Many of us associate Vijayawada with Kanaka Durga temple. But not many of us are aware of the rich history and architectural brilliance found in the temples of Vijayawada. With the mighty River Krishna flowing beside it and olive green woods covering the hilly terrain, Vijayawada city is renowned for its glorious history. Also called ‘The place of victory,’ the temples in Vijayawada are the center of attraction and fascination for travellers and locals alike.
Let us go through this article for the best temples in Vijayawada that you must visit when you plan a trip to this city.
Famous Temples near Vijayawada:
Located in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada is a temple city that attracts tourists from all over the country. This city’s spiritual and religious relevance makes for the best trip that beautifully helps you understand its rich history.
1. Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada:
Kanaka Durga temple is one of the famous temples in Vijayawada that is built in the ancient Dravidian style. You can hear the Krishna river gushing in the distance when you are in the temple. The temple attracts a huge number of devotees with its fascinating architecture and style. According to legend, this temple is where sage Indrakila prayed to the Goddess Durga to end Mahishasura’s tyranny.
- Address: Arjuna Street, Mallikarjunapeta, Indrakeeladri.
- Opening Timings: Open on all days, 4 AM to 6 AM, 7 AM to 11 AM, 12 PM to 4:00 PM, 6 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional Indian wear is preferable.
- How to Reach: This temple is 20 km from Gannavaram airport and 2 km from Vijayawada railway station.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours.
- Temple Website: https://kanakadurgamma.org/
- Other Attractions: Shakambari festival.
2. Subramanya Swamy Temple Vijayawada:
Subramanya Swamy temple is yet another famous temple near Vijayawada, dedicated to Subramanya Swamy or Karthikeya. The temple is perched on top of the Indrakiladri Hillock. The intricate stonework of the temple glistens with whitestone embellishing the silver-covered Garuda pillar. This pillar holds significant importance to the devotees.
- Address: Kothapeta, Indrakeeladri, behind Komala Vilas Hotel, Vijayawada.
- Opening Timings: 4:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, open all days.
- Dress Code: Traditional Indian attire is preferable.
- How to Reach: This temple is 20 km from Gannavaram airport and 4.8 km from Kanaka Durga temple.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1Hours.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Other Attractions: Skanda Shashti, Kavadi, Padi Utsav.
3. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Mangalagiri:
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is located in a small town called Mangalagiri, about 14 km away from Vijayawada, and is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple is placed on a small hillock and is one of the highest gopurams in South India. The great epics, Mahabharata, Bhagavata, and Ramayana, are beautifully depicted in ornamental wood carvings in the temple complex.
- Address: Mangalagiri, Vijayawada.
- Opening Timings: Open on all days, 7 AM to 8 PM.
- Dress Code: It is best to wear traditional Indian clothes.
- How to Reach: This temple is 21 km from Vijayawada railway junction and 14 km from Vijayawada.
- Temple Website: https://tms.ap.gov.in/panmgl/cnt/about-temple
[Read: Best Temples to Visit In and Around Tirupati]
4. Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple, Yanamalakuduru:
Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple, Yanamalakuduru, is housed atop a small hillock in the southeast corner of Vijayawada and is one of the oldest temples in Vijayawada. A canopy of tall, dense trees covers this Devasthanam, and the hilly terrain captures hues of colors. Thousands of pilgrims come from across the world to visit this temple, and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Address: Yenamalakuduru, Vijayawada.
- Opening Timings: Open all days, 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Dress Code: It is best to wear traditional Indian clothing.
- How to Reach: The distance between this temple and the Vijayawada railway junction is 18 km.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- Temple Website: N/A
- Other Attractions: Small shops selling things you can buy.
5. Sri Nagarala Sri Maha Lakshmi Ammavaru Temple:
Sri Nagarala Sri Maha Lakshmi Ammavaru Temple is one of the famous temples near Vijayawada dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Nagarala community maintains this temple, hence the name, and is located in Chittinagar. The temple attracts devotees throughout the year, being one of the famous temples in Vijayawada. This temple also helps relax and rejuvenate your mind and soul after seeking the divine blessings of the Goddess.
- Address: Chitinagar, Krishna, Vijayawada.
- Opening Timings: Open on all days, 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Dress Code: It is preferable to wear traditional attire.
- How to Reach: The temple is 25 km from Gannavaram Airport and 4 km from the Vijayawada bus stand.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1Hours.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Other Attractions: Mogalarajapuram caves, Mangalagiri.
6. ISKCON Temple, Vijayawada:
ISKCON temple in Vijayawada is a striking three-storied building settled by the banks of River Krishna. It contains two mesmerizingly stunning marble idols of Lord Krishna and Radha. There is a mahaprasad facility available in this temple. You can feel relaxed with the faint hymns playing in the background.
- Address: Iskcon Temple, Amaravathi – Karakatta Road, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
- Opening Timings: 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Dress Code: Modest dressing is required, though there is no specific dress code.
- How to Reach: You can hire a private cab to reach the temple or use the bus services provided by APSRTC.
- Temple Website: https://centres.iskcon.org/centre/iskcon-vijayawada/
7. Sri Vyagra Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Agiripalli:
Sri Vyagra Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is in Agiripalli, 25 km from Vijayawada, dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. It is 4000 years old temple according to Puranas. In this temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is also called Sri Sobhanachaleswara Swamy. To reach this temple, you need to take 740 steps without any ghat road. It is believed that Lord Vishnu, in his AsivarahaAvataram, dug the Varahapuhkarini in this temple.
- Address: Ammavarigudem, Agiripalli, Andhra Pradesh 521211.
- Opening Timings: 6 AM to 12 noon, 5 PM to 7:30 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional Indian attire is preferable.
- How to Reach: Several APSRTC buses are available from Vijayawada and other parts of Andhra Pradesh to the temple.
- Temple Website: http://agiripallinarasimhaswamitemple.blogspot.com/
- Other Attractions: Several celebrations in the temple.
8. Amara Rama Temple, Amaravati:
Amara Rama Temple, Amaravati, is one of Vijayawada’s famous temples sacred to Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the five PancharamaKshetras located in Amaravati town in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. Lord Shiva in this temple is also referred to as Amareswara Swamy or Amaralingeswara Swamy. The southern bank of the Krishna river is where you can find this temple and BalaChamundika, the consort of Lord Amareswara Swamy, is also present.
- Address: Sri Amareswara Swamy Temple, Amaravathi Town & Mandalam, Guntur District.
- Opening Timings: 6 AM to 12 noon, 4 PM to 8 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional attire.
- How to Reach: Several APSRTC buses are available regularly from Amaravathi connecting other parts of the state.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- Temple Website: https://tms.ap.gov.in/AMRAVT/cnt/about-temple
- Other Attractions: Sculptors around the temple are beautiful to look at.
[Read: Must-visit Divine Temples In Visakhapatnam And Their History]
9. Hinkar Thirtha:
Hinkar Thirtha is a religious shrine of the Jain community, located in Vijayawada, which draws pilgrims globally to seek Mula Nayak’s blessings. The idols and sculptures carved on granite stone featured on the temple represent outstanding architecture. However, the mahastambha or the towering pillar is the prime attraction of this temple.
- Address: Mangalagiri Hills, Krishna District, Vijayawada.
- Opening Timings: Open all days, 6 AM to 12 noon, 6 PM to 9 PM.
- Dress Code: It is best to wear Indian traditional attires.
- How to Reach: The temple is 5 km from the Vijayawada railway junction and 23 km from Vijayawada.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Other Attractions: Beautiful Jain sculpture.
10. Undavalli Caves:
Undavalli caves are made from solid sandstone and are a monolithic masterpiece of the Indian rock-cut style of architecture. The caves are one of the earliest examples of Gupta architecture and are well-preserved monuments of national importance. The lower level has a Jain abode with Thirthankara sculptures and several sections, whereas there is a reclining statue of Lord Vishnu in the second level.
- Address: Penumaka – Vijayawada road, Near Prakasam Barrage.
- Opening Timings: Open all days, 9 AM to 6:30 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional Indian attire.
- How to Reach: APSRTC operates bus services from Guntur, Amaravathi, and Vijayawada to reach this temple 10km from Vijayawada.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Other Attractions: The scenic beauty of the surroundings.
11. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Mutyalampadu:
The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Mutyalampadu, is one of the famous temples around Vijayawada. The temple is situated on the Ring road, and devotees from the state visit this temple to experience Sai Baba’s divinity.
- Address: Benz Circle, Vijayawada – 520010, Beside Lepl Icon.
- Opening Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
- Dress Code: Indian traditional attire is preferable.
- How to Reach: There are several APSRTC buses available from different parts of Vijayawada to reach the temple.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Other Attractions: Several shops around the temple sell many things.
12. Paritala Hanuman Temple:
Paritala Hanuman Temple has a statue of Bhagavan Hanuman, and the temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Hanuman. This temple is approximately 30 km away from Vijayawada and is located in the village of Paritala on NH-65. The statie stands 135 feet tall ans was intalled in 2003.
- Address: ParitalaMandal, Kanchikacherla, Andhra Pradesh 521180.
- Opening Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional Indian attire.
- How to Reach: You can reach Paritala through rented vehicles as it is 30km away from Vijayawada.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Other Attractions: Tall hanuman statue.
13. Chaturmukha Brahma Temple in Chebrolu:
Chebrolu Brahma temple is the only temple for Brahma in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The temple dates ro Kakatiya, Pallava, Chalukya, Chola dynasties dating back to 2000 years. A single red stone is used to carve the Nandi statue standing out of this temple. This Brahma temple is 200 years old and was built by King Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu.
- Address: Chebrolu, Andhra Pradesh 522212.
- Opening Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM.
- Dress Code: Indian traditional attire is preferable.
- How to Reach: You can reach the temple by choosing a bus or Autorickshaw from the nearest railway station.
- Temple Website: https://gotirupati.com/chebrolu-brahma-temple/
14. Venkateswara Swamy Temple:
Venkateshwara Swamy Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Vijayawada. It is located on a favorable location and is also one of the most visited temples in the city. People from all over the country come to visit this temple especially because of its architectural beauty.
- Address: Patamata, Benz Circle, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520010.
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional wear.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours.
- How To Reach: 5 KM from Vijayawada railway station.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Major Hindu Festivals.
- Other Attractions: Many temples like Ramalayam and Ganganamma temple.
[Read: Best Pilgrimage Sites & Temples in Andhra Pradesh]
15. Ayyappa Swamy Temple:
This temple is located in a place called Ajit Singh Nagar in Vijayawada and is believed to be one of the finest temples in the country. The temple looks beautiful inside and from the outside as well. The best feature about this temple is that it is spacious compared to the nearby pilgrimages. During the annual festivals, this temple can hold a substantial number of people.
- Address: Singh Nagar Flyover, Beside HP Petrol Pump, Badameru Center, Singh Nagar, R K Puram, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520003.
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional wear.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours.
- How To Reach: 8 Min drive from Vijayawada railway station.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Ayyappa Padi Puja, Makara Sankranti.
- Other Attractions: Amusement Park in Singh Nagar.
The Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada has got its name from the Goddess Durga over the demon Mahisasura. Apart from this, several temples in and around the city give you a glimpse of the city’s rich culture and architecture. You can witness the glorious history of the town by visiting the temples of Vijayawada. Some of the other temples you can see in Vijayawada are Koti Lingala temple Vijayawada, Marakatarajarajeswari temple Vijayawada, Datta peethamVijayawada, Jain temple Vijayawada, Satyanarayana Swamy temple in Vijayawada, Surya Bhagavan temple in Vijayawada, DasanjaneyaSwamy temple machavaramVijayawada, AyyappaSwamy temple GollapudiVijayawada, Venkateswara Swamy temple in Vijayawada, Vijayawada one town Vinayaka temple, AkkanaMadanna Cave Temple. So make sure not to miss out on the ancient marvels when you plan to visit Andhra Pradesh.
FAQ:
1. What are the rules one must follow while visiting temples in Vijayawada?
Ans: Though they are simple, it is best to follow the following rules to have a peaceful darshan in the temples in Vijayawada:
- Make sure to remove your shoes and walk barefoot when stepping inside the temple complex.
- Maintain peace and don’t cause disturbance to the other devotees.
- Make sure to consult authorities while making donations.
2. How many does it take to explore Vijayawada thoroughly?
Ans: You will require not more than two days to thoroughly explore all the eminent tourist spots and sacred temples of Vijayawada, depending on your mode of travel.
3. What are the other famous tourist attractions you can visit in Vijayawada?
Ans: Other than temples, here is the list of places you can visit in Vijayawada:
- Local sightseeing.
- Bhavani island.
- Victoria museum.
- Prakasham barrage.
- Besant road.
- Kondapalli fort.
4. Apart from Special Pujas, what else can we expect during Navarathri?
Ans: One important event that is a must-watch during Navarathri is the Teppotsavam, which marks the end of the 9 day celebrations. It is set on a special boat in the shape of a swan, called the Hamsavahini, which takes the Utsav idols of Goddess Durga and Mallikarjuna Swamy. It is a beautiful feast to the eyes to witness this amazing sight on the calm waters of River Krishna.
5. Apart from temples, are there any other interesting places to see in and around Vijaywada?
Ans: There are no dearth for places near Vijayawada. Along with visiting these important shrines, it is also recommended to visit some important sites like the Undavalli Caves, Amaravati Museum, Mogalarajapuram caves and Mangalagiri temple to soak in some nature, along with gathering interesting knowledge on history and culture of our past.
6. Heard about the huge Hanuman temple on the outskirts of Vijayawada. What is its prominence?
Ans: You must be talking about Paritala Anjaneya Swamy temple which is located in Paritala Village on NH-9. It holds a record for being the tallest statue in the world, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is also larger than Christ the Redeemer statue of Brazil. The statue stands tall at 135 feet and is located approximately 30 km from the city of Vijayawada.
