Dwaraka Tirumala is a holy town and a popular pilgrimage center located in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is situated on the banks of the Godavari River, about 45 kilometers from Rajahmundry. The town is known for its famous temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, who is also known as Srinivasa. The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Andhra Pradesh and is visited by millions of devotees every year.
The temple is believed to have been built in the 15th century by the Vijayanagara kings. The temple complex is large and consists of several shrines, including the main shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The main idol of Lord Venkateswara is about 7 feet tall and is made of black granite. The idol is decorated with gold and precious stones.
The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The best time to visit the temple is during the morning or evening hours when the weather is pleasant.
There are several other places to visit in Dwaraka Tirumala, including:
- The Pushkarini Lake: This is a holy lake located near the temple. Devotees take a dip in the lake before entering the temple.
- The Vimana Gopuram: This is the main entrance tower of the temple. It is a seven-storeyed tower that is decorated with intricate carvings.
- The Kalyana Mandapam: This is the marriage hall of the temple. It is a large hall that is decorated with beautiful paintings and sculptures.
- The Ranganatha Mandapam: This is a hall dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, who is a form of Lord Vishnu. The hall is decorated with beautiful paintings and sculptures.
Dwaraka Tirumala is a well-connected town. There are regular buses and trains from Rajahmundry and other major cities in Andhra Pradesh. The nearest airport is Vijayawada Airport, which is about 100 kilometers from Dwaraka Tirumala.
Here are some additional tips for planning your visit to Dwaraka Tirumala:
- Dress modestly when visiting the temple.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
- There are several hotels and guesthouses available in Dwaraka Tirumala.
- The best time to visit Dwaraka Tirumala is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant.