Thettu Santhana Venugopala Swamy Temple is an ancient Vaishnava temple located in Thettu village, Kurabalakota, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. Thettu is near the 162nd milestone of Madras-Bombay, 17 km from Madanapalle on the Grand North Trunk road in the Horsley valley, 4.8 km from the highway, 6.4 km from Kurabalakota Railway Station and 17 km from Madanapalle. The Temple of Sri Venugopala Swamy and the Temple of Goddess Paleti Gangamma are the places of worship in this village. This deity is also known as Bala Gopala, Hucchu Gopala or Sri Santana Venugopala.
Every year in March or April there is an annual Srivari Brahmotsavam (chariot festival) of the deity Sri Santhana Venugopala Swamy. The chariot festival is celebrated for 12 days and more than 10 lack devotees visit this Vishnu festival. During the special occasion of Garuda Vahanam day, devotees celebrate the great Garuda bird. A ritual known as Aradhana is performed. On Mukkoti Ekadasi which is also known as Pushya Suddha Ekadasi devotees observe fasts, vigils and baths in the river. Harikathas (listening to the stories of the Lord) are held. These observances have been followed for the past two centuries.
Thettu Venugopala Swamy Temple Timings:
Morning: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 7:99 PM
Origin of Santhana Venugopala Swamy Temple:
Thettu Santhana Venugopala Swamy Temple is believed to have been built around 1800 years ago during the rule of the Cholas and Gangas. A staff (known as a dandā in Hindi) in the temple is said to belong to the pre-Buddhist saint Koundinya Maharshi. There is a Koneru near the temple called Bahuda Koneru.
Legend says that Sri Krishna appeared in Kinga Gangarasaru’s dreams and revealed his whereabouts. The king, on his way back from victory in the war, got his chariot wheel stuck at the very place mentioned by Sri Krishna. King Gangarosa dug and found an idol and brought it to Sage Koundinya Ashram. Sage Koundinya installed the idol and offered prayers. Later this temple was renovated by King Hoysala Veeraballava. King Veeraballava donated land to meet the needs of the temple in 1298 AD.
Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple Address:
Thettu Village,
Kurabalakota Mandal,
Chittoor District,
Andhra Pradesh – 517352.