Location
- Village:
Ammapur (also known as Kurupathi)
- Mandal:
Chinnachintakunta
- District:
Jogulamba Gadwal, Telangana
Presiding Deity
- Main Deity:
Sri Venkateswara Swamy (also called Kurumurthy Swamy)
- Consort:
Sri Lakshmi Devi
- The deity is believed to be self-manifested
(Swayambhu) on the Kurupathi hills, making this temple a powerful
spiritual center
Subshrines and Features
- Lord Anjaneya Temple:
Located en route to the main shrine
- Lord Chennakesava Temple:
Another subshrine before reaching the sanctum
- Uddala Mandapam:
- A unique mandapam where sacred
chappals (uddalu) made by Vaddeman villagers are kept
- These are offered annually in a
grand procession after Diwali
- The shoemaker fasts for three days,
surviving only on milk while crafting them with devotion
Temple Significance
- Second Tirupati:
- The temple is revered as “Peddala
Tirupati” or “Poor Man’s Tirupati” due to its resemblance to
Tirumala
- Located amidst seven hills,
echoing the sacred geography of Tirumala
- Historical Roots:
- Built around 1268 CE by Gopal
Rayudu of the Mukkera dynasty
- Later developed by Chandrareddy
and Soma Bhupal Rao, who added steps and initiated annual jatara
traditions
- Spiritual Legend:
- Lord Srinivasa, burdened by debts to
Kubera for marrying Padmavati, wandered northward from Tirumala
- He rested on Kurupathi hills at
Lakshmi Devi’s request, leaving behind his divine presence as Kurumurthy
Swamy
History
- The temple dates back to 1268 CE,
built by Gopal Rayudu, a ruler from the Mukkera dynasty.
- It was further developed in 1350
CE by Chandra Reddy, who introduced the tradition of annual jatara
and constructed steps to the hilltop shrine.
- In 1870, the famous Uddala
Mandapam was established, central to the temple’s unique footwear
procession.
- The temple was officially merged into
the Endowments Department in 1966, but the Mukkera lineage
continues to oversee its spiritual legacy.
Legends
- After marrying Padmavati, Lord
Venkateswara incurred a debt to Kubera. Burdened by this, He
wandered north from Tirumala and rested on the Kurupathi hills,
fulfilling Lakshmi Devi’s wish to reside there.
- The name “Kurumurthy” is derived from
“Kuru” (to do) and “Mati” (to think)—symbolizing divine
intent and action.
- It is believed that Krishna River
gifted divine footwear (pādukalu) to the Lord to ease His journey.
These are ceremonially carried from Vaddeman village during the
annual Uddala Utsavam, a deeply symbolic ritual.
Architecture
- The temple is built in classic South
Indian Dravidian style, nestled among seven hills, mirroring Tirumala’s
sacred geography.
- Originally located in a deep cave,
the idol was later relocated to a more accessible shrine atop the hill.
- The temple features:
- Intricately sculpted gopuram
and mandapams
- A sacred well at the
foothills, believed to have healing properties
- Spacious courtyards for yagnas,
sevas, and cultural rituals
- Sculptures of Alwars and
Vaishnava icons, reinforcing its devotional lineage
Temple Hours
- Morning:
09.30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Evening:
4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Note:
On Amavasya and festival days, darshan hours may extend due to
special sevas and crowds.
Getting Here
- By Road:
- From Gadwal: ~32 km via
Chinnachintakunta
- From Mahabubnagar: ~50 km via
Devarakadra and Kaukuntla
- Local buses and autos are available
from Gadwal and Mahabubnagar
- By Rail:
- Nearest station: Kurumurthy Halt,
~7 km from the temple
- Major railhead: Gadwal Railway
Station
- By Air:
- Nearest airport: Rajiv Gandhi
International Airport, Hyderabad (~140 km)
Accommodation
- Temple Guest Houses:
- Basic rooms available for pilgrims;
advance booking recommended during festivals
- Managed by temple authorities or
local trusts
Tips
- Footwear Ritual:
Witness the Uddala Seva if visiting post-Diwali—deeply symbolic and
rare
- Carry essentials:
Water, snacks, and walking shoes—especially if climbing the hill
- Best time to visit:
October–February for pleasant weather and festival season
- Photography: Allowed in outer premises, but restricted near sanctum
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