Dwarapudi Ayyappa Temple is located at Dwarapudi village in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Lord Ayyappa is the presiding deity in the temple. Dwarapudi Ayyappa Temple is also known as Andhra Sabarimala.
History of the Temple
The Panchaloha Idol of Lord Ayyappa and the huge Idol of Harihara were installed in 1989 by Swami Jayendra Saraswati. The holy 18 steps lead to the Idol of Lord Ayyappa which resembles the tradition of Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. The temple complex has four floors and comprises of huge attractive shrines highlighted by architectural works and divine sculptures. It is believed that the negative influence of Lord Shani in horoscope can be kept away by worshipping in Dwarapudi Temple. Notable among them include Harihara Idol, Lord Nataraja, Shiva Linga, Lord Anjaneya Swamy, and Nandi. Devotees who cannot afford to go to Sabarimala to have makara darshan throng here to Dwarapudi.
Special Poojas and Festivals
On the day of Makara Nakshtra the Idol of Lord Ayyappa would be taken in a Swan-like-chariot from the temple complex to Medapadu Bridge. The rituals of the day start with Ganapathi Homam and after that Irrumudi Abhishekam is performed for the main Ayyappa Swamy idol. Thousands of devotees turn here to witness this festival.
This is a temple complex where Swamy Ayyapa Temple and four floor high Eswara temple is located side by side. Popularly known as Sabarimala of Andhra Pradesh this temple is visited by many devotees of nearby places and those who can't afford to visit Sabarimala in Keral state conclude their Swami Puja here. This Ayyapa Gudi of Dwarapudi is located in East Godavari district.
Temple time
Like many other temples of this region, this temple also closes at 12 noon and reopens at 4 PM.
By rail
Dwarapudi railway station ( code : DWP) is very close to this temple and temple is visible from passing by trains. Dwarapudi is a small station between Rajamundry and Visakhapatnam on Howrah – Chennai main line. At north side Visakhapatnam is 181 KM and towards south Rajamundry is 20 KM. If you are travelling towards Chennai then this temple will be at your left side after two stations from Samalkot Jn. After one station ( Kadiyan ) from Dwarapudi, Rajamundry station will be there. However Express trains have no stoppage here. It is better to get dropped at Rajamundry ( South side, code RJY) and travel 20 KM to reach this temple, or at Samalkot (north side , code: SLO ) , or Annavaram ( north side , station code : ANV ).
Road journey to Dwarapudi
By road this temple is connected by a bypass road to NH 5. This bypass road starts from Katipudi Jn on NH 5. Katipudi is 130 KM from Visakhapatnam on NH 5. From Katipudi after travelling 21 KM on Kakinada road at Pithapuram you need to take a right turn at a four road junction towards Samalkot . At this junction at Pithapuram, towards your left side will be famous Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy temple. From here Samalkot is 12 KM and from Samalkot Dwarapudi temple is 32 KM. Further from Dwarapudi temple the same road will join NH 5 at Dowlaiswaram barrage at Rajahmundry ( 15 KM ). The eastern delta canal will be flowing at your left side upto the Dowlaiswaram barrage where it originates from river Godavari. |