Tallapaka Sri Siddheswara Swamy Temple – Legend, History, and Festivals

Lord Shiva has been worshipped in the form of a linga since ancient times by deities, sages, and devotees. Among the many temples dedicated to Him, one stands out for its divine connection to Lord Rama—the Sri Siddheswara Swamy Temple at Tallapaka in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh.

Location and Significance

Tallapaka is located 8 km from Rajampet town in Kadapa district.
It is the birthplace of Padakavithapithamaha Tallapaka Annamacharya, the great saint-poet of Tirumala.
The name evolved from Tatipaka (palm-leaf huts where locals lived) to Tallapaka.

The Legend (Sthalapurana)

During the Treta Yuga, Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana visited Dandakaranya during their exile.

Sitadevi was enchanted by the natural beauty of Tallapaka and requested Rama to stay.
Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here in the form of a linga.
After Rama’s departure, sages continued the worship.
At the dawn of Kaliyuga, the linga disappeared but was rediscovered by Siddhapurushas, who built the temple and resumed pujas.

Historical Background

The temple was originally built by the Chola kings around the 11th century AD.
Later, the Kakatiya and Vijayanagara emperors contributed to its development.
In recent decades, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has taken over administration and further developed the temple.

Temple Architecture and Description

The temple faces east and is set in a spacious courtyard.
Structures include Mukhamandapa, Antaralayam, and Garbhalayam.
Main Deity: Lord Siddheswara Swamy in linga form.
Nandi, Dwajastambam, and Balipeetham stand opposite the sanctum.
Other Shrines:

Goddess Kamakshi Devi (south-facing)
Maha Ganapati, Siddhi Ganapati
Dakshinamurthy
Sri Subramanya Swamy with Valli and Devasena
Sri Veerabhadra Swamy

Unique Tradition – Veka Tatayya’s Boon

A sage named Veka Tatayya suffered from severe headaches. When he prayed to Siddheswara Swamy, the Lord relieved him and granted a boon: anyone suffering from headaches would be cured by touching their head to Veka Tatayya’s image. This practice continues today in the temple’s Mukhamandapa.

Associated Temples in Tallapaka

Sri Sudarsana Chakrattalwar Temple
Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple
Annamacharya Meditation Hall

Festivals and Rituals

Annual Brahmotsavams: Celebrated in Ashada month for nine days with Rathotsavam, Kalyanotsavam, and vahana sevas.
Maha Shivaratri: Observed with grandeur.
Kartika Masa Pujas: Special rituals performed throughout the month.

Accommodation and Travel