Andhra Pradesh, an Indian state is known for its famous and beautiful temples. These temples are dedicated to various Hindu deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Parvathi, etc. These temples are known for their splendid ancient architectures, unique carvings, and other structures like the Gopurams and Mandapas. Sri Venkateswara temple is one of the most visited temples in Andhra Pradesh by devotees from across the country.
Ranganatha Temple, Srikalahasti Temple, Simhachalam Temple, Yaganti Temple, along with few others are a must-visit temples of Andhra Pradesh. They are known for their rich historical significance and religious importance.
Are you planning to visit Andhra Pradesh and looking for tops religious attractions? We have prepared a list of 12 must visit Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh.
1. Sri Venkateswara Temple
Location- Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
The Sri Venkateswara Temple is located in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh. The deity of this temple is Venkateswara, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that by visiting this temple one can get rid of their sins. The temple is visited by around 60,000 to 80,000 pilgrims every day. It is known for its Dravidian architecture and rich cultural history.
2. Ranganatha Temple
Location- Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
It is also known as Talpagiri Ranganathaswami Temple, and is located in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh and is one of the most worshipped temples. It is dedicated to the resting form of Lord Vishnu, Lord Ranganatha. A grand festival, known as Brahmotsavam is celebrated every year in the month of March to April and usually continues for around 10 days.
3. Srikalahasti Temple
Location- Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh
This temple is also known as “The Kashi of South”, dedicated to the deity of Vayu Linga (air), one of the Panch Bhoota Stalam. The temple is known for its famous Rahu Kethu Pooja, as it is believed that by doing this people can ward off the effects of Rahu and Kethu. One of the most magnificently celebrated festival here is Maha Shiv Ratri, as lakhs of pilgrims come to seek blessings.
4. Simhachalam Temple
Location- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Simhachalan Temple also known as Sri Varaha Lakshmi Temple is situated in the city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is said that Lord Vishnu took this avatar after saving her devotee from her father. The temple is known for its Kaligan architecture and rich historical significance, and is one of the 32 temples of Narasimha in Andhra Pradesh itself.
5. Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple
Location- Kanipakam, Andhra Pradesh
Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple also known as Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha also called Vinayaka. It is known for its annual Brahamotsavams that continues for 21 days and is visited by large number of devotees. According to the legend it is believed that the idol of Vinayaka seems to grow every year. The temple also has a shrine of water that is said to cure many problems.
6. Yaganti Temple
Location- Yaganti, Andhra Pradesh
Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple is located in Yaganti, Andhra Pradesh and is dedicated to the deity of Lord Shiva. It was constructed by Sangama Dynasty ruler, Harihara Bukka Raya of Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is known for its small pond, The Pushkarini. A dip in this holy bond is considered beneficial. The temple also has a beautiful fused idol, Ardhanareeswara, of Lord Shiva and Parvathi. Maha Shiv Ratri is celebrated with splendor every year and attracts large number of pilgrims.
7. Veerabhadra Temple
Location- Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
This temple is dedicated to the fierce avatar of Lord Shiva, The Virabhadra and is located in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is one of the most splendid temples in Andhra Pradesh, known for its architectural styles, carvings, and paintings. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Lord Shiva. It has the largest statue of Nandi Gan, (bull) of Lord Shiva, which is about 660 ft and 200 mtrs. It attracts large number of devotees throughout the year to offer prayers and seek blessings.
8. Siva Mallikarjuna Temple
Location- Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Also known as Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, it is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. This temple is the home to Lord Shiva and Parvathi and is identified as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Lord Shiva is symbolized as Lingam and worshipped as Mallikarjuna here, and Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Bhramaramba. The temple is known for its spectacular architecture including the gopurams, mandapas, and sculptures.
9. Kanaka Durga Temple
Location- Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
This temple is also known as Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh on the banks of river Krishna. According to the legend, Kanaka Durga saved the people of Vijayawada from the evil king Mahishasura. It is known for its magnificent pujas that are performed during Navaratri, which is attended by large number of pilgrims from across the country.
10. Ahobilam Temple
Location- Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh
This temple is situated in Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh, surrounded by eastern ghats. It is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the nine temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. According to the legend, marriage ceremonies performed in this temple lead to happy married life. It is also known for its splendid Vijayanagar style architecture.
11. Mangalagiri Temple
Location- Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
It is known as the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, located in Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the eight Mahakshetras. It is believed to be discovered by Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava and was highly worshipped by Vijayanagar rulers. Mangalagiri is one of the most auspicious places, it where Goddess Lakshmi performed penance. The temple is filled with devotes throughout the year.
12. Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple
Location- Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
This temple is located in Tirupati and is dedicated to Padmavathi, an avatar of Goddess Lakshmi. It has the famous Padmasarovaram, the temple Tank, known for its auspiciousness. It is said to be the place where Goddess Lakshmi manifested herself in Golden Lotus. Every year Chakra Snanam is held in Padmasarovaram, where lakhs of pilgrims take a dip in this holy water.
Visiting these temples give the devotees an insight about the rich heritage of the state and religious traditions of the country. It provides us to appreciate the historic significance of our culture and tradition The above given is our list of must visit temples in Andhra Pradesh. Have we missed out a temple that left u awe struck? Let us know in the comments.
