Keelapatla Konetirayala Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Keelapatla Konetirayala Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Keelapatla, Palamaner Taluk,

Chittoor District,

Andhra Pradesh 517408

Moolavar

Konetirayala/ Venkateshwara

Introduction

The Konetirayala Swamy Temple, also known as Venkateswara Temple, is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and is located in the town of Keelapatla, Palamaner, in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India. The presiding deity of the temple is referred to as Konetirayadu or Venkateshwara. The temple is currently managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board.

Puranic Significance

• The temple holds a deep historical significance, with rulers such as the Sathavahans, Pallavas, Renuti Cholas, Rastrakootas, Banus, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Yadava Kings, Vijayanagara Emperors, and many others playing a role in the region’s history.
• The 15th-century Hindu saint Annamacharya, known as the Andhra Pada Kavitā Pitāmaha, mentions the name of Konetiraya in many of his Sankeerthanas.
• The Punganuru Jamindars were instrumental in the development of the temple. Even Muslims in the region consider Lord Sri Venkateswara as their beloved deity, with the Punganuru Samasthanam Jamindars, who were Muslims, contributing to the improvement of the temple.
• A mythological belief holds that Lord Venkateswara first placed His Holy Foot at Keelapatla before proceeding to Tirumala. It is also believed that Saint Bhrigu, who kicked Lord Vishnu’s chest, was tasked with establishing idols of the Lord in seven different places, including Keelapatla. These idols, hidden under trees, were later brought to light when Bhrigu and Agasthya Maharshi removed the mystical powers that had kept them concealed. The kings who ruled at the time then built temples around these sacred idols.

Special Features

• The main deity of the temple is Lord Venkateswara, referred to as Konetirayadu, who is believed to possess divine attributes such as Kalpatharu (a celestial tree that grants wishes), Chintamani (a celestial power), and Kamadhenu (the divine cow that grants all desires).
• In the temple’s sanctum, the idol of Konetirayadu is positioned in a standing posture, similar to the idol at Tirumala, with the “Kati Varada Hastas”, natural “Sankhu Chakras”, and the impressions of Sridevi and Bhudevi on His chest.
• The temple is home to several other important deities and statues, including:
  • Jaya-Vijayas (the gatekeepers of Lord’s place)
  • An ancient idol of Chennakesava with his two wives
  • Statues of the Five Alwars, Bhoovaraha Moorthy, Garudalwar, and Anjaneya Swamy.

Century/Period

9 th and 10th centuries

Managed By

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams board.

Nearest Bus Station

Gangavaram

Nearest Railway Station

Chittoor Station

Nearest Airport

Tirupati

Location on Map

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