Sri Bala Balaji Devasthanam is a famous temple dedicate to Lord Venkateshwara. The temple is situated in Appanapalli, a remote village in Mamidikudhuru Mandal of East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is also known as Bala Tirupati. The temple was founded by Sri Molleti Ramaswamy, an ardent devotee of Lord Venkateshwara.

location Andhra Pradesh, East Godavari, Amaravathi

Legend

According to the legends, Molleti Ramaswamy, an ardent devotee of Lord Venkateswara used to visit Tirupati often and used to offer a part of his earnings from his coconut shop to the Lord of the Seven Hills. Once, he requested the temple priests to place his offering at the Lord’s feet but his request was rudely declined. One day the Lord appeared in Molleti Ramaswamy’s dream and told him that he would incarnate at Appanapalli as Bala Balaji. The Lord ordered him to build a temple shrine with the profits he made from his business and also asked him to not to visit Tirupati. Molleti Ramaswamy laid the the foundation stone for the new shrine on March 18, 1970. The temple was completed on July 4, 1991. His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Srimanarayana Chinna Jeeyar Swamy Varu installed the idols of the Lord and his consort.

Architecture

The temple is built based on Dravidian style of architecture. The temple gopuram has beautiful sculptures depicting the avatars of Lord Vishnu.

Culture

The culture of East Godavari district is a rich traditional one in all parts of the district, and reflects the true culture of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for Veda-pandits, the Godavari River and the hospitality of the people. The Telugu language originated in this district (in Rajahmundry or Rajamahendri).

Darsan Info

Darshan Timings on Sun to Fri : 06:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Evening : 02:00 PM - 07:15 PM

Darshan Timings on Sat : 05:00 AM - 01:00 PM

Evening : 02:00 PM - 07:15 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Wear modest clothes and avoid shorts for men

Famous Festival

Kalyanamahotsavams from Jyestha Suddha Dasami to Jystha Chaturdasi (June),Mukkoti Ekadasi, Uttaradwara Dharshanam,Laksha Kumkuma pooja on the eve of Vijayadasami to Padmavathi Ammavaru & Semi pooja in the evening,Laksha Tulasi pooja to Swamyvaru on Karteeka suddha Ekadasi,Laksha Chamanti pooja to Andal Ammavaru on the day of 'Bhogi' in the month of January every year.

Temple Rituals

Morning pooja and arati starts from 06:30 AM onwards

Additional Info

 

Ambica Restaurant,Annaprasadams or free rice offerings are instituted daily with pulihora (tamarind rice) and boore in the Nithya Anna Dhanam (daily rice offering) scheme from 09:00 AM to 11:00 PM.