Sri Prasanna Venkateswara
Swamy Temple – Thondamanadu
The Sri Prasanna
Venkateswara Swamy Temple, located at Thondamanadu Village near
Srikalahasti in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, is a revered
shrine built in the 10th century AD. The temple is also known as Perumalla
Swamy Temple and is one of the most spiritually significant Vaishnavite
temples in the region.
Legends &
Significance
- Lord’s Sitting Posture:
The presiding deity, Venkateswara Swamy, is seen in a rare sitting
posture, with four hands holding the Conch, Discus, Yoga Mudra, and
Abhaya Hastam.
- Consorts:
Goddess Sri Lakshmi and Padmavathi Ammavaru accompany the
Lord.
- Thondaman’s Devotion:
The temple is linked to King Thondaman, who built the Ananda
Nilayam at Tirumala. In his old age, unable to travel to Tirumala, the
Lord promised to come to his house to accept daily sevas. Hence, the deity
here is called VeetilIrndurai Perumal (the Lord who resides at
home).
- Architectural Style:
The temple faces east, built in Dravidian style, with a three‑tier
Raja Gopuram.
- Mandapas:
The temple comprises Mahamandapa, Mukhamandapa, Antaraalayam, and
Garbhagruha, guarded by dwarapalakas Jaya and Vijaya.
- Sacred Tank:
Thondaman constructed a large tank that collects water from Akasaganga
of Tirumala, used for abhishekam.
Festivals & Rituals
- Daily Rituals:
Conducted as per Agama Sastras.
- Friday Abhishekam:
Special abhishekam performed weekly.
- Vaikunta Ekadasi & Dhanurmasa
Utsavas: Celebrated annually with grandeur.
- Brahmotsavam:
A nine‑day festival held during February–March.
Temple Timings
- Morning:
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening:
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Getting Here
- Location:
Thondamanadu Village, near Srikalahasti, Chittoor district, Andhra
Pradesh.
- Distance:
~30 km from Tirupati, ~10 km from Srikalahasti.
- By Road:
Accessible by buses and taxis from Tirupati and Srikalahasti.
- By Rail:
Nearest stations – Tirupati and Srikalahasti.
- By Air:
Tirupati Airport (~25 km).
Tips for Devotees
- Visit on Fridays for the
special abhishekam.
- Plan during Brahmotsavam
(Feb–March) for vibrant celebrations.
- Respect temple traditions and dress
modestly.
- Explore nearby temples at Tirupati
and Srikalahasti for a complete spiritual circuit.
Why Visit Sri Prasanna
Venkateswara Swamy Temple?
- Rare sitting posture of Lord
Venkateswara.
- Unique legend of VeetilIrndurai
Perumal, symbolizing divine compassion.
- Ancient Dravidian architecture
with sacred tank linked to Tirumala.
- Important festivals like Vaikunta Ekadasi and Brahmotsavam.