Vijayawada, now a significant city to the newly formed state of Andhra Pradesh has a glorious history. Vijayawada, which literally translates to “Place of Victory”, is believed to be the same place where Goddess Durga destroyed Mahisasura on the Indrakeeladri hillock, where the famous Kanaka Durga temple is now located. As per other tales, the original name Bezawada is said to have originated from the request of river Krishnaveni, which requests Arjuna to make a passage for her to merge into Bay of Bengal. Arjuna obiliges to it by creating a small Bejjam or hole through the mountains, thereby making this place known as Bejjamwada or later into Bezawada. The earliest known temples in Vijayawada were found in Mogalrajapuram hills, which has five rock-cut temples which date back to 4th-9th centuries. In this article, we shall explore the famous temples in Vijayawada, along with some interesting tales and facts about them.
9 Famous Temples In Vijayawada You Must-Visit:
Check out these amazing temples in and around Vijayawada to add to your bucket list:
1. Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple:
In the first place, the Durga Devi Temple Vijayawada is considered to be one of the most sacred worship sites in the city. It is created on the banks of the river Krishna and is dedicated to the might Goddess Durga. As per legends, Sage Indrakila performed rigorous penance to Goddess Durga to end the menace of Mahisasura demon. Not only did she kill the demon, but made the hillock her abode and hence the shrine is known as Indrakeeladri temple. The idol is said to be Swayambhu and is 4 feet high.The surrounding view of this temple is absolutely breathtaking and is one of the prime reasons behind the widespread popularity of this temple.
- Address: Indrakeeladri, Arjuna Street, Mallikarjunapeta, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520001.
- Timings: 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM,7:00 AM to 11:00 AM,12:15 PM to 04:00 PM ,6:15 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional wear.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours.
- How To Reach: 1.5 KM from Vijayawada railway station and 20.4 KM from Gannavaram Airport.
- Temple Website: http://kanakadurgamma.org
- Best Time To Visit: Navarathri, Dusshera, Shakambari festival.
Other Attractions: Sub shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the hillock and a beautiful view of Krishna River
2. Subramanya Swamy Temple:
Among the many temples in Vijayawada, this temple is of special importance to the local people. The temple is situated on the top of a hillock called Indrakaladri Hillock and is believed to be one of the most recognized and prominent temples of this city. The temple is a famous tourist spot and visited by a substantial number of devoted worshipers every year.It is dedicated to the worship of Subramanya Swamy or Kartikeya, who is also the Lord of Serpents.
- Address: Kothapeta, Indrakeeladri, Behind Komala Vilas Hotel Hill Top, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520001.
- Timings: 4:00 AM to 12:00 AM, 04:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional wear.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1Hours.
- How To Reach: 4.8 km from Kanaka durga temple and 20.4 KM from Gannavaram Airport.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Skanda Shashti, Padi Utsav, Kavadi.
Other Attractions: Many notable religious sites around this temple
3. Sri Nagrala Sri Maha Lakshmi Ammavaru Temple:
The temple is considered to be one of the finest pilgrimages in the city. According to the local people, this temple is one of the most sacred worship spots for people all over the country. It is located in Chittinagar and is maintained by a community called Nagrala and hence gets it name after them. The temple is devoted to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Address: Chittinagar, Vijayawada.
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional wear.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1Hours.
- How To Reach: 13 minutes from Vijayawada Bus stand.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Dusshera.
Other Attractions: Many notable religious sites around this temple
4. Venkateswara Swamy Temple:
Venkateshwara Swamy Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Vijayawada. It is located on a favorable location and is also one of the most visited temples in the city. People from all over the country come to visit this temple especially because of its architectural beauty.
- Address: Patamata, Benz Circle, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520200.
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional wear.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours.
- How To Reach: 5 KM from Vijayawada railway station.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Major Hindu Festivals.
Other Attractions: Many temples like Ramalayam and Ganganamma temple.
5. Ayyappa Swamy Temple:
This temple is located in a place called Ajit Singh Nagar in Vijayawada and is believed to be one of the finest temples in the country. The temple looks beautiful inside and from the outside as well. The best feature about this temple is that it is spacious compared to the nearby pilgrimages. During the annual festivals, this temple can hold a substantial number of people.
- Address: Singh Nagar Flyover, Beside HP Petrol Pump, Badameru Center, Singh Nagar, R K Puram, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520003.
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Dress Code: Traditional wear.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours.
- How To Reach: 8 Min drive from Vijayawada railway station.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Ayyappa Padi Puja, Makara Sankranti.
Other Attractions: Amusement Park in Singh Nagar.
6. Sai Baba Temple:
When it comes to the best temples in Vijayawada, one cannot simply forget about the Sai Baba Temple in Ring Road. This temple is visited by hundreds of people on a daily basis. The Sai Baba temple in Ring Road is also one of the most peaceful and cleanest Hindu pilgrimages in the city.
- Address: Vijayawada Bypass Rd, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520202.
- Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM.
- Dress Code: No Dress Code.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours.
- How To Reach: 10 Min drive from Vijayawada railway station.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Guru Pournima and all Thursdays.
Other Attractions: Not much to see around the temple.
7. Sai Baba Temple In Madhura Nagar:
There is another famous Sai Baba temple in Vijayawada. This one is located in a place called Madhura Nagar and is believed to be one of the best temples dedicated to Sai Baba in India. Just like the previous one, this temple also acts a peaceful worship spot and has the ability to hold thousands of people who show up regularly.
- Address: Pasupu Thota, Madhura Nagar, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520004.
- Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM.
- Dress Code: No Dress Code.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours.
- How To Reach: 3 KM from Vijayawada railway station.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Guru Pournima and all Thursdays.
Other Attractions: Shopping outside the temple where you can get all puja items.
8. Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Vari Devasthanam:
This is one of the most important temples in the city and one of the oldest one as well. The temple is situated at the top of a small hill. There are many facilities available to the visitors which will allow them to reach the temple easily. Visiting this temple during the early hours of the day is recommended.
- Address: Yenamalakuduru,Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh,India, Vijayawada 520007, India
- Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: 32 Min Drive from Vijayawada railway station
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Shivarathri
Other Attractions: It offers a beautiful view during Sunrise
9. Sri Amareshwara Swami Devasthanam:
This is one of the Pancharama Kshetrams in Guntur district which is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. It is located on the banks of the Krishna river and the sivalinga is said to be installed by Lord Indra. The Shiva lingam is said to grow in size each day and a nail has been hit on top to curb its growth, leading to a red blood stain, which is visible even today. The temple is famous for its inscriptions by many famous kings, including Sri Devaraya of Vijayanagara empire.
- Address: Amaravati Mandal And Town, Guntur District, Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh 522020
- Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: 40 KM from Guntur
- Temple Website: https://tms.ap.gov.in/
- Best Time To Visit: Shivarathri, Navarathri and Kalyana Utsavs
Other Attractions: Buddhist Sites Near Amaravati
Frequently Asked Question and Answers:
1. Apart from Special Pujas, what else can we expect during Navarathri?
One important event that is a must-watch during Navarathri is the Teppotsavam, which marks the end of the 9 day celebrations. It is set on a special boat in the shape of a swan, called the Hamsavahini, which takes the Utsav idols of Goddess Durga and Mallikarjuna Swamy. It is a beautiful feast to the eyes to witness this amazing sight on the calm waters of River Krishna.
2. Apart from temples, are there any other interesting places to see in and around Vijaywada?
There are no dearth for places near Vijayawada. Along with visiting these important shrines, it is also recommended to visit some important sites like the Undavalli Caves, Amaravati Museum, Mogalarajapuram caves and Mangalagiri temple to soak in some nature, along with gathering interesting knowledge on history and culture of our past.
3. Heard about the huge Hanuman temple on the outskirts of Vijayawada. What is its prominence?
You must be talking about Paritala Anjaneya Swamy temple which is located in Paritala Village on NH-9. It holds a record for being the tallest statue in the world, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is also larger than Christ the Redeemer statue of Brazil. The statue stands tall at 135 feet and is located approximately 30 km from the city of Vijayawada.
We hope this article helped you plan your trip to Vijayawada. A lot of people visit just the Kanaka durga temple and call it a trip. However, a trip to this amazing city would be incomplete without visiting atleast some of these glorious temples. Each of them is special in its own way in terms of the architecture, history and the events performed. If you are planning to come down during Navarathri, do plan in advance to avoid inconvenience. Come down to this beautiful city of the Goddess and seek her blessings!
