Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Moksha Praptha Venkateswara Swamy Temple is a shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Penuganchiprolu, the mandal headquarters in NTR district, Andhra Pradesh. The town lies about 71 km from Vijayawada and 50 km from Khammam and is best known across the Telugu lands as the home of Sri Tirupatamma Ammavari Devasthanam.
Penuganchiprolu was known in tradition as Pedakanchi, a town said to have had 101 temples. This Venkateswara temple is part of that living temple heritage and a place of daily worship for local devotees.
Main Deity and the Meaning of the Name
The presiding deity is Sri Venkateswara Swamy, the Lord of the Seven Hills, worshipped as the saviour of devotees in Kali Yuga.
The name "Moksha Praptha" means "the one through whom liberation (moksha) is attained". Here the Lord is honoured as the one who frees devotees from the cycle of birth and death and grants the highest spiritual goal. Devotees also pray to him for family welfare, prosperity and relief from difficulties.
Venkateswara Devotion in Penuganchiprolu
Penuganchiprolu has a deep bond with Lord Venkateswara. According to the tradition of the Tirupatamma temple, Sri Tirupatamma herself was born as a blessing of Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala and remained his devoted worshipper throughout her life. Devotees who come to the town for Tirupatamma Talli's darshan often visit the Lord's shrines as well.
History
A detailed history of this temple, including when it was built and by whom, is not available in published sources at present. What is known is that it belongs to the long temple tradition of Penuganchiprolu, a town with shrines dating back to the 17th century and a Kakatiya-period Shiva temple nearby at Nawabupeta.
Temple Timings
Official darshan timings for this temple are not published. Like most Venkateswara temples in the region, it is generally open for worship in the morning and evening, with extended hours on festival days. Devotees visiting from outside are advised to check with the temple priest or local residents before planning a visit.
Festivals
Festivals of Lord Venkateswara such as Vaikuntha Ekadashi, the Lord's Kalyanotsavam, and the Saturdays of the Shravana and Karthika months are the most important days of worship at Venkateswara temples in the region. The exact festival calendar of this temple is not published. Please check locally for dates.
How to Reach
The temple is in Penuganchiprolu, NTR district, Andhra Pradesh.
- By Road: Penuganchiprolu is about 71 km from Vijayawada and about 50 km from Khammam. The nearby town of Jaggayyapet lies on the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway (NH-65), and APSRTC buses connect Penuganchiprolu with Vijayawada, Jaggayyapet, Nandigama and Khammam. Local autos are available within the town.
- By Train: Vijayawada Junction is the nearest major railway station. Continue by road.
- By Air: Vijayawada International Airport at Gannavaram is the nearest airport, followed by a taxi ride via Vijayawada.
Visitor Information
- Dress Code: Traditional, modest clothing is recommended.
- Combine your visit: Most devotees combine darshan here with a visit to Sri Tirupatamma Ammavari Devasthanam in the same town.
- Festival season: During Tirupatamma's Pedda Tirunallu (from Magha Pournami) the town is very crowded, so plan accordingly.
- Nearby places: Sri Tirupatamma Ammavari Devasthanam (Penuganchiprolu), the Kakatiya-period Sri Shambhulingeswara Swamy Temple at Nawabupeta, the hilltop Swayambhu Valmikodbhava Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumalagiri (about 9 km), and the Vedadri Sri Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple on the Krishna river (about 18 km).
