Vakula Matha Temple

Introduction to the Vakula Matha Temple

The Vakula Matha Temple is in Peruru village, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. This classic temple exemplifies deep affection between a mother and child. It is 5 Km from Tirupati temple. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam maintains and administers the Vakula Matha Temple. This 17th-century temple is a must-visit holy shrine for pilgrims on the Tirupati pilgrimage.

Legend of the Vakula Matha Temple

The legend of Vakula Devi dates back to the Dwapara Yuga. In the legend, Yashoda, the foster mother of Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, complained to him that she could not witness his wedding with Rukmini, an incarnation of Lakshmi Devi. He ensured she would get to see his marriage in the Kali Yuga.

In Kali Yuga, Vishnu was born as Venkateshwara, and Yashoda was reborn as Vakula Devi, Venkateshwara's foster mother. As promised, Vakula Devi arranged her foster son's wedding with Padmavati, a form of Lakshmi Devi, the foster daughter of Akasha Raja and Dharani Rani. Thus, her wish to see the deity's marriage was fulfilled.

The History of the Vakula Matha Temple

The priests used to perform the first Pooja in the Vakula Devi Temple and later in Tirumala. However, the temple lost its glory after Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan invaded the region.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam started renovating the Vakula Devi Temple on January 1, 2011, and continued for eleven years. It was completely reconstructed in 2022 and inaugurated on July 23, 2022. This temple has been renovated according to the Agama Shastra.

The Architecture of the Vakula Matha Temple

The Vakula Matha Temple is 300 years old and is on the Peruru Banda hillock. It sprawls over 83.42 acres. The temple has a three-tiered east-facing Raja Gopuram adorned with a 20kg gold plate. It features the traditional Dravidian architectural style with sculptures and intricate carvings depicting several scenes from Hindu mythology.

The sanctum, which faces east, houses the presiding deity Vakula Devi. Her idol is made of black stone and is in a sitting posture. A small metal Utsava Murti is also placed within the sanctum. There is a kitchen where the Prasadam is prepared. The gardening around the temple is appealing.

Devotees can see the relationship between mother and son and motherly love here. As per Vakula Devi's wish, the temple was built facing the seven hills of Swamy Venkateswara.

The love and affection between the mother and son is evident as the Prasadam is first offered to the Vakula Matha and later to Swamy Venkateswara. The priests in the Vakula Matha Temple ring the large temple bells to indicate the Prasadam is offered to the Mother. The priest in Tirumala temple offers Prasad to Swamy Venkateswara following the bell.

On the foothills of the Vakula Matha Temple, there is a huge Pushkarani. The hill base has a free, spacious car parking area and a hall.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Vakula Devi Temple

As a motherly figure, Vakula Matha's blessings are essential for a peaceful married life. Hence, many devotees visit the Vakula Devi Temple to seek her blessings for their marriages and family well-being.

Festivals in the Vakula Matha Temple

Major festivals celebrated in the Vakula Matha Temple are Sri Rama Navami and the annual Brahmotsavam. The latter is a huge celebration that attracts devotees from across the region. The temple organizes special prayers, rituals, and cultural events on these occasions.