Our little white Maaruti (Hanuman, the son of the wind) car has decided to go and live in Palamaneru. It has taken us to Thirupathi and Srisailam and Mahanandi and Lepakshi. It has explored remote villages in Andhra and Karnataka. It has taken us to work and to beautiful beaches. As a final gift it took us to palamaneru. Thank you little maaruti!
Palamaneru has recently turned into a Christian town, and vodafone is funny when out of home, so I didn’t know what to expect, no internet!
I asked my father’s friend if there were any old temples here. He promptly arranged to takes us to the Venkateswara Temple at Palamaneru, installed by Bhrigu Maharshi, lost to time and rediscovered by Pallavas. Again, the mUla vigraham, which is an exact match of the one in Thirupathi, was hidden in the tank or kOnEru, at the time of the muslim destruction of temples. And thus He acquired the name kOnETi rAyaDu or the lord of the kOnEru!
When our beloved annamaacharya left home for tirupati, he passed through palamanEru, and worshipped this deity. His immortal keertana, konDalalO nelakonna kOnETi rayaaDu vaaDu, refers to this deity.
The place is very peaceful and Koneti Rayadu showers untold blessings on those lucky enough to visit Him. Attached are some pictures for you. The temple is open in the mornings and evenings.
As if all this was not enough, my father’s friend also gave us a tirupati laddu brought by his mother. I have been jumping up and down with glee and talking up a storm!!
Bye for now!
Author : Satya Sarada Kandula : All Rights Reserved
