Divine intervention often manifests in the most unexpected ways. For the Chadalawada family—renowned film producers and timber merchants—it felt as though the Lord of the Seven Hills Himself stepped into their courtyard. A routine workday turned into a spiritual phenomenon when the impressions of Lord Venkateswara’s footprints appeared within a log of wood.
The Moment of Revelation
Last Saturday, at the Asian Timber Depot owned by the Chadalawada brothers, workers were carrying out their daily tasks. As they placed a large wooden log onto the cutting machine and sliced it down the middle, they were stunned by what emerged. Instead of a plain grain, the interior of the wood revealed a distinct shape perfectly resembling human footprints.
A Devotee’s Emotional Surrender
Upon hearing the news, Chadalawada Srinivasa Rao rushed to the spot. Deeply moved by the sight, he recognized the shapes as the sacred feet (Charanalu) of his family deity, Lord Venkateswara. He immediately performed a Sashtanga Namaskaram (prostration) on the spot.
“It is our sheer merit from past lives that the Lord has sanctified our home with His footprints. We will preserve these sacred impressions right here and offer daily prayers and rituals to them,” Srinivasa Rao shared with tears of joy.
A Lifelong Bond with Divinity
The connection between the Chadalawada brothers and Lord Venkateswara isn’t new; it spans generations and is woven into their very identity:
Sacred Names: All three brothers bear the names of the Lord: Venkateswara Rao, Tirupati Rao, and Srinivasa Rao. Furthermore, Srinivasa Rao’s wife is named Padmavathi.
From Tenali to Tirumala: Hailing from Tenali, the brothers used to organize bus trips for pilgrims to Tirumala in their youth. They would take devotees for Darshan and then to Chennai to catch a glimpse of the legendary NT Rama Rao before returning home.
Service to Ayodhya: Their devotion is matched by their craftsmanship. Notably, the grand doors and entrances of the newly constructed Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya were crafted at this very timber depot and sent to the Trust.
Preserving Legend: In a tribute to their idol, the brothers purchased the Chennai residence of the late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) and are currently transforming it into a museum for the public.
For those close to the family, this “miracle” is seen as the ultimate blessing for decades of unwavering faith. What started as a piece of timber has now become a symbol of divine presence, proving that for true devotees, God is present in every atom—and in this case, in the very heart of the wood.
