Located in the Southern part, Andhra Pradesh is the eighth largest state in India. The state is an illustration of the diverse styles of the temple building in the Indian subcontinent. Andhra Pradesh is rich in architectural beauty, natural attractions, and numerous holy temples. Today we are exploring the most Famous Temples in Andhra Pradesh.
Over the years, this state has been ruled by various dynasties. In ancient times, temples were generally used to showcase the style of art and architecture and not for worship. The writings and beautiful carvings on these temples help visitors know about India’s mythology and ancient history. Here’re some of the most famous temples in Andhra Pradesh, which you will certainly want to add in your bucket list on your trip to India.
1. Tirupati Balaji Temple
Address: Tirumala, Tirupati Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 2:30 AM to 1:30 AM
Best Time to Visit: March-April (Less Crowded)
Tirupati Balaji is considered to be one of the most ancient and sacred pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is constructed in Dravidian architecture and is situated in a hill town called Tirumala, which is 22 kilometers away from Tirupati. The temple enshrines Balaji or Lord Venkateswara, which is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Tirupati is also known for its religious fairs and festivals. The biggest festival is Tirumala Brahmotsavam in which around 5 Lakh pilgrims visit the place. During this time, various food and dance festivals are held in the temple town.
In terms of donations received and wealth, it is the richest temple in the world along with being the most visited place for worship.
2. Veerbhadra Temple at Lepakshi
Address: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Best Time to Visit: A 10 days long Chariot festival in February
Located around the Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh, this temple is over a thousand years old. Lepakshi is a small village, which lies 14 kilometers east of Hindupur in Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh.
It is believed that Veerbhadra was born out of a lock of hair of Lord Shiva to destroy the yagna of sage Daksha. The temple consists of three important shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Veerbhadra, of which Veerbhadra temple is the most important place to visit in Lepakshi.
Lepakshi temple is magnificently carved and is visited by many travelers every day. Most of the surface of the temple is filled with carvings and paintings, which depict scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. The monolithic Nandi (The Bull) is placed at the Lepakshi temple and is the biggest monolithic Nandi in India.
3. Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam
Address: Srisaila Devasthanam, Kurnool District, Atmakur Mandal, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: September to October
Mallikarjuna Swami temple is situated on a flat top of Nallamalai hills in Srisailam. Mallikarjuna Swami is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This temple is referred to as one of the twelve Jyotirlangas of Lord Shiva, and as one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas of Goddess Parvati in India.
Lord Siva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Brahmaramba. Also, it is one of the only three temples in India in which both Jyotirlinga and Shaktipeeth is revered.
Mallikarjuna is one of the most ancient temples in Andhra Pradesh and a popular centre of Saivite pilgrimage for centuries. The other attractions near this temple are Patala Ganga, Srisailam Dam, and a Tiger Reserve.
4. Birla Temple in Hyderabad
Address: Birla Temple, Hill Fort Road, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 Noon; 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Anytime around the year
The Birla temple in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh is a modern temple on the top of a hill. It is built out of white marble. The deity residing here is Venkateswara, one among the many forms of Lord Vishnu. This deity is made out of granite and is eleven feet tall. A carved lotus acts as an umbrella for the Venkateswara. The Birla group of industries in India has built several temples across the country and this one is no exception.
The temple exhibits a beautiful blend of architectural styles. There’s a tower on the main shrine of Venkateswara, which is called Jagadananda Vimanam built in the Orissa style of architecture.
The temple’s hall depicts scenes from Indian mythology and marvelous architectural works engraved in marble. This white marble temple looks like a dreamland in the night.
5. Mangalagiri Temple
Address: Kothapeta Road, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Best Time to Visit: Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Brahmothsavam
This temple is also known as Panakala Narasimha Swami Temple and is one of the most ancient temples of South India. Located on the Mangalagiri Hill of Andhra Pradesh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is one of the eight holy destinations of Lord Vishnu in India. Mangala Giri means Holy Hill. The shape of the Mangalagiri Hill resembles an elephant and has steps to reach the main temple. The main attraction of this temple is that the idol drinks Jaggery drink. The idol’s (Narasimha Swamy) mouth opens 15cm wide into which the devotees offer that Jaggery drink, and it is believed that after a certain quantity is consumed, the rest comes out of the open mouth, which is offered to devotees as Prasadam.
6. Simhachalam Temple
Address: Simhachalam Road, Near, Gopalapatnam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM; 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Kalyanotsavam and Chandanotsavam
This temple is dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, which is one of the thirty-two Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temples in India. This temple has an amazing architecture style of Orissan, Chalukya and Chola constructions. Constructed almost a thousand years back, the temple gets its name from the Simhachalam hill, which is located 800 meters above sea level. The temple’s idol resembles a Shiva Lingam and is covered by Sandalwood paste throughout the year. It is only once a year, during the Chandana Visarjana that the sandal paste is removed, and pilgrims see the image.
If you enjoyed this blog on the most famous temples in Andhra Pradesh, you might also like to read about the most famous Indian temples.