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Mopidevi Temple is one of the most important temples in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, also known as Lord Murugan, the son of Shiva and god of war in Hindu mythology. The temple is a prominent part of Andhra’s culture, history, and religion. It is one of the biggest pilgrimage sites in India. Thousands of devotees from all over the world travel to the temple, seeking blessings from Lord Murugan. The beautiful architecture, colourful surroundings, and serene landscape offer a sense of fulfilment to the visitors.
Mopidevi Temple Location
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Mopidevi Temple is in Mopidevi Village, in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh. The village is 70 kilometres from Vijayawada city and is secluded, but it is still easily accessed by road from all the major cities of Andhra Pradesh. Aside from being a religious site, it also acts as a community centre for the villagers, who visit the temple daily to anoint the idol and spend time with their friends and families.
How To Reach Mopidevi Temple
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By Road: Mopidevi Temple is 70 km from Vijayawada and 25 km from Machilipatnam. You can take a bus from both these cities and reach Mopidevi village. Both of these cities offer private as well as government-operated buses. The government-operated buses are cheaper and easier to find.
By Train: The closest railway station to Mopidevi is the Repalle Railway station. It is a small stop between major cities in Andhra Pradesh. You can take a railway from Vijayawada Railway Station and reach this station in a few minutes. From here you can take a car or book a cab to the temple.
Things To Do
1. Explore Gopurams Of The Temple
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Gopurams are a prominent feature of Dravidian architecture. These towers act as the main entrance to the temple. These beautiful towers add to the beauty of the temple’s already majestic architecture. The Gopuram at Mopidevi Temple is several stories high and can be seen from the furthest end of the village. This tower is one of the few reasons why the temple has become a prominent landmark in the area. These beautiful structures are not just architectural designs but also an artistic inheritance passed down from generation to generation in South India.
Timings: 24*7
2. Witness Idols Of The Divine Family
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The Temple houses the idols of Lord Murugan and his parents, Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Devotees come to the temple to get a look at the divine family and be blessed by them. The place is sacred to the Shaivites who worship Lord Shiva as the most supreme deity. A priest is in charge of the idols’ sanctification and purification. Visitors are allowed to see the idol and offer them flowers but you cannot touch the idol or enter the room the idols are kept in.
Timings: 5 AM – 1:30 PM and 4 PM – 8:30 PM
3. Experience Thaipusam
Photo: Srilekha Mopidevi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Thaipusam is the yearly festival celebrated during the first full moon of the Tamil month of Thai. It commemorates the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadman. It is believed that this was the day goddess Parvati gave Murugan his spear to defeat the demon king. During this time, devotees gather at the temple, remember the battle of good and evil, worship and anoint the idol of Lord Murugan, and take out a procession throughout the village. It is one of the biggest festivals in South India.
Timing: During the first full moon of Tamil Month of Thai
4. Witness Kavadi Offering
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Kavadi Offering is one of the most unique rituals in India. During the ritual, devotees carry these Kavadis to the temple to showcase their devotion to Lord Murugan and to fulfil a vow made in the deity’s name. The worshippers gather around the town and partake in this big procession that covers the whole Mopidevi Village. People are seen carrying Kavadis, singing songs, playing instruments, and celebrating the god of war. It is one of the most exhilarating events one can experience.
Timings: 8:30 AM
Where To Stay
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The closest city to Mopidevi Village is Machilipatnam City. The city is a major tourist spot thanks to its pristine beach and fast-paced life. There are many accommodation options in the city. Depending on your budget, you can choose from a luxurious 5-star hotel to a budget-friendly hotel. Another option is to stay at one of the small guest houses in Mopidevi village. These guest houses are not luxurious, nor do they have any modern amenities. But this will give you a chance to experience the life of an average villager.
Where To Eat
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The temple serves food to its visitors every day. The food is served in the traditional way on banana leaves. The food served at the temple is a simple, home-cooked meal. The temple staff cook the food daily. The food is hygienic, clean, and completely free. You can also eat at the local eateries in the village. The food is locally produced and cultivated. The village only offers local cuisine, which will make your mouth water just at the sight of it. The temple’s sweet laddu prasadam, which is offered after every prayer, is very popular among visitors.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit Mopidevi Temple is during the Thaipusam festival, which is during January and February. The crowd travels to Mopidevi temple from nearby villages to celebrate the victory of good over evil. The atmosphere is festive, and people, old and young, are extremely excited while taking part in the procession to the village temple.
Other Factors To Consider
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Tips For Travellers
- The Mopidevi Temple is a sacred place for Hindus living in Mopidevi Village. When visiting the village, make sure you respect the culture and dress appropriately when visiting the temple.
- The temple has a separate parking area for its visitors who travel to the temple in their vehicles. The parking space is large enough for all types of cars and buses.
Mopidevi Temple is a beautiful sacred site in the heart of Mopidevi village. Lord Murugan’s followers travel from all over the world to visit the temple. The Mopidevi village uses it as their community centre. The temple is stunning with its grand Gopuram, interior, and multicoloured exterior. If you want to experience village life in Mopidevi, book a trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Pavan santhosh.s / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
