Vizag is one city which strikes a chord with nature lovers. People throng this place all through the year to enjoy the majestic beaches and the scenic hill stations. However, not many know about the religious side of this beautiful city. Vizag is home to some prominent Hindu temples, which have a glorious history and mythological association. Vizag, also known as Visakhapatnam was initially ruled by the Vengi, Chalukyas and the Pallavas. One of the first temples built in this city dates back to 11th Century, and is said to be built by one of the Andhra kings, who was mesmerized by the beauty of this place. Among the religious sites that are known to the current generation, ISCKON temple and Simhachalam temple are noteworthy. Recent excavations in areas like Boudharamam, Saligudam and Sankaram have revealed some ancient Buddhist shrines. There are also many famous temples near Visakhapatnam, which are popular with tourists and devotees. In this article, we shall explore some of these famous temples in Visakhapatnam and their amazing facts!
Must-Visit Hindu Temples in Visakhapatnam:
Check out these famous temples in Vizag to add to your bucket list,
1. ISKCON Temple Vizag:
One of the biggest planned establishments of the proud city of Visakhapatnam, ISKCON is recognized as a branch of Krishna worshippers, devoted to the lord usually wearing a signature orange saint draping with white religious signs etched on the forehead. Also a house to the trio Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra, the temple engraved in milky white marble is indeed a beautiful abode.The temple was established in the year 2020 on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. Every Sunday a special feast is organized for the devotees and visitors.
- Address: Beach Road, Hare Krishna Land, Sagar Nagar, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530045
- Timings: Morning: 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, Evening: 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: 20km from Vizag airport and 15 minutes drive from railway station
- Temple Website: https://iskconvizag.org/
- Best Time To Visit: Sri Krishna Janmastami, Rathasaptami, ISKCON Utsav
Other Attractions: Special discourses and Bhajans. There are also stalls for buying books and other religious items
2. Sri Venkateswara Temple:
This amazing temple is located in the Srungamani hill, which is situated near the port area. It is one of the oldest temples in the city and is said to be constructed by a king called Sri Krishna Bhupalada in 6th Century AD. It is also listed in the 108 Vaishnava Abhimana Kshetrams by Sri Ramanuja. The temple attracts devotees from all over country for its mesmerizing sculptures and amazing architecture. It is a special Gopura that is visible from the port area.
- Address: Beach Road, Hare Krishna Land, Sagar Nagar, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530045
- Timings: Morning: 6:00 am to 12:30 pm, Evening: 4:00pm to 9:00pm
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: 5KM from railway station
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Kalyanotsavam and Teppotsavam
Other Attractions: A beautiful view from the temple
3. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple:
A temple built for the ever forgiving Sai Baba, the main attraction to the temple collects a real life size figurine of the deity himself, seated against a dark mahogany wood piece, looking life-like and serene. Covering an area of eight acres in and around, this temple is an abode of tranquility and serenity amidst the Sai Baba devotees.The foundation stone to this beautiful temple was laid in the year 1977.
- Address: Near Vuda Park, Beach Road at Chinna Waltair, East Point Colony
- Temple Timings: 05:15 am to 8:30 pm
- Dress Code: No dress code
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: 5Minutes walk from the VUDA bus stop.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Guru Pournima and other important Hindu festivals
Other Attractions: Sub shrines of Hanuman, Ayyappa, Parvati Devi and Lord Sanineswara
4. Sri Durgalamma Temple:
An astute and replenished structure of the goddess herself resides in the temple as the temple takes the name for it after the residing of the goddess, Sri Durgalamma. Located in the Arilove district of Visakhapatnam, this temple is quite compact and with the recent changes undergoing it we are expecting a much broader acre for the temple expansion.
- Address: Chandrampalem, Beside Hanuman Temple, Madhurawada , Vizag – 48
- Timings: 6:00 a.m. To 8:00 p.m
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: 11.45 KM from Railway station and 10 Km from Bus stop
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Navarathri, Dusshera and other important Hindu festivals
Other Attractions: Many internal sub shrines and shopping outside the temple
5. Vasavi Kanyaka Parmeswari Temple:
The tower is fascinating, splashed in a hue of every shade housing Sri Kanyaka Parmeswari. Looming high and structured beautifully, this temple is one of the oldest standing structures shaped in a gopura architecture, integrating a spacious lawn on the front. If not for the deity, this place deserves a visit, simply for its vibrant scenic structures.
- Address: Chandrampalem, Beside Hanuman Temple, Madhurawada , Vizag – 48
- Timings: 6:00 a.m. To 8:00 p.m
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: 11.45 KM from Railway station and 10 Km from Bus stop
- Temple Website: http://srivasavitemplegajuwaka.com/
- Best Time To Visit: Navarathri, Dusshera
Other Attractions: Gosala inside the campus
6. Sri Jaganadha Swamy Temple:
One of the noteworthy temples in Vizag is the temple of Sri Jaganadha Swamy located in Steel plant township. This is also one of the oldest temples in the city and is said to have been constructed in 1th Century by a King called Ananta Varman Choda Ganga Deva. The style of the deities resembles Puri Jaganadha temple with the idols of Jagannath, Balaram and Shubadhra. Every year an annual Rathra Yathra is conducted which attracts crowds in large numbers.
- Address: VIP Road, Sector 10, Steel Plant Township, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530032
- Timings: 6:00 a.m. To 8:00 p.m
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: 22 Minutes Drive from Railway station
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Ratha Yatra
Other Attractions: There are beautiful parks nearby this temple
7. Ayyappa Swami Temple:
Being a relatively new temple in the city of Vizag, Swamy Ayyappa shrine is located in serene surroundings with a magnificent view from the top. It is situated on the east of Godavari river and has a main shrine dedicated to the worship of Lord Ayyappa. There are many other sub shrines within the temple. Each year a Padi puja is conducted in a grand manner and Makara Sankranti is a prominent festival.
- Address: National Highway 5, Airport Road, Sheela Nagar, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530012
- Timings: 6:00 a.m. To 8:00 p.m
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: 5 KM from Airport. You can take a cab or taxi to reach the temple
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Makara Sankranti
Other Attractions: Many sub shrines within the temple
8. Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple:
Located within the hills of Simhachalam, this colorful temple is merely an elegant gracious shrine housing the two avatar or forms of Vishnu, varaha and Narasimha. The temple design integrates a superb fusion of Chalukya and Orissa culture inspired designs. However, the highlight of this temple is the adorning of the deities in Sandalwood paste all year long except the festival days which attracts a plethora of tourists and worshippers.It is also one of the important temples among the 32 Narasimha Kshetrams and is the second largest shrines after Tirumala in terms of earning.
- Address: Simhachalam Rd, Near, Gopalapatnam, Police Station, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028
- Timings: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm , 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Dress Code: Traditional wear
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: 32 KM from Vizag Airport
- Temple Website: NA
- Best Time To Visit: Kalyanotsavam and Chandanotsavam
Other Attractions: Kappa Stambham in the Mukhamantapam, which is believed to cure all diseases and also bless women with fertility.
9. Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple:
Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi temple is one of the prominent temples around Vizag, which was constructed by the Kings of Visakhapatnam. As this temple was constructed near the fort area, the area is also called Burujupeta. As per local tales, the idol of the temple was extracted from a local well in the year 1912 and installed it in the place. The temple is specially popular with women who believe that worshipping the Goddess will bless them to be Sumangalis.
- Address: Town Kotha Rd, Burujupeta, Chengal Rao Peta, Jagadamba Junction, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530001
- Timings: Opens 24 Hours. Closes from 11:00 am to 11:30 am & 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm for cleaning
- Dress Code: No dress code
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: 17.1 KM from Vizag Airport
- Temple Website: https://srikanakamahalakshmitemple.org/
- Best Time To Visit: Navarathri, Margasira Masa Mahotsavam
Other Attractions: There is no pujari in the temple and devotees are free to perform their own puja to the goddess.
Frequently Asked Question and Answers:
1. Which Temples Serve Annadanam or Food to the Devotees?
Many temples in Vizag serve annadanam to hungry devotees and ensure they go home with their hearts and stomachs filled with happiness. Some of these shrines which serve good food are Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Devasthanam, Sri Sampath Vinayak temple at Asilametta and Simhachalam temple. Food usually starts from 12:30PM and it is advised to stand in the queue a little early to avoid rush.
2. Are There Any Shiva Temples in Vizag?
Vizag has many Shiva temples, which are known for their Abhishekams and pujas to Lord Shiva. Some of the noteworthy temples are Lord Shiva Temple, Madavadara, Sri Ramalingeshwara temple in Kancherapalem and Shiva temple in Steel Plant Township. Kartheeka Masam is one of the best visited months in these temples.
3. Apart from Temples, is There Any Other Must-Visit Place in Vizag, Which Combines Divinity with Tourist Attraction?
If you are looking for a place in Vizag, which has both a religious feel and a scenic attraction is Kailasagiri hill. No trip to the city is complete without taking a tour to this beautiful place, which offers a complete 360 degree view. It is located at 173 metres above sea level and you can take a rope way to go travel to the top. The huge idols of Shiva and Parvati make you feel like you are in Kailasam and justifies the name of the hill.
Vizag is now one of the fastest growing cities in the newly formed state of Andhra Pradesh. This amazing city has everything to offer to make one feel at home. Especially if you are looking for some places that makes you feel closer to God, these temples are the ideal places. They offer solace in the extra busy lives of people and fills their heart with comfort and happiness. Every single temple has a rich history that is sure to leave you mesmerized. If you are planning to visit Vizag, do include these amazing temples in your bucket list. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us. May God bless you with health and happiness!
