Thondavada Agasteswara Temple: Shiva’s Sacred Abode Near Tirupati

 

Location

• Thondavada village, in Chandragiri Mandal, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Located about 10–11 km from Tirupati RTC Bus Stand and Railway Station, making it easily accessible for pilgrims.

Main Deity

• The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Sri Agasteswara Swamy.
• The Shiva Lingam was installed by Sage Agastya, hence the name Agasteswara Lingam.
• Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Sri Anandavalli Devi, representing divine grace and prosperity.

Subshrines and Parivara Devatas

• The temple complex includes shrines for:
• Lord Ganesha
• Lord Subramanya (Murugan)
• Sri Krishna
• Sundara Raja Swamy
• These are placed in well-constructed sanctums within the temple premises.

Temple Significance

• Sacred Geography: The temple lies at the confluence of three rivers—Swarnamukhi, Bhima, and Kalyani—making it a spiritually charged location.
• Mythological Importance:
• After his marriage, Lord Srinivasa stayed at Sage Agastya’s ashram and performed daily Shiva worship here.
• This site is thus linked to the divine journey of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi, forming part of their sacred itinerary.
• Architectural Features:
• The temple faces east, has three entrances, and is surrounded by a grand compound wall.
• It is considered a post-medieval shrine with enduring Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions.

History

• The temple is located in Thondavada village, near Tirupati, and is believed to be over 2000 years old, though its current structure reflects post-medieval renovations.
• It was originally established by Sage Agastya, a revered Vedic sage known for spreading Vedic knowledge in southern India.
• The temple is also referred to as Mukkoti Agasteswara Swamy Temple, highlighting its sanctity and association with Mukkoti Ekadasi.

Legends

• After his divine marriage, Lord Srinivasa (Venkateswara) stayed at Sage Agastya’s ashram in Thondavada.
• During his stay, he performed daily Shiva pujas, making this site spiritually significant for both Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.
• The Shiva Lingam here is said to have been installed by Sage Agastya himself, and Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Sri Anandavalli Devi.

Architecture

• The temple faces east, symbolizing spiritual awakening and auspiciousness.
• It features:
• Three entrances for devotees
• A grand compound wall enclosing the sanctum
• Well-built subshrines for Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, and Sri Krishna
• The layout reflects traditional South Indian temple architecture, with emphasis on symmetry, sanctity, and ritual flow.

Daily Rituals

• Nitya Poojas: Regular worship of Lord Shiva as per Shaiva Agama traditions, including:
• Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the Shiva Lingam)
• Archana (chanting of divine names)
• Harathi (offering of light)
• Special Friday Poojas: Devotees offer prayers to Sri Anandavalli Devi, seeking prosperity and family well-being.
• Prasadam Distribution: Includes sacred offerings like pulihora and laddu.

Major Festivals Celebrated

• Maha Shivaratri: The most significant festival, marked by night-long vigil, special abhishekams, and cultural programs.
• Karthika Deepam: Celebrated in the month of Karthika with rows of oil lamps and deepa aradhana.
• Sravana Masam Fridays: Special poojas for Goddess Anandavalli Devi.
• Mukkoti Ekadasi: The temple is also known as Mukkoti Agasteswara Swamy Temple, and this Vaishnava-Shaiva festival is observed with reverence.
• Navaratri and Devi Utsavams: Celebrations focused on Goddess Anandavalli with alankaram and homams.

Beliefs and Devotional Significance

• Sage Agastya’s Blessings: Worship here is believed to grant the blessings of Sage Agastya, who installed the Shiva Lingam.
• Spiritual Purification: The temple’s location at the confluence of three rivers—Swarnamukhi, Bhima, and Kalyani—is considered highly purifying.
• Marital Harmony: Devotees pray for successful marriages and family unity, especially invoking the grace of Sri Anandavalli Devi.
• Shaiva-Vaishnava Harmony: The temple honors both traditions, as Lord Srinivasa himself worshipped Shiva here, making it a spiritually inclusive site.

Temple Hours

• Open Daily: 5:30 AM to 06:30 PM
• Ideal time for peaceful darshan: early morning (6–8 AM) or evening (5–6 PM)

Getting Here

By Road

• Located in Thondavada village, about 10–11 km from Tirupati.
• Easily accessible via Tirupati–Chandragiri Road.
• Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and private vehicles are available from Tirupati.

By Train

• Nearest Station: Tirupati Railway Station (TPTY)
• From the station, take a taxi or local transport to Thondavada.

By Air

• Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (TIR), ~25 km away.
• Taxis and app-based cabs are available from the airport.

Tips

• Dress Modestly: Traditional attire is preferred—men in dhoti/kurta, women in saree/salwar.
• Footwear: Leave shoes at designated counters before entering the temple.
• River Confluence: If possible, perform a symbolic snanam (holy dip) at the Triveni Sangamam (Swarnamukhi, Bhima, Kalyani rivers) nearby.
• Combine with Nearby Temples:
• Srinivasa Mangapuram (Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy)
• Tiruchanoor (Padmavathi Devi)
• Chandragiri Fort for a cultural detour
• Avoid Crowds: Visit on weekdays or non-festival days for a serene experience.
• Carry Water & Snacks: Limited facilities nearby, so plan accordingly.