Sri Konetirayala Swamy Temple, Keelapatla

📍 Keelapatla, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh

State Significance

An ancient 9th-century TTD-managed shrine in Keelapatla, affectionately known as "Chinna Tirupati," featuring a sacred Lord Venkateswara idol identical to the one at Tirumala.

Sri Konetirayala Swamy Temple, Keelapatla

🕒 Practical Information

Temple Timings: Opens 6:00 AM, closes 8:00 PM

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Darshan Timings: Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM; Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free darshan; special sevas as per TTD rates.

Parking: ✓ Available

🕉️ Spiritual Details

Primary Deity:

Lord Vishnu (Konetirayala Swamy)

Temple Type:

Vaishnava (Vishnu) temple (Explore Cluster) →

Deity Forms:

Konetirayadu (Standing form with Kati Varada Hastas)

🕉️ Divine Snapshot

Primary Deity:

Lord Vishnu (Konetirayala Swamy)

Temple Category:

Vaishnava (Vishnu) temple (Explore Cluster)

Temple Timings:

Opens 6:00 AM, closes 8:00 PM

Location:

Keelapatla, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh (Explore temples in Chittoor)

Full Address:

Sri Konetirayala Swamy Temple, Keelapatla Village, Gangavaram Mandal, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh 517408, India

Spiritual Highlights

Unique Powers:

Renowned for possessing a Moola Virat (main idol) that perfectly mirrors the energetic proportions and stylistic features of the Tirumala Venkateswara deity.

Miracle Beliefs:

The main deity is named Konetirayala Swamy ("The King of the Tank") because, centuries after being magically hidden by Sage Bhrigu, Lord Venkateswara guided locals to recover the idol directly from the bottom of the village temple tank (Koneru).

Devotee Practices:

Participating in the traditional Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam rituals, daily darshan, and singing Annamacharya sankeertanas in the temple courtyard.

Spiritual Benefits:

Atonement for past sins, ultimate spiritual protection, and experiencing the divine presence of Tirumala without the heavy crowds.

About Sri Konetirayala Swamy Temple, Keelapatla

Sri Konetirayala Swamy Temple (also widely known as the Keelapatla Venkateswara Temple) is a highly significant Hindu shrine located in Keelapatla village, Chittoor district. Revered natively as "Chinna Tirupati" (Little Tirupati), it functions as an official sub-temple under the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Its structural roots date back to the Pallava Dynasty in the 9th and 10th centuries, with major expansions by the Chola and Vijayanagara empires. The temple's primary idol, Konetirayadu, is carved out of premium Saligrama stone and matches the exact height, proportions, and ornate carvings of the world-famous deity at the Tirumala Hills. The shrine is deeply intertwined with spiritual history; it is recognized as one of the seven sacred installations by Sage Bhrigu to atone for testing the Trimurthis, and it deeply inspired the legendary saint-poet Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya to compose his iconic sankeertana, "Kondalalo Nelakonna Konetirayudu Vaadu."

Architecture & Heritage

Architectural Style:

Traditional South Indian (Dravidian) temple architecture (9th - 10th Century CE (Pallava origins))

Architecture Highlights:

A traditional sanctum, mandapa and gopuram in classical South Indian style, with an associated temple tank in keeping with the deity's name.

Sacred Objects:

The presiding idol of Lord Konetirayala Swamy in the sanctum.

Festivals & Celebrations

Major Festivals:

Annual Brahmotsavams (May) Vaikunta Ekadasi Ratha Saptami

Special Events:

The traditional Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam—a comprehensive aromatic purification of the entire temple using a paste of turmeric, camphor, sandalwood, and vermilion—performed right before the Brahmotsavams begin.

Seasonal Celebrations:

Celebrations aligned with the Vaishnava calendar through the year.