Andhra Pradesh is located in South India and is home to Telugu people. There are many famous temples in Andhra Pradesh, and one of the richest temples in the world, Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy Temple, is also located in this state. Read this article to know more about the famous temples in Andhra Pradesh.
This Andhra region was ruled by many dynasties who have built numerous temples that stand still to date. Among these are the temples built during the reign of Sri Krishna Devaraya and the Kakatiya dynasty, who took the skill of architecture to pinnacles. These holy abodes are embodiments of Indian heritage and culture. They display exquisitely carved sculptures and structures, which are popular across the world and have attracted a great number of tourists.
During ancient times, temples were regarded not just as a place of worship but were platforms to showcase the passion for art and architecture. Each structure has detailed carvings to help people understand Indian history and mythology. This article throws light on some of the best ancient temples in Andhra Pradesh, which are the pride of not just the Telugu people and also the entire country. We hope you will certainly add them to your bucket list next time.
TABLE OF CONTENT:
- Veerabhadra Temple At Lepakshi.
- Tirupati Balaji Temple Andhra Pradesh.
- Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple In Srisailam.
- Lord Malleshwara Temple In Vijayawada.
- Kanaka Durga Temple In Vijayawada.
- Kurma Temple In Srikakulam.
- Venugopala Swamy Temple In Ryali.
- Vinayaka Temple In Kanipakam.
- Arasavalli Temple In Srikakulam.
- Srikalahasteeswara Temple.
- Yaganti Temple.
- Annavaram Temple.
- Paritala Anjaneya Swamy Temple.
- Ahobilam Temple.
- Simhachalam Temple.
- Mangalagiri Temple.
- Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple Antarvedi.
- Bhimeshwara Swamy Temple Draksharamam.
- Venkateswara Swamy Temple Dwaraka Tirumala.
- Amaralingeswara Swami Temple Amaravathi.
List of Famous Temples in Andhra Pradesh with Details:
Check out these amazing Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh which are considered Engineering marvels!
1. Lepakshi Temple:
This Vijayanagara-style temple built in the 16th century is situated in Lepakshi in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. The fresco paintings in bright dresses and colours depict the stories of Rama and Krishna from Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas. The temple has a large Nandi or bull, mount of Shiva about 200 metres away from the temple. The temple is built on a hillock of granite rock which is in the shape of a tortoise. This is one of the most amazing constructions among the old temples in Andhra Pradesh.
- Address: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
- Timings: 5.00 AM to 12.30 PM, 4.00 PM to 8.30 PM
- Dress Code: No Dress Code
- Approx. Visit Duration: 2 Hours
- How To Reach: The nearest Railway station is Hindupur at a distance of 14 KM and the nearest airport is Bangalore at a 100 km distance. You can reach Lepakshi by hiring a car or bus.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: A 10-day-long Chariot festival in February.
- Other Attractions: Lepakshi Nandi and Veerabhadra Swamy temple.
2. Tirupati Balaji Temple Andhra Pradesh:
In terms of donations received and wealth, it is the richest temple in the world, along with being the most-visited place of worship. The temple is situated in a hill town called Tirumala at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh and is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu. The temple is referred to as “the temple of seven hills” and is constructed in Dravidian architecture. During the annual Brahmotsavam, around 500,000 pilgrims visit the place.
- Address: Tirumala, Tirupati temple Andhra Pradesh
- Timings: 2:30 AM to 1:30 AM (In between break darshans)
- Dress Code: Strictly Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 2-3 Hours (Depending on the queue it might take even longer).
- How To Reach: It has connected buses from all states and cities. Renigunta and Tirupati junctions are the nearest railway stations. Tirupati also has an airport from where you can hire a taxi to go up the seven hills.
- Temple Website: www.tirumala.org/
- Best Time To Visit: Brahmostavams and other important festivals. However, it can get really crowded and the best season is March-April.
- Other Attractions: Many famous temples in Tirupathi you must visit on your trip are like ISCKON, Padmavati Ammavari temple etc.
3. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple In Srisailam:
Mallikarjuna Swamy temple is situated on a flat top of Nallamalai hills in Srisailam. The shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna is present there. It’s been a popular centre of Saivite pilgrimage for centuries. The deity of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the one of Goddess Brahmarambha Devi is one of the eighteen Mahashaktis and is one of the ancient temples in Andhra Pradesh.
- Address: Srisaila Devasthanam, Kurnool Dist, Atmakur Mandal, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 518101.
- Timings: 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Dress Code: Strictly Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 2 Hours (Depending on the queue it might take even longer)
- How To Reach: From Hyderabad, it is 213 KM. You can either take a bus or go by car to reach the temple.
- Temple Website: www.srisailamonline.com/
- Best Time To Visit: September to October is considered the best time.
- Other Attractions: Patala Ganga, Srisailam Dam, Tiger Reserve etc.
4. Lord Malleshwara Temple In Vijayawada:
Lord Malleshwara Temple in Vijayawada has a Shiva linga as the presiding deity of the temple. The sculptures of Bramhrambika engraved on the walls of temples portray various incidents of Mahabharata. The temple was built around the 10th century by a Chalukyan ruler. Naturally, Shiva Ratri is widely celebrated here.
- Address: Malleswaraswamy Temple, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: You can take a taxi from Vijayawada railway station.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Mahasivarathri
- Other Attractions: Indrakeeladri Temple
5. Kanaka Durga Temple In Vijayawada:
Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada has located on the Indrakeeladri hills on the banks of river Krishna. The deity here is described as Swayambhu or self-manifested in Triteeyakalpa. Durga Puja or Navaratri is widely celebrated here and many devotees from all around visit the temple to offer their prayers. Apart from that, Saraswati puja and Theppotsavam are also celebrated.
- Address: Indrakeeladri, Arjuna Street, Mallikarjunapeta, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520001.
- Timings: 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM,7:00 AM to 11:00 AM,12:15 PM to 04:00 PM,6:15 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: 1.5 KM from Vijayawada railway station and 20.4 KM from Gannavaram Airport.
- Temple Website: http://kanakadurgamma.org
- Best Time To Visit: Navarathri, Dusshera, Shakambari festival.
- Other Attractions: Sub shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the hillock and a beautiful view of Krishna River.
Read: Beautiful Hindu Temples in Vijayawada
6. Kurma Temple In Srikakulam:
Kurma temple is the only temple dedicated to Kurma, the tortoise form of Lord Vishnu. It is located in Srikakulam and the present temple is about 700 years old. Originally it was built in 200 AD. The temple also has the idols of Lord Rama, Laxman and Devi Sita along with Govindadeva and his sakhis. The presiding deity Kurmadeva faces the opposite direction of the shore of Swatha Puskarini Lake.
- Address: Srikurmam Rd, Ampolu, Andhra Pradesh 532404.
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: Near Airport is in Visakhapatnam, which is 106 KM away and Srikakulam Railway station is 30 KM from the temple. You can hire a car or taxi.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Annual Festival in February
- Other Attractions: Swatha Pushkarini Lake
7. Jaganmohini Kesava Venugopala Swamy Temple In Ryali:
Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy temple located in Ryali, East Godavari district was built around the 11th century. The temple has a shrine of Sri Jaganmohini Keshava Swamy carved out of a single stone. The idol presiding here looks like Lord Vishnu from the front and Goddess Mohini from the rear side. The uniqueness of the temple lies in the fact that the sacred River Ganga flows from the feet of Lord Vishnu. Thus, it is the origin of the Akasa Ganga.
- Address: Sri Jaganmohini Keshava Venugopala Swamy Temple, Ryali, Andhra Pradesh 533236.
- Timings: 6.00 am to 12.00 noon and from 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: It is located approx. 40 KM from Rajahmundry, which is also the closest airport.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Sri Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy Kalyanam conducted between March-April.
- Other Attractions: Many smaller temples nearby.
8. Vinayaka Temple In Kanipakam:
Shri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy temple or Kanipakam Vinayaka temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is located in Kanipakam, Chittoor area. It was constructed in the 11th century by Kulothunga Chola I, a king of the Chola dynasty. The idol present in the temple is swayambhu idol of Kanipakam town as the up-holder of truth. Vinayaka Chavithi and the annual Brahmotsavam are the most widely celebrated festivals in the temple.
- Address: Main Road, Chittoor, Kanipakam, Andhra Pradesh 517131.
- Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: Nearest Airport is Renigunta which is 83 KM from the temple. A number of buses connect to the Kanipakam Bus stand which is at a walkable distance.
- Temple Website: http://www.kanipakam.com/
- Best Time To Visit: Ganesh Chathurthi and the annual temple festival.
- Other Attractions: Manikanta temple and Varadaraja swami temple nearby.
9. Arasavalli Temple In Srikakulam:
Arasavalli temple located in Srikakulam town is an ancient sun temple dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The presiding deity in the temple is Suryanarayana Swamy. The temple is said to be built by a Kalinga ruler in the 7th century. It’s a panchayatana temple with Aditya in the centre and Ganesha, Parvati, Shiva and Vishnu in four corners of a quadrangle. There is also an image of Indra. The most important festival celebrated here is Ratha Saptami.
- Address: Arasavilli, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh 532001.
- Timings: 6 AM – 12.30 PM and 3:30 PM – 8 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 30 Mins To 1 Hour
- How To Reach: 1 KM From Arasavalli Village
- Temple Website: https://www.arasavallisungod.org/
- Best Time To Visit: Rath Saptami, Kalyanotsavam and all important festivals.
- Other Attractions: The temple has free food around the year which is enjoyed by the devotees.
10. Srikalahasteeswara Temple:
Srikalahasteeshwara Temple was originally built by the Pallavas in the 5th century and is one of the famous shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh. It is situated 36 km away from Tirupati and as per mythology, this is the place where Bhakta Kannappa offered both his eyes to Shiva to attain salvation. The linga in this temple is worshipped as Vayu linga and is one of the famous Pachaboothalasthalams. This temple was renovated by Cholas in the 10th Century and is most popular for its hundred pillar hall.
- Address: Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh 517644.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: Nearest Airport is Renigunta at 26 KM distance. There are also trains to Srikalahasti railway station. You can also opt for the roadway as a number of buses connect to this place.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Sivarathri and Annual festival in February-March.
- Other Attractions: Many temples close by. Shopping centres are also within close proximity to the temple.
11. Yaganti Temple:
This temple was constructed in the 15th century by a king called Hariharaya Bukkaraya. It is located in the Kurnool district and was originally built for Lord Venkateshwara. However, just before installation, the toe of this idol got broken and hence was replaced by Shiva linga. This temple is located amid beautiful hills and has an amazing Pushkarini, whose water flows from the mouth of Nandi. The highlight of this temple is the Yaganti Nandi, which grows in size each year. It is told that this idol will come to life and will shout when the Kalyug ends.
- Address: Temple Gopuram, Yaganti Rd, Yaganti, Andhra Pradesh 518124.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 2-3 Hours
- How To Reach: Nearest Airport is Renigunta at 26 KM distance. There are also trains to Srikalahasti railway station. You can also opt for the roadway as a number of buses connect to this place.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: MahaSivarathri
- Other Attractions: Yaganti Caves close to the temple.
12. Annavaram Temple:
Annavaram is one of the most popular religious destinations of Andhra Pradesh. It is the abode of Lord Satyanarayana Swamy and is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The place derives its name from the word Anna, which means food. It is believed that this place was originally known for generous food distribution to the poor and needy. The temple is located on a hill called Ratnagiri and resembles the shape of a chariot. The main sanctum has two floors which host the Peetham and chakra of the lord.
- Address: Annavaram Town Rd, East Godavari District, Annavaram, Andhra Pradesh 533406.
- Timings: 06.00 AM to 12.30 PM 1.00 PM to 9.00 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: Located 72 Km away, Rajahmundry is the nearest airport. You can also travel from Visakhapatnam which is 100 KM from this place.
- Temple Website: www.annavaramdevasthanam.nic.in
- Best Time To Visit: All Important Hindu Festivals
- Other Attractions: Don’t miss the amazing Annavaram Prasadam which is made with wheat.
Read: Unexplored Beaches in Andhra Pradesh
13. Paritala Anjaneya Swamy Temple:
This temple is famous among Indian and Foreign tourists for its huge statue of Lord Hanuman. The statue is World’s tallest and measures 135 feet. This statue is larger than the world’s wonder Christ Redeemer in Brazil. This is located approximately 30 km from the city of Vijayawada in the village of Paritala. This statue looks like it is guarding people and gives them assurance and hope. Hence the name Abhaya Anjaneya Swamy is one of the famous Hanuman temples in Andhra Pradesh.
- Address: Kanchikacherla Mandal, Near Vijayawada, Paritala, Andhra Pradesh 521180.
- Timings: 06.30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Dress Code: No Dress Code
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: It is 30 KM away from Vijayawada. You can take a bus or a taxi to Paritala.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Hanuman Jayanti
- Other Attractions: The mighty statue of Lord Hanuman.
14. Ahobilam Temple:
Ahobilam temple is located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh and is located about 220 km from the city of Nandyal. It is the abode of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy whose statue measures a life-size length of 5 feet 3 inches. This temple is located for its scenic surroundings and gets its name from the cave or Bilam in which the statue is installed. Ahobilam, one of the main Narasimha temples in Andhra is very popular among devotees especially for performing marriages.
- Address: Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh
- Timings: 06.30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Dress Code: No Dress Code
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: Nandyal is the nearest Railway station which is 66 Km from the temple.
- Temple Website: www.ahobilamutt.org
- Best Time To Visit: Paarveta Utsavam and Narasimha Jayanti.
- Other Attractions: Many beautiful temples nearby.
15. Simhachalam Temple:
This temple gets its name from Simhachalam hill, which is located 800 meters above sea level. Simhachalam temple is the abode of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, which is one of the 32 Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temples in Andhra Pradesh. The architecture of this temple has a mixed style of Orissan, Chalukya and Chola constructions. This ancient Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple in Andhra Pradesh was constructed almost a thousand years back and its religious practices were formulated by Sri Ramanuja. The idol is covered by Sandalwood paste throughout the year and resembles a shiva lingam.
- Address: Simhachalam Rd, Near, Gopalapatnam, Police Station, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028.
- Timings: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: 32 KM from Vizag Airport
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Kalyanotsavam and Chandanotsavam.
- Other Attractions: Kappa Stambham in the Mukhamantapam, which is believed to cure all diseases and also bless women with fertility. And there are many famous shrines in Vizag which you must visit.
16. Mangalagiri Temple:
This is a Vaishnavite temple which is located on the Mangalagiri hill of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the eight holy destinations of Lord Vishnu in India. The shape of the hill resembles an elephant and has steps to reach the temple. The main attraction of this temple is the idol which drinks Panakam or jaggery drink. The idol is only a mouth of Narasimha Swamy which open 15 cm wide into which devotees offer Panakam. After a certain quantity is consumed, the idol throws away the rest.
- Address: Kothapeta Rd, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh 522503.
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: 12 Kms from Vijayawada and 25 KM from Guntur. There are plenty of public transportation options available.
- Temple Website: http://www.mangalagiri.net
- Best Time To Visit: Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Brahmothsavam.
- Other Attractions: Gandhalayam, Ksheera Vruksham and Gali Gopuram on the temple premises.
17. Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple Antarvedi:
This magnificent temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and is situated in Antarvedi of East Godavari. The temple is also called Antarvedi temple as it is the place where the Bay of Bengal meets the Godavari. The temple dates back to the 15th Century and the main sanctum faces west instead of east. As per legends, it is believed that Lord Rama and Anjaneya came to this place and offered their worship to Lord Narasimha after putting an end to Ravana.
- Address: Sakinetipalli Mandal, East Godavari District., Antervedi, Andhra Pradesh 533252.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: The nearest airport is Rajahmundry which is 109 km away. The nearest bus stop is Narasapuram which is just 20 km away from the temple.
- Temple Website: www.antarvedisrilakshminarasimhaswamy.com/
- Best Time To Visit: Sri Narasimha Jayanti
- Other Attractions: Magnificent view of the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and Godavari river.
18. Bhimeshwara Swamy Temple Draksharamam:
Draksharamam Bhimeshwara Swamy temple is one of the Panchakarma Kshetrams of Lord Shiva. It is situated in the town of Draksharamam village of East Godavari district. It is said that this town is the same place where Daksha Prajapati has performed Yagna and hence gets the name. The original lingam has a fire-like quality and was extremely powerful. To counteract that energy, the sapta rishis installed eight lingas around this place. The temple was expanded and renovated by the Eastern Chalukyas.
- Address: Ramachandrapuram Road, Dwarapudi Yanam Rd, Mandal, Draksharamam, Andhra Pradesh 533262.
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: Rajahmundry (43 KM) and Visakhapatnam (187 km) are the nearest airports to this place.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: MahaSivarathri, Dasara and the entire Kartheeka Masam.
- Other Attractions: Mainkyamba Temple which is a Sakthipeetam on the campus.
19. Venkateswara Swamy Temple Dwaraka Tirumala:
Also called Chinna Tirupati, Dwaraka Tirumala is dedicated to the worship of Lord Balaji. It gets its name from a saint called “Dwaraka” who found the Swayambhu idol of Lord Balaji on an ant hill. Devotees who wish to give out their offerings to Balaji but can’t make it to Tirupati, choose Chinna Tirupati as their alternate destination. The main temple is the epitome of a South Indian architectural marvel and has a Rajagopuram, Vimana and Mukhamantapa.
- Address: Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vari Devasthanam, Dwaraka Tirumala (China Tirupathi) – 534 426.
- Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: The nearest Railway station is Bhimadole which is 17 KM from the location.
- Temple Website: http://www.dwarakatirumala.org
- Best Time To Visit: Tiru Kalyanotsavam
- Other Attractions: Many sub-shrines in the temple.
20. Amaralingeswara Swami Temple Amaravathi:
This is one of the Panchakarma Kshetrams in the Guntur district which is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. It is located on the banks of the Krishna river and the Siva linga is said to be installed by Lord Indra. The Shiva lingam is said to grow in size each day and a nail has been hit on top to curb its growth, leading to a red blood stain, which is visible even today. The temple is famous for its inscriptions by many famous kings, including Sri Devaraya of the Vijayanagara empire.
- Address: Amaravati Mandal And Town, Guntur District, Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh 522020.
- Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: 40 KM from Guntur
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Shivarathri, Navarathri and Kalyana Utsavs.
- Other Attractions: Buddhist Sites Near Amaravati
Expert Questions and Answers:
1. Are There any Famous Temples Dedicated to The Worship of Lord Sani in Andhra Pradesh?
Sani Devi, who is the brother of Lord Yama is one of the important deities in the Hindu religion. Especially for people who are going through a bad phase, worshipping Sani Dev is believed to free them from all obstacles. One of the most powerful Sani temples in Andhra Pradesh is Mandapalli Mandewaraswamy shrine which is located 38 km from Rajahmundry. By offering Gingelly oil to Shiva lingam, one can be free from the impacts of the Shani period.
2. I am Planning to Get my Child’s Head Tonsured But Find Tirumala too Crowded. Which other Temples Offer This Service?
Most important temples have this service of tonsuring heads. If you have any vow to get the ritual done in a particular God’s temple like Lord Balaji, you can head to Chinna Tirupati. Other shrines like Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada also offer this service. Make sure to take a token before proceeding to the mundane centre.
3. What is The Best way to Find Accommodation Near These Temples?
Almost all major temples have Darmasatrams which are offered free of cost to people. However, these are limited and might not be very clean. It is best to book private Sathrams, which take a nominal price and offer good food. If you have an extra budget, you can even opt for nearby hotels to enjoy comfort.
These temples are holy places which have been bustling with activity for many years. They are famous for their sthalapurana and the intricate style of construction. Most of the temples mentioned here have a connection with Hindu mythology which arouse the sentiments of devotees. They are flocked with large numbers of visitors throughout the year and are currently under the protection of the temple authorities. These have been well-preserved in spite of being constructed many years ago and are symbols of the gone-by eras.
