The state of Andhra Pradesh is popular for its rich spiritual heritage and beautiful architecture. Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh are a confluence of both of these. If you are native to this land, then you must already be familiar with the many breathtaking temples present in your state, but what about the rest?
For them, we have created a list of 20 of the most popular Hindu temples that are spiritual havens. So, are you ready to explore the mesmerizing land of Andhra Pradesh? If yes, then read on.
Popular Hindu Temples in Andhra Pradesh
Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati
How can you start talking about popular Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh and not begin with the most revered and celebrated of them all? We are, of course, talking about the Sri Venkateswara Temple, located in the beautiful city of Tirupati.
The Tirupati temple is home to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and welcomes millions of devotees every year. The temple is busiest during September and October due to the Brahmotsavam festival. If possible, you should visit this holy temple during these months.
- Main Deity: Lord Venkateswara (Lord Vishnu)
- Location: Tirupati
- Timing: 2.30 am to 1.30 am
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Tirupati Airport (40 km)
- By Train: Tirupati Railway Station
- By Land: Accessible via NH 71 and NH 140
Suggested Tour
Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Kanaka Durga Temple is one of the holiest and most popular Hindu temples in the Southern India region. The temple is a marvel of architectural creation and showcases the beauty of Dravidian culture in all its glory. In addition, the temple is surrounded by Indrakeeladri hills and situated on the banks of the Krishna River, creating a peaceful environment for its travelers.
The temple is its busiest during the months of Navaratri, becoming a hub of vibrant festivals. It is recommended that you make your pilgrimage during those months.
- Main Deity: Goddess Durga
- Location: Vijayawada
- Timing: 4 am to 9 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Vijayawada Airport (20 km)
- By Train: Vijayawada Railway Station
- By Land: Connected via NH 16. Major cities connected include Hyderabad & Guntur
Sri Kalahasti Temple, Chittoor
Sri Kalahasti Temple, located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, is another popular Hindu temple that we have decided to put on our list. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was constructed in the year 1516 by King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The temple is renowned among devotees for its unique Rahu-Ketu pooja and is highly sought after by those looking to mitigate astrological influences.
Another noteworthy fact about this temple is that it is located just 36 km away from the famous Tirupati Temple, which is at the top of our list.
- Main Deity: Lord Shiva
- Location: Srikalahasti
- Timing: 6 am to 9 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Tirupati Airport (26 km)
- By Train: Srikalahasti Railway Station
- By Land: Accessible via NH 71. Major cities connected include Tirupati & Chennai
Simhachalam Temple, Visakhapatnam
The coastal city of Visakhapatnam is famous for many of its attractions. However, the top of any such list is the presence of Simhachalam Temple in the city. Located in the beautiful surroundings of the Western Ghats, you can find the mesmerizing Simhachalam temple welcoming you.
This temple is located around 800 meters above sea level & is among one of the most important temples in the region. Dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the temple hosts millions of devotees every year. The deity here is veiled in sandalwood paste throughout the year and is unveiled during the Chandanotsavam.
- Main Deity: Lord Narasimha
- Location: Visakhapatnam
- Timing: 7 am to 4 pm & 6 pm to 9 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Visakhapatnam Airport
- By Train: Visakhapatnam Railway Station
- By Land: Connected via NH 16 to major cities such as Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Srisailam
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is one of the Jyotirlingas on the Indian subcontinent. This easily explains why this Hindu temple is such a popular place for pilgrimage. The temple is located on the southern banks of River Krishna and was constructed sometime in the 6th century.
According to legends of this place, sage Bhrigu was cursed here by Goddess Parvati as he only worshiped Lord Shiva. The sage was given a third leg to stand more comfortably by Lord Shiva. You can find the idol of the three-legged sage Bhrigu here on the temple premises.
- Main Deity: Lord Shiva as Mallikarjuna and Goddess Parvati as Bhramaramba
- Location: Srisailam
- Timing: 4 am to 8 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Hyderabad Airport (240 km)
- By Train: Markapur Railway Station (73 km)
- By Land: Regular buses from Hyderabad and other major cities in Andhra Pradesh
Suggested Tour
Bhadrachalam Temple, Bhadrachalam
The next Hindu temple on our list is the famous Bhadrachalam temple, situated on the banks of the Godavari River. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is considered one of the nine sacred Vaishnava Divya Kshetras. It is believed that praying at this temple, where Lord Rama is revered in the form of Ramachandra Swamy, brings blessings for peace, prosperity, and fulfillment of desires. The temple is over 1000 years old and is famous for its Sita Ramachandra Swamy deity.
- Main Deity: Lord Rama
- Location: Bhadrachalam
- Timing: 4.30 am to 1 pm; 3 pm to 9 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Rajahmundry Airport (185 km)
- By Train: Bhadrachalam Road Railway Station (40 km)
- By Land: Connected via NH 30. Major cities connected include Hyderabad & Vijayawada
Amararama Temple, Amaravati
Amararama is one part of the revered Pancharama Kshetras, i.e., one of the five temples of Lord Shiva. Located in the town of Amaravati, this temple is renowned for its towering gopuram and the intricate carvings that are present here. Present in the temple is the Amaralingeswara Swamy deity, symbolizing peace and eternity. It is something that is only compounded by where the temple is located, on the banks of the Krishna River.
- Main Deity: Lord Shiva
- Location: Amaravati
- Timing: 6 am to 8 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Vijayawada Airport (40 km)
- By Train: Guntur Railway Station (35 km)
- By Land: Regular buses ply from Vijayawada and other major cities in Andhra Pradesh
Ahobilam Temple, Anantapur
Next on our list is the Ahobilam temple, located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is quite unique in this list. Not only is it dedicated to Lord Narasimha, but the deity is present here in nine different forms. The complex has nine different temples that are dedicated to all nine forms.
Located in the beautiful village of Ahobilam and amidst the picturesque valleys and waterfalls, this temple has been a pilgrimage site for devotees for centuries while at the same time attracting tourists as well.
- Main Deity: Lord Narasimha
- Location: Ahobilam, Anantapur
- Timing: 6.30 am to 1 pm; 2 pm to 5.30 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (315 km)
- By Train: Cuddapah Railway Station (60 km)
- By Land: Connected via NH 40. Connections to cities like Kurnool and Nandyal
Kurmam Temple, Srikakulam
Kurman Temple is another popular temple that we have added to our list. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is present here in his Kurma Avatar. There are very few temples around the world with the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and boasts of classic Dravidian influence in its architecture. You will find intricate carvings and a peaceful atmosphere for you to enjoy during your visit.
- Main Deity: Lord Vishnu (Ramamurthy form)
- Location: Srikakulam
- Timing: 6 am to 8 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Visakhapatnam Airport (106 km)
- By Train: Srikakulam Road Railway Station
- By Land: Connected via NH 16. Connections with cities like Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram
Basara Gnana Saraswathi Temple
Basara Gnana Saraswathi Temple, which, as evident by its name, is dedicated to the Goddess Saraswathi. It is one of the famous temples dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi in the Indian subcontinent.
The temple is located on the banks of the Godavari River and stands out for the unique tradition of Aksharabhyasam. It is a ceremony that marks the beginning of a child’s education; Goddess Saraswathi is, after all, the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge.
- Main Deity: Goddess Saraswathi
- Location: Basara
- Timing: 4.30 am to 8.30 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (260 km)
- By Train: Basar Railway Station
- By Land: Connected via NH 44. Major cities connected include Hyderabad and Nizamabad
Yaganti Temple, Kurnool
Yaganti Temple in Kurnool is another fine addition to this list. Set in the backdrop of Yerramalla hills, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple boasts of ancient cave temples that date back to the 2nd century BCE. However, the most amazing part about this temple is the growing Nandi statue and the Pushkarini water body that are inside the temple complex. It is believed that this water body has headline power, which is why thousands of devotees visit here every year.
- Main Deity: Lord Shiva
- Location: Kurnool
- Timing: 6 am to 7 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (215 km)
- By Train: Kurnool City Railway Station
- By Land: Connected via NH 40. Major cities connected include Hyderabad and Bengaluru
Mantralayam Raghavendra Swamy Temple, Mantralayam
Mantralayam Raghavendra Swamy Temple is a spiritual oasis that is dedicated to Sri Raghavendra Swamy, a revered Madhva saint. The temple is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River (which you might have observed is a theme with temples in Southern India) and is a center of Vedic learning and spiritual practices. This temple complex houses the Jeeva Samadhi of the saint, which he entered in the year 1671.
- Main Deity: Sri Raghavendra Swamy
- Location: Mantralayam
- Timing: 6 am to 2 pm; 4 pm to 9 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (215 km)
- By Train: Mantralayam Road Railway Station
- By Land: Connected via NH 167. Major cities connected include Hyderabad and Raichur
Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple
Lord Ganesha is worshipped in the Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple in his Vinayaka form. The temple is famed for its self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol of Lord Ganesha, which is believed to have appeared to a shepherd boy in the 12th century. The deity is submerged in the temple’s holy water tank. Devotees flock to this place in hundreds of thousands, asking for blessings for good health, success in endeavors, and spiritual progress.
- Main Deity: Lord Ganesha
- Location: Kanipakam
- Timing: 4 am to 9.30 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Tirupati Airport (80 km)
- By Train: Chittoor Railway Station (15 km)
- By Land: Accessible through NH 71
Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple
Sitting atop the majestic Ratnagiri hills, you will find this famous temple. Here, you will get a panoramic view of the river Pampa, another reason why this temple is such a popular attraction amongst tourists.
The temple is uniquely constructed, resembling a chariot more than a classic Hindu temple. Devotees revere the idol of Lord Satyanarayana Swamy, present here. Another noteworthy fact about this temple is its unique rituals like Satyanarayana Vratam.
- Main Deity: Lord Satyanarayana Swamy
- Location: Annavaram
- Timing: 6 am to 8 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Rajahmundry Airport (80 km)
- By Train: Annavaram Railway Station
- By Land: Connected with NH 16
Ramappa Temple
Next on this list is the magnificent structure of the Ramappa Temple, located in Warangal (or near it anyway). The temple is situated in the heart of what was once the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty, something that is reflected in the design of the temple.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is renowned for its richly carved pillars, intricate sculptures, and floating bricks. A noteworthy fact about this temple is that it took nearly 40 years to create this masterpiece.
- Main Deity: Lord Shiva
- Location: Warangal
- Timing: 6 am to 6 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (160 km)
- By Train: Warangal Railway Station (70 km)
- By Land: Accessible via NH 163
Thousand Pillar Temple
Staying in the beautiful city of Warangal, we are now turning our focus on the aptly named Thousand Pillar temple. As the name suggests, the temple has over a thousand pillars! This temple was also constructed by the Kakatiya dynasty and is renowned for its star-shaped architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu & Lord Surya and is a deserving addition to this list.
- Main Deity: Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu & Lord Surya
- Location: Warangal
- Timing: 5 am to 9 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (160 km)
- By Train: Warangal Railway Station
- By Land: Regular buses from cities like Hyderabad and other major cities in the region
Ranganatha Temple
Ranganatha Temple, also known as Sri Talpagiri Ranganathaswamy temple, is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Nellore. A deserving entry on our list, this temple was constructed in the 12th century and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is present here in his reclining form.
Once glance at the temple, and you will understand why it is renowned for its beautiful Dravidian architecture. Its 70-foot gopuram, which is adorned with intricate sculptures and seven gold Kalasams, the influence of Dravidian kings and queens is there for everyone to see.
- Main Deity: Lord Vishnu as Lord Ranganatha
- Location: Nellore
- Timing: 6 am to 9 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nellore Airport
- By Train: Nellore Railway Station
- By Land: Regular buses connect Nellore with major cities in Andhra Pradesh
Mahanandi Temple
In the lush greenery and the natural springs of the Mahanandi village in Nandyal district, you will also find the Mahanandi temple. This ancient and renowned temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva, where he is present as Mahanandiswara Swamy.
The temple boasts several structures such as a gopuram, mandapa halls that are intricately carved, and an inner sanctum that hosts the Swayambumurthy Linga of Lord Shiva.
- Main Deity: Lord Shiva
- Location: Nandyal
- Timing: 5.30 am to 9 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (215 km)
- By Train: Nandyal Railway Station (19 km)
- By Land: Connected via NH 40. Major connections include Hyderabad and Bengaluru
Jogulamba Temple
One of the Shakti Peetha, Jogulamba temple in Alampur, is a holy site in Hinduism. It is also one of the 12 Maha Shakti Peethas, which also makes it even more significant in the religion.
The temple houses a unique idol of Devi Jogulamba that is carved from a single block of stone and seated on a lotus pedestal. The temple is especially lively during the annual Maha Shivaratri festival, which attracts millions of devotees from all over the world.
- Main Deity: Goddess Jogulamba
- Location: Alampur
- Timing: 7 am to 1 pm; 2 pm to 8.30 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (200 km)
- By Train: Kurnool City Railway Station (27 km)
- By Land: Regular buses from major cities in the region like Hyderabad and Kurnool
Sri Mukhalingam Temple
The final entry on our list is the Sri Mukhalingam Temple, or Sri Mukhalingeswara Temple, in Srikakulam. It is an ancient temple, and it is believed that this is where the Shiva lingam appeared as Mukha Avatar. This makes this quite unique compared to other Shiva temples in the country and abroad.
- Main Deity: Lord Shiva
- Location: Srikakulam
- Timing: 6 am to 7.30 pm
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Visakhapatnam Airport (120 km)
- By Train: Srikakulam Road Railway Station
- By Land: Connected via NH 16. Connections to major cities like Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram
Conclusion
So there you have it – 20 of the most popular Hindu temples in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Note that these entries are just our perspectives, and there are many other Hindu temples in the state that can be added here, each with its unique charm and significance. This list is just an excellent place for you to get started!
- Also Read: Popular Hindu Temples in South India
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