Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, popularly known as the Ananthagiri Temple? is a Hindu temple located in the Ananthagiri Hills, a picturesque location known for its scenic beauty and soothing weather.It is a temple of Lord Vishnu.The Head priest of this temple is Sri Nalapur Sitaram Chary.
Shrine’s History
According to Skanda Purana, it is believed the temple is installed by the Rishi Markandeya in Dwapara Yuga. Attracted by peaceful atmosphere of Ananthagiri hills Markandeya Rishi came here for yoga sadhana. Every day Markandeya used to go to Kasi from Ananthagiri to take a holy bath in the Ganges through a cave due to his yoga sadhana. On one day he was not able to go to Kasi as Dwadasi enter the early hours of the morning. Lord gave Darshana in the dream and arranged the Ganges to flow to perform a holy bath for Rishi. Rajarshi Muchikunda after fighting for years with rakshasas came to Ananthagiri to take rest and went into deep sleep, He got a boon from Devendra that whoever spoils the sleep of his can be killed by burning to ashes. Kalayavana rakshsa took control of Dwaraka and followed Lord Krishna and Balarama to Ananthagiri and spoil the sleep of Muchikunda and was killed.
Lord Krishna gave darshana in the form of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy to Muchikunda and blessed him to take a permanent place in the world in the form of the river. The same river today is supposed to be Moosi which flows through Hyderabad. Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy also gave darshan to markandeya and converted into a charka to swamy. 400 years ago Nizam Nawabs used to come here for hunting and to take rest in the peaceful place of Ananthagiri hills, one day lord Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy came to Nawab dreams and asked him to build the temple for him. The main temple of the lord is constructed by Hyderabad Nawab.
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Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
It is a small temple with a rock cave kind of enclosure. As the main sanctum sanctorum is inside a small cave, only a few people are allowed at a time. The principle deity of the temple, Lord Vishnu is seen lying on the snake that floats upon the cosmic waters of Vaikunta with Goddess Lakshmi seated beside him. The main highlights of this temple are the two large statues of Lord Hanuman and Lord Garuda, welcoming the pilgrims to this holy abode with folded hands at the entrance of the temple.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
APSRTC operates regular buses to Vikarabad from various cities of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. There are plenty of auto rickshaws and cabs available from Vikarabad to reach the temple. Pilgrims coming from Hyderabad must take a bus to Tandur and should get down at the Ananthagiri Temple Bus stop.
By Rail
Nearest railway station is at Vikarabad, just 7 km from the temple. It lies on the Mumbai-Hyderabad rail route and is well connected to major cities of India.
By Air
Hyderabad Airport is the nearest one, located around 82 km away from the temple. It is well connected to major cities of India and abroad.
Shrine Timings
Temple remains open for public from 5 AM to 8 PM every day.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
The Annual Karthikamasam utsavam of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy is held at Ananthagiri every year in November on Karthika Poornima day each day celebrations will be held.
Extra Information About this Shrine
Best Time to Visit October to March