Venkanna Babu Temple
Yanam, Puducherry · Lord Venkanna Babu (Vishnu tradition) · Vishnu Temple
Prominent Yanam religious shrine on the Union Territory’s official districts page.
Sri Venkanna Babu Temple in Yanam, known locally as Meesala Venkanna, is the enclave’s best-known shrine. The Yanam district administration records that it was built by the kings of Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry) in the 15th century and that its image of the Lord has a large moustache.
History
The Yanam district administration records that the temple was built in the 15th century by the kings of Rajamahendravaram, now Rajahmundry, and that sculptures from that period can still be seen in it.
The deity’s image has a large moustache, like that of Lord Satyanarayana Swamy at Annavaram, which gives the temple its popular name, Meesala Venkanna (“moustached Venkanna”).
Before independence the temple was famous for weddings. Because Yanam was under French rule, families from nearby areas and even from Madras and Hyderabad came here to marry after child marriage was restricted in British India, and so many weddings took place that Yanam was called “Kalyanapuram”.
Stories
A Temple of the Rajahmundry Kings
The Yanam district administration records that the temple was built in the 15th century by the kings of Rajamahendravaram, today's Rajahmundry. It says sculptures of that period can still be seen in the temple.
The sources consulted do not name the king, so the builder is not identified here.
Meesala Venkanna, the Moustached Lord
The deity's image has large moustaches, like the Satyanarayana Swamy image at Annavaram, and this gives the temple its popular name, Meesala Venkanna, which means moustached Venkanna.
The Yanam district website notes this as the special feature of the temple.
Why Yanam Was Called Kalyanapuram
Before independence, the temple was known for weddings. Yanam was then under French rule, and the district website says families came from nearby areas and even from Madras and Hyderabad to hold child marriages here.
It adds that thousands of weddings were held daily, so Yanam came to be called Kalyanapuram, the town of weddings. Child marriage is illegal in India today.
Good to know
Built by the kings of Rajamahendravaram in the 15th century
Moustached image of the Lord, like Annavaram’s
Yanam was once called “Kalyanapuram” for its temple weddings
Getting there
Road access via Yanam town in East Godavari region (Andhra Pradesh surrounds the enclave). Nearest major airport: Rajahmundry or Visakhapatnam — confirm current routes locally.
Best time to visit: Nov – Feb