“UPAMAKA” is a small, blessed and holy Village, located 1 km from Nakkpalli on the Chennai-Kolkatta NH5 road on the stretch between Tuni and Visakhapatnam. Upamaka Venkateswara Swamy Temple is an ancient temple and Lord Balaji’s idol is “SWAYAMBHOO” (self-manifested). It is a place of “APADA MOKKULU”. This is called Upamaka meaning that there is no other place equal to this. Devotees strongly believe that any fervent prayer at Upamaka Venkateswara Swamy begets immediate boons.
The temple is located on Garuda Hill, which looks like the Garuda in shape. Garuda was said to be the king of birds and the Vahana of Sri Vishnu. The main deity is seated on horseback with his consort, Goddess Lakshmi Devi facing north. Raamasthoopam was installed on May 4, 1964.
Below the hill, there is a temple for Sri Venugopala Swamy. The mythological background of the temple reveals that it is the sage NARADA who made the “PRATHISTA” of the temple. Sri Venugopala Swamy is known as the invader of this holy place. Upanayanams are permitted and Marriages are allowed at Devastanam.
Till the end of the 18th Century, two Pancharathragama pandits of Bhardwaj gotram namely Sri Venkatarangacharya and Sri Bhattacharya were maintained. Later Smt.Vadwan Rani, Chemudu Estate, Visakhapatnam under Britishers. Since 2016 the temple is under Tirumala Tirupathi Devastanams Management.
Upamaka Srinivasa Temple Timings: 5:00 AM To 7:00 PM
Hill Temple Darshan Timings:
Morning: 7.30 AM to 10.30 AM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sri Venugopala Swamy Darshan Timings:
Morning: 6:00 AM to 12.30 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 7.30 PM.
Upamaka Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple:
Pooja with ASTOTHRAM and SAHASRAM be performed every day.
TIRUVARADHANA and PANCHAMRUTHA ABISHEKAM” to Moola Virattu Swamy seated on the hill be performed every day. On special occasions also this Abhishekam will be performed.
Every Friday “SAHASRANAMARCHANA” is performed to GODDESS ANDALAMMA
Upamaka Venkateswara Swamy Temple Dities:
Swayambhoo Anjaneya Swamy
Andalamma Moola Virattu on North – East
Nammalvar on South-East
Ramanujacharya on South-West
Mulaverat of Maha Munulu on West – North
RAMASTUPAM is one of 108 Stupams – i.e. 48 no. Stupam was sacredly established by SRI SRI SRI TRIDANDI SRIMANNARAYANA RAMANUJA PEDDA JIYYAR SWAMY on 04-05-1964.
12 Allvars statues
Upamaka Venkateswara Temple History:
At the end of Dwapara Yuga, Munis ardently prayed for emancipation. Garuda also entreated Lord Srikrishna for resting on his “SIRASSU” forever. In order to upkeep the word, the lord descended on “GARUDA PARVATHA” in upamaka village. The existence of God was made known to the public through shepherds who were doing Pooja and Naivedyam every day.
Sri Krishana Bhupaludu the king of Kandregula Sansthanam of East Godavari Dist. constructed the Temple during the 6th Century A.D. It was mentioned in Kshetra Mahatmayam. The History of the Temple is vividly referred to in – BRAHMAVAIVARTHA PURANAM which is otherwise known as “GARUDACHALA MAHATMAYAM” and in a treatise of poet BROWN. At present this tract is available “KANNIMARA” Library in Chennai. Sri Ramanuja mentioned this Kshethram as one of the 108 sacred Vaishnava Abhimana Kshethrams. Simhachalam is named after this as “Tharsyadri Simhachale”. Sri Ramanuja lived during the period from 1017 A.D. to 1137 A.D by which this Kshethram is known to be an ancient one.
Upamaka Balaji Temple Festivals:
Dhanurmasamsostavams in Dec-Jan
Adhyayana utsavam n February of Sri Rama Chandra
Swamivari Kalyana Mahotsavam Celebrated every year on Sudha Ekadasi in Palguna Masam (February-March). Swamivari Kalyana Mahotsavam is a celebration that last for 20 days.
Brahmotsavam is celebrated for 10 days.
Processions like Punyakoti Vahanam, Ponna Vahanam, Garuda Vahanam, Sapparamu, Rajadi Raja Vahanam, Hamsa Vahanm, Ashwa Vahanam, Gaja Vahanam, Pedda Pallaki, Chinna Pallkhi Vahanam. Sevas to LORD with both “ANDALS” are being splendidly organized in Thiru streets of village.
How to Reach Upamaka Balaji Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport is situated at Visakapatnam, which is 90 km distance to Upamaka.
By Rail:
Most of the Trains passing between the Kolkatta – Chennai line will stop at Tuni station, which is 20 Km distance to Upamaka and some at Narasipatnam Road, which is 4 km distance to Upamaka.
By Road:
Government-run APSRTC Buses are available from Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Tuni and Yellamanchili at frequent intervals. Private Autos are available from Narasipatnam Road, Addu Road and Nakkapalli.
Upamaka Balaji Temple Address:
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple,
Upamaka,
Nakkapalli Mandal,
Visakhapatnam,
Andhra Pradesh – 531081.
E-mail: upamakabalaji@gmail.com