Jamalapuram Draws Devotees For Telangana Tirupati
Nelakondapalli Buddhist stupa and nearby waterfalls draw devotees to historic hills
HYDERABAD: While the name of Sri Venkateswara Swamy is most often associated with the world-famous shrine at Tirupati, Telangana too is home to an ancient temple dedicated to the deity. Located at Nelakondapalli in Khammam district, the Jamalapuram Venkateshwara Swamy Temple is believed to be over a thousand years old and draws devotees from across the region.
The temple is known for its tranquil surroundings, which offers pilgrims a quiet retreat from the pressures of daily life. The shrine’s long history and calm ambience have made it one of most visited places in southern Telangana.
According to locals, the temple traces its origins to a saint, who was afflicted with leprosy, who was said to be a great devotee of Lord Venkateswara. The deity reportedly appeared in the saint’s dream and told him about the presence of a self-manifested idol in a nearby cave.
The saint found the idol the next morning, and a temple was built at the spot, where daily worship began and gradually attracted devotees from surrounding villages. Historical inscriptions indicate that the temple was later renovated during the reign of Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya.
Devotees from neighbouring districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh visit the temple. According to priest Panduranga Sharma, the faith of devotees has remained unchanged over generations. “People come here with sincere prayers and leave with renewed hope,” he says.
Venkatesh Rao, a farmer, noted that the temple tank and surrounding hills offer a sense of calm rarely found elsewhere. “In these stressful times, the atmosphere here brings peace of mind,” he says. Lakshmi Devi of nearby Sathupalli recalls praying at the temple three years ago while suffering from severe arthritis. “After bathing in the Koneru, I felt relieved. It is Swami’s grace,” she said.
Archaeological explorations in and around Nelakondapalli have also uncovered relics believed to date back to the Mahabharata period, along with Buddhist stupas from the 4th century, underlining the area’s layered historical importance. Nearby attractions include the ancient Buddha stupa set against the tranquil Balasamudram lake, as well as Cheruvumadharam and Vennela waterfalls, making the region a blend of spiritual, historical and natural appeal.
Nelakondapalli is around 280 km from Hyderabad and can be reached via NH65 and NH163 through Suryapet and Kodada. From Khammam town, it is about 79 km away. TGSRTC buses operate regularly on the route, while a cab journey takes around 90 minutes.