For decades, the rural villages around Motakatla, near Rayachoty in Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region, remained untouched by spiritual landmarks. That changed in 1978 when the late Palavali Venkatasubba Reddy, affectionately known as “President Subbareddy,” took the initiative to build a Shiva temple. Inspired by the blessings of Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamiji of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, his mission was to bring a sense of faith and community to the people.
What started as a single temple soon became a spiritual hub. Over the years, with the support of his wife, the late Vasudevamma, his four brothers, a sister, and well-wishers, President Subbareddy expanded the temple complex to include shrines for Shirdi Sai Baba, Sri Venkateswara, Devi Rajarajeshwari, and other deities.
Today, it is a well-known landmark along the Kurnool-Chittoor highway, attracting thousands of travelers who pause to admire its grandeur. The temple features a majestic Mahadwaram (grand entrance), a striking replica of Lord Shiva, and towering 40-foot idols of Sri Krishna and Sri Anjaneya, symbolizing faith and devotion.
A Historic Spiritual Gathering
On March 16th, 2025,the temple witnessed a Maha Kumbhabhishekam, a grand consecration ceremony that infused new divine energy into the sacred site. 30 new stone idols were installed, including Sri Venkateswara, Devi Rajarajeshwari, and a special Panchaloha idol of Sri Ayyappa Swamy.
The two-day event, led by the renowned Agama Shastra Pandit Dr. T. Brahmacharulu and 21 priests, included traditional Vedic rituals such as Vishwaksena Puja, Homas, Archana, and the recitation of sacred Vedic hymns (Divya Prabandha Parayanam). The highlight of the occasion was the Srinivasa Kalyanam, a reenactment of Lord Venkateswara’s celestial wedding, narrated through the soulful Harikatha Ganam by Dr. Venkateshwarulu.
Following the Purnahuti (final offering), sanctified water was carried in a divine procession and poured over the idols, temple towers (Gopurams), and shrine roofs (Vimanams) at an auspicious moment. Once the sacred rituals were completed, devotees were allowed darshan (holy viewing), marking an emotional and spiritually uplifting experience.
A Family’s Dedication to a Spiritual Legacy
This grand event was organized by the Palavali family—Venkatanadha Reddy, Ramachandra Reddy, Amarnadha Reddy, Jagannadha Reddy, Hemalatha, and Ramana Reddy—with the generous support of donors and Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Their dedication ensured that President Subbareddy and Vasudevamma’s legacy continued, strengthening the temple’s role as a center of faith and cultural preservation.
For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with roots in Andhra Pradesh, this temple stands as a reminder of India’s deep spiritual traditions. It is more than a place of worship; it is a symbol of how one person’s vision can transform an entire community.
Whether visiting in person or supporting from afar, this temple connects devotees worldwide to their spiritual and cultural heritage. Also read https://journals-times.com/2023/11/24/krishna-kunj-sansthan-empowering-gorakhpurs-spiritual-journey-led-by-women/
For those planning a trip back home, a visit to the Sri Venkata Siva Sai Temple in Motakatla is a must—a chance to reconnect with faith, family, and tradition.
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