Dwarapudi Ayyappa Swamy Temple, popularly known as Andhra Sabarimali, is a famous Lord Ayyappan Temple located in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh in India. The temple is next to Sabarimala Ayyappa Swamy Temple of Kerala. In Sabarimala Shasta temple, the worshipers have to follow divine formalities which are both traditional and mandatory, whereas in Dwarapudi Ayyappa Swami Temple no such customs are prevalent. That is why devotees of all ages prefer to worship in Dwarapudi Ayyappa Swami Temple for the blessings of Lord Shasta. Hence the people of Andhra Pradesh call this temple as ‘Andhra Sabarimala’.
Temple Architecture
The Panchaloha idol of Lord Ayyappa Swami was installed in the temple in 1989 by revered Saint Jayendra Saraswathi. Devotees need to climb 18 holy steps, similar to Sabarimala, to reach the main shrine. The temple complex is built in 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 (Saturn) in horoscope can be kept away by worshipping in Dwarapudi Temple.
Tourist Attractions
The major tourist attractions of Dwarapudi Ayyappa Temple are huge statues of Hindu Gods. Notable among them include Harihara statue, Lord Nataraja, Shiva Lingam, Lord Anjaneya Swamy, and Nandi.
Temple Festivals
Makara Nakshatra Darshan is an important event that takes place in this temple every year. This is on that same day when Makara Jyothi is observed in Sabarimala temple. On the day of Makara Nakshtra Darshan, an idol of Lord Ayyappa Swami is carried in a Swan like chariot from the temple complex to Medapadu Bridge. The formalities of the day are started with ‘Ganapathi Homam’ and after that ‘Irrumudi Abeshekam’ is performed for the main Ayyappa Swamy idol. Then the next ritual is to decorate the idol with divine ornaments (Divyabharanam).
For this purpose, the ornaments are to be brought to temple from the house of the Guru Swami as a holy procession. In the evening all the deities in the temple are decorated with jewels and flowers and camphor is lit to resemble Makara Jyothi. This is performed when the Makara star is seen on the sky. On this day, there will be special rituals for the18 golden steps in the temple. Numerous devotees from nearby states who cannot afford Sabarimala journey visit the temple during this time to have the appearance of the holy star.
Temple Timings
Devotees can worship here from early morning to 12 noon and in the evening from 4 pm to late night.
How to Reach
Dwarapudi Railway Station is nearest railhead to reach the temple. While, Rajamundry Railway Station is the nearest major railhead, located 7.5 km from the temple.
Dwarapudi Temple is connected by a bypass road to National Highway 5.
Rajahmundry Airport is around 21 km from Dwarapudi Temple.
The major tourist attractions of Dwarapudi Ayyappa Temple are huge statues of Hindu Gods. Notable among them include Harihara statue, Lord Nataraja, Shiva Lingam, Lord Anjaneya Swamy, and Nandi.
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