Devuni Kadapa Temple

Devuni Kadapa name is derived from Gadapa (gateway), a Telugu word which means Devuni (God’s) Kadapa (gateway), God’s gateway or doorstep. It is believed that every pilgrim who visits temple of Sri Venkateshwara at Tirumala should visit this temple on their way to Tirumala only then it is believed that their visit to Tirumala is complete. The Idol of the Lord Venkateswara has been established by Kripacharya; hence the ancient name of Devuni Kadapa is also mentioned in Puranas as “Kripavathi Kshetram”. Pilgrims who are about to visit Lord Venkateswara `this is because first they have to pray Annamacharya and Potuluri Veerabramhendra Swamy. Another feature of this temple is its uniqueness of Lord Venkateswara features an idol of Lord Anjaneya in its reverse. Devuni Kadapa is constructed in Vijayanagara style of architecture. Devuni Kadapa temple has an impressive sculpture and architecture of dancing Lord Ganapathi at mukha mandapam. One can also see Goddess Padmavathi Devi in the temple. Devuni Kadapa also has the facility of tonsure, a custom in Hindu religion to get head shaved. There is also Temple Koneru in the temple premises.

Shri Lakshmi Venkateshwara temple stands as an outstanding example of Vijayanagar architecture. The very sight of the temple,with great sculpture and carvings adorning it, takes us back to the Vijanagar era. There is a sculpture of dancing Vigneshwara, a master piece of those times, in the mukha mandapam. Shri Lakshmi Venkateshwara temple is popularly known as Hanumath Kshetram as there is an idol of Anjineya behind that of Lord Venkateshwara in the sanctum sanctorum. It is believed that sage Kripacharya had installed the idol of the presiding diety.

It is believed that allapaka Annamacharya visited this place and all the Sankaracharyas of Advaita mutt, heads of Ahobilam mutt and Mahakavi Kshetrayya also visited this place. Recently this temple has been undertaken by the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam.

This temple additionally has goddess Shri Padmavati Thayar, that usually pilgrims visit after visiting Lord Venkateswara.