Appalayagunta

 The Appalayagunta Sri Venkateswara temple is one of the seven ancient temples of Sri Venkateswara surrounding the Tirumala Venkateswara temple. It is located in Appalayagunta and is surrounded by a high hill on the south side and fields in a peaceful environment. Next to the main gate of the temple, the flagpole and the form of lord Sri Venkateswara in the inner shrine can be seen.

In front of the temple, there is a small pond, and in front of that, opposite to the main temple, there is a small Anjaneya Swamy temple. Everyday, the Anjaneya swamy temple opposite to this temple is worshipped with auspicious instruments and then the lord is worshipped.

History:

Lord Sri Venkateswara married Padmavathi, the daughter of Akasaraja in Narayanavanam, and started to Tirumala. He blessed Sidddheswara swamy, who was doing meditation in Appalayagunta and stayed in this temple. 

Later, from here, he visited Agasteshwara in Thondavada on foot and stayed for six months in nearby Srinivasa Mangapuram and reached Tirumala via Srivari Mettu way.

It is believed that a man named Appalaiah dug a pit at this place for a needy purpose and since then this place has been known as Appalaiah Gunta and over time it has become Appalayagunta.  It is also said that Appalaiah used to pay workers who worked on digging the pit on a daily basis without asking for loans.

How To Reach:

Tirupati bus stand is located at a distance of around 20.8 KM fro the Appalayagunta temple. You can take a local bus from the bus stand that run frequently to the Appalayagunta temple. Else, you can take a taxi to reach the temple.