Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple

Introduction to Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple

Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple is in Nagalapuram, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. It enshrines Lord Vishnu in Matsya Avatar, the first Avatar of his Dasavatar (10 incarnations). This temple is very popular among Vaishnavites. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has been managing it since April 27, 1967.

Legend of Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple

According to Matsya Purana, once, when Brahma was sleeping, a demon named Somakasura stole the Vedas and concealed them in the depths of the ocean. Since the Vedas are essential for the creation of the universe, all deities approached Mahavishnu to retrieve them.

Mahavishnu took Matsya avatar, searched for and found the demon in the ocean, and retrieved the Vedas after several years of fighting. Thus, Mahavishnu restored the universe to its normal cycle. Afterwards, the deity rested here in Matsya avatar along with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. He was enshrined in the Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple in the Dushta Nirvahana posture (purifying the world from evil) with his divine discus Sudarshana Chakra ready in his hand for Prayoga (ready for deployment).

When he emerged from the ocean after several years of war, Surya, through his gentle rays, removed the freezing cold from Mahavishnu's body.

The Architecture of Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple

The temple was built in the 15th century in the Vijayanagara architectural style. Krishna Deva Raya, the emperor of Vijayanagara, built the Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple as his mother, Nagala Devi, desired. That is how the place became known as Nagalapuram.

The temple sprawls over 12 acres and faces east. Dhwaja Stambham is inside the main entrance gate and has seven Prakarams. The Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple has a three-tier gopuram with several sculpted idols. At the first gate, Vigneshwara and Vishnu Durga stand as Dwarpalakas.

The images of Rama and Sita, Lakshmi Narasimha Swami, and Veera Anjaneya Swami are sculpted in the corridors of the second Prakaram. Some years ago, the idols of 12 Azhwars, Lakshmi Narayana, Vishwaksena, and some rock lamp posts were found in the temple vaults.

The sanctum enshrines the idol of Sri Vedanarayana Swamy, an incarnation of Mahavishnu, flanked by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. He faces west in the form of Matsya or fish, holding Sudarshana Chakra. Veda Valli is his consort. Beautiful sculptures are on the pillars of the circumambulatory path around the sanctum.

The other shrines located in the Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple are Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple, Hayagriva Swamy Temple, Lakshmi Varaha Swamy Temple, Venugopala Swamy Temple, and Lakshmi Narayan Swamy Temple. Veda Valli Thayar has a shrine facing the sanctum of the Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple.

During Panguni Shukla Dwadashi, Trayodashi, and Chaturdashi, the Sun's rays fall on the Vedanarayana Swamy in the sanctum.

Sun rays fall on the feet of Sri Vedanarayana Swamy on the first day, on the navel or chest on the second day, and on the forehead of Sri Vedanarayana Swamy on the third day. It is considered an act of adoration by the planetary deity Sun.

Festivals in Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple

The temple celebrates Vaikunta Ekadashi, Vaikunta Dwadashi, Purattasi, Rama Navami, Navratri, Krishna Jayanti, and other Vaishnava festivals in a grand manner. Annual Brahmotsavam is held in the month of Jyeshtha (May-June).

Surya Pooja Utsavam is an important festival in the Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple. For three consecutive days, the Sun's rays directly fall on the deity in the sanctum until the evening before sunset.