Srikakulam, a district located in Andhra Pradesh, has a rich cultural and historical background, mainly represented by various temples in Srikakulam. These temples testify to an earlier civilisation’s architectural innovation and religious fervour. Other famous temples are the Srikurmam Temple, which is for Lord Vishnu’s Kurma avatar or incarnation, and the Arasavalli Sun Temple, for the solar deity. Another important temple is the Mukhalingam Temple an excellent example of the Kalinga style of architecture. These are not only places for religious activities but also become an exciting place for tourists and pilgrims to look at the region’s rich and colourful cultural heritage.
Famous Temples In Srikakulam
Srikakulam is famous for its rich cultural heritage and its ancient temples. Temples in Srikakulam have great architecture and deep spiritual significance. In this blog, we will list a few of the famous temples tourists must not miss. Lets begin:-
1. Arasavilli
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Temples in Srikakulam district are some of the most fabulous constructions, both from an architectural and religious point of view. There is a Sun God temple called Arasavilli temple situated at Srikakulam. The temple is said to have been constructed in the 8th century AD under the rule of Eastern Ganga King Devendra Varma. It is one of the country’s few ‘sun temples’, the architecture being purely Kalinga. The temple area spans over one acre and the main shrine, the shrines of the gods, the music and dance halls and other halls have various carvings of gods, there is a grand wooden chariot for housing the statue of Surya which is done in black granite single stone. Its walls depict scenes from Hindu scripture and are executed in low relief. The temple also contains another stepped tank referred to as Surya Kunda. This temple dates back to the 8th century and is one of India’s most important architectural and historical monuments, with unique and exquisite sculptures of ancient temple architecture.
Location: Sun God Temple, Srikakulam
Best Time To Visit: February
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2. Srikurmam Temple
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Temples in the Srikakulam district are famous for their architecture. One is the Srikurmam temple in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, the area’s oldest and most celebrated temple. Srikurmam temple belongs to the early 11th century Lord Vishnu temple as Kurma avatar (tortoise incarnation). The temple’s architectural design is pyramidal and has five storeys with facades carved out in the form of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. This place is also exceptionally significant because it is one of the few temples in India dedicated to the Kurma avatar of Lord Vishnu. Kurmam Jayanthi festival is also celebrated annually in the month of Vaishakha, during which thousands of devotees throng the temple. There is also a small tank, known as Kurmanadha Tirtham, within the temple premises, and the water from this tank is believed to possess medicinal value. Overall, the Srikurmam temple is a piece of art and an emblem that reveals the history of the Srikakulam district.
Location: Kurma Avatar Temple, Srikakulam
Best time to Visit: April (Vaishakha)
3. Srimukhalingam Temple
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Temples in Srikakulam district also play a crucial role in enriching the region’s culture. Out of all such temples, Srimukhalingam temple is at least 1,400 years old and was constructed during the Vishnu Kundi dynasty in the 8th century. Its name derives from the principal deity, Sri Mukha Lingam, the Shiva lingam with three faces. One curious aspect of the lingam is that there is an outlet on the middle face, which always produces a slow trickle of water. The temple follows a Dravidian architectural plan with expansive towers and halls. The artistic carvings of the pillars and the walls made of stones are unique. Several inscriptions have been attributed to different dynasties of rulers around the Srimukhalingam temple, written on the walls. This is the place of worship where the primary lingam is located, as well as other idols and several representations of Nandi. The Sivaratri festival, celebrated every year, attracts thousands of people to the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Location: Sri Mukha Lingam Temple, Srikakulam
Best time to Visit: February-March
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4. Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple
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One of the favourite shrines the people visit is the Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple in the Arasavalli village of the Srikakulam district, one of the famous temples among various Temples in Srikakulam. This temple was built over 500 years ago and is specifically for Surya Narayana Swamy, Sun God. This temple was constructed in the early Kalinga architectural period, and it is a magnificent epitome of carved pillars, carved faces, and the abnormal Kalinga archaic style of temple construction. The main deity statue is that of the presiding deity, Lord Sun, a 2-metre tall shining idol chiselled out from black granite stone. The outer structure of the temple has many tales carved and sculpted on the walls in the form of Hindu legends from epics. Festivals such as Ratha Saptami and Karthika Pournami are great attractions, and the number of pilgrims visiting the temple is high. The temple also continues the age-long tradition of serving food to thousands of pilgrims on auspicious occasions, and the art illustrates the Kalinga spirit of hospitality.
Location: Arasavalli, Srikakulam
Best time to Visit: February
5. Srimukha Lingeswara Swamy Temple
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Sri Mukhalingeswara Swamy temple is an ancient and famous temple of Lord Shiva and a renowned one among the Temples in Srikakulam. This temple is in Ichchapuram town, and its construction was done during the Medieval period. The temple’s structure and designs are represented by carved and sculpted works in stone. It has a main Garbhagriha enshrined by a Shiva lingam and also temples for Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. It is located in the district where devotees come for darshan during Maha Shivratri. This temple is religious and has historical and cultural significance in terms of its impressive architectural design. The temple facility has a large area of land covering more than a few acres, with gardens, corridors made of pillars and water tanks. In general, Srimukha Lingeswara Swamy temple can be described as an exquisite temple in Srikakulam district, which is especially valuable for its magnificence, holiness and beautiful ornamental and constructive details.
Location: Ichchapuram, Srikakulam
Best time to Visit: February-March
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6. Sri Kurmam Temple
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When thinking of temples in Srikakulam, Sri Kurmam temple is one of the oldest temples, specifically built for Lord Vishnu, who was incarnated in the form of Kurma, the tortoise. According to local folklore, the temple is as old as 2nd century AD and is said to have been constructed by the great Vasishta Maharishi. The main deity is a statue of Kurma avatar in sitting posture, giving support to the Govardhana hill and assisting Krishna in lifting it. This temple pulls in a number of devotees from different parts of the country in the hope of receiving blessings from Lord Vishnu. The Brahmotsavam festival is performed in the Phalguna month, and during the Ratha Yatra, thousands of faithful devotees drag the beautifully decorated chariots of the deities. Hence, silence prevailed, and the large construction made Sri Kurmam temple one of the most significant temples in the territory.
Location: Srikakulam
Best time to Visit: March (Phalguna)
7. Pydithalli Ammavari Temple
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Temples in Srikakulam are famous for their importance in religion one of them is the Pydithalli Ammavari Temple, which is in Vangara mandal of Srikakulam district. This temple is associated with Pydithalli Ammavaru and has many visitors from different parts of the state. The goddess worshipped here is Durga, locally referred to as Pydithalli Ammavaru. Kalinga was built during the 13th century by King Narasingha Deva, although it was expanded later. There are several structures on the temple premises, including the main shrine, Maha Mandapa and Ardha Mandapa, along with other small shrines in the temple. The festival held in March-April is known as Pydithalli Jatara, and the event is a ceremonial procession with more than a lakh of devotees. It is a greatly respected temple and of great archaeological importance since it is ancient.
Location: Vangara, Srikakulam
Best time to Visit: March-April
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8. Ramatheertham
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People know that among the temples in Srikakulam, the Ramatheertham temple is a famous ancient temple near Vizianagaram, Srikakulam. The Eastern Ganga dynasty established the construction over eight centuries ago. This temple, also known as Rameswaram, was constructed on the right bank of the Nagavali river. The whole temple is hewn out of a single rock that slopes towards the river, and the entire complex almost replicates the natural slope. It is a good representation of the ancient Indian sculptors who had a great talent in building construction. Some of these sculptures are pretty striking: the Narasimha and Trivikrama avatar sculptures. Scribbled stories from the epic Ramayana are also on the temple’s walls. Ramatheertham temple is among the five Pancharama Kshetras in Andhra Pradesh and is a major attraction for devotees in the state. In all, it can be without doubt that on the list of temples, one should not miss out on his Andhra Pradesh religious tour.
Location: Vizianagaram, near Srikakulam
Best time to Visit: November-December
9. Jammi Vruksham
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Jammi Vruksham temple is nearly 700 years old and is also known by the name of the Jamun Tree and situated in the temple complex right at the entrance of the sanctorum, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous among various Temples in Srikakulam. The most prominent feature of this temple is a huge Nandi that has been sculpted directly from a single stone; it is fifteen feet tall and eighteen feet long and is one of the most giant Nandi statues to be considered. This temple attracts people from the surrounding area, especially during the Maha Shivaratri festival. There is no noise, and the interior has beautiful stonework that demonstrates the Kalinga style of architecture. Indeed, it is one of the famous temples in the Srikakulam district, which attracts tourists who are very interested in the history and architecture of the temple.
Location: Srikakulam
Best time to Visit: February-March
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10. Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple
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Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple is one of the Temples in Srikakulam exclusively built for Lord Rama, dating back to the 11th century during the rule of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It is located in the town of Srikakulam, which is near the Nagavali River’s banks. And this temple. The central temple enshrines Rama, while there are sub-shrines for his wife Sita, brother Lakshman, and Hanuman, who is Rama’s ardent devotee. Temple walls have many scenes carved in stones showcasing Ramayana. Every year, in March-April, the Rama Navami festival is performed with the bathing of the utsava murti of Rama and a procession of the deity as well as thousands of devotees. The temple is under the Archaeological Survey of India and depicts Dravidian architecture and a stone carving work; hence, it is an important cultural and historical site for the town.
Location: Srikakulam
Best time to Visit: March-April
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Thus, temples in Srikakulam, like Arasavalli Sun Temple and Sri Kurmam Temple, are not only pilgrim centres but also architectural and cultural assets. These are religious places where devotees and history lovers can plan their visit as they get to see India’s rich culture and spirituality. Overall, all the temples differ in history and what they are important for, joining the region’s religious life. These places offer a spiritually satisfying vacation, and therefore, Srikakulam is an essential and recommended place for tourists interested in exploring India’s ancient history. So, when you are planning a trip to Andhra Pradesh, make sure you explore these fantastic temples in Srikakulam.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Temples In Srikakulam
In what ways did temples in Srikakulam play an important role?
Temples of Srikakulam are old, some even as old as the 7th century. Buildings include beautiful architectural designs and sculpture which exhibit the cultural and historical heritage of the area.
What specific construction designs should one look for in the temples of Srikakulam?
Yes, most temples in Srikakulam have their own specialty in terms of architectural design, these even include carving, gopurams, sculpture and others that include mythological stories and other gods.
Which are the popular festivals that are held presently at these temples in Srikakulam?
There are many festivals, out of them Ratha Saptami, Vaikunta Ekadashi and Kalyanotsavam are more important festivals. Every temple may have the tendency to have its own functions and ceremonies that are situated in big crowds of followers.
Are there any charges or entry fee to visit these temples in Srikakulam?
Generally, most of the temples do not permit entry fees. However, some may have nominal charges for the special darshans or specific religious ceremonial events.
In which season should one visit temples in Srikakulam?
The best time to visit is during the winter season in months of October to March, when the climate is relatively cool and to some extent more suitable. Major festivals are also a good time to visit as we get a taste of cultural celebrations.
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