Introduction
Located just 18 km from Tirupati,
the Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Appalayagunta is a sacred
shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, revered as the Supreme Deity of
Kaliyuga. Known for His compassionate Abhayahastam (gesture of
protection), the Lord here is believed to liberally bless devotees, especially
those facing hardships.
Origin of the Name
The temple’s name traces
back to a devotee named Appulayya. On his way to Tirumala, he rested at
this spot and accidentally left behind his money bag. He prayed to Lord
Venkateswara, promising to dig a pond in this drought-hit area if his bag was
found. Miraculously, the bag was recovered, and Appulayya fulfilled his vow.
Thus, the place came to be known as Appulayya Kunta, later evolving into
Appalayagunta.
Legends of the Temple
The Sthalapurana
narrates how Lord Venkateswara appeared here in the Abhayahastam form:
- On the nearby Yogula Konda hills,
sages performed penance.
- A saint named Siddulayya
worshipped Lord Venkateswara with deep devotion.
- The Lord appeared before him and
chose to stay at Appalayagunta, blessing devotees with His protective
hand.
Unlike Tirumala’s deity
who shows His feet in Varadamudra, the Lord here bears the Abhayamudra,
symbolizing refuge and assurance. Devotees believe that visiting Him on Saturdays
fulfills wishes quickly.
Temple Structure
The temple complex is
spacious and faces east.
- Main Features:
A three-tiered gopuram, Balipeetham, Dwaja Sthambham, and Garudalwar
Sannidhi.
- Sanctum:
Lord Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy with four hands—Shanku, Chakra, Kati
Hastam, and Abhaya Hastam.
- Other Shrines:
Temples for Sri Padmavathi Devi (seated with Padmas and
Abhaya-Varada mudras) and Sri Andal (standing with lotus).
- Pushkarini & Anjaneya Temple:
Located opposite the main shrine.
Historical Background
- Built nearly 1,000 years ago
by descendants of Akasaraja, who also constructed temples at
Tirumala and Narayanavanam.
- Renovated by rulers of Karvetinagaram,
notably Sri Venkata Perumalraju around 1750 CE.
- Poet Sri Sarangapani
(1750–1820) composed hymns in praise of the Lord.
- In 1988, the temple came under
the administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
- A new Rajagopuram was
constructed in recent times, enhancing its grandeur.
Festivals & Sevas
- Annual Brahmotsavams:
Celebrated in Jyeshta month for nine days, featuring grand vahana
sevas and Rathotsavam. In 2026, they will be held from 17th to 25th
June.
- Other Celebrations:
Vaikunta Ekadashi, Dhanurmasam pujas, and special rituals throughout the
year.
- Daily Sevas:
Regular worship includes Suprabhatam, Sahasranamarchana, and other
Vaishnava traditions.
Travel & Connectivity
- Distance:
18 km from Tirupati, 12 km from Tiruchanur.
- Transport:
Local tour buses run by the Tourism Department from TTD Vishnu Nivasam in
Tirupati. Autos and shared taxis are also available.
- Accommodation:
Not available at Appalayagunta; devotees usually return to Tirupati for
lodging.