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

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.