Famous Temples in Andhra Pradesh: List of 6 Must Know Hindu Andhra Pradesh Temples
Andhra Pradesh is the eight largest state in India. It is the largest city and the commercial hub of the state is Vishakhapatnam. It has a lot of natural attractions like the beaches of VishakhaPatnam ,hill stations like Araku Valley and the island of Konaseema.However, what easily escapes attention is the number of beautiful temples that dot the landscape of Andhra Pradesh. Over the years, Andhra Pradesh has been ruled by the Pallavs, Salankayanas, Vishnukundinas, Chlukyas, the Chola dynasty, Kakatiya dynasty and the Mughals before finally being colonized by the British. Since centuries, there have been thousands of temples constructed in this land, which are now historical monuments. Here are some of the best temples of Andhra Pradesh.
Also See: Temples in Maharashtra
List of Temples in Andhra Pradesh
1. Devipuram Temple
Devipuram is a Hindu temple located near Vishakahapatnam. It is devoted to goddess Sahasrakshi. The sanctum of the temple is reached by going around 100 life sized idols that are placed along the circular path.It has been a social catalyst in providing women more autonomy and freedom with it chants of ‘you are devi and I am devi ‘. Adjacent to the main shrine there are two other shrines of worship.
- Distance from City: 36 km
- Main Gods Worshipped: Lord Shiva
- Temple Timings: 9am – 2 pm | 3 pm – 5 pm
- Best Time To Visit: November – February
- Time Taken: 3-4 hours
- How to Reach: Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam Airport| Nearest Railway Station: Simhachalam North Railway Station
Also See: Shiva Temples in Bangalore | Shiva Temples in Karnataka
2. Yaganti Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and dates back to the 6th century. It is one of the most famous temples in Andhra Pradesh. The construction has contributions from Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagara rulers. The temple is carved out of a single stone, and Shiva is worshipped as an idol and not a linga.
- Distance from City: 100 km
- Main Gods Worshipped: Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
- Temple Timings: 7am – 11 pm | 5 pm – 8 pm
- Best Time To Visit: February to March
- Time Taken: 3-4 hours
- How To Reach: Nearest Airport – Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. | Nearest Train station: Nandyal |Nearest Bus station: Yaganti bus stand
3. Sri Veerbhadra Swami Temple
The Veerbhadra temple is in Anantpur district in Andhra Pradesh. It is over 1000 years old. According to legend, Veerabhadra was born out of a lock of hair of Lord Shiva to destroy the yagna of sage Daksha. The temple is magnificently carved and is visited by many travellers every day. Betel leaves are offered as prasad. Most of the surface of the temple is filled with carvings and paintings. They depict epic scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas.
- Distance from City: 180 km
- Main Gods Worshipped: Veerbhadra, a fearsome incarnation of Shiva
- Temple Timings: 5am – 12:30 pm | 4 pm – 8:30 pm
- Best Time To Visit: February to March
- Time Taken: 2-3 hours
- How To Reach: 2 hour drive from Tirupati | Nearest Railway: Kalikiri| Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
4. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
It is an abode of Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is in a cave about 12 feet high and 30 feet long .A serpent and a statue in a yoga pose represent Narsimha .Silver deities of Lakshmi- Narasimha are also worshipped.
- Distance from City: 100 km
- Main Gods Worshipped: Narsimha and Lakshmi
- Temple Timings: 5:30 am – 1 pm | 4:30 pm – 8:45 pm
- Best Time To Visit: February to March
- Time Taken: 4-5 hours
- How To Reach: 244 km from Tirupati | Buses or Cabs can be availed
5. Srikalahasti Temple
Shiva is the presiding deity in this temple situated in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It was made by Pallavas and is an excellent testament to South Indian architecture. The structure displays intricate carvings of mythological depictions. People come from around the country to get rid of their doshas here. Famous Rahu Ketu puja is performed to rid people of their doshas every day.
- Distance from City: 36 km
- Main Gods Worshipped: Lord Shiva
- Temple Timings: 6 am – 12 pm | 4 pm – 8:30 pm
- Best Time To Visit: November – February
- Time Taken: 3-4 hours
- How to Reach: Nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport | Nearest Railway Station: Srikalahasti
6. Sri Venkateshwara Swami Vaari Temple
The temple is dedicated to Sri Venkateshwara, an incarnation of Vishnu and is also known as Tirumala or Tirupati. It is referred to as The Temple of Seven Hills and is spread over 26.75 sq.kms of area. It is the wealthiest temple in the country and sees almost 5,000 to 10,000 of pilgrims travel to it every day. Hair tonsuring is a popular practice at this temple as hair is offered as sacrifice of worldly things.
- Distance from City: 267 km
- Main Gods Worshipped: Lord Vishnu asVenkateshwar
- Temple Timings: 7am – 7pm
- Best Time To Visit: Feb – March
- Time Taken: 3-4 hours
- How To Reach: Nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport | Nearest Railway Station: Tirupati Railway Station
