Upamaka Venkateswara Temple – A 6th Century Shrine on Garuda Hill

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The Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Upamaka, nestled in the serene hills of Nakkapalli Mandal, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, is a spiritually potent and historically rich shrine. It is one of the few temples where Lord Venkateswara is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), making it a powerful kshetram for devotees seeking divine grace.

Temple Significance

  • The temple is located on Garudadri Hill, which is shaped like Garuda, the divine mount of Lord Vishnu.
  • According to legend, Sage Narada requested Lord Vishnu to manifest here to uplift devotees in Kaliyuga. The Lord obliged, appearing in the form of a hunter on this sacred hill.
  • The name Upamaka means “none equal to it,” reflecting its spiritual uniqueness.

Historical & Scriptural References

  • The temple is mentioned in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana and referred to as Garudachala Mahatmyam.
  • Sri Ramanujacharya recognized it as one of the 108 Vaishnava Abhimana Kshetrams, highlighting its ancient and sacred status.

Deities at Upamaka Temple

  • Sri Venkateswara Swamy – The main deity, believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), seated on a horse with Goddess Lakshmi, facing north—an exceptionally rare iconography.
  • Goddess Lakshmi Devi – Seated alongside the Lord, symbolizing divine prosperity and grace.
  • Sri Venugopala Swamy – Worshipped at the base of the hill, believed to have been consecrated by Sage Narada.
  • Padmavathi Ammavaru and Andalamma – Also worshipped within the temple complex, enhancing its Vaishnavite sanctity.

Rituals and Daily Sevas

  • Tiruvaradhana and Panchamrutha Abhishekam to the Moola Virat (main deity) are performed daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
  • Astothram and Sahasranama Archana are offered regularly.
  • On Fridays, special Sahasranamarchana is performed for Goddess Andalamma.
  • Devotees can also perform Upanayanam and marriages at the temple premises.

Major Festivals Celebrated

  • Brahmotsavam – A grand 10-day celebration held in September or October, featuring processions and vahana sevas.
  • Dhanurmasam Utsavams – From December 16 to January 16, marked by early morning rituals and devotional singing.
  • Adhyayana Utsavams – Celebrated in February, focusing on scriptural recitations.
  • Vaikuntha Ekadashi – A major Vaishnavite festival drawing large crowds for Uttara Dwara Darshanam.

Beliefs and Spiritual Significance

  • The temple is considered a Pavalimpu Sthalam—a resting place for Lord Venkateswara, symbolizing peace and divine presence.
  • It is believed that prayers for progeny are especially fruitful here.
  • The temple is associated with Garudadri Hill, shaped like Garuda, and is said to have been chosen by Lord Vishnu himself at the request of Sage Narada.
  • Mentioned in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, the temple is one of the 108 Vaishnava Abhimana Kshetrams, recognized by Sri Ramanujacharya.
Temple Timings :

6.00 am to 12.30 pm

4.00 am to 7.30 pm

Getting Here

By Train

  • Nearest Station: Narasipatnam Road Railway Station – just 4 km from the temple.
  • Alternative Station: Tuni Railway Station – about 20 km away. Most trains on the Chennai–Kolkata line halt here.

By Road

  • APSRTC buses are available from:
    • Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, and Kakinada (hourly services).
    • Tuni and Yellamanchili (frequent local buses).
  • From nearby towns like Narasipatnam Road, Addu Road, and Nakkapalli, you’ll find regular auto-rickshaws to the temple.

By Air

  • Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam International Airport – approximately 90 km from Upamaka.
  • From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus toward Nakkapalli or Tuni.

Near by Temples :

Annavaram Satyanarayana Temple – 41 kms

Anakapalli Nookambika  Temple – 46 kms

Appikonda Sri Someswara  Temple  – 67 kms.

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