Upamaka Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple – History, Legends, Rituals & Festivals

 

Historical Background

• The temple is located at Upamaka village, Nakkapalli Mandal, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Tradition holds that Lord Venkateswara manifested here about five thousand years ago, at the request of Sage Narada.
• The temple was constructed by Emperor Srikrishna of Kandregula kingdom (East Godavari). Later, in the 17th–18th centuries, the Pithapuram ruler offered a golden crown adorned with diamonds and emeralds after a divine vision.
• Bhagawad Ramanujacharya visited this temple during his pilgrimage (1017–1137 CE) and composed a sloka referencing it as “Tarksyadri” (Garudadri).

Legends

• Sage Narada, distressed by the suffering of people in Kaliyuga, prayed to Lord Shiva, Janambika Devi, Kumaraswami, and Padmavathi Devi before reaching Venkatadri.
• Pleased by his devotion, Mahalakshmi blessed him with her padukas.
• Narada then prayed to Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala, requesting Him to manifest on Garudadri hill near the sea.
• The Lord agreed, promising to appear in the guise of a hunter to protect devotees. Thus, Upamaka became a sacred abode of Venkateswara.
• The hill itself resembles Garuda (eagle), hence the name Garudadri.

Architecture & Significance

• The temple follows Pancharatra Agama traditions.
• Entry for devotees is uniquely through the northern side.
• The temple has been mentioned in colonial compilations of Hindu temples by Brown.
• Since 2015, it has been under the jurisdiction of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which has expanded rituals and facilities.

Rituals & Festivals

• Daily Sevas: Archana, Abhishekam, Alankaram, Panchamruta Abhishekam.
• Major Festivals:
• Kalyanotsavam (celestial wedding of the Lord).
• Brahmotsavam with grand vahana processions (Garuda, Hamsa, Gaja, Asva, Rajadhiraja, etc.).
• Adyayanotsavam and Tirukalyanam.
• Alwar Tirunakshatram celebrations.
• Sri Venu Gopala Swami Kalyanotsavam in Vaisakha masa.
• Dhanus Sankramanam rituals.
• Beliefs:
• Devotees who partake of prasadam during Panchamruta abhishekam are blessed with children.
• Worship here is believed to absolve sins and grant prosperity and salvation.