Ananta Padmanabha Swami Temple is ancient shrine is located on a very steep hill, isolated and very powerful temple. Not many people know about this temple except for the people of Vizianagaram, Srikakulam & Visakhapatnam.
Shrine’s History
But after the steep climb up the 1,200-plus rock cut stairs, not only is the view of the valley on either side breathtaking but the darshan of Lord Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, who is found in the Anantha Sayanam posture is equally awe-inspiring. After all, the temple is considered to be one of the only two Padmanabha Swamy temples in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The present temple is said to have been constructed over the ruins of an ancient shrine, which existed prior to the 14th century AD. Hence, the temple is also referred to in popular parlance as ‘Swayambhu’. The reconstructed shrine put up by the Pusapatis of Vizianagaram, though not imposing, is a rather curious one as unlike most Vaishnavite temples, is very functional and devoid of any frills. Even the front mandapam is not decorated and is rather stark. In fact, a major portion of the complex on top is occupied by the mandapam that has thankfully still been left untouched by the endowments department, which perhaps did not dare venture to make any improvements on so steep a shrine. The temple is built in the shape of a small pyramid, lacks arches that most temples typically have and has cantilevers made of stone.
The main sanctum sanctorum supported by low stone pillars is rather simple and houses the lord in the eternal yoga Nidra. The temple itself is built from brick stone and lime mortar. “The shrine was in existence even before the emperor of Vijayanagara empire, Sri Krishna Deva Raya, built his pillar of victory close by. The Pusapatis were then the regional chieftains of this region, which was under the control of the Gajapathis of Kalinga, and continue to remain the temple trustees till date,” one of the priests, Anantha Chari, said. Talking about the Swayambhu myth, the priest said, “The existing temple complex was built over far more ancient ruins. It is hard to trace it back in time but some scholars believe that it could date back to the Eastern Ganga dynasty.” Art historian Sistla Srinivas from the Andhra University fine arts department said, “Looking at the structure, it is obvious that the present shrine is definitely post-medieval. However, the idol paints a different picture altogether because the whole concept of Padmanabha originated in pre-medieval times and indicates that the original shrine could have been much older. Unfortunately, there are very few inscriptions that actually tell the true tale.”
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Vizianagaram , Bheemunipatnam are nearby by towns to Padmanabham having road connectivity toPadmanabham. Vizianagaram APSRTC Bus Station , Tagarapu Valasa APSRTC Bus Station , Bhogapuram APSRTC Bus Station are nearby by Bus Stations to Padmanabham .APSRTC runs Number of busses from major cities to here.
By Rail
Korukonda Rail Way Station , Alamanda Rail Way Station are the very nearby railway stations to Padmanabham Mandal. Vizianagram Jn Rail Way Station, Nellimaria Rail Way Station are the Rail way stations reachable from near by towns. How ever Vishakapatnam Rail Way Station is major railway station 36 KM near to Padmanabham
By Air
The nearest Airport is Visakhapatnam Airport.