Swayambhu Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Swamy Temple in Gudeballore is a famous temple in Mahabubnagar in Telangana. There is a belief among the people here that it is in this place that Lord Venkateshwara had given Darshan to Mandavya Maharshi along with Devi Lakshmi. There is a legend prevailing in the area that once when Mandavya Maharshi was on his way to the Brahmotsavam in Tirupathi, he got a message from the God while he was about to cross the overflowing River Krishna. It seems that God had asked him to stay back in Gundilaranya which was then known as Gundilapuram. The message was clear that he would have the vision of God in this land itself. So the maharshi stayed back and did tapasya for 8 months feeding only on cow’s milk being given by the milk men or the cowherd keepers of the land. At the end of this period the maharshi got the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy and Goddess Lakshmi when they appeared in his vision.
That day onwards, the Chaitra Masa Brahmotsavam are conducted annually for a period of 15 days from Chaitra Padyami to Pournima. The puja in this festival is carried out by the Golla or the Gwala family members who had fed the maharshi. People from faraway places also visit this village during the festival. This festival is celebrated mostly by the farmers, agriculturists and the milkmen. People come here with their agricultural equipment’s and bullock carts to seek the blessing of the Lord as there is a belief that it is for the existence of the Almighty here that the land is flourished with good crop every year and is protected from any natural calamities.
Location and Reach:
Road: The temple is just half a kilometer away from the Hyderabad- Raichur Highway if one gets down at Gudeballore. One may also take the Makthal route which is 14 kms away. The village is around 4 kms away from Krishna River. It is about 80 kms from Mahabubnagar and 20 kms from Raichur. Gudeballore is also known for being the biggest Gram Panchayat in Maganoor Mandal.
Rail: The Krishna Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach the village. This is around 6 kms away.
Air: The nearest Airport is located at Shamshabad (Hyderabad).
Special Days of Attraction and Visitors Flow:
Though the devotees visit the temple even on week days, there are still some days when the crowd is beyond control. On Saturdays and festival days like Brahmotsavam and Sravanamasam, the number of devotees runs to thousands. Devotees also celebrate special family occasions like marriages, tonsure ceremonies at the temple.
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Temple Address:
Sri Swayambhu Lakshmi Venkateshwara Swamy Temple,
Gudeballore,
Mehabubnagar,
Telangana.