Rajamahendravaram: Srungara Vallabha Swamy temple attracts devotees for centuries
Rajagopuram of Srungara Vallabha Swamy temple at Tholi Tiupati village near Peddapuram in East Godavari district
Rajamahendravaram: The ancient Srungara Vallabha Swamy Temple at Divili near Chadalada Tirupati, popularly known as Tholi Tirupati, is attracting pilgrims across the state.
As per the inscriptions available on temple pillars the temple has been in existence for 9,000 years.
The notable feature of the presiding deity is Lord Srungara Vallabha Swamy, another manifestation of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, appears in a smiling posture. The deity appears as in various sizes to people according to their size. Sankha and Chakra are in altered positions in comparison with Lord Balaji of Tirupati.
The village was named Tholi Tirupati, as Lord Vishnu appears as Srungara Vallabha Swamy for the first time. It is said that after manifestation of the Lord, the Gods constructed the temple and sage Narada installed Lakshmi Devi idol.
In the later years, Emperor Sri Krishna Devarayalu during his visit installed the copper idol of Goddess Bhudevi. It is also said that Emperors Bhoja Maharaj and Vikramarka, and Kakatiya Queen Rudrama Devi and many kings visited the temple.
A six-foot tall official, who accompanied Queen Victoria, was said to be flabbergasted to find the idol of the Lord at his height. Queen Victoria presented a silver shield to the Lord.
Emperor Bhoja Raja got the temple painted after his visit to the presiding deity.
As per epics, Sunitha tells her son Dhruva to get the blessings of Lord Vishnu before becoming ruler of the country.
With this, Dhruva on the advice of sage Sandilya performs penance for many years in the forest for the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Later, Lord Vishnu appears and blesses him. Later, on the request of Dhruva, the Lord manifests in the present form at this place giving darshan as per the size of the devotees.
Speaking to 'The Hans India', temple executive officer Mohan said that on Saturdays at about 20,000 devotees visit the temple and 3,000 devotees on normal days.
Godavari Urban Development Authority (GUDA) came forward to construct an arch gate at Divili village which is one km away from the temple. A well which is on the premises of the temple will have water even in summer and never dried.
Kalyanam of the Lord is performed on Chaitra Sudda Ekadasi every year and also many festivals are also celebrated at the temple. Further details can be had over the phone number 85199 92475 or on website--www.tolitirupati.com.