Andhra Pradesh is located in the southern part of India and has been ruled by various dynasties over the past few years. The state is the home to most Telugu people living in South India. In ancient times, temples were generally not used for worshipping – but, to showcase the style of art and architecture.
The detailed writings and carvings on these temples help the people of India know about the country’s mythology and history. The temples located in Andhra Pradesh are not just the pride of the people of Telugu but for the whole of India as well.
Andhra Pradesh’s Spiritual Treasures: The Top 10 Temples to Explore
1. Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple Amaravathi
The temple is known as one of the Panchakarma Kshetras located in the Guntur district. The place is devoted to worshipping Lord Shiva. It is located at the banks of the Krishna River and the legend says that the Shiva Linga was installed by Lord Indra himself.
The people believe that the Shiva Linga used to grow every day and that’s why a nail has been put on the head of the sculpture to stop unprecedented growth. The red bloodstain which was the result of hitting the nail is still visible to the people. The temple has inscriptions from many famous kings in the past.
Visiting Hours: 5 AM – 8 PM
Location: Amaravathi, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh.
Nearby Hotels & Resorts:
- Amaravathi Haritha Resort
- Fortune Murali Park, Vijayawada
- Novotel Vijayawada Varun
- Hotel Garuda, Vijayawada
- The Gateway Hotel M G Road, Vijayawada
2. Venkateswara Swamy Temple Dwaraka Tirumala
It is also known as Chinna Tirupati. The place is devoted to the worship of Lord Balaji. The name of the place is inspired by a saint named ‘Dwaraka’, who had found the idol of Lord Balaji.
The people of India, who want to worship Lord Balaji but cannot travel to Tirupati, instead choose Chinna Tirupati, mainly as their alternate location. The temple is currently the epitome of marvelous-looking South Indian architecture.
Visiting Hours: 4 AM – 9:30 PM
Location: Dwaraka Tirumala, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.
Nearby Hotels & Resorts:
- Haritha Hotel Dwaraka Tirumala
- Bommarillu Residency, Tadepalligudem
- Usha Valentine Residency, Bhimavaram
- INN Hotel, Tadepalligudem
- Dwaraka Grand, Tadepalligudem
3. Bhimeswara Swamy Temple Draksharamam
This Bhimeswara Swamy Temple is only devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva. The place is located in the East Godavari district. It’s believed that this is the same place where Daksha Prajapati was responsible for performing Yagna and thus got the name.
The lingam which is titled the original was very powerful and had a fire-like quality. Thus, to counteract such powerful energy, eight other links were installed by the Sapta Rishis, around the main linga. The Eastern Chalukyas had performed renovations in the past.
Visiting Hours: 5 AM – 12:00 PM / 3 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Draksharamam, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.
Nearby Hotels & Resorts:
- Sri Pydithalli Grand, Ramachandrapuram
- The Regency Hotel, Kakinada
- Paradigm Sarovar Portico, Kakinada
- R L Grand Hotel, Kakinada
- Grand Kakinada by GRT Hotels
4. Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Antarvedi
This is a gorgeous-looking temple and is therefore devoted to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. The place is located in Antarvedi, East Godavari, and is therefore also known by the name, Antarvedi temple.
The temple is the inter-junction where the Godavari meets the Bay of Bengal. The main sanctum faces the west instead of the east and currently dates back to the 15th century. The legend says that Lord Rama had come to this place after defeating Ravana, in Sri Lanka.
Visiting Hours: 6 AM – 7:30 PM
Location: Antarvedi, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.
Nearby Hotels & Resorts:
- Haritha Coconut Country Resort, Palakollu
- Sterling Palavelli Godavari
- Hotel Chetturi Heritage, Palakollu
- The Grand, Rajahmundry
- SVN Lake Palace, Rajahmundry
5. Mangalagiri Temple
The temple is located on Mangalagiri hill, Andhra Pradesh. The place is known to be one of the eight destinations of Lord Vishnu. The shape of the hill almost resembles an elephant and there are steps to reach the temple as well.
The idol is the main attraction in this temple which is worshipped by offering jaggery drink or Panakam. After consuming a limited amount of the drink, the rest is thrown away by the idol.
Visiting Hours: 5 AM – 8:30 PM
Location: Mangalagiri, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh.
Nearby Hotels & Resorts:
- Hotel Undavalli Grand, Mangalagiri
- Haailand Resorts and Theme Park, Guntur
- Quality Hotel DV Manor, Vijayawada
- Novotel Vijayawada Varun
- Capital O 8591 SVM Grand, Mangalagiri
6. Simhachalam Temple
The name of the temple has been inspired by the Simhachalam Hill, which is located around 800 meters above sea level. The place is devoted to the worship of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, out of all the other 32 temples worshipping Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, in Andhra Pradesh.
The architecture has styles mixed from the Cholas, Orrissan, and also Chalukya. The temple was architectured over 1000 years ago and the basic religious practices have all been inspired by Sri Ramanuja. The temple has a Shiva Lingam and the idol is always covered with sandalwood paste.
Visiting Hours: 7 AM – 4:00 PM / 6 PM – 9 PM
Location: Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh.
Nearby Hotels & Resorts:
- Simhapuri Hotel, Visakhapatnam
- The Gateway Hotel Beach Road, Visakhapatnam
- Green Park Hotel, Visakhapatnam
- Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach
- The Park Hotel, Visakhapatnam
7. Ahobilam Temple
The temple was built in the Anantapur district, located in Andhra Pradesh. The place has a distance of 220 kilometers from the city of Nandyal. The statue resembles Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and it measures almost five feet and three inches.
The place is well-known for its scenic landscapes and surroundings. The name of the place is inspired by the cave inside which the deity has been installed. One of the main Narasimha temples, known as Ahobilam, is still very popular for performing marriage ceremonies.
Visiting Hours: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Ahobilam, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh.
Nearby Hotels & Resorts:
- Ahobalam Haritha Hotel
- Punnami Orvakal, Kurnool
- Mourya Inn, Kurnool
- S V Regency Hotel, Kurnool
- Hotel Suraj Grand, Kurnool
8. Paritala Anjaneya Swamy Temple
The place has a large statue of Lord Hanuman which is the reason why it’s so popular among the devotees. The statue measures 135 feet.
The place is located about 30 kilometers from Vijayawada City, inside the village of Paritala. The statue is one of the famous Hanuman temples in Andhra Pradesh and is also known by the name, Abhaya Anjaneya Swamy.
Visiting Hours: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Paritala, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh.
Nearby Hotels & Resorts:
- The Gateway Hotel M G Road, Vijayawada
- Hotel Aira, Vijayawada
- Minerva Grand, Vijayawada
- Capital O 28637 Ilapuram, Vijayawada
- Quality Hotel DV Manor, Vijayawada
9. Yaganti Temple
It was constructed in the 15th century, by a king known as Hari Raya Bukkaraya. The temple was first built for Lord Venkateshwara. But, after the construction, the idol of the Lord was broken and was therefore replaced by a Shiva Linga.
The place is located in the mesmerizing hills of Pushkarini, through which the river Nanda flows. Yagami Nanda, which is a highlight of this temple, grows in its size every year.
Visiting Hours: 6 AM – 1 PM / 3 PM – 8 PM
Location: Yaganti, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh.
Nearby Hotels & Resorts:
- Haritha Hotel Yaganti
- Mourya Inn, Kurnool
- The Ravi Sankar Hotel, Kurnool
- OYO 45413 Sai Ram Residency, Kurnool
- Punnami Orvakal, Kurnool
10. Annavaram Temple
It is one of the most popular destinations in Andhra Pradesh. The place has a Dravidian-style architecture. The name of the place is inspired by the word Anna, which means food.
The place was known for the generous distribution of food, to the poor and needy people. The temple is located on top of the hill known as Ratnagiri and resembles almost the shape of the structure of a chariot. The place has two floors – one for the Chakra and another for the Peetham, of the Lord.
Visiting Hours: 6 AM – 12:30 PM / 1 PM – 9 PM
Location: Annavaram, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.
Nearby Hotels & Resorts:
- Satyadeva Residency, Annavaram
- Lendi Residency, Pithapuram
- Fortune Inn Sree Kanya, Visakhapatnam
- The Vizag Palm, Visakhapatnam
- The Park Hotel, Visakhapatnam
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FAQs about the Temples of Andhra Pradesh:
Q1. What is the significance of the temples in Andhra Pradesh?
Temples in Andhra Pradesh are deeply rooted in history and resonate with cultural importance. They often depict the architectural grandeur of various dynasties that ruled the region and are also associated with numerous legends and myths from ancient Hindu scriptures.
Q2. Are there specific times to visit the temples?
Many temples observe distinct visiting hours for darshan, often including a midday recess. For accurate timings, it’s recommended to refer to the temple’s official website or connect with local administrative offices, as schedules may differ.
Q3. Is there a dress code to be followed while visiting these temples?
Most temples in Andhra Pradesh prefer devotees to wear traditional attire. For men, dhotis or pants with a simple shirt are acceptable, while women often wear sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts. Some temples might have stricter dress codes, so it’s good to inquire beforehand.
Q4. Can non-Hindus enter the temples in Andhra Pradesh?
The policies for non-Hindus vary. Some temples allow non-Hindus to enter up to a certain point, while others might restrict entry entirely. It’s best to ask local authorities or temple management about specific policies.
Q5. Are there facilities for tourists and pilgrims like accommodations and food near the temples?
Yes, the most popular temples in Andhra Pradesh have nearby accommodations ranging from basic lodges to luxury hotels. Many temples also have annadanam (free meals) for pilgrims or nearby restaurants serving vegetarian food.
Q6. Is photography allowed inside the temples?
Most temples in Andhra Pradesh prohibit photography inside the sanctum sanctorum. Some temples might also restrict photography in the entire temple complex. It’s always best to check signage or ask temple authorities.
Q7. How can one reach these temples? Are they easily accessible?
Many of the renowned temples in Andhra Pradesh are easily accessible by road, rail, and sometimes by air. The state’s well-connected transport system ensures that even the remote temples can be reached with relative ease. However, some temples might require a trek or are situated atop hills, so it’s good to plan accordingly.
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