Golagamudi Ashram – Where Service Comes First
Brahmotsavams from August 18 to 24 to be participated by lakhs of devotees: Reports
NELLORE: “Feed the hungry, shelter the distressed” – these immortal words of Avadhuta Bhagavan Sri Venkayya Swamy continue to echo in the hearts of devotees through long years.
Revered as a divine savior and protector, Sri Venkayya Swamy gained esteem not only for his miraculous powers but also for his message of compassion, simplicity and humanity.
The holy shrine and ashram of Sri Venkayya Swamy are located in Golagamudi village of Venkatachelam mandal, SPSR Nellore district, 10km away from Nellore city. For decades, it has been a beacon of hope for the poor and downtrodden. The Ashram not only offers free meals but also provides residential education opportunities for underprivileged children, ensuring that no child is denied a future because of poverty.
Born about 150 years ago in Nagulanellatur village of Nellore district, Venkayya Swamy – originally named Venkata Pathi – hailed from a humble farming family.
As a young boy, signs of divinity enveloped him. Once, bitten by a poisonous snake, he survived miraculously without harm. Later, after years of penance and meditation in forests under the guidance of sages, he returned in the form of saintly Avadhuta Venkayya Swamy.
Swamy became renowned for his mystic powers – bringing rain during droughts, calming floods, healing the sick, and comforting the distressed.
His teachings were simple yet profound: live with humanity, show compassion to animals, avoid greed, and embrace truth. His teachings such as “If hope is lost, everything is lost” and “Even a small theft leads to greater downfall” continue to guide devotees.
After Swamy attained Jeeva Samadhi in Golagamudi, his shrine emerged as a powerful center of faith. Over time, the Ashram Committee, guided by high court directions, developed the temple into a beautiful, well-facilitated abode of worship. Pilgrims today find not only spiritual solace but also get accommodation, food, and services free of cost.
A distinctive practice here is the distribution of “Venkayya Swamy Raksha Dhara”, a sacred white thread blessed at the Ashram, that is believed to protect devotees. Beyond rituals, the Ashram continues with the Swamy’s mission of service to humanity – feeding the hungry and supporting the needy.
Every year from August 18 to 24, the Ashram hosts the grand Aradhana Mahotsavams, attracting lakhs of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.
The celebrations begin in the early hours with special pujas and abhishekams performed in the Datta Sampradaya tradition, followed by dazzling Vahanam processions each day.
During the entire week, devotees are served free annaprasadam (sacred meals), while cultural programmes such as classical dances, Annamacharya sankeertanas, Harikathas, devotional dramas, kolatams, bhajans, and musical concerts create a vibrant spiritual atmosphere.
The Golagamudi Ashram is more than a place of worship. It is a living testimony to Sri Venkayya Swamy’s timeless message of compassion and humanity. While lakhs flock here to seek blessings during the Brahmotsavams, year-round, the Ashram quietly continues its mission – educating poor children, feeding the hungry, and healing distressed souls.
As devotees chant “Om Narayana Adi Narayana”, the ashram resonates with the spirit of its founding saint – a reminder that true divinity lies in serving humanity.
