Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Subrahmanyeswara Swamy Vari Devasthanam at Mopidevi, in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most important temples of Lord Subrahmanya (Kartikeya) in the Telugu lands. It stands in the fertile Krishna delta, close to Avanigadda, and is especially famous as a place to seek relief from Naga Dosha (serpent-related afflictions in one's horoscope) and to pray for the blessing of children. Devotees from across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana visit the temple throughout the year.
Main Deity
The presiding deity is Lord Subrahmanyeswara Swamy, worshipped in a self-manifested (Swayambhu) form – a Lingam that emerged from an anthill (valmikam). Lord Subrahmanya is closely associated with serpents, and devotees believe that worship here removes the effects of Naga Dosha and brings peace, health and progeny. The temple is administered by the Devasthanam under the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department.
Sthala Puranam (Legend)
According to the temple's tradition, the sage Agastya, travelling south from the Vindhya mountains, recognised this place as a sacred spot where Lord Subrahmanya had performed intense penance. He declared that those who worship the Lord here with devotion would be blessed with prosperity in life and liberation in the end.
Local tradition tells that, towards the end of the 18th century, a devout potter named Veeravarapu Parvathalu was guided by Lord Subrahmanya in a dream to dig at a nearby anthill. There the Swayambhu Lingam was found. A temple was then built for the Lord by the local landlord Adusumilli Gangubhotlu, and the shrine has grown steadily ever since.
Poojas and Offerings
- Naga Dosha Nivarana pooja: the temple's best-known ritual, performed for those whose horoscopes show serpent-related afflictions.
- Prayers for children: couples hoping for a child come to perform special poojas, and return with their children to give thanks.
- Childhood ceremonies: many families perform their children's naming ceremony, first feeding (annaprasana), tonsuring and ear-piercing here.
- Offerings at the anthill: devotees offer milk and turmeric and pray at the sacred anthill.
Festivals
- Subrahmanya Shashti: the most important festival of the Lord, celebrated with special abhishekams, kalyanam and large crowds.
- Nagula Chavithi (Karthika, October–November) and Naga Panchami (Shravana, July–August): devotees offer milk at the anthill and pray to the serpent deities.
- Karthika Masam (October–November): Laksha Bilvarchana and special pujas through the month.
- Shashti days: the sixth day of the bright fortnight every month is especially sacred to Lord Subrahmanya.
Temple Timings
- The temple is generally open from early morning until night, with a break in the afternoon.
- Timings change on Shashti and festival days. Please check with the Devasthanam before your visit.
How to Reach
By Road: Mopidevi is about 70 km from Vijayawada, about 35 km from Machilipatnam and close to Avanigadda. APSRTC buses run from Vijayawada, Machilipatnam, Avanigadda and Repalle.
By Train: the nearest railway stations are Repalle and Machilipatnam; Vijayawada Junction has the most trains.
By Air: the nearest airport is Vijayawada International Airport (VGA) at Gannavaram, about 75 km away.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional attire is recommended, especially for performing poojas.
- Book poojas: enquire at the Devasthanam office about Naga Dosha and other poojas and the auspicious days for them.
- Crowds: Shashti days, Subrahmanya Shashti and Nagula Chavithi are very busy; Tuesdays are also popular.
- Best time to visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
- Nearby places: Hamsaladeevi, where the Krishna river meets the sea, the Krishna river bridge at Puligadda, Machilipatnam, Sri Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada and Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mangalagiri.
