Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple

About

The Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple is situated in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Venkateswara also known as Lord Balaji, an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. Positioned atop a hill it is believed that the main deity of the temple manifested on this hill. A unique tradition at this temple involves providing silk garments to the deity with a belief that offering clothes can alleviate ailments suffered by devotees.

Did you know?

The Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple has a history that dates back to the century. According to tales the temple was constructed by Raja Raja Narendra, a king. The story goes that Lord Venkateswara appeared in the king’s dream and instructed him to erect a temple in his honor at Annavaram. Throughout the years the temple has undergone renovations and expansions. In the century Raja I.V. Rama Krishna Rao, a zamindar, reconstructed the temple into its current form. What makes this temple truly remarkable is its style that blends elements from both Dravidian and Oriya styles. Within its premises you can find halls and sanctums surrounded by gardens and water tanks. The temple holds significance for followers of the Hindu faith. Draws in a large number of devotees annually. Various festivals and cultural gatherings take place at the temple throughout the year such as the Kalyanotsavam in May and the Devi Navaratri, in September.

Deities

The temple known as Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple is a place devoted to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Venkateswara holds popularity among followers of Hinduism globally. Millions of devotees pay their respects to him. The Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple stands out among temples dedicated to Lord Venkateswara due to its characteristics and rituals that set it apart from the rest. The Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple stands out for its characteristics. The primary god worshipped at the temple Lord Venkateswara is said to possess the ability to heal the ailments of devotees who present him with silk garments. This particular custom of offering silk clothes exclusively exists within this temple. Is believed to have its roots in the century. The temple boasts a one of a kind design that beautifully combines elements from the Chalukya and Vijayanagara styles. Inside you’ll find a hall adorned with pillars and an impressive 60 foot tall tower gracing its exterior. Additionally there is a pond, within the temple premises that is widely believed to possess healing properties. At the temple they have a tradition called Thulabharam where devotees weigh themselves against offerings, like rice, sugar or jaggery. The weight of these offerings is then given as a donation to the temple. It is believed that this practice brings prosperity and good fortune to the devotees. This temple holds significance and is considered one of the most important temples in Andhra Pradesh. Every year it attracts a number of devotees and tourists making it a must visit destination for those, in Hinduism and Indian culture.

Location

The Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy temple is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is situated in the village of Annavaram, which is in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.

Cultural & Economic Impact

Tourism: The temple is a destination for tourists and worshippers from around the globe. This influx of visitors greatly contributes to the economy as it generates income, for hotels, restaurants and various other businesses.
Employment: The temple offers job opportunities, for individuals, such as priests, cooks, janitors and various support staff members.
Donations: The temple receives an amount of contributions from its followers, which plays a role in boosting the local economy by generating income, for businesses that cater to the needs of the temple.
Infrastructure: The temple has played a role in supporting the development of the area by contributing funds for the building of roads, ensuring access to electricity and facilitating various public services.
Cultural Heritage: The temple holds significance in terms of culture. Plays a vital role in the community. It actively contributes to the preservation and promotion of our heritage, which as a result attracts visitors and provides support to the local economy.

Festivals

The Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple hosts festivals throughout the year. One of the celebrations is the Kalyanotsavam dedicated to the divine marriage of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi. This festival is renowned for its grandeur. Attracts devotees from all corners of the globe. Another important event held at the temple is the Brahmotsavam, a nine day festival observed during September and October. The temple adorns itself with lights and colourful flowers while numerous rituals and ceremonies are conducted to pay homage to Lord Venkateswara. In addition, the temple also observes the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, which takes place in December and the Ugadi festival, which marks the Telugu New Year. During these celebrations the temple is adorned with lights and colourful flowers while various rituals and ceremonies are conducted to pay homage to the beings.

Facts

The temple can be found atop Ratnagiri, a hill embraced by flourishing forests offering a magnificent panorama of the surrounding scenery.
Lord Venkateswara, one of Hinduism’s gods, is the divine figure to whom this temple is devoted. It is believed that this sacred place was constructed during the 9th century.
The temple is well known for its style combining elements of both Dravidian and Chalukyan designs. Its towering gopuram (tower) stands as one of the tallest in South India attracting tourists.
With a history the temple is linked to legends and myths. According to one tale Lord Rama himself constructed the temple while another story credits its creation to a king named Raja I.V. Ramanarayana.
Throughout the year the temple hosts events and festivals that draw in a large number of devotees and visitors. Some of the celebrations include Kalyanotsavam, Brahmotsavam and Vykuntha Ekadasi.
The temple significantly contributes to the economy by providing employment opportunities for individuals. Additionally it generates revenue for businesses, like hotels, restaurants and shops.

Frequently Asked Questions { FAQs }

Why is the Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple significant?

The temple holds importance for Hindus as a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. It boasts a cultural heritage and is renowned for its distinctive architectural style.

When is the ideal period to visit the Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple?

The temple is best visited between October and March when the weather is delightful and numerous festivals and cultural events take place on its premises.

How can I get to the Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple?

To reach the Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple you have various transportation options available. The temple is situated in Annavaram, which has connectivity, through road, rail and air routes. If you prefer flying you can reach the airport in Visakhapatnam, which is approximately 120 km away from Annavaram. Alternatively if you prefer train travel there is a connected railway station in Annavaram that connects to major cities across India.

What are the operating hours of the Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple?

The temple welcomes devotees from 4;00 AM to 9;00 PM every day. Additionally throughout the year the temple hosts events and festivals with their own specific timings.

Are there any charges for visiting the Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple?

There are no entry fees required to visit the temple itself. However please note that certain special services, like archana (offering) abhishekam (bath) and darshan (viewing of deity) may have associated fees.

What are the rules and regulations for visiting the Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple?

When visiting the Annavaram Venkateswara Swamy Temple there are guidelines and protocols that visitors need to adhere to. One important rule is to maintain attire throughout the visit. Additionally it is customary for visitors to remove their footwear before entering the temple premises as a sign of respect. It is also essential to follow any instructions given by the temple authorities during your visit. Lastly please note that photography inside the temple is strictly prohibited.