Varaprada Shree Venkateshwara Temple

Varaprada Shree Venkateshwara Temple situated on a hillock called Devagiri in the heart of Banashankari in Banglore City.

The Temple has two entrance gates called MAHADWARAS, one on the Northern side and another on Southern side.The Temple faces West.The Main diety is LORD VENKATESHWARA surrounded by PADMAVATHI & ANDAL, GANAPATHI, BHAKTA ANJANEYA and NAVAGRAHAS.

When entered through Northern Mahadwara, the spacious ground earmarked for Vehicle Parking and Garudagamba facing the RAJA GOPURA can be seen. Entering from the Southern MAHADWARA, ASHWATHA KATTE, PARK and GOSHALA can be seen.

The main entrance to Temple is through MAHADWARA of RAJAGOPURA. The Mahadwara is provided with two big wooden doors covered by decorated Brass Sheets duly Gold Plated. The height of the Rajagopura is 108 feet. It is known to be the highest Gopuram in Bangalore City and surrounding places.

As you climb the steps from the Rajagopura & enter the temple, the spacious hall with BHAKTA ANJANEYA and NAVAGRAHA Garbhagudi on either side can be seen. Behind Bhakta Anjaneya one can proceed towards MUKHA MANTAPA passing by the YAGASHALA, TULASI KATTE and VAIKUNTA DWARA. Entering the Mukha Mantapa, one can have darshan of LORD VENKATESHWARA accompanied by PADMAVATHI and ANDAL on to his left and GANAPATHI on his right.

devagiri-gopuraMukha Mantapa is quite spacious to accommodate simulteneous pradakshine of large number of people together. The top of the walls are decorated with pictures and description related to SRINIVASA KALYANA.

Garbhagudi and its surrounding walls are filled with idols of deities such as SUBRAMANYA, SHANKARA, VENUGOPALA, SEETHARAMA, LAKSHMINARASIMHA, SARASWATHI and LAKSHMI.

After the pradakshine, one comes to ADDALU MANTAPA on to the left of Lord Venkateshwara where the Utsava Murthies placed on swing can be seen in the decorated mirror mantapa called “DARPANA MANDIR”. The top of the walls of Addalu Mantapa are decorated with Pictures of DASHAVATARA & SRINIVASA KALYANA with relevant descriptions. Administrative Offices are accommodated on the southern side of Addalu Mantapa. Office of the Hon. Secretary of the Trust is situated at the South Western end of Addalu Mantapa. The rear portion of Garbhagudies has been utilised as PRASADA distribution centre.

Coming down from Mukha Mantapa, a modernised kitchen, dining hall, mini dining hall and bathrooms are provided onto the left. In front of Mukha Mantapa, DWAJASTAMBHA with GARUDA as well a spacious UTSAVA MURTHIES HALL called KALYANA MANTAPA are situated. This is the place where KALYANOTSAVA takes place on almost every day. Proceeding further, we come across NAVAGRAHA GUDI and behind it, a spacious place to keep Vahanas. On this side a befitting BOARD ROOM is provided. Mudi Mantapa is situated to offer MUDISEVA by devotees just below the Board Room.

venkateshwaraThe Temple opens with SUPRABHATHA Seva at 7.00 A.M. followed by Pooja Vidhi and concludes with Mahamangalarathi.

Theertha Prasada is distributed by about 11.45 AM everyday. In the evening the Temple opens to public at 5.30 PM and poojas & sevas are duly performed accompanied by Mahamangalarathi, Theertha Prasada and Shayanotsava. The Temple closes its doors by about 8.45 PM.

The Temple has a DHYANA MANDIRA on the Northern side, just below the Bhakta Anjaneya Gudi. Here Yoga Classes, Dhyana Classes, Lectures on various Vedanta subjects, Tiruppavai, Geeta Gnana Yagna,etc. are regularly conducted. Just opposite to Dhyana Mandira, the Seva booking counter and Laddu – Vada Prasada counters are located.

A small room to store the visiting devotees footwear is located near the Northern Mahadwara facing the road. This is a provided as a free service by the temple with the help of a Voluntary organisation.

The Temple provides Financial Assistance to social causes and runs a Free Medical Service Centre jointly with Devagiri Charitable Trust.

devagiri-ganapatidevagiri-hanumanSankastahara Ganapathi Pooja, Sathyanarayana Pooja and Navagraha Shanthi Homa are performed on specified days. Other important celebrations that take place at the Temple are BRAHMOTSAVA, PAVITROTSAVA, DHANVANTARI HOMA, SUDARSHANA HOMA, GARUDOTSAVA, PALLAKKI UTSAVA, UYYALE SEVA etc. Details of Sevas are displayed prominently just behind the Garbhagudi of the Lord.

VAIKUNTA EKADASHI celebrated once a year has been a very prominent and special celebration exclusive to the Devagiri temple. Thousands of devotees queue up right from 3.30 A.m. to 11.30 P.M. for the Lord’s darshana and Prasada.

Cultural Programmes are arranged frequently which would be about 20 to 30 programmes in a year.

RAJYOTSAVA and PURANDARA, TYAGARAJA AARADHANA as well as GUDI UTSAVA are being performed. Special cultural programmes are held on the occasion of RAMOTSAVA & GANESHOTSAVA every year that attracts a great number of Devotees.

The Temple has provided free accommodation to many Archakas and other staff members by constructing a complex called “KAMADENU” on South East Portion of the Temple.

The Vimana Gopuram and Raja Gopuram have been beautified by providing focus lights. The serene atmosphere of the Temple fills the Devotees with peace and attracts them to visit the Temple again and again.

Temple Complex

  • Garbha Gudi for main deities – Lord Venkateshwara (Main), Ganapathi, Padmavathi with Bhakte Andal, Bhakta Anjaneya and Navagraha.
  • Vimana Gopura with Golden Kalasha on the top of Garbha Gudi.
  • Darpana Mandira where Utsava Murthies are placed on a Uyaala (swing) in the mirror decorated wooden carved Mantapa.
  • Dhwaja stamba in front of Mukha Mantapa.
  • Vaikunta Dwara (Exit gate).
  • Annapoorneswari Mandira – a big hall to accommodate about hundred devotees to partake the Mahaprasada.
  • Kitchen block is provided with a modern cooking system.
  • Kalyana Mantapa – A big hall used for conducting kalyanotsava, discourse, cultural programs etc. Utsava Murthies are installed in Silver Mantapa.
  • Navagraha and Anjaneya Swamy shrines face each other.
  • 108 feet tall Rajagopura with Seven Kalashas at the top including an access staircase to the  top.
  • Dhyana Mandira – where Yoga classes , Satsanga Pravachanas Meditation are held and small library of religious books is provided.
  • Garudagamba, Garden, Fountain, Goshala, Aswathakatte with space for two and four wheeler vehicle parking.
  • Kamadhenu Complex – quarters for essential staff.
  • Board Room – to conduct monthly Board meetings.
  • Mudi Mandira with bathing facilities.
  • Free Padaraksha Seva is provided.
  • Ratha and other Vahanas are stored in respective sheds.