Majestic Temples of India

Srinivasa who resides at Saptha Giri (Seven Hills) सप्तगिरि वासा श्रीनिवासा Tirumala Venkateshwara Swamy resides at Saptha Giri ( 7 hills). The Seven Hills where Perumal resides are Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri. Details👇 The Seven peaks of Tirupati represents 7 heads of Adhisesha Vrushabadri : Hill is the home of Nandi, Paramashiva's Vahana. Once there lived an Asura Vrushabhasura, who fought with Shiva who was defeated & he requested Paramashiva to name the hill after him which is Vrushabadri Anjanadri : Anjana Devi did tapasya here & Hanuman was born after vayu deva gave her divine fruit. Neeladri : Whoever donates hair here are blessed by Neela Devi as a wish received from Mahavishnu for offering her own hair. Giving our hair is the symbol of leaving our ego. Garudadri : Mahavishnu instructs Garuda, his Vahana to reside here. Seshadri: Hill is named after Adhisesha. When Vayu & Sesha had a fight, Vishnu asked ...

Kalyana Venkateshwara Swamy Temple Narayanavanam, Andhra Pradesh Kalyana Venkateshwara Swamy Temple is located at Narayanavanam of Andhra Pradesh. Srinivasa resides here as Kalyana Venkateshwara Swamy & Thayar Padmavathi. Sthala Puranam says that, this area was ruled by by Akasha Raja. He got a girl child from Lotus tank & Akasha Raja brought up her as own daughter, named her Padmavathi. This was the place where Padmavathi Ammavaru is married to Venkateshwara. As the marriage took place in Narayanavanam, Padmavathi’s brother built two Temples, one is here Narayanavanam & another in Tirumala. Here Venkateshwara Swamy and Padmavathi are worshiped together. There is a grinding stone in the temple, which was used for grinding turmeric during the marriage of Venkateshwara and Padmavati. The place was called as Narayana Puram before later changed to Narayanavanam. The temple was built during the Vijayanagara Period. The main festivals of the temple include Panguni Uttarotsavam, T...

Khadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Kadiri Anantpur, Andhra Pradesh Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is located in Kadiri Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh. Narasimha Moorthy is Swayambhu here who emerged from the roots of Kadiri tree. Ka means Vishnu Padam & Aadri is Hill, it is believed that Narasimhar after destroying Hiranyakashyapu roamed in the forest with anger. Prahlada along with devas prayed to Narasimhar to calm him. Pleased with Prahlada's prayer Narasimhar became calm at this place. Daily after Abhishekam Vigraham sweats, even after continuous wiping. Vasantha Vallabha murthi ( Utsava Murthy) was found from Brughu Theertham, temple tank. It is said that this Utsavar was worshipped by Brighu Muni. Temple was constructed by Veera Bukka Rayalu of Vijayanagar dynasty, when Narasimhar appeared in his dream and revealed all about the Swayambhu Vigraham. Rathothsavam is celebrated in grand manner.

Kodandarama Temple Golla Mamidada, Andhra Pradesh Kodandarama Temple is located in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh is really an Architectural Wonder of India. Also called as Konaseema Ayodhya, is very famous Shri Rama Temple, who is worshipped as Kodandarama here. Built on the banks of Tulyabhaga (Antharvahini), a tributary of Godavari River. The temple structure is architectural marvel with two gopurams, East Gopuram is 170 ft and West, about 200ft. Gopurams are adorned with many scriptures depicting scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavatam. Temple is also called as Chinna Bhadradi or Little Bhadrachalam, built by two brothers Dwarampudi Subbi Reddy and Rami Reddy. There is a mirror hall in the temple, which has a Scripture of Sri Rama Pattabhishekam. Sri Rama Navami is the most prominent festival celebrated. Jai Sree Ram

Ranganatha Swamy Temple Nellore, Andhra Pradesh Ranganatha Swamy Temple, also called Talpagiri Ranganatha Swamy is located at Nellore of Andhra Pradesh. Temple is situated on the banks of River Pennar. Ranganathar is seen in reclining position. Sthala Puranam says that once Mahavishnu wanted to visit Bhooloka along with Sridevi. Mahavishnu asked Adisesha to be the place of his residence at Bhoploka. Thus Adisesha took the form of a mountain in this place and the place got the name Talpagiri Kshetram, Talpa refers to Adisesha. It is believed that when Kashyapa muni performed Poundarika Yagna on the day of Ekadasi, Mahavishnu appeared and blessed him. Ranganatha Swamy is seen in reclining position on Adisesha. Vigraham of Ranganathar is 10 feet long, with Lakshmi Devi worshipped on his chest and Brahma Deva  on the lotus coming from Ranganathar's Navel. It is believed that Shri Rama visited this place during Vanavasam. Brahmotsavam and Ratha yatra are the festivals celebrated in a gr...

Shri Kalahasti Temple Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh Kalahasti Temple is situated at Chittoor district of AP. This is a Pancha bhoota Sthalam which represents Vayu & also Rahu Ketu Parihara Sthalam. Paramashiva in his aspect as Vayu is worshiped as Kalahasteeswara here. Vayu Deva observed tapasya to Karpura Lingam here and Mahadev blessed Vayu, as Lingam will be known in his name thus Karpura Vayu Lingam. Sri Kalahasteeswara is Swayambu lingam who gave moksham to Spider ( Sri), Snake ( Kala) & Elephant ( Hasti). Temple Nada will be opened even during eclipse. Sthala Puranam is about a great devotee Kannappa Swamy. He once saw blood coming out of Mahadev's eyes. To stop bleeding he took one of his eye and placed before Lingam. When he was about to take another eye, Shiva appeared and stopped him. Temple is very famous for Rahu Ketu Poojas and also called as Dakshina Kailasam

Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple is a cave temple situated on the Mangalagiri. Mangalagiri is one of the Ashta swayamvyaktha Kshetram of Maha Vishnu. Narasimhar is Swayambhu here. Sthala Puranam says that there was an asura, Namuchi, who was destroyed by Mahavishnu here. It is said that Mahavishnu has told Devas that offering Panakam will cool down his anger after slaying demon Namuchi, which happened in Krithayugam, he would be satisfied with ghee in Threthayugam, milk in Dwaparayugam & with panakam(Jaggery water) in Kaliyugam. We can pour Panakam to Wide open mouth of Narasimhar and a gargling sound is heard while pouring. This will happen every time we pour the jaggery water. There are no traces as to where this Panakam goes, also we cannot find any ant nearby. Narasimha Murthaye Namah

Srikurmam Kurmanathaswamy Temple Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh Sri Kurmanathaswamy Temple is located in Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh. Mahavishnu is worshipped here as Kurmanathaswamy & Lakshmi Devi as Kurmanayaki. Mahavishnu is worshipped in the form of Kurma avatar here according to wishes of Swetha Chakravarthi. Sthala Puranam says that, a King called Swetha Chakravarthy was ruling the area. His wife Vishnu Priya was doing Tapas for Mahavishnu on Ekadashi, but king disturbed her. She prayed to Mahavishnu who created a flood & Swetha Chakravarthy was carried away. In this King's health began to deteriorate. Mahavishnu created a lake from his Sudharshana Chakra. The king bathed in the lake and got his health back & lake came to be known as Swetha Pushkarini. The king requested Mahavishnu to stay here & Mahavishnu resided as  Srikurmanathaswamy. This is only temple where Kurma avatar of Mahavishnu is worshipped. Om Namo Narayanaya

Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh Yaganti temple is located in Kurnool of Andhra Pradesh. Agastya muni did Prathista here of Uma Maheswara. It is believed that no crows have been seen here in the cave temple as Agastya muni cursed them after being disturbed while in meditation. Story says that Agastya muni wanted to build a temple for Venkateswara here. However the toe nail of the Vigraham broke while making and he couldn't do Prathista. Agastya muni did tapasya feeling Saddened by this. Mahadev appeared here and instructed muni do do Shiva Prathista as this place resembles Kailash. Agastya muni requested Shiva to give him a Vigraham. Mahadev gave him Uma Maheswara Vigraham, thus was Prathista done here. Pushkarini, a small pond of water in temple premise, water is coming from Nandi's mouth but it's origin is not known. Interesting part is, Nandi here grows in size. According to ASI Nandi grows 1 inch every 20 years. Har Har Mahadev

Satyanarayana Temple Annavaram, Andhra Pradesh Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple Annavaram is located at East Godavari of Andhra Pradesh. Ancient temple of Mahavishnu who is Swayambhu, is situated on the banks of river Pampa. Temple is in hilltop of Ratnagiri named after Ratnakara son of Meru Parvat. Meru has two sons Bhadra and Ratnakara. Bhadra worshipped Mahavishnu and turned into Bhadrachalam where Shri Rama settled. Ratnakara who also worshipped Mahavishnu turned Ratnagiri where Satyanarayana Swamy resides. Story also says about a Brahmin who had a dream that vigraham is left abandoned in hill. He informed Maharaja and thus Vigraham was found and Prathista was done. Satyanarayana pooja is very important here. Satyanarayana swamy resides along with Anantha Lakshmi Devi on one side and  Paramashiva on the other side. Satyanarayana swamy should be worshipped with truth and commitment through which one attain mukthi.

Shri Gandi Veera Anjaneya Swamy Kshetra Kadappa, Andhra Pradesh Located in Kadappa Dist. of Andhra Pradesh Veera Anjaneya Swamy, also called Abhayahasta Anjaneya is situated on the banks of River Papaghni.Story is related to Ramayana, where Shri Rama drew Anjaneya's picture in a rock. Shri Rama completed the drawing except Hanuman's little finger on left hand. Later when Vigraham was made referring the picture, little finger was also made. But the finger got cut by itself & it started bleeding. It is believed that Hanuman want it just like how Rama drew him. It is also said that hearing the news of Rama's Victory with Ravana, Vayu Deva decorated this place with golden flowers to welcome him. Jai Shri Ram Jai Shri Hanuman

Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh Lepakshi Temple is located in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. Veerabhadraswamy is worshipped, who is fiery form of Paramashiva. Temple is famous for its architectures in Vijayanagara style with excellent sculptures and paintings Temple is structured in three parts Natya Mandapa, Ardha Mandapa, and Garbha Griha. It is said that Jatayu fell down at this spot while trying to save Sita Mata from Ravana. But, his efforts were in vain, and he fell down here seriously injured. Sree Rama, who was searching for Sita Mata, found Jatayu lying on the ground, wounded. Temple was built by 2 brothers, Viranna and Virupanna and is dedicated to Veerabhadra. Temple has a giant footprint called Durga Padam. Several magnificent sculptures makes the temple very unique, with many stories. Monoliths of 7 headed Naga guarding the Lingam, India's Biggest Monolithic Ornate Nandi is located in Lepakshi. One of the Hanging pillar is of architectural excellence...

Suryanarayana Temple Arasavalli, Andhra Pradesh The famous Sun Temple is located in Arasavalli of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is built in such a way that the morning rays of  Sun fall on the Vigraham twice a year, in March & October.   As per Padmapuranam, Kasyapa Muni did Prathista of Surya Deva for the wellbeing of all. Thus Surya Deva is Kashyapa Gothram. Story says that Indra Deva, found this temple and did Prathista of the existing Vigraham of the SuryaDeva and thus the name Suryanarayana Swamy.  Once Indra Deva went to worship Paramashiva at untime and Dwarapalakas stopped him. Nandi who was guarding the door kicked Indra when he try to enter inside. Injured on chest, Indra fell down unconscious and at that time he dreamt that he would be relieved of his pain if a temple is built for Surya Deva.  Indra picked up handful of mud thrice where he lay & found a beautiful Vigraham of Surya Deva. Thus was Prathista done. It is believed that doing Surya Namaskar...

Undavalli Caves  Guntur, Andhra Pradesh Ganesha statue at the Undavalli cave. The Undavalli Caves, an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, are located in Undavalli Village of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh. These are very ancient cave temples, which are believed to be built between 4th and 5th centuries. Located on a hill overlooking the Krishna River, caves are  carved out of solid sandstone on a hillside. Huge statue of Mahavishnu of about 5 meter long in a reclining posture on Adi Sesha, is sculpted from a single block of granite is architectural wonder. The pillars into which scenes from the Ramayana are carved. 

Puruhutika Devi Temple East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh  Sri Puruhutika Devi temple is located in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. Kshetra is one among 18 Shakthi Peetha where Sati Devi's left hand fell. Paramashiva is worshipped as Kukkuteswara Swamy. Paramashiva is in the form of Cock and it is a Swayam Bhuva Saiva Kshetram. Also called Tri Gaya Kshetra. The feet of asura, Gayasura lied in the pool in front of the Pithapuram Temple. Vigraham of Puruhuthika devi has four hands, containing bag of seeds (Beeja), axe (Parashu), lotus (Kamala) and a dish (Madhu patra). Also it's believed Indra Deva prayed to Devi here at Pithapuram, after being cursed by Rishi Gautama.  He prayed to Puruhitika Devi and was blessed with his original form. Sri Chakra Prathista is done under moorthy. Shiva Ratri and Navaratri are important here. Amme Sharanam

Story of Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy & Hathiram Baba  Hathiram Bhavaji was a great devotee of Shri Ram. Once he visited Tirupati & decided to stay there & became great devotee of Venkateswara swamy. Because of Baba's deep devotion, Venkateswarar used to come & play dice with him One day, while playing, Venkateswara left that place in urgency and left his necklace at Baba’s ashram. Priests opened the temple & noticed that an ornament was missing & started to search of it. When Baba found the ornament he went to temple to return it. But he was caught Assuming him as the thief who stole ornament. Bhabaji was taken to the king & when he told exactly what happened no one believed him. King ordered to fill Bhavaji’s prison cell with sugarcane and asked him to eat every bit of sugarcane before the sunrise to escape from punishment Knowing it is impossible, Baba surrenderd completely to Venkateswara. Suddenly an Elephant came from nowhere & ate all sugarcane...

Gudimallam Parasurameswara Temple Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh Sri Parasurameswara Temple Gudimallam is located in Chittoor District. Gudimallam Temple is considered to be most ancient Shiva temples in India, situated in the banks of river  Swarnamukhi.  Temple is famous for Eka Sila Vigraham, with  Tri murties, Brahma in Yaksha Roopa, Vishnu in Parasurama Avatar & Shiva as purusha Linga.Sthala Puranam is associated with Parashurama. Parasurama beheaded his mother as instructed by his father  Even though he revived her, Parasurama wanted to relieve from this sin. According to advice of Rishis, he perform tapasya here. Each day a flower will bloom to offer to Mahadev. Parasurama asks Chitrasena ( Form of Brahma) to help in guarding flower.  One day Chitrasena used the flower to worship Shiva. This angered Parashurama and they started to attack each other. Mahadev appears there and they merged with him. Thus Mahadev is called as Parasurameswara.  Om Nama Shiv...

Shri Govindaraja Temple Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh Govindarajaswamy Temple, located at Chittoor District is one of the most important & ancient temples in Tirupati. Sri Ramanujacharya, did Prathista here. Before Govindaraja Prathista, Parthasarathi was main diety here.  It is said that Sri Govindaraja Swamy is the elder brother of Sri Venkateswara Swamy who managed massive wealth being borrowed from king Kubera for the marriage of Venkateswara Swamy with Padmavathi Ammavaru.  Govindaraja Swamy efficiently managed all wealth & hence Govindarajar is worshipped as god who helps to manage our wealth. Ramanujacharya had a dream of Govindarajar to do Prathista in a particular place.  When Ramanuchar visited that place, he found this Vigraham and thus was Prathista done. There are two sannidhi here, Govindarajar and Parthasarathy.  Govinda

Ahobilam Narasimha Swamy Kshetra Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh Ahobilam Narasimha Swamy Kshetram is located in Kurnool of Andhra. It is here Narasimha Swamy appeared to destroy Hiranyakashipu & protected his Bhakta Prahlada.  Temple is one among 108 Divya Deshams. Ahobilam has Nava (9) Narasimha Kshetras. Sthala Puranam says that, Prahlada was troubled by his own father Hiranyakashipu. To destroy Hiranyakashipu and to protect Prahlada Narasimhar appeared here in Ugra Bhavam.  Ahobila Narasimha is the main temple on Upper Ahobilam. Malola Narasimha is shantaroopa, with the Mata Lakshmi. Yogananda Narasimha, after killing Hiranyakashipu, Narasimhar taught Prahlada yogic powers.Jwala Narasimha is said to be the place where in Kroda Bhavam Swamy decided to tore Hiranyakashipu.  Prahlada Varada Narasimha at the foot of hills, where Narasimhar is seen as blessing Prahlada. Ugra Narasimha is most Kroda Bhavam of Narasimha. Near to this is Ugra Sthambha where Narasimhar appeared fr...