Most people who visit Tirupati go straight up to Tirumala. They queue for darshan, take the prasadam and head back down. Very few know that a short drive from the city there is a temple where, by tradition, the offering goes to the mother before it goes to the son.
That is the Vakulamatha Temple in Peruru village. It is dedicated to Vakula Devi, the foster mother of Lord Venkateswara. If you are planning a Tirupati pilgrimage, this quiet hilltop shrine is worth a place on your list.
This guide covers the legend, the history, the visiting timings, how to get there and what to see nearby.
Who Is Vakula Devi?
Vakula Devi is remembered in the Tirumala tradition as the woman who raised Lord Venkateswara during his years on earth in Kali Yuga. Devotees call her Vakula Matha, or Mother Vakula.
The story begins in Dvapara Yuga. Yashoda, the foster mother of Lord Krishna, once told him she was sad that she had never seen any of his weddings. Krishna promised her that she would get that chance in a later age.
In Kali Yuga, Lord Vishnu appears as Lord Venkateswara, and Yashoda is reborn as Vakula Devi. She arranges his marriage to Padmavathi, the daughter of King Akasa Raja, and finally watches the wedding she had longed to see.
That is why the Vakulamatha Temple matters to so many families. It honours a mother’s love and a promise kept across the ages.
The Legend Behind Vakula Matha Temple
The Peruru temple stands on a small hillock known locally as Peruru Banda. Several traditions are tied to it:
- The mother’s offering comes first. Devotees believe the naivedyam is offered to Vakula Matha before it goes to Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala. Priests ring the large temple bells to signal that the offering has been made to her.
- The shrine faces the Tirumala hills. It is said to have been built so that Vakula Devi looks towards the Seven Hills, where her son resides.
- A Pushkarani sits at the foot of the hillock. The sacred tank adds to the calm of the place.
Pilgrims often pray here for a peaceful family life and for the well-being of their children. This is a temple many visit as a family.
Vakulamatha Temple History
Local accounts say the temple is around 300 years old, though some traditions place its origins much earlier. According to these accounts, the temple lost its former glory during the turbulent 18th-century invasions that swept through the Chandragiri region. It fell into neglect for a long time afterwards.
The shrine was restored in recent years. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple, began renovation work in 2011. The restoration took over a decade, and the temple was reopened to devotees in 2022. Today it is a well-maintained shrine on the Tirupati pilgrimage circuit.
Vakulamatha Temple Timings
According to commonly published schedules, the temple is open:
- Morning: 5:30 AM to 12:00 noon
- Evening: 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
The temple closes between noon and 4:30 PM. Timings can change on festival days or when TTD revises its schedule, so confirm the latest timings before you travel. The easiest way is to ask your driver or the local TTD information office in Tirupati.
Festivals at Vakulamatha Temple
The temple sees larger crowds during two major occasions:
- Sri Rama Navami
- The annual Brahmotsavam
If you prefer a peaceful darshan, a regular weekday is best. If you want to see the temple at its liveliest, plan around a festival and arrive early.
How to Reach Vakulamatha Temple from Tirupati
The temple is in Peruru village, close to Tirupati city. Published distances vary between about 5 and 8 km depending on the starting point and route.
| Starting Point | Approximate Distance |
|---|---|
| Tirupati Railway Station | About 8 km |
| Tirupati Bus Stand | About 12 km (as listed by some sources) |
| Tirupati Airport (Renigunta) | About 15 km |
Postal address: Pathakalva, Vakulapuram, Peruru, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, 517505.
Public transport to Peruru is limited, so most pilgrims hire a cab or auto from Tirupati. A private taxi is the practical choice if you are travelling with elders or children, or if you want to cover several temples in one day. Your driver can also wait while you complete darshan.
Tips for Visiting the Vakulamatha Temple
A few small things make the visit smoother:
- Go in the morning. The weather is cooler, the crowd is lighter, and the hillock is pleasant to walk in early hours.
- Dress modestly. Traditional attire is preferred at TTD-managed temples.
- Wear comfortable footwear that is easy to remove, since there is some walking and a few steps.
- Carry water, especially in summer.
- Pair it with Tirumala darshan. Many devotees visit Vakula Matha on the same day to complete the pilgrimage in the right spirit.
Places to Visit Near Vakulamatha Temple
Since you will already be in the area, consider adding these to your day:
- Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple, in the heart of Tirupati city
- Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple (Kapila Theertham), a well-known Shiva temple and waterfall
- Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanur, dedicated to the consort of Lord Venkateswara
- Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram
- Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Appalayagunta
A visit to Vakula Matha, Padmavathi Ammavari and Venkateswara makes a meaningful sequence: mother, consort and Lord.
Plan Your Tirupati Temple Trip with Us
Visiting several temples in a day means a lot of coordination, with timings, distances and traffic to manage. If you would rather not worry about any of that, Tirupati Balaji Tours & Travels can arrange a comfortable cab for local sightseeing, Tirumala trips and full pilgrimage packages across South India.
- Call or WhatsApp: +91 86886 24758
- Email: Taxi@TirupatiBalajiToursTravels.com
- Website: tirupatibalajitourstravels.com
Share your travel dates and group size, and we will help you plan a route that fits your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Vakulamatha Temple located?
It is in Peruru village on the outskirts of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, on a small hillock known as Peruru Banda.
Who is worshipped at the Vakulamatha Temple?
The temple is dedicated to Vakula Devi, the foster mother of Lord Venkateswara.
What are the Vakulamatha Temple timings?
Published schedules list 5:30 AM to 12:00 noon and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Please verify before your visit, as timings can change.
Who manages the Vakula Matha Temple?
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administers the temple.
How far is the Vakulamatha Temple from Tirupati railway station?
It is about 8 km from Tirupati Railway Station.
Is it possible to visit the Vakula Devi Temple and Tirumala on the same day?
Yes. The temple is close to Tirupati, so many devotees combine the two, particularly with a private cab.
Final Thoughts
The Vakulamatha Temple is one of the more touching stops on a Tirupati pilgrimage. It tells the story of a mother who waited across ages to see her son’s wedding, and it honours her with a tradition that still puts her first at the offering.
If you are heading to Tirumala, set aside a little time for Peruru. You will probably find it one of the calmest and most memorable parts of the trip.
