Updated May 26, 2023
Must Visit Temples in Andhra Pradesh
Being the fourth largest state of India, Andhra Pradesh attracts thousands of travelers every year due to its vintage-style architecture and diverse cultural heritage. Every nook and corner of the state is easily adorned with holy temples that hold religious and architectural significance. With its spectacular skyline, the place is home to amazing domes and minarets. Visit this place to witness complex structures. Explore the list of most visited temples in the state.
Top 4 Temples in Andhra Pradesh
Here are the top 4 most popular Temples in Andhra Pradesh:-
#1 Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple
The Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, also known as the Srisailam Temple, actively worships Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As stated in the Puranas, the Temple has an incredible ancient value. The temple complex has many shrines, such as Mallikarjuna and Bramaramba.
- Best Attractions:- There is a Sahasra linga or 1000 linga, and a mirror hall has depictions of Nataraja. There is a temple on the bank of the Krishna River, which is the most famous in Srisailam town. The Mallikarjuna Temple is one of the most visited temples in the town and traces its roots back 6 centuries in history.
- Location:- Located at Srisailam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, the Temple covers 2 hectares and has four gateway towers called Gopurams.
- Architecture: This Temple’s walls and pillars are decorated with beautiful sculptures and carvings. This Temple is one of the most beautiful and sacred structures on the Nallamala hills.
#2 Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple, also known as Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, is a Hindu temple in Tirumala hill town. Since 300 CE, the Temple has witnessed construction in the South Indian style of architecture, adding to the intrigue of its history. Notably, the Temple has gained a reputation as one of the wealthiest temples globally regarding the finances it receives.
- Best Attractions:- It is one of the 8 Vishnu Swayambhu Kshetras, also called the 75th Divya Desam. Two modern queue complex buildings look after the pilgrim crowd, provide free meals to devotees, and various pilgrim housing sites. Tirupati Balaji temple is the most famous Temple, inviting the maximum number of pilgrims and attracting the largest donations daily.
- Location:- This Temple lies on the seventh peak of Venkatadri, on the banks of the holy water tank of Sri Swami Pushkarini. The Temple is also known as the ‘Temple of Seven Hills.’
- Architecture:- Inside the temple, the Garbhagriha, also known as the Sanctum Sanctorum, holds the revered title of Ananda Nilayam. Within this Garbha Griha, worshippers offer their prayers to the standing form of God Venkateswara. The temple strictly adheres to the tradition of Vaikhanasa Agama for worship.
#3 Simhachalam Temple
Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam, also known as Simhachalam Temple, sits on the Simhachalam Hill Range. The Temple dedicates itself to Lord Vishnu and stands among the 32 Narasimha temples of the state. Considered a vital center of Vaishnavism in the medieval era, apart from Srikurmam and Jagannath Temple. It is the second largest Temple, after Tirumala, in financial terms.
- Location:- Simhachalam Temple is a famous Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple sits on a hilltop, about 16 km from the city of Visakhapatnam, and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Best Attractions:- Serving as a popular tourist place in Visakhapatnam, the Temple holds importance for its vibrant traditions and follows a daily worship routine. The peaceful vibes help to forget worries, and the beautiful landscapes make the overall setting serene.
- Architecture:- One can enjoy a charming view from 800 meters height besides offering prayers to Lord Narasimha. Stone carvings adorn the Simhachalam Temple, enhancing the overall structure and giving it a perfect look.
#4 Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
The oldest Temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple or Talpagiri Ranganathaswamy Temple, is located in Nellore. The Pallava kings constructed it in the 7th century on the banks of River Penna. The central focus of the Temple is the idol of Lord Sri Ranganathaswamy, which holds great significance. To ensure the convenience of pilgrims, there is a bus facility available 3 km away from the Temple, connecting Nellore to major cities.
- Best Attractions:- Every year during March and April, the grand Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated here. The Temple has a great religious significance which attracts pilgrims in large numbers.
- Location:-Lord Ranganatha, the resting position of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Nellore, which is recognized as the oldest temple dedicated to him.
- Architecture:- Just before the main entrance, one can find a huge tower called Gaali Gopuram, meaning ‘the wind tower,’ which is 70 feet high and has 10 feet of gold-plated Kalashams or vessels on the top. This Temple’s beautiful architecture and exquisite carving have complex and intricate inlay work.
Conclusion
Each Temple explains its story via architecture representing the faith of the people. It shows the peace and calmness religion itself can bring. The aforementioned temples have grabbed the attention of many foreign and local travelers besides their spiritual and intricate architectural design. Do visit these exquisite masterpieces listed above.
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