The “Second Tirupati” of Telangana. Nestled among seven rocky hillocks, Kurumurthy Temple carries the same spiritual significance as the original Tirumala. The legend goes that Lord Venkateswara appeared to a potter of Kurava village and then chose to reside on this hill – one of seven – just as He does in Tirupati. Until a few decades ago, devotees had to literally crawl inside a natural cave to reach the deity. Today, a beautiful temple has been built at the same spot, making darshan easier, but the sanctity remains undiminished.
The climb of 200 steps is a spiritual journey in itself, with smaller shrines dotting the path. The most unique tradition here is the Uddala mandapam, where a pair of handcrafted chappals is offered to the Lord every year, a week after Diwali. The shoemaker from Vaddeman village prepares them with deep devotion, fasting on milk alone for three days. The atmosphere during the chappal presentation is festive and joyful. The temple’s annual jatara lasts 19 days, drawing thousands of devotees. For those who cannot make the long journey to Tirupati, Kurumurthy offers a deeply satisfying alternative.
⏰ Visitor Information
📍 Address & Access
Kurumurthy Temple (Sri Kurumurthy Srinivas Swamy Temple)
Kurupathu Hills, Near Ammapuram Village,
Chinnachintakunta Mandal, Jogulamba Gadwal District,
Telangana – 509204
≈20 km from Gadwal town
≈180 km from Hyderabad
≈60 km from Kurnool (AP)
📞 Contact & Enquiries
Jogulamba Gadwal District Tourism: +91-8546-223456
Temple priest / trust: available on site
Free entry; no ticket required.
🌐 Official Info
🕐 Timings & Best Season
Temple open daily: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
Best season: October – February (pleasant weather, ideal for climbing 200 steps).
Summer (Mar–May): Very hot (38°C–44°C); visit early morning.
Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Steps slippery – caution advised.
Special event: Annual jatara (19 days, usually around October‑November). Chappal offering a week after Diwali.
⚠️ Accessibility
The temple is on a hill – 200 steps. Not wheelchair‑friendly. There are railings on some sections. Wear comfortable shoes. Basic restrooms and drinking water are available at the base.
📜 Legend – The “Second Tirupati”
According to local legend, Lord Venkateswara appeared in the dream of a potter from Kurava village and instructed him that He wished to reside on a hill among seven similar hillocks. The potter, a devout man, climbed the hill and discovered a natural cave where the Lord had manifested. The deity came to be known as Kurumurthy Swamy. The site mirrors the geography of Tirumala, where Lord Balaji also sits on a hill that is one of seven – hence the name “Second Tirupati” (Edu konDala venkateswaruDu – Lord of the seven hills).
Until recent decades, devotees had to crawl through the narrow cave to reach the idol. Later, a proper temple structure was built over the cave, preserving the original sanctum while making darshan more accessible. The idol of Lord Venkateswara is in standing posture, adorned with gold and silver ornaments.
🏛️ Temple Highlights – 200 Steps & Unique Offerings
- 200‑step climb: The ascent is lined with small shrines. About halfway up is a temple dedicated to Lord Anjaneya (Hanuman) – a guardian deity.
- Chennakesava temple: A shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Chennakesava form, located before the main entrance.
- Uddala mandapam: This pillared hall houses a pair of chappals (footwear) offered to Lord Kurumurthy. The tradition is unique: a shoemaker from Vaddeman village prepares a new pair every year, a week after Diwali. He observes a strict fast, surviving only on milk for three days while crafting the footwear. The new pair is then carried in a procession and presented to the Lord, while the old pair is reverently removed. The ceremony is joyous, with music and devotees.
- Annual jatara: Sri Kurumurthy Swamy jatara is celebrated for 19 days at Ammapur village. It is the largest festival in the district, featuring processions, cultural performances, and community feasts.
🚗 How to Reach Kurumurthy Temple
By Road: The temple is accessible from Hyderabad, Gadwal, and Kurnool.
- From Hyderabad: 180 km via NH44 to Kurnool, then take the Gadwal road (approx 4 hours). Alternatively, via Mahbubnagar – Gadwal road (≈190 km).
- From Gadwal town: 20 km – take the road towards Chinnachintakunta, then follow signs to Ammapuram village.
- From Kurnool (AP): 60 km via NH44.
TSRTC buses from Gadwal to Chinnachintakunta / Ammapuram are infrequent; hiring a taxi or using your own vehicle is recommended. From Ammapuram village, the temple is a short walk and then the 200‑step climb.
By Rail: Nearest railway station – Gadwal (≈20 km) on the Hyderabad–Kurnool line. From the station, taxi or bus to Ammapuram.
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (≈180 km).
🏞️ Nearby Attractions – Jogulamba Gadwal & Kurnool
🧭 Suggested 1‑Day Pilgrimage Itinerary
- 6:00 AM: Depart from Hyderabad.
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at Ammapuram village. Begin climb to Kurumurthy Temple (200 steps, 20–30 minutes).
- 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Darshan of Lord Kurumurthy Swamy, visit Uddala mandapam, Chennakesava temple, and Anjaneya shrine. Learn about the chappal tradition from the priest.
- 11:30 AM: Descend and have lunch at a dhaba in Gadwal or packed meal.
- 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Drive to Jogulamba Temple, Alampur (35 km) – darshan and explore the Navabrahma temples.
- 3:00 PM: Optional – visit Gadwal Fort (20 km) on the way back.
- 4:30 PM: Return to Hyderabad.
- 8:00 PM: Arrive Hyderabad.
Tip: If you have two days, include Srisailam or Mallela Teertham for a longer pilgrimage.
📝 Essential Tips & Local Traditions
⚠️ Important: The temple is not as commercialised as Tirupati; it retains a rustic charm. The 200‑step climb can be tiring in summer – start early. The Uddala mandapam is usually open during darshan hours; ask the priest to explain the chappal tradition. If you visit during the chappal offering (a week after Diwali), expect crowds and processions. The temple trust appreciates donations for maintenance. Don’t miss the cave sanctum – it’s the original spot where devotees once crawled.
🏨 Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation (nearby towns)
- Gadwal town (20 km): Hotel Mayura, Hotel Sridevi, Sri Venkateswara Lodge – budget to mid‑range.
- Alampur (35 km): Haritha Hotel (Telangana Tourism) – comfortable stay near Jogulamba temple.
- Kurnool (60 km): Hotel DVR Grand, Hotel Mayura – full range of options.
- No accommodation at Ammapuram village – return to Gadwal for overnight stay.
Food & Dining
- No restaurants at the temple – carry your own food.
- Gadwal has several eateries (South Indian meals, biryani, tiffins).
- Alampur has Haritha Hotel restaurant and small local eateries.
- Prasadam may be available at the temple on festival days – carry cash for donation.
🗺️ Location Map
📍 Exact location – Kurupathu hills near Ammapuram. Use Google Maps or ask locals.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Kurumurthy Temple
October – February (Peak): Pleasant weather (12°C – 28°C), ideal for climbing and darshan. The annual jatara usually falls in this period (October–November).
March – May (Summer): Very hot – only early morning (6–9 AM) is tolerable. The steps become scorching.
June – September (Monsoon): The hill becomes green and the surrounding landscape is beautiful, but the steps are slippery – not recommended.
Special day: A week after Diwali – the Uddala mandapam chappal offering ceremony is a unique cultural experience.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No. Free entry.
Q: How many steps to the temple?
A: Approximately 200 steps. The climb takes 20–30 minutes.
Q: Can elderly people climb?
A: Elderly with mobility issues may find it challenging. There is no alternative transport.
Q: What is the significance of Uddala mandapam?
A: It houses the chappals offered to Lord Kurumurthy. A new pair is presented each year a week after Diwali, prepared by a fasting shoemaker.
Q: Is the temple similar to Tirumala?
A: Yes – it is called “Second Tirupati” because it is also located on one of seven hills and the presiding deity is Lord Venkateswara.
Q: Are there restrooms?
A: Basic restrooms are available at the base of the hill.
Q: Can we take photos inside the sanctum?
A: Photography is allowed outside; inside the main shrine, avoid flash. Some priests may restrict photos – respect their wishes.
Q: Is there mobile network?
A: Jio/Airtel works near Ammapuram, but signal may be weak on the hill.
Q: When is the annual jatara?
A> The Sri Kurumurthy Swamy jatara lasts 19 days – typically in October–November. Exact dates vary; check with Gadwal district office.
📚 References & More Information
- Ammapuram blog – Kurumurthy Temple details
- Jogulamba Gadwal district – Wikipedia
- Telangana Tourism – Gadwal