Sri Someswara Swamy Temple, Devuni Kadapa

Location

• City: Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh
• Area: Devuni Kadapa (Patha Kadapa – Old Kadapa)
• Nearest Railway Station: Kadapa Railway Station
• Nearest Airport: Kadapa (Cuddapah) Airport – ~9.5 km away

Historical Background

• Built during the Vijayanagara period, as per temple priests.
• Devuni Kadapa is historically revered as the gateway to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
• The temple stands as a testimony to Kadapa’s sacred role in pilgrimage circuits.

Deities

• Main Deity: Lord Shiva as Sri Someswara Swamy
• Consort: Goddess Parvathi Devi (Sri Parvathi Sameta Someswara Swamy)
• Other Shrines (rear side):
• Dakshinamurthy
• Vigneshwara (Ganesha)
• Lord Ayyappa
• Lord Subramanya

Spiritual Significance

• The divine couple radiates immense energy, making the temple a center of devotion and peace.
• Devuni Kadapa is considered the threshold to Tirumala pilgrimage, symbolizing the beginning of the spiritual journey.

Temple Timings

• Morning: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Evening: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Highlights

• A popular temple in Kadapa city, attracting both locals and pilgrims.
• Architectural style reflects Vijayanagara craftsmanship.
• The temple complex integrates multiple shrines, offering a holistic spiritual experience.

Festivals & Celebrations

• Mahashivaratri: The grand annual festival, with special abhishekam, night‑long bhajans, and cultural programs.
• Karthika Masam (Nov–Dec): Devotees light lamps and perform deepa aradhana; considered highly auspicious for Shiva worship.
• Somavara Vratham: Mondays are dedicated to Lord Shiva; devotees observe fasting and special pujas.
• Navratri & Devi Puja: Goddess Parvathi is worshipped with great devotion during Navratri.
• Ganesh Chaturthi & Subramanya Shashti: Celebrated in the subsidiary shrines within the temple complex.

Beliefs & Significance

• Gateway to Tirumala: Devuni Kadapa is revered as the first threshold (Tholi Gadapa) to Lord Venkateswara’s Tirumala temple. Pilgrims traditionally worship here before proceeding to Tirupati.
• Divine Couple: Lord Someswara Swamy with Goddess Parvathi Devi is believed to radiate immense spiritual energy, blessing devotees with peace and prosperity.
• Associated Shrines: Dakshinamurthy, Vigneshwara, Ayyappa, and Subramanya temples in the complex symbolize holistic worship.
• Historical Roots: Built during Vijayanagara rule, the temple reflects Kadapa’s sacred role in South Indian pilgrimage circuits.

Getting Here

• By Road: Kadapa is well connected by APSRTC buses from Tirupati, Nellore, Anantapur, and Hyderabad.
• By Rail: Kadapa Railway Station is the nearest, just a few kilometers from Devuni Kadapa.
• By Air: Kadapa (Cuddapah) Airport, ~9.5 km away, connects to Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore.
• Local Transport: Autos and taxis are easily available from Kadapa city to Devuni Kadapa.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Mahashivaratri and Karthika Masam for vibrant celebrations; otherwise mornings are peaceful.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire is recommended; modest clothing is expected.
• Photography: Not allowed inside sanctum; respect temple rules.
• Offerings: Flowers, bilva leaves, and ghee lamps are common offerings to Lord Shiva.
• Nearby Temples: Combine your visit with Devuni Kadapa Lakshmi Venkateswara Swamy Temple (Kadaparayudu) for a complete spiritual circuit.
• Travel Tip: If planning Tirumala darshan, start your pilgrimage here to honor the tradition of Tholi Gadapa.