Sri Venkateswara of Vadapalli – Seven Saturdays, Endless Blessings

Location

Village: Vadapalli
District: East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Setting: Situated on the banks of the River Godavari, offering a serene and sacred atmosphere
Access: Well-connected via road from Rajahmundry and Kovvur; nearest railway station is Kovvur

Presiding Deity

Main Deity: Sri Venkateswara Swamy (Balaji), also locally known as Yedu Sanivaramulu Venkanna

This name refers to the belief that the Lord grants special blessings on seven consecutive Saturdays

The deity is considered a powerful form of Lord Vishnu, worshipped with deep devotion by locals and pilgrims

Subshrines

Lord Ganapathy is the only prominent sub-deity within the temple complex
The temple layout is simple and focused, emphasizing the sanctity of the main deity

Temple Significance

Spiritual Importance: The temple is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples in Andhra Pradesh, drawing devotees from across the region
Local Belief: Worshipping here on seven Saturdays is said to fulfill heartfelt wishes and remove obstacles
Cultural Role: The temple plays an active part in regional Vaishnava traditions, including festivals and river rituals
Scenic Setting: Its location on the Godavari’s banks adds to its spiritual charm, making it a favored spot for both worship and peaceful reflection

History & Legends

Ancient Origins: Believed to date back to the Dvapara Yuga, when Lord Krishna ascended to Vaikuntha and Kali Yuga began.
Divine Promise: Sage Narada, concerned about rising sin in Kali Yuga, prayed to Lord Vishnu, who promised to manifest as Kaliyuga Daivam to restore dharma.
Miraculous Manifestation: A mysterious sandalwood box appeared in the Godavari River. Locals retrieved it and found a divine idol of Sri Maha Vishnu with Lakshmi, holding Shankha, Chakra, and Gada.
Narada’s Role: Narada named the deity “Vem-Kat-Eshwara”, meaning “the one who removes sins,” and consecrated the idol on the riverbank.
Local Belief: Worshipping the Lord on seven consecutive Saturdays is said to fulfill wishes, earning Him the name Yedu Sanivaramulu Venkanna.
Historical Patronage: Later, a local chieftain named Gajendra Penubothula, a Kshatriya and ship commander, helped rebuild the temple after it was submerged by floods.

Architecture

Sanctum Sanctorum: Houses a swayambhu (self-manifested) black wooden idol of Lord Venkateswara — rare and spiritually potent.
Rajagopuram: A towering 11-tiered gopuram, 153 feet tall and 49 feet wide, adorned with carvings from Hindu mythology.
Vimana Shrines: The main sanctum has a Hemakoti Vimana with a kalasam; the shrine of Goddess Amritavalli also features a vimana.
Temple Layout: Includes mandapams and circumambulatory paths where devotees perform 11 pradakshinas on Saturdays.
Unique Feature: The name of Lord Vishnu is inscribed on the ceiling, recited by devotees during parikrama.

Rituals

Daily Poojas: Traditional Vaishnava rituals including Suprabhata Seva, Archana, Abhishekam, and Harathi
Special Saturdays: Devotees perform 11 pradakshinas around the sanctum on Saturdays, especially during the Yedu Sanivaramulu vratham
Offerings:

River Rituals: Devotees often take a holy dip in the Godavari River before entering the temple

Festivals

Brahmotsavam: Celebrated annually with grandeur, including Dwajarohanam, Garuda Seva, Rathotsavam, and Chakrasnanam
Vaikuntha Ekadashi: Marks the opening of Vaikuntha Dwaram, drawing thousands of devotees
Kalyanotsavam: Symbolic celestial wedding of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Amritavalli
Yedu Sanivaramulu Vratham: A unique local observance where devotees worship the Lord on seven consecutive Saturdays to fulfill wishes
Krishna Pushkaralu: During this river festival, the temple becomes a major spiritual hub

Beliefs

Kaliyuga Daivam: The Lord is believed to be the remover of sins and granter of boons in this age
Seven Saturdays Vow: Devotees believe that sincere worship on seven consecutive Saturdays brings health, prosperity, and resolution of personal struggles
Swayambhu Murti: The self-manifested idol is considered especially powerful and sacred
River Blessings: Bathing in the Godavari and worshipping here is said to cleanse karmic burdens

Temple Hours

Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
On Saturdays, Ekadashi, and festival days, hours may extend to accommodate special poojas and crowds.

Getting Here

By Air: Rajahmundry Airport (approx. 30 km)
Local Transport: Autos, taxis, and buses available from Kovvur and Rajahmundry

Tips

Seven Saturdays Vratham: Plan your visit to align with this powerful observance if seeking blessings
River Dip: Take a holy bath in the Godavari River before entering the temple for spiritual purification
Footwear & Dress Code: Leave footwear outside; wear traditional attire (dhoti/saree) for sanctum access
Pradakshina Path: Perform 11 circumambulations around the sanctum on Saturdays
Crowd Alert: Expect heavy crowds during Brahmotsavam, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, and Pushkaralu.