Bugulu Venkateswara Temple, Chilpurgutta – History, Legends, Rituals & Travel Guide

Location

Temple Name: Bugulu Venkateswara Swamy Temple
Place: Chilpurgutta (also spelled Chilpur Gutta), near Chinapendyal village
District: Jangaon (formerly part of Warangal), Telangana
Access: Reachable via Hyderabad–Warangal highway; autos and buses available from Chinapendyal temple arch

Deities and Subshrines

Sri Mahalakshmi (whose absence led to Srinivasa’s financial distress)
Kubera (loan granter for Srinivasa’s marriage)
Lord Brahma, Lord Maheshwara, and Ashwathama (signed as witnesses to the divine loan document)

Temple Significance

Devotees visit for relief from loans, debts, enemy troubles, sorrow, fear, and anxiety

Known locally as Telangana Tirupati, echoing the Tirumala legend of Lord Srinivasa’s marriage and financial struggle.
The temple celebrates Vaisakha Suddha Dashami as the divine wedding day of Srinivasa and Padmavathi

Located atop a rocky hill (gutta), offering panoramic views and a serene atmosphere for meditation and prayer.

History

Antiquity: The temple is believed to be over 1400 years old, dating back to the post-classical period.
Kakatiya Patronage: It was maintained and possibly renovated during the Kakatiya dynasty, known for their devotion to Vishnu and Shiva temples in the Telangana region.
Cultural Continuity: Despite its modest scale, the temple has remained a vital spiritual center for local devotees, especially those seeking relief from financial distress.

Legends

Debt of Srinivasa: The temple is intimately linked to the Tirumala legend where Lord Srinivasa, separated from Mahalakshmi, borrows money from Kubera to marry Padmavathi. He signs a divine loan document witnessed by Brahma, Shiva, and Ashwathama.
Chilpurgutta Stay: It is believed that Lord Srinivasa stayed at this hill (gutta) during his financial hardship, leaving behind his Padarakshas (divine footwear) as a sign of his presence.
Parihara Kshetra: Devotees believe that visiting this temple helps relieve debts, financial burdens, and mental stress, making it a powerful parihara sthalam in Telangana.

Architecture

Hilltop Layout: The temple is situated atop Chilpurgutta, a rocky hill, accessible by a flight of steps, offering panoramic views and a serene atmosphere.
Simple Dravidian Style: While not grand like Tirumala, the temple follows a modest Dravidian architectural style, focusing on spiritual ambiance over ornamentation.

Daily Rituals and Worship

Suprabhata Seva: Early morning awakening of the deity with Vedic chants.
Archana and Abhishekam: Regular abhishekam (ritual bathing) and archana (name recitation) are performed to Lord Venkateswara.
Special Offerings: Devotees offer coconuts, jaggery, and ghee lamps seeking relief from financial burdens and mental stress.
Loan Document Ritual: A symbolic ritual reenacts the signing of the divine loan agreement by Srinivasa, witnessed by Brahma, Shiva, and Ashwathama.

Major Festivals

Celebrated as the Kalyanam (celestial wedding) of Lord Srinivasa and Goddess Padmavathi.
Devotees gather in large numbers to witness the Kalyanotsavam, echoing the Tirumala tradition.

Brahmotsavam: Though on a smaller scale than Tirupati, the temple observes a Brahmotsavam with processions and special rituals.
Vaikunta Ekadasi: Devotees observe fasting and participate in Uttara Dwara Darshanam.
Saturdays and Ekadasis: These days see a surge in pilgrim footfall, with special archanas and deepa alankaras.

Beliefs and Devotee Faith

Telangana Tirupati: Locals believe that darshan of Bugulu Venkateswara is equivalent to visiting Tirumala, especially for those unable to travel.
Footprint of the Lord: The presence of Padarakshas (divine footwear) on the hill is believed to mark the Lord’s stay during his financial hardship.

Temple Timings

Day	Morning Hours	Evening Hours
Monday to Friday	7:00 AM – 12:30 PM	4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday	6:00 AM – 1:00 PM	3:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or Saturday evenings for special pujas and peaceful darshan

Getting Here

Nearest Landmark: Chinapendyal Temple Arch on Hyderabad–Warangal Highway
From Hyderabad: ~120 km via NH163; drive or take a bus toward Warangal
From Warangal: ~30 km; local buses or autos available
From Ghanpur: ~10 km; autos are frequent
Last Mile Access: From Chinapendyal arch, take private autos or shared jeeps to reach the hill base

Tips

Footwear: The temple is atop a rocky hill (gutta); wear comfortable walking shoes
Climb: Moderate uphill walk; elderly devotees may need assistance
Offerings: Carry coconuts, jaggery, and ghee lamps for parihara rituals
Crowd Days: Saturdays, Ekadasis, and festival days like Vaisakha Dashami can be crowded
Local Stay: No major accommodations at the temple; plan to stay in Warangal or Hyderabad
Weather: Best visited during cooler months (October to February)