Sri Venkateswara Swami Vari Devasthanam is a
religious shrine that is located in a small village, by the name Dwaraka
Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh. Dwaraka Tirumala falls under the West
Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The village is exceptionally
famous for its holy shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. Dwaraka
Tirumala is near to Eluru (the head quarters of West Godavari District)
that lies at a distance of 40 kms. However, one can easily reach Dwaraka
Tirumala by taking tourist buses or by hiring taxis throughout Andhra
Pradesh.
This highly revered shrine is regarded as the miniature form of
'Tirupati' or 'Chinna Tirupathi'. Actually, the temple was named after
the great saint 'Dwaraka', who took the initiative to place the idol of
Lord Venkateshwara. Dwaraka (Saint) did strict penance on 'Valmikam'
(ant hill) to bring the self-manifested idol of Lord Venkateswara to
this place. In fact, the village derived its name from the same temple.
Sri Venkateshwara is regarded as 'Kaliyuga Vaikuntha Vasa', who is the
dispeller of all worldly charms and attractions.
Sanctum Sanctorum
The main shrine encompasses the sanctum sanctorum where the
self-manifested deity of Lord Venkateshwara is placed. This idol is
visible till the bust and the lower part is regarded as to be immersed
in the Earth. The sacred feet of the Lord, are known to be worshipped in
'Patala'. The full-scale idol of Lord Venkateshwara stands at the back
of the main image. It is believed to have been placed by Srimad
Ramanuja, a great social reformer of the 11th century.
The main idol is the smaller one, which is said to be the benefactor of
'Moksha' (salvation). The full-scale idol represents Dharma (Religion),
Artha (Meaning) and Kama (Worldly affairs). The 'Tiru kalyanotsavam' is
the major festival that is observed in Dwaraka Tirumala Temple. The
festival for the self-manifested idol (small idol) is celebrated in the
month of "Vaisakha", while for the installed idol is
celebrated in the month of "Aswayuja".
In the temple complex, there are many shrines that are dedicated to
different forms of the God. Amongst all of them, Sri Swamyvari Temple,
Anjaneya Swamyvari, Sri Garuda Swamivari Temples, Deeparadhana Temple
and Alwar Temples are truly worth-visiting. Statues of Sri Tallapaka
Annamacharya and Sage 'Dwaraka' inspire the awe of the onlooker with
their mastery of sculpture.
Legend
Dwaraka Tirumala Temple is supposed to be an ancient shrine that traces
its origin in Kruta Yuga. As per the Brahma Purana, Aja Maharaja
(Grandfather of Lord Rama) worshipped Lord Venkateshwara intended for
his marriage. On his way to the 'Swayamvaram' of Indumati, he crossed
the temple of Dwaraka. However, he didn't stop to pay homage to the
Lord. Indumati (Grandmother of Lord Rama) garlanded him, yet he had to
face a combat with the Kings. He apprehended that the combat was plunged
on him, since he overlooked the temple on the way. On realizing, Aja
Maharaja pleaded to Lord Venkateshwara to forgive him and the combat was
stopped.
Architecture
The temple has been renovated several times. The splendid structures
like Vimana, Mantapa, Gopura and Prakara are accredited to be made by
Dharma Appa Raoa (1762-1827). Various golden ornaments and silver
vahanas were gifted by Rani Chinnamma Rao (1877-1902) of Mylavaram. The
structure of the temple is a magnum opus of South Indian architecture.
The main Rajgopuram (spire) comprises five storeys and faces the
southern direction. The other three 'gopurams' are embracing the three
other sides of the temple. The Vimana is made out in the Nagara style.
The old Mukhamantapa is renovated and extended to go well with the
contemporary requirements. The entire spacious complex has been tiled
with sandstone. A variety of trees adores the site with their soothing
appearance.
