11 Must Visit Temples In Andhra Pradesh

The state of Andhra Pradesh is located in South India and is home to the Telugu people. This region was ruled by many dynasties who have built numerous temples that stand still till date. Among these are the temples built during the reign of Sri Krishna Devaraya and 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 great number of tourists.

During the 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 historical temples in Andhra Pradesh, which are the pride of not just the Telugu’s but also the entire country. We hope you will certainly add them in your bucket list next time.

# Veerabhadra Temple At Lepakshi

This Vijayanagara style temple built in the 16th century is situated in Lepakshi in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. The fresco paintings in bright dresses and colours depict the stories of Rama and Krishna from Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas. The temple has a large Nandi or bull, mount of Shiva of 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.

# 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 as “the temple of seven hills” and is constructed in Dravidian architecture. During the annual Brahmotsavam, around 500,000 pilgrims visit the place.

# 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 a popular centre of Saivite pilgrimage for centuries. The deity of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas and the one of Goddess Brahmarambha Devi is one of the eighteen Mahashaktis and is one of the ancient temples in Andhra Pradesh.

# 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 10th century by a Chalukyan ruler. Naturally, Shiva Ratri is widely celebrated here.

# Kanaka Durga Temple In Vijayawada

Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada is located on the Indrakeeladri hills on the banks of river Krishna. The deity here is describes 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.

# 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.

# Jaganmohini Kesava Venugopala Swamy Temple In Ryali

Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy temple located in Ryali, East Godavari district was built around 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 Akasa Ganga.

# 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 11th century by Kulothunga Chola I, a king of Chola dynasty. The idol present in the temple is swayambhu idol of Kanipakam town as the up-holder of truth. Vinayaka Chavithi and annual Brahmotsavam is the most widely celebrated festivals in the temple.

# 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 7th century. It’s a panchayatana temple with Aditya in the center 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.

# Srikalahasteeswara Temple

Srikalahasteeshwara Temple was originally built by the Pallavas in 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 10th Century and is most popular for its hundred pillar hall.

# Yaganti Temple

This temple was constructed in 15th century by a king called Hariharaya Bukkaraya. It is located in 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.