Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Applayagunta: Abhaya Hastha Darshan Near Tirupati

Location

Temple Name: Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple
Village: Applayagunta
District: Tirupati (formerly part of Chittoor), Andhra Pradesh
Distance: Approximately 20 km from Tirupati city
Access: Easily reachable by road from Tirupati; local buses and autos are available

Presiding Deity

Consorts: Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Padmavathi are also worshipped in the temple

Sub Shrines

Temple Significance

Spiritual Importance: Believed to be one of the sacred sites where Lord Venkateswara appeared to bless devotees outside Tirumala
Peaceful Alternative: Offers a serene and less crowded darshan experience compared to Tirumala
TTD Management: Maintained by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), ensuring authentic rituals and temple upkeep
Annual Festival: Srivari Brahmotsavam celebrated for 9 days in the month of Jyestha (May–June), attracting thousands of devotees

History

Established: Originally built in the 10th century during the Chola dynasty rule.
Renovations: Significantly expanded and enhanced during the 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire, reflecting their patronage of Vaishnavism and temple architecture.
TTD Management: Currently maintained by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), ensuring preservation of its rituals and heritage.

Legends

According to Vaishnavite lore, after marrying Goddess Padmavathi at Narayanavanam, Lord Venkateswara visited several sacred places before ascending Tirumala.
On his journey, he is believed to have blessed sages at Kailasanatha Kona and then rested at Vemula Konda, near Applayagunta.
The temple commemorates this divine pause, where the Lord appeared in a blessing posture (Abhaya Hastha) to reassure devotees, hence the name Prasanna Venkateswara—the “Gracious Lord.”

Architecture

Style: The temple exhibits a fusion of Chola and Vijayanagara architectural styles, with intricate carvings, pillared halls, and a traditional gopuram (tower).
Sanctum Design: The sanctum houses the deity in a standing posture with Abhaya Hastha, a rare depiction of Lord Venkateswara.
Complex Layout: Includes multiple sub-shrines, mandapams, and a prakaram (circumambulatory path), reflecting classical South Indian temple planning.

Daily Rituals

Suprabhata Seva: The day begins with awakening the Lord through sacred hymns.
Archana and Abhishekam: Regular pujas include Tirumanjanam (ritual bathing), Alankaram (decoration), and Naivedyam (food offerings).
Sahasranama Archana: Chanting of 1,000 names of Lord Vishnu is performed with devotion.
Evening Harati: The deity is offered Deepa Aradhana with lamps and devotional songs.

Major Festivals

Brahmotsavam: A nine-day annual festival held in Jyestha month (May–June), featuring:

Vaikuntha Ekadasi: Celebrated in December–January, devotees pass through the Vaikuntha Dwaram (sacred gateway), believed to grant moksha.
Pavitrotsavam: Annual purification ritual to atone for any lapses in daily worship.
Other Observances: Krishna Janmashtami, Rama Navami, and Ugadi are also celebrated with special pujas and cultural programs.

Beliefs and Significance

Abhaya Hastha Murti: The Lord’s right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra, symbolizing divine protection and assurance to devotees.
Post-Marriage Journey: It is believed that Lord Venkateswara stayed here after marrying Goddess Padmavathi, making this a site of divine grace and rest.
Peaceful Darshan: Many devotees visit Applayagunta for a less crowded, spiritually serene alternative to Tirumala.
Fulfillment of Wishes: Devotees believe that sincere prayers here bring health, harmony, and relief from fear or obstacles.

Temple Hours

Time Slot	Ritual / Activity
5:00 AM – 5:30 AM	Suprabatham (Morning awakening hymns)
5:30 AM – 6:15 AM	Viswaroopa Darsanam (Divine morning darshan)
6:15 AM – 7:00 AM	Thomala, Koluvu, Archana, Homam
7:00 AM – 7:30 AM	Darshan after Archana
7:30 AM – 7:45 AM	Suddhi (Sanctum purification)
7:45 AM – 8:15 AM	First Bell (Naivedyam offering)
8:15 AM – 10:15 AM	Sarva Darsanam (General darshan)
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM	Suddhi, Second Bell
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Sarva Darsanam (General darshan continues)
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM	Tiruchi Samarpana (Offering sacred cloth)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM	Unjal Seva (Swing ritual)
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM	Tiruchi Tiruveedi Utsavam (Procession)
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM	Suddhi, Night Kainkaryamulu (Evening services)
6:45 PM – 8:00 PM	Sarva Darsanam
8:00 PM – 8:30 PM	Sallimpu & Suddhi (Closure rituals)
8:30 PM – 9:00 PM	Ekanta Seva (Final resting ritual)

How to Reach

Location: Appalayagunta village, near Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Distance from Tirupati: Approximately 20 km
By Bus: Direct buses available from Tirupati Bus Station to Appalayagunta
By Auto/Cab: Frequent autos and cabs operate from Tiruchanoor Temple (5 km from Tirupati Bus Station) to Appalayagunta
By Train: Nearest railway station is Tirupati; from there, take local transport
By Air: Nearest airport is Tirupati Airport (Renigunta), about 25 km away

Tips

Best Time to Visit: September to early June for pleasant weather and festival season
Avoid Crowds: Weekdays are ideal; weekends and festival days like Vaikuntha Ekadasi, New Year, and Brahmotsavam can be crowded
Darshan Duration: Typically 10–15 minutes on weekdays; 30–40 minutes on weekends
Dress Code: Any decent traditional outfit is recommended
Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with Tiruchanoor Padmavathi Temple, Kailasanatha Kona, or Narayanavanam for a spiritual circuit
Local Facilities: Basic amenities and eateries are available near the temple; for better options, return to Tirupati