Srikakula Andhra Mahavishnu temple is located at Srikakulam village in Ghantasala Mandal in Diviseema region of Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh. The presiding deity is Lord Vishnu who holds Shanka in right hand and a Chakra in the left hand which symbolises peace. We can see original Salagrama Mala decorated to Lord Vishnu here. We can find this Salagrama Mala again in Tiumala and Ryali temples only.
Shrine’s History
Srikakula Andhra Mahavishnu Temple is built in 1081 as per the inscriptions on the pillar of the Rajagopuram. It is one among the few rare temples where we can see Lord as Lord Vishnu. In all the other temples we can see His other incarnations as Lord Venkateswara Swamy, Lord Narasimha Swamy, and Lord Krishna and Lord Rama. The temple has beautiful Rajagopuram which was built by Anantha Dhandapaaludu. The pillars of Raja gopuram are carved with temple information. On the walls of this temple, we can see more than 30 inscriptions of the 12th and 13th century. Sri Krishnadevaraya visited this temple in 1519 and he mentioned this in his works. He has written several books.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
It is believed that King Andhra Vishnu constructed a huge wall that connected Sri Sailam, Bheemeshwaram and Kaleshwaram. All these are historic temples in Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that lord Shiva himself resides within these walls. Andhra Vishnu is believed to have fought a giant called Nishambu for three centuries before he killed him. The temple was built by King Andhra Vishnu and named after himself. The presiding deity is Lord Sri Maha Vishnu.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Govt RTC buses are available from all places in Andhra Pradesh to Srikakulam village in Krishna district to access the temple.
By Rail
The Nearest railway station is Repalle Railway Station which is 28 km away from the temple. Govt RTC buses run from here to visit the temple.
By Air
The Nearest airport is Vijayawada Airport which is 46 km away from the temple. Bus and taxi services are available to access the temple.
Shrine Timings
6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Apart from the regular poojas Sahasra Naamaarchana, Astotharam is the special poojas performed here. As Sravana Nakshatra is the birth star of Lord Venkateswara Swamy Nijaroopa Darshan and Abishekam are performed on that day before 9 am only. Mukkoti Ekadasi is celebrated here with a lot of perfection. This temple is Parihara Sthalam for Aslesha, Revathi and Jyesta Nakshatras and for Budha Graha doshas. It is believed that those who do bath in river Krishna and visit this temple on Mukoti Ekadasi will get relieved from all their sins.