|
Location:
48-km From Kakinada And About 80-km From Rajahmundry, East Godavari
District
Presiding Deity: Sri Vira Venkata Satyanarayana Swami
Important Item Of Interest: Sundial Showing The Indian Standard
Time
Unique Attraction: The Image Of The Deity, Forming A Single Idol
And Representing The Hindu Trinity
Annavaram is situated at a distance of about 3-km from Annavaram railway
station on the Vijayawada-Waltair broadguage section of the South
Central Railway, 48-km from Kakinada and about 80-km from Rajahmundry.
Annavaram is one of the reputed centres of pilgrimage in the Andhra
Pradesh on account of a temple of 'Sri Vira Venkata Satyanarayana
Swami'. The temple is situated on the sacred Ratnagiri Hills.
The distance from the foot of the hill to the temple is about four
furlongs. From the foot of the hill, to the top of the hill, there is a
proper path, well laid out with stone steps. The river Pampa that is
considered a sacred river is running close to the temple and is a
furlong away from the foot of the hill. Generally before going to the
temple pilgrims have their bath in the river.
A Chariot Temple
The construction of the main temple resembles a chariot with four wheels
in four corners. The 'Kalyanamandapam' constructed in front of the
temple is decorated with modern architecture. As we go down the way, we
come across Ramalaya and then the shrines of 'Vana Durga' and 'Kanaka
Durga'.
The temple was built in such a way that it satisfies both the
ritualistic values and the spiritual aspirations of the devotees. The
idol, which is about 4m high, is in a cylindrical form. The base in the
lower sanctum represents Lord Vishnu. The middle portion represents Lord
Shiva. This image of the deity, forming a single idol and representing
the Hindu Trinity, is of unique attraction.
Another important item of interest in the temple precincts is the
sundial showing the Indian Standard Time. Around the main temple and the
Kalyanamandapam at a lower level, a 'Mandapam' was constructed to
provide space to conduct one thousand 'Satyanarayana Vratams' at a time.
FESTIVALS
'Kalyana Utsavam' or Kalyanotsavam, 'Bheeshma Ekadasi' and 'Vysakha
Ekadasi' are the important festivals at this temple apart from daily 'Satyanarayana
Vratam' performed by devotees (only couples should perform the 'Vratam')
to fulfil their wishes. Around one lakh vratams (fasts) are being
performed here every year. The most important festival conducted at the
place is the Kalyanotsavam of the deity during May when thousands of
pilgrims congregate from all parts of the state
|
