THEMATSYA AVATAR TEMPLE NAGALAPURAM, CHITTOOR DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH-COMPILED
Dear friends, The main Matsya Avatar temple in Andhra Pradesh is the SriVedanarayana temple (also known as the Matsya Narayana Temple) in Nagalapuram,Chittoor District, where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his first, fish-likeMatsya (fish) avatar. Thisancient temple, built by Sri Krishna Deva Raya, is managed by theTirumala Tirupati Devastanam (TTD) and is significant for its depiction of Lord Vishnu as Matsya Narayana, whorescued the Vedas from the demon Hayagriva. Vedanarayana temple at Nagalapuram is one of the very fewtemples in Bharat where one can find Bhagwan Vishnu in Matsya avatar,Dashavatara’s first incarnation My posting is about this temple today. Hope a divine reading. Gopalakrishnan 08-09-2025 Key details about theSri Vedanarayana temple: Location: Nagalapuram village in the Chittoor District ofAndhra Pradesh. Deity: The main deity is Sri Vedanarayana Swamy, anembodiment of Lord Vishnu in his Matsya avatar. History: The temple was constructed during the time of theVijayanagar King Sri Krishna Deva Raya and is considered a fine example of Vijayanagara architecture. Management: The temple is maintained and managed by theTirumala Tirupati Devastanam (TTD). Significance: It is one of the few temples in India dedicatedto the Matsya incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and the deity is worshipped as theprotector of the Veda Legend Bhagwan Vishnu assumes Matsya Avatar i.e., first Avatar ofthe Dasa Avatar in this temple, who saved the four Vedas from the demonSomakasura and returned to Brahma. Therefore, the temple deity of Vedanarayana Swamy does not have the feetand instead has the matsya, indicating the Matsya Avatar of BhagwanVishnu. Legend in detail According to Puranas (Matsya Purana), the history of Sri VedaNarayanaswamy Temple goes back to the beginning of the Universe. Brahma oncetook a napand the Vedasinvoluntarily slipped out of his mouth. An Asura known as ‘Somakasura’ who waswaiting for this occasion immediately steals the Vedas and goes hiding in thedepths of the ocean. TheVedas are the vital knowledge required for the creation and running of theuniverse. Hence, the Devatas seek the help of Bhagwan Vishnu toretrieve the Vedas and bring the world back to its original balance. Bhagwan Maha-Vishnu, assumes the Matsya avatar, searches andfinds the Somakasura in the depths of the ocean. After a fight lasting several years, He was ableto defeat the Asura and retrieve the Vedas. Thus, Bhagwan Vishnueffectively gave back the world its normal cycle and order. Afterwards, Bhagwan Matsya rests here, along with Sridevi andBhoodevi. Dissolution andrecreation of the universe King Satyavrata (who was later known as Manu) was offeringwater during Sandhya Vandanam whena small fish appeared in the hands of Satyavrata and pleaded him to save itslife. The king put it in a jar and it soon started growing bigger. The fish was then moved toa tank, a river and then to the ocean as it was expanding its form rapidly. Bhagwan Vishnu, who was in the disguise of the fish, toldKing Satyavrata that a massive flood would occur within seven days that woulddestroy all life in the universe. Bhagwan Vishnu also told him to get in to the spacious boat that wouldcome shortly after collecting all variety of seeds, accompanied by Seven Saintsalong with Serpent Vasuki and other animals. In the meanwhile, Bhagwan Vishnu completed his mission torecollect Vedas from Somakasura and gave Vedas to Brahma to create life withthe help of Satyavrata. Pralayam (i.e., dissolution or end of the manifesteduniverse) started with the ocean rising rapidly and a boat came nearSatyavrata. Then Satyavratatied the boat to the fish he left in the ocean using “Vasuki” as rope andsailed on rising oceans with his paraphernalia throughout Pralayam. Thus, BhagwanVishnu saved the mankind from Pralayam known as dissolution. History This vast temple was built during the period of the king Krishna Deva Raya. And he named theplace as Nagalapuram in memory of his mother Nagamba. The temple isnow maintained by Tirumala Tirupathi Devastana. As per historical accounts, the temple’s construction datesback to the 16th century, a period marked by significant architectural andcultural developments. Erected during the Vijayanagara Empire, a period known forits architectural prowess and artistic achievements. Patronized by King Krishnadevaraya, a prominent ruler of theVijayanagara dynasty known for his contributions to art and culture as toldearlier. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Matsya avatar, a significantincarnation in Hindu mythology symbolizing the preservation of life during thegreat flood. Architecture The Vedanarayana Temple showcases the exquisite Dravidianarchitectural style. Its intricate carvings and sculptures narrate captivatingmythological tales, while the majestic gopuram (tower) stands adorned withelaborate artwork, a testament to exceptional craftsmanship. The temple’sarchitecture reflects the rich artistic traditions of the Vijayanagara period. Built in the Dravidian style, known for its toweringgopurams, intricate carvings, and spacious mandapas. Adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, depictingscenes from Hindu mythology and showcasing the skill of the artisans. Features a majestic gopuram, a towering gateway structureintricately decorated with sculptures and carvings of deities and mythologicalfigures. Within the sanctum sanctorum resides the revered idol of LordVedanarayana in his Matsya form. The mandapams (pillared halls) hold historicalsignificance, displaying remarkable stone inscriptions and murals that offerglimpses into the temple’s past. A noteworthy This temple which reflects theVijayanagara architectural style. The internal sanctum sanctorum of this templehouses an image of Matsya form of Lord Vishnu. The temple walls are sculptedwith different images of gods and goddesses. Chief deity One can see the maindeity in Matsya avatar in the sanctum sanctorum. Perumal is seen along with Hisconsorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The main idol depicts Lord Vishnu with Shanku &Sudarshana Chakra peculiar in the upper half of the and in the form of Matsya,in the lower half . The Sudarshana Chakra is seen in the form of Prayoga (readyto be released). Vedanarayana swamy with consorts is facing west. Bhagwan in this temple takes the posture of Dushta Nirvahana(purifying the world from evil) with the Sudarshana Chakra (discus) ready inhis hand for prayoga (ready for deployment). When He emerged from the oceanafter defeating Somakasura, theSurya Dev removed the cold of the oceanic depths from the head-to-toe ofBhagwan through his gentle rays. Specialty A unique feature of this temple is the falling of Sun Rays onthe idol once a year. During the 12th, 13th, and 14th Day of the Phalguna month(February – March), the sun rays would fall on the Lord in the sanctumsanctorum during the sunset (6 PM to 6.15PM). On the first day, the sun rays will fall at the bottom of the Lord having fish appearance. On thesecond day, the rays would fall on the chest and on the third day, the rayswould fall on the forehead. The sun rays reach the Lord not through the ceilingor any opening in the temple, but through the entrance of the temple. This event coincideswith the start of summer season as per the holy inscriptions available in thetemple. Recognized as one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams, a group offive sacred temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu along the banks of the SwarnamukhiRiver. Having endured the passage of time and changing dynasties,the temple retains its spiritual and cultural essence, continuing to inspireawe and reverence. Sub deities Some of the other deities that are found in this temple areVedavathi Thayar, Kodanda Ramaswamy, Lakshmi Varaha Swamy, Venugopala Swamy,Lakshmi Narayana Swamy and Lord Hayagriva. Temple Rituals Morning prayers: The temple opens in the morning, and the day beginswith standard opening rituals, including prayers and the ceremonial opening ofthe doors (Nada Thurakkal). Archana: Daily worship rituals (poojas) are performed to the maindeity, Lord Veda Narayana Swamy, and his consorts, Sree Devi and Bhoo Devi.There are also worship services for the sub-shrines of other deities locatedwithin the temple complex. Evening offerings: In the evening, a special offering of pepper rice isprepared for the deity. According to temple priests, this is done to cool theLord's body, which is believed to have been chilled after a long period spentunderwater in his Matsya (fish) avatar. Temple closure: The temple closes for a period in the afternoon beforereopening for evening prayers and rituals. After the evening worship, thetemple is closed for the night. Special poojas and events In addition to the daily rituals, the temple is particularlyfamous for its annual Surya Puja Utsavam. Festivals Temple brahmostavam comeson Shukla Dwadasi, Thrayodashiand Chaturdashi of Phalguna masam (February/March). A grand celebrationspanning several days, featuring vibrant processions of the deities, culturalperformances, and religious rituals Temple architecture is built in such a way that during thesethree days, the sun rays fall on the main deity feet (on dwadasi 12th day ofthe month), navel (on trayodasi 13th day of the month) and fore head (14th dayof the month), called as “SuryaPooja”. Vaikunta Ekadasi: Anauspicious day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, marked by special prayers, fasting, and the openingof the Vaikunta Dwaram, believed to grant liberation. Matsya Jayanti:Commemorates the birth of Lord Vishnu’s Matsya avatar, celebrated with special pujas, recitations, anddevotional offerings. The unique Surya Pujafestival holds astronomical significance and attracts numerous devotees who witness the celestialalignment of the sun’s rays with the deity. Traditional music and danceperformances enhance the festive atmosphere, creating a vibrant and spirituallyuplifting experience. Andal Neeratotsavam, Bhogi, Sankranti, Kanumu, Rathasapthamiand Kanchi Garuda Seva are other festivals in this temple . Surya Pushkarini: A sacred water tankassociated with the temple, believed to possess purifying properties. Take adip in the holy waters and experience the spiritual significance. Address Sri Vedanarayana SwamyTemple, Nagalapuram Village, Nagalapuram Mandal, Andhra Pradesh, Pin code –517589. How to reach thetemple: – Nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, which is 40 km away from SriVedanarayanaswami Temple. Nearest Railway Station is Nagari Railway Station, which is 25 km awayfrom Sri Vedanarayanaswami Temple. Sri Vedanarayana Swamy Temple in Nagalapuramof Chittoor District is well connected by road from all places in AndhraPradesh. Administration Sri Vedanarayana Swamy temple is well maintained by TirumalaTirupati Devasthanam (T.T.D) with beautiful gardens along the prakaarams.Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh has several ancient temples and one canexperience spiritual enlightenment in his pilgrimage to these temples. Darsan Information 05:30 AM to 11:30 AM & 04:30 PM to 07:30 PM General What facilities areavailable for visitors? The temple provides basic amenities such as parking, restrooms, and aprasadam counter. You can also find accommodation options nearby for overnightstays. Can I find authenticritual items near the temple? Yes, several shops near the temple sell puja items like incense,flowers, and coconuts. You can also find traditional clothing suitable fortemple visits. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. 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