Famous temples in Andhra Pradesh

[Hassandani]

I am going Andhra Pradesh and would like to spend some time there exploring some temples, which I have a great interest in.

I will not be able to see all the temples but it would be great to visit at least the famous temples in Andhra Pradesh. I will be booking a taxi so have no problems traveling, all I need is the list.
Please also mention the location of the temple you are listing and some kind of information about the temple would be like a cherry on top of a cake.

Thank you.

 

[briannagodess]

Hello, @Hassandani!

Andhra Pradesh is the fourth largest state in India. Supposed to be, its capital is Hyderabad. But since the new state Telangana was formed, the city of Hyderabad was moved to this state as well. Hyderabad will continue to be the capital of Andhra Pradesh for 10 years until a new capital is decided upon.

The tourism industry of Andhra Pradesh is a thriving one. Here, temples, natural sceneries and rivers are part of the tourist attractions. Here are some of the most famous temples in some cities in Andhra Pradesh:

1. Visakhapatnam. With the transfer of Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam is now the largest city in Andhra Pradesh. Here is the most famous temple in the city:

• Sri Kanakamahalakshmi Temple - This temple is dedicated to Goddess Sri Kanakamalalakshmi. She is also the presiding deity of Visakhapatnam. Here, the devotees are allowed to go to the deity directly and offer their prayers. This is the address: Burujupeta, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530001.

2. Tirupati. This is probably one of the most famous pilgrim cities in the state. Some temples worth visiting here are:

• Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple - This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The deity is believed to have appeared here to save humanity from Kali Yuga. Another name for the temple is Kaliyuga Vaikuntham or Tirupati Balaji Temple. As the temple lies on the seventh hill in Tirumala, the temple is also called the "Temple of Seven Hills." It is said that this is the richest temple in the world, when it comes to donations received. About 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims all over the country and the world visit the temple everyday. The yearly festival called Brahmotsavam, sees more pilgrims at the place rising to about 500,000 during that time. This is the address: S. Mada Street, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504.

• Sri Govindarajaswami Temple - This temple is dedicated to Sri Govindaraja Swamy. It is believed that the deity helps pilgrims increase their wealth and at the same time, manage their wealth. Inside this temple are a number of smaller sub-temples or shrines. Some of them are: the Parthasarathy Temple and the Kalyana Venkateswara Temple. This is the address of the temple: Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple,
  Near Railway Station, Tirupati, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India.

3. Nellore. The meaning of Nellore is "Paddy Region" which you can find in many areas in the region. These paddy regions are the main agricultural sources of the city, where they cultivate rice and other crops. One famous temple here is the:

• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple - This temple is dedicated to Sri Ranganatha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is located in an island in Cauvery River. This is also one of the largest temple complexes in India. The temple has about 7 prakarams although non-Hindus are only allowed up to the 2nd prakarams. The address of the temple is: Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620006.

4. Srikalahasti. The name of the city came from three animals: spider, elephant and snake. They were believed to have received salvation from Lord Shiva because of their faith. One temple here stands out from the rest:

• Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple - This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The story goes that this is the site where Kannappa offered both of his eyes to cover the blood flowing from the Shivalinga. But the Lord Shiva stopped him and offered him Mukti. The entrance here has a large tower about 36.5 metres in height. The address of this temple is: Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh 517644.

5. Ongole. The major industry of this city is tobacco. It is also famous for its temples and beaches. Some temples worth visiting here are:

• Chennakesava Swamy Temple - This temple was built in 1113 AD. It was the Haihaya Kings that built this temple. Another significance of the temple is that Sankeerthana Acharya Sri Annamacharya was born here. The address is: Seetha Ram Puram, Devuni Cheru, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh 523001.

• Kashi Visweswara Swamy Temple - You can find this in the banks of Kusasthali River. This is a newer temple built in 1945. Devotees of Addala Mandapam visit Ongole for this temple. The address is: Kusasthali River, Prakasam, Ongole.

• Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir - This temple is dedicated to Sai Baba. It was Sri Telledevulappali who built this temple. The address is: Lawyer Pet, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh 523001.

6. Secunderabad. The majority of the population here are Anglo-Indian and Parsis. Sometimes, this city is referred to as the twin city of Hyderabad, although there are many differences between the two. The most famous temple here is the:

• Birla Mandir - This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The architecture of the temple is a combination of Dravidian, Rajasthani and Utkala styles. This was made by the Birla Foundation which has other temples around India of the same name. The address is: Hill Fort Road, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004.

I hope this helps!

 

[Admin]

Famous Temples in Andhra Pradesh – A Spiritual Journey

Andhra Pradesh is home to some of the most historically significant and architecturally stunning temples in India. From ancient shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu to grand structures devoted to powerful goddesses, the state offers a deep spiritual experience for devotees and travelers alike.

If you're planning a pilgrimage or looking for divine blessings, here’s a list of the most famous temples in Andhra Pradesh that you must visit.

1. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati
One of the richest and most visited temples in the world, this temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. Located in the sacred hills of Tirumala, it attracts millions of devotees every year who seek blessings and perform rituals.

✔ Best Time to Visit: Brahmotsavam Festival (September-October)
✔ Special Rituals: Tonsuring of hair as an offering to Lord Venkateswara

2. Srikalahasteeswara Temple, Srikalahasti
Known as the "Kashi of the South," this temple is one of the most famous Shiva temples in India. It houses the Vayu Linga, representing the Air element of the five Pancha Bhootas. Devotees visit to perform Rahu-Ketu dosha nivarana puja.

✔ Best Time to Visit: Mahashivaratri (February-March)
✔ Unique Fact: The temple has no shadow, even under bright sunlight

3. Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada
This temple is located on the Indrakeeladri Hill, dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Durga, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. It is one of the most important Shakti Peethas and is known for its Dasara festival celebrations.

✔ Best Time to Visit: Navaratri (September-October)
✔ Special Offering: Kumkumarchana for seeking prosperity

4. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Srisailam
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and also a Shakti Peetha, this temple is unique as it is devoted to both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Pilgrims from across India visit to seek divine blessings and experience the serene Nallamala forest surroundings.

✔ Best Time to Visit: Shivaratri (February-March)
✔ How to Reach: Can be reached by road or through boat rides on the Krishna River

5. Simhachalam Temple, Visakhapatnam
This temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the half-lion, half-man incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The idol is covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year and is unveiled only on Chandanotsavam day.

✔ Best Time to Visit: April-May (Chandanotsavam Festival)
✔ Temple Architecture: Built in a unique blend of Kalinga and Dravidian styles

6. Lepakshi Veerabhadra Temple, Anantapur
Famous for its hanging pillar, this temple is an architectural marvel from the Vijayanagara Empire era. It is dedicated to Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. The murals and carvings inside depict stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

✔ Best Time to Visit: October-March
✔ Unique Feature: The floating pillar that defies gravity

7. Ahobilam Temple, Nallamala Hills
A significant Vaishnavite shrine dedicated to Lord Narasimha, this temple complex consists of nine temples, each representing a different form of the deity. It is believed that Lord Narasimha appeared here to slay the demon Hiranyakashipu.

✔ Best Time to Visit: Winter months (October-February)
✔ Popular Trekking Spot: The temple is surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls

8. Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Chittoor
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is unique because the idol is believed to be self-manifested and growing in size over time. Devotees believe that the waters from the temple well can purify sins.

✔ Best Time to Visit: Vinayaka Chaturthi (August-September)
✔ Popular Ritual: Devotees take a dip in the holy well before offering prayers

9. Yaganti Temple, Kurnool
This temple is known for its mysteriously growing Nandi idol and the belief that sage Agastya performed penance here. It is also famous for its natural caves that house Shiva Lingas and meditation spots.

✔ Best Time to Visit: November-February
✔ Unique Fact: The temple follows Vaishnavite traditions instead of Shaivite ones, despite being a Shiva temple

10. Draksharamam Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, Draksharamam
This temple is one of the Pancharama Kshetras dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its massive Shiva Linga. It is believed to be built during the Eastern Chalukya period and is an important site for Shiva devotees.

✔ Best Time to Visit: Kartika Masam (November)
✔ Interesting Feature: The temple has two entry points, one for Lord Bhimeswara and another for Goddess Manikyamba

Conclusion
The temples of Andhra Pradesh offer a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and architectural brilliance. Whether you seek divine blessings, wish to explore unique traditions, or simply admire ancient craftsmanship, these temples provide an unforgettable experience.

Have you visited any of these temples? Share your experiences and recommendations below!