Sri Vakulamata Temple Peruru Tirupati – Timings, Pooja Schedule, Legends & Festivals

 

Location

  • Village: Peruru, near Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
  • Distance: ~5 km from Tirupati city
  • Setting: Built on a rocky hillock called Peruru Banda, offering panoramic views of Tirupati

Deities

  • Main Deity: Sri Vakula Devi (Vakulamata) – revered as the foster mother of Lord Venkateswara
  • Legendary Identity: Vakula Devi is considered the incarnation of Yashoda Mata, the foster mother of Lord Krishna

Temple Significance

  • Maternal Devotion: The temple symbolizes the eternal bond of motherly love between Vakula Devi and Lord Venkateswara.
  • Mythological Promise: Lord Vishnu, before incarnating as Venkateswara, promised Yashoda that she would witness His marriage. To fulfill this, she was reborn as Vakula Devi.
  • Spiritual Role: Vakulamata nurtured Lord Venkateswara during His earthly incarnation, making this shrine a sacred place of maternal blessings.
  • Pilgrim Importance: Though overshadowed by Tirumala, this temple is deeply revered as a complementary shrine to Lord Venkateswara’s story.

Legends

  • Motherly Bond: Vakulamata is revered as the foster mother of Lord Venkateswara.
  • Incarnation of Yashoda: Mythology says that Lord Vishnu promised Yashoda (Krishna’s foster mother) that she would witness His marriage in another incarnation. To fulfill this, she was reborn as Vakulamata during the Venkateswara avatar.
  • Role in Tirumala: Vakulamata nurtured Lord Venkateswara and is believed to have personally supervised His marriage arrangements with Goddess Padmavati.
  • Sacred Duty: Devotees believe that Vakulamata continues to oversee Lord Venkateswara’s rituals, symbolizing eternal maternal care.

History

  • Ancient Roots: The temple is considered centuries old, with references in local lore tying it to the early Tirumala traditions.
  • Preservation: The temple has seen phases of neglect and revival, with devotees campaigning for its upkeep due to its unique role in the Tirumala narrative.

Architecture

  • Hilltop Setting: Built on a rocky hillock (Peruru Banda), the temple offers panoramic views of Tirupati.
  • Style: Reflects Dravidian architecture, with simple yet sacred design emphasizing devotion over grandeur.
  • Sanctum: Houses the idol of Vakulamata, depicted with motherly grace and protective aura.
  • Surroundings: The temple’s elevated position and serene environment make it a peaceful pilgrimage spot, away from the crowds of Tirumala.

Rituals

  • Daily Pujas: Traditional worship of Sri Vakulamata with flowers, incense, and naivedyam.
  • Special Abhishekam: Performed on auspicious days, highlighting her role as the divine mother of Lord Venkateswara.
  • Maternal Blessings: Devotees often offer turmeric, kumkum, and sarees to Vakulamata, symbolizing respect for motherhood.
  • Marriage‑related Rituals: Couples seeking blessings for happy marriages and mothers praying for the well‑being of children perform special pujas here.

Festivals

  • Special Fridays: Considered auspicious for worshipping Vakulamata, with increased devotee turnout.

Beliefs

  • Incarnation of Yashoda: Vakulamata is believed to be Yashoda reborn, fulfilling her wish to witness Lord Vishnu’s marriage.
  • Maternal Guardian: She is regarded as the eternal mother who continues to oversee Lord Venkateswara’s rituals at Tirumala.
  • Blessings for Families: Devotees believe Vakulamata grants harmony in households, protection for children, and prosperity.
  • Pilgrimage Tradition: Visiting Vakulamata before Tirumala darshan is considered auspicious, symbolizing respect for the divine mother.
  • Sacred Hilltop Energy: The temple’s elevated location is said to radiate maternal strength and spiritual peace.

Temple Timings

  • Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Evening: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Daily Pooja Schedule

  • 5:30 AM – Suprabatham
  • 6:00 AM – 6:45 AM – Nivedana
  • 6:45 AM – 11:30 AM – Sarva Darshanam
  • 11:30 AM – 12:00 Noon – Archana & Nivedana
  • 12:00 PM – Temple Closes
  • 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Sarva Darshanam
  • 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM – Nivedana
  • 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Sarva Darshanam
  • 8:30 PM – Ekanta Seva

Friday Special Schedule

  • 6:45 AM – 7:30 AM – Abhishekam & Alankarana
  • 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Sarva Darshanam
  • 12:00 PM – Temple Closes
  • 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Sarva Darshanam
  • 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM – Nivedana
  • 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Sarva Darshanam
  • 8:30 PM – Ekanta Seva

Getting Here

By Air

  • Nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport (~15 km from Peruru).
  • Connected to Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore with daily flights.
  • From the airport, taxis and autos are available to reach Peruru village.

By Rail

  • Nearest Railway Station: Tirupati Railway Station (~7 km).
  • Well connected to Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Vijayawada.
  • Local autos and taxis can take you directly to Peruru Banda hill.

By Road

  • Tirupati city is well connected by APSRTC buses from Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Nellore, Kadapa.
  • From Tirupati, autos or cabs are the most convenient way to reach Peruru.
  • The temple is located on a small hillock (Peruru Banda), requiring a short climb.

Tips

  • Temple Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
  • Friday Special: Morning abhishekam and alankarana are considered highly auspicious.
  • Best Time: Early mornings for peaceful darshan; evenings for serene atmosphere.
  • Footwear: The temple is on a hillock; wear comfortable footwear for the climb.
  • Nearby Shrines: Combine your visit with Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple and Tiruchanoor Padmavathi Temple for a complete pilgrimage circuit.
  • Accommodation: Stay options are better in Tirupati city; Peruru is a small village.
  • Food: Tirupati offers traditional Andhra meals; light food is recommended before darshan.

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