive: You can either walk up the hill via steps or drive directly to the top.
Nearby Attractions: Bitragunta Koneru, local village temples, and seasonal jatara events.

Tips

Plan Your Visit Around Ritual Timings

Arrive early in the morning (6:00 AM–8:00 AM) or evening (5:00 PM–7:00 PM) for peaceful darshan and to witness Suprabatha Seva or Tiruvaradhana.
On Saturdays, the temple is open till 10:00 PM, making it ideal for attending Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva and Ekanta Seva.

Spiritual Preparation

Many devotees observe vratam (fasting) or chant Vishnu Sahasranama before visiting.
Bring coconuts, flowers, and tulasi leaves for offering. You can also purchase them near the temple.

Participate in Special Sevas

Kalaha Nivarana Puja is highly recommended for resolving personal or family disputes.
Friday Abhishekam and Saturday Deepalankarana Seva are spiritually uplifting and visually beautiful.

Annadanam & Prasadam

Free meals (Annadanam) are served every Saturday—plan your visit accordingly.
Don’t miss the Panakam and Maha Naivedyam offered in the evening.

Photography & Conduct