The Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, also known as the Annavaram Temple, is one of the most revered Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh. Located atop the Ratnagiri Hills on the banks of the sacred river Pampa, this temple is dedicated to Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the temple’s location, timings, history, significance, architecture, worship practices, and events, providing you with all the information you need for a meaningful visit.
Aarti and Visiting Timings:
- Morning Timings: The temple opens early in the morning, usually at 4:00 AM, for the morning prayers.
- Darshan Timings: The temple is open for darshan from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, allowing devotees to seek blessings throughout the day.
- Aarti Timings: The temple has regular aarti sessions, including the evening aarti at 7:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the temple is during the festivals, especially Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Vratham. Winter is ideal as the weather is cooler.
Sri Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple Location
The Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple is situated in Annavaram, a town in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is easily accessible via various modes of transportation:
- By Road: Annavaram is well-connected by road and is located 32 km from Pithapuram, 51 km from Kakinada, and 72 km from Rajahmundry.
- By Rail: Annavaram is on the Chennai to Howrah main railway line, making it convenient for pilgrims traveling by train.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport, approximately 81.4 km from the temple.
Sri Veera Venkata Temple Timings
The temple follows specific timings for various darshan and seva activities:
| Seva Description | Ticket Rate (in Rs.) | Darshan Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Swamy Vari Sarva Darsanam | Free | 06:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 01:00 PM to 09:00 PM |
| Sri Swamy Vari Pradakshina Darsanam | 300 | 06:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 01:00 PM to 09:00 PM |
| Sri Swamy Vari Seegra Darsanam | 200 | 06:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 01:00 PM to 09:00 PM |
| Sri Swamy Vari Yantralayam | 50 | 06:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 01:00 PM to 09:00 PM |
Sri Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple History
The Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple has a rich history that dates back to the ancient times. The temple is built in the Dravidian style and is mentioned in the Revakhanda of Skandapuranam. The presiding deity, Lord Satyanarayana, is depicted with his consort Sri Anantha Lakshmi on one side and Lord Shiva on the other, representing the divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.According to legend, the temple was established after a Brahmin named Earanki Prakasam had a divine vision of Lord Vishnu, who instructed him to find and install his idol on the Ratnagiri Hills. With the help of the local Zamindar and villagers, the idol was discovered and installed, leading to the construction of the temple in 1891.
Sri Veera Venkata Temple Facts
- Unique Yantra: The temple houses a unique Yantra based on the Tripad Vibhuti Narayan Upanishad, which is believed to attract both wealth and devotees.
- Divine Trinity: The idol of Lord Satyanarayana represents the Hindu Trinity, with the base symbolizing Brahma, the middle portion symbolizing Shiva, and the top portion symbolizing Vishnu.
- Sun Dial: The temple premises feature a sun dial that shows the Indian Standard Time.
- Pilgrimage: The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims daily, with the average attendance being around five thousand.
Sri Venkateswara Temple Events
The temple hosts several significant events and festivals throughout the year:
- Telugu New Year’s Day: Celebrated on Chaitra Suddha Padyami (March-April).
- Sita Rama Kalyanam: Celebrated on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April).
- Sri Krishna Jayanti: Celebrated on Sravana Bahula Ashtami (July-August).
- The Lord’s Jayanti: Celebrated on Sravana Suddha Vidiya (July-August).
- Ganapathi Navarathrulu: Celebrated in Bhadrapadam (August-September).
- Sarannavarathrulu: Celebrated in Asviyujam (September-October).
- Kanaka Durga Jatara: Celebrated on Vaisakha Suddha Panchami (April-May).
- Giripradakshinam: Celebrated on Karthika Suddha Purnima (October-November).
- DeeJwalatoranam: Celebrated in Karthikam (October-November).
Sri Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple Significance
The Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple holds great religious significance for devotees of both Vaishnavism and Shaivism. The temple is renowned for its unique representation of the Hindu Trinity and the powerful Yantra installed within its premises. Devotees believe that performing the Sri Satyanarayana Vratham at this temple brings wealth, prosperity, and relief from troubles.
Sri Veera Venkata Temple Worship
The temple offers various worship services and rituals for devotees:
| Seva Description | Ticket Rate (in Rs.) | Seva Time | Online Booking URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Swamy Vari Vratham | 1116 | Every Day 09:00 AM | Book Here |
| Sri Swamy Vari Nitya Kalanam | 1500 | Every Day 09:00 AM | Book Here |
| Sri Lakshmi Prayuktha Ayushya Homam | 1116 | Every Day 09:00 AM | Book Here |
| Sri Vanadurga Ammavari Pratyangira Homam | 1116 | Every Full Moon (Pournami) Day | Book Here |
| Sri Vanadurga Ammavari Chandi Homam | 1116 | Every Friday | Book Here |
| Sri Kanakadurga Ammavari Chandi Homam | 1116 | Every Mula Nakshatram Day | Book Here |
| Surya Namskararamulu | 1116 | Every Sunday | Book Here |
Sri Venkateswara Temple Architecture
The Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple is built in the Dravidian style and resembles a chariot with four wheels at each corner. The temple is constructed in two floors:
- Ground Floor: Contains the Yantra and the Peetham of the Lord. The four sides of the Yantra feature deities such as Ganapati, Suryanarayanaswamy, Bala Tripurasundari, and Maheswaraswamy, forming the Panchayatana.
- First Floor: Houses the Moola Virat (main idol) of Lord Satyanarayana in the center, with the image of Goddess Anantha Lakshmi Ammavaru on the right and Lord Shiva on the left. The idols are adorned with gold kavachams and are of exquisite grace and beauty.
In front of the main temple is the Kalyana Mandapam, constructed and decorated with modern architectural elements. The temple also features a Mandapam that can accommodate one thousand Satyanarayana Vrathams at a time.
Nearby Attractions:
- Tirumala:
- Alamelu Mangapuram: A temple dedicated to Padmavathi Devi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara.
- Papavinasanam: A temple and sacred water body believed to purify sins.
- Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple: Located at Narayanavanam, this temple is associated with the marriage of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Annavaram:
- Ratnagiri Hill: A beautiful hill near Annavaram with a temple complex and scenic views of the surrounding region.
- Peddagattu: A scenic hilltop that offers panoramic views of the temple town.
Booking for Pujas and Aartis:
- Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple (Tirumala):
- The official website for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the organization that manages the temple, provides online booking for Darshan and Seva tickets. The website is:
TTD Official Website for Booking - You can book Seva tickets, Darshan tickets, and even prasadams online through the portal.
- The official website for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the organization that manages the temple, provides online booking for Darshan and Seva tickets. The website is:
- Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple (Annavaram):
- Online booking for special pujas and aarti services can be done via the temple’s official website:
Annavaram Temple Official Website - The website allows you to book Satyanarayana Vratams (rituals) and other services.
- Online booking for special pujas and aarti services can be done via the temple’s official website: