Appanapalli Bala Balaji
Temple – The Second Tirupati of Konaseema
The Appanapalli Bala
Balaji Temple, located in Appanapalli village, East Godavari District,
Andhra Pradesh, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateswara in
his child form (Bala Balaji). Popularly known as the Second Tirupati of
Konaseema, this temple is a unique blend of devotion, legend, and
architectural tradition.
History &
Significance
- The temple’s origins trace back to Sri
Molleti Ramaswamy, a humble coconut vendor.
- Legend says Lord Venkateswara
appeared to him in a dream as a child and instructed him to build a
temple.
- Soon after, Ramaswamy discovered an
idol of Bala Balaji in a weighing pan and installed it.
- The temple was officially constructed
in 1970 and completed in 1991, following Panchahnica
Agama Sastra principles.
- The temple’s location is spiritually
unique—surrounded by the Godavari River on three sides and the Bay
of Bengal on the fourth, with the Vynateya River flowing
nearby.
- The village derives its name from Rishi
Appana, who performed penance here.
Deities &
Architecture
- Presiding Deity:
Lord Bala Balaji (child form of Lord Venkateswara).
- Other Shrines:
Padmavathi Ammavaru and other Vaishnavite deities.
- Architecture:
Built according to Agama Sastra, with a sanctum housing the
self-manifested idol.
- Dhvajastambham Legend:
A wooden log meant for the flagpole miraculously reached Appanapalli
shores during floods and was used for its construction.
Festivals & Rituals
- Annual Brahmotsavam:
Celebrated from Jyesta Sudda Dasami to Jyesta Sudda Chaturdasi,
featuring devotional discourses and Puranic programs.
- Daily Sevas:
- Suprabatham
(5:00 AM)
- Balabhogam
(5:30 AM)
- Mangalasasanam
(6:00 AM)
- Nitya Kalyanam
(8:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
- Lakshmi Narayana Homam
(10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Maha Nivedana
(12:30 PM)
- Veda Parayanam
(4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Evening Homam & Sevas
(7:15 PM – 8:00 PM)
- Special Fridays:
Panchamrutha Abhishekam (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM).
Temple Timings
- Morning:
5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Break:
12:45 PM – 2:30 PM
- Evening:
2:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Getting Here
- By Road:
- From Amalapuram: 35 km via
Ambajipeta.
- From Rajahmundry: 75 km (~1 hr 45
min).
- Local buses and private vehicles
available from Kakinada, Amalapuram, and Rajahmundry.
- By Rail:
- Nearest station: Rajahmundry
Railway Station (75 km).
- By Air:
- Nearest airport: Rajahmundry
Airport (85 km).
Tips
- Best Time to Visit:
During Brahmotsavam or on Fridays for special abhishekams.
- Dress Code:
Traditional attire recommended for darshan and sevas.
- Book accommodation in Amalapuram or Rajahmundry, as Appanapalli is a small village.
- Visit nearby Konaseema temples and scenic Godavari backwaters for a complete spiritual and cultural experience.
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