Every part of India has its own unique feature, some of which are also known for their religious places. One such state is Andhra Pradesh of South India, where you will find one or the other temple on every corner. Here you will find temples of all the revered deities of Hinduism. Along with religious faith, the temples here are also known for their architecture. These temples built centuries ago are now also known for tourism, which foreigners also come here to see. Today in this episode we are going to tell you about some popular temples of Andhra Pradesh, which millions of devotees from almost every corner of the country visit and you should also visit once. Let's know about these temples...
Kanaka Durga Temple
'Indrakiladri' is a very beautiful hill in Vijayawada city of Andhra Pradesh. The holy Krishna river flows along this hill and the Kanaka Durga temple of Maa Durga is built on its banks. Special worship is done here during Navratri. People have great faith in this temple of Goddess Durga. A large number of devotees gather here. A huge festival is held here on the day of Dussehra and on this day pilgrims take a holy dip in the Krishna River. The Kanaka Durga Temple of Andhra Pradesh is one of the many Shaktipeeths located in the country. The Goddess is established here in her Mahishasuramardini form, along with the idol of the slain demon king Mahishasura is also present here. People have faith in this temple that the wishes of every devotee coming here are fulfilled. That is why thousands of devotees come here every year to visit.
Venkateshwara Temple Tirupati
The Tirupati Balaji Temple located on the hill of Tirumala in Tirupati of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh is one of the major temples and religious places of Andhra Pradesh where every year lakhs of devotees come to visit Venkateshwara and fulfill their wishes. Tirupati Balaji Temple is highly recognized among the people of Hindu religion. The glory of this temple is immense. It is said that visiting Tirupati once in life makes life successful. Built at a height of 853 feet from the Sumridi floor, this temple is also called the "Temple of Seven Hills" because it has seven peaks on the hill. In terms of charity and religion, this is the richest temple in the country. Every year donations worth crores of rupees are made in this temple. Every day 50 thousand to 1 lakh devotees reach the temple to see Venkateshwara, while on special occasions the number of pilgrims goes up to 5 lakhs.
Lepakshi Temple
Lepakshi Temple is a major tourist destination of Andhra Pradesh. Lepakshi Temple located in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh is also known as Veerabhadra Temple and Hanging Temple. Lepakshi Temple is famous for mysterious stories as well as hanging pillars. It is said that a glimpse of the history of the Vijayanagara Empire is also seen in this temple. Here you will also get to see the footprints of Mother Sita. Apart from the architectural significance, the temple is also an important pilgrimage site of Lord Shiva according to Skanda Purana. Lepakshi is one such temple that attracts art lovers apart from pilgrims.
Srikalahasti Temple
Srikalahasti Temple is located in Chittoor district of Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. The temple of Srikalahasti is extremely popular among devotees who visit this temple along with Tirupati Temple. This temple is 36 km away from Tirupati. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva which holds immense religious significance for Hindus and was constructed in the year 1516 by King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire. The entrance of the temple offers a wonderful view and has intricate carvings of many mythological images. This magnificent temple is often referred to as the Kailasa and Kashi of the South. The temple represents one of the five elements and that is Vayu.
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is built on the Nallamala Hills of Srisailam in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. These huge hills are considered to be the abode of God. It is said that Shiva is everywhere here. This temple is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, so this place has special significance. Lord Rama himself established Sahasralinga here, while the Pandavas established Panchapandava Linga in the courtyard of the temple.
Ranganath Temple
Located on the banks of the Pennar River in Nellore, the Ranganath Temple is one of the most revered temples in Andhra Pradesh. The Ranganath Temple dedicated to Ranganathaswamy Swami is considered to be the oldest temple in the region which attracts a large number of devotees. This temple is known for its religious activities as well as its beautiful architecture and exquisite carvings, which makes it a very special place for devotees as well as art lovers and tourists. Whenever you come here, you will be able to see the idol of Lord Sri Ranganathaswamy, the presiding deity of the temple, as well as a hall decorated with intricate carvings in which seven gold utensils are also kept.
Kolanu Bharati Temple
Kolanu Bharati Temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati in Andhra Pradesh and is a very sacred pilgrimage site. An ancient Shivalinga is also present in this temple complex, which is visited by thousands of tourists every day. Apart from this, there is a statue of Kaal Bhairav in this temple complex, which is considered a very sacred idol. The centuries-old tradition of Aksharasim is still performed in this ancient temple. There is also a Shivalinga in the temple complex, which is known as Sapta Linga Kshetra, and there is a statue of Kaal Bhairav who protects this area.
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