10 Amazing in Andhra Pradesh Temples Of 2024
Andhra Pradesh Temples
The Southeast Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is a veritable gold mine of ancient and spiritual marvels. The state is well-known for having a rich cultural history and is home to some of the most exquisite temples in the nation.
These temples are significant spiritual hubs in addition to providing a window into the exquisite architecture of ancient India. Come with me as we explore eleven magnificent Andhra Pradesh temples.
Andhra Pradesh Temples
1. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
- Location: Tirupati
- History: One of the wealthiest and most popular temples in the world is the Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple, which is devoted to Lord Venkateshwara, a manifestation of Vishnu. With notable donations from several dynasties, including the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara rulers, the temple’s history dates back to 300 AD.
- Architecture: The temple is an impressive example of Dravidian architecture, distinguished by its elaborate carvings, tall gopurams (gateway towers), and gold-plated sanctuary sanctorum.
2. Kanaka Durga Temple
- Location: Vijayawada
- History: The Kanaka Durga Temple honours the goddess Kanaka Durga and is situated atop Indrakeeladri Hill. Legend has it that Arjuna, one of the Pandavas from the Indian epic Mahabharata, built the temple.
- Architecture: The temple has elaborate sculptures representing numerous gods and scenarios from mythology, as well as traditional South Indian architecture with a spectacular gopuram.
3. Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple
- Location: Srisailam
- History: The Mallikarjuna Temple holds great spiritual importance as one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas and one of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas. The Kakatiya dynasty is thought to have constructed it in the twelfth century.
- Architecture: With its lofty gopurams, long mandapas (pillared halls), and exquisitely carved statues, the temple is a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture.
4. Lepakshi Temple
- Location: Anantapur
- History: The brothers Virupanna and Viranna, who served as rulers under the Vijayanagara Empire, constructed the Lepakshi Temple in honour of Veerabhadra, a ferocious manifestation of Lord Shiva, in the sixteenth century.
- Architecture: The temple is a marvel of Vijayanagara architecture, renowned for its hanging pillars and magnificent frescoes. Another attraction is the enormous Nandi (bull) statue, which is fashioned from a single granite stone.
5. Simhachalam Temple
- Location: Visakhapatnam
- History: The Simhachalam Temple, which was built in the eleventh century and is devoted to Lord Varaha Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu, has been visited by monarchs of the Chola and Eastern Ganga kingdoms, among others.
- Architecture: The temple combines Kalinga and Dravidian design elements. Notable features are the elaborate stone carvings and the distinctive vimana (temple tower).
Andhra Pradesh Temples
6. Ahobilam Temple
- Location: Nallamala Hills
- History: The Ahobilam Temple complex, dedicated to Lord Narasimha (another form of Vishnu), consists of nine shrines scattered across the Nallamala Hills. It is believed to have been established by the Chalukya kings in the 11th century.
- Architecture: The temples display a mix of Chalukyan and Vijayanagara styles, with elaborate carvings and pillared halls adding to their grandeur
7. Amaravati Stupa
- Location: Amaravati
- History: While not a Hindu temple, the Amaravati Stupa is a significant Buddhist monument dating back to the 2nd century BC. It was constructed under the Satavahana dynasty.
- Architecture: The stupa is renowned for its intricate carvings depicting various scenes from the life of Buddha. Although much of it is in ruins, the remaining structures and sculptures provide a glimpse into its past glory.
8. Sri Kalahasti Templea
- Location: Srikalahasti
- History: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Sri Kalahasti Temple is one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams, representing the element of air. The temple’s history dates back to the Pallava period in the 5th century.
- Architecture: The temple features a magnificent Dravidian architectural style with a towering gopuram, intricately carved pillars, and beautiful sculptures.
- Also read about Karnataka’s Famous Temple
9. Mangalagiri Temple
- Location: Mangalagiri
- History: Perched atop Mangalagiri Hill, the Mangalagiri Temple honours Lord Narasimha. It is thought to have been built in the third century by the Vishnukundina rulers.
- Architecture: The ‘Panakala Narasimha Swamy,’ where worshippers offer the god jaggery water, is the temple’s distinctive feature. The building has a straightforward but tasteful structure in the tradition of Dravidian architecture.
10. Bhimeswara Swamy Temple
- Location: Draksharamam
- History: One of the Pancharama Kshetras is this temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. The Eastern Chalukyas built it in the ninth century.
- Architecture: The temple features a large vimana and elaborate stone decorations. Its architectural magnificence is enhanced by the presence of numerous smaller shrines and the exquisitely carved Nandi figure.
