Temples

The Shri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple at Lepakshi is among the most celebrated heritage and spiritual landmarks of Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, this 16th-century masterpiece stands as a glowing symbol of Vijayanagara architecture and art. Perched on a rocky hillock known as Kurmasaila (the tortoise-shaped hill), the temple is a breathtaking example of ancient craftsmanship. Its richly carved stone pillars, mural paintings, and open-air dance halls (Natya Mandapa) showcase the artistic excellence of that era. The temple’s hanging pillar, which does not touch the ground, remains one of India’s greatest architectural marvels — a true testimony to the genius of the Vijayanagara sculptors. Within the sanctum, Lord Veerabhadra is depicted in a powerful yet benevolent form, adorned with weapons and ornaments. Surrounding shrines of Goddess Bhairavi, Lord Vishnu, and other deities add to the temple’s spiritual significance. The site also features the giant footprint of Goddess Sita, and a monolithic Nandi — one of the largest in the country — facing the temple from about 200 metres away. Every year, thousands of devotees visit this temple, especially during Maha Shivaratri, when special abhishekams, bhajans, and rituals are conducted throughout the day and night. The temple’s serene hilltop setting and ancient ambiance make it both a pilgrimage centre and an architectural wonder. 🌸 Visitor Information Location: Lepakshi Village, Hindupur Mandal, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh Deity: Lord Veerabhadra Swamy (incarnation of Lord Shiva) Temple Timings:🕕 Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM🕕 Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM Special Days: Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Masam, Mondays Entry Fee: Free for devotees Facilities: Parking area, drinking water, guided tours, prasadam counter, and rest spots ✨ Highlights Built during the Vijayanagara Empire (1530 CE) by the Virupanna Nayakas World-famous hanging pillar and monolithic Nandi statue Magnificent mural paintings depicting epic scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata Major pilgrim and heritage spot of Anantapur district

The Sri Chintala Venkataramana Swamy Temple is one of the most stunning architectural landmarks of the Anantapur district, located in Tadipatri on the banks of the River Pennar. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), this ancient temple is celebrated for its extraordinary carvings, tall gopurams, and finely sculpted pillars that reflect the artistic excellence of the Vijayanagara Empire. Built in the 16th century, the temple’s name “Chintala” is believed to come from the tamarind (chinta) tree that once stood near the shrine. The sanctum houses a magnificent idol of Lord Venkataramana Swamy, flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi, radiating divine grace and serenity. The temple is also admired for its intricate stone craftsmanship — the ceilings, mandapams, and walls depict mythological scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Its towering Raja Gopuram and ornate Kalyana Mandapam attract not just devotees but also art lovers and historians from across South India. During Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and Sankranti, the temple is beautifully decorated, and thousands of devotees participate in special poojas, abhishekams, and cultural festivities that fill the town with devotional energy. 🌸 Visitor Information Location: Tadipatri, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh Deity: Lord Venkataramana Swamy (form of Vishnu) Temple Timings:🕕 Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM🕕 Evening: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM Special Days: Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Krishna Janmashtami Entry: Free for all devotees Facilities: Parking, footwear stand, prasadam counter, and rest areas ✨ Highlights Historic Vijayanagara-period architecture with intricate carvings One of Anantapur’s most visited Vishnu temples Located near the scenic River Pennar in Tadipatri Major pilgrim site during Brahmotsavam and Vaikunta Ekadasi

The Shri Bugga Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple is one of the most ancient and architecturally remarkable temples in the Anantapur district. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple stands gracefully on the southern bank of the River Pennar at Tadipatri, about 55 km from Anantapur city. Believed to have been built during the Vijayanagara Empire (16th century), the temple is renowned for its exquisite stone carvings, intricate pillars, and the unique lingam known as “Bugga Ramalingeswara”, which is said to receive a continuous flow of water from an underground spring — a phenomenon considered highly sacred by devotees. Every corner of the temple showcases the artistic brilliance of the Vijayanagara sculptors, with detailed carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The sanctum’s architecture, adorned with ornate mandapams and beautifully carved ceilings, makes this temple a living example of South Indian temple craftsmanship. The temple attracts thousands of devotees, especially during Maha Shivaratri, when special rituals, abhishekams, and night-long bhajans are held. Visitors experience a serene and divine atmosphere that reflects the spiritual and cultural heritage of Rayalaseema. 🌸 Visitor Information Location: On the banks of River Pennar, Tadipatri, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh Deity: Lord Shiva – Sri Bugga Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple Timings:🕕 Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM🕕 Evening: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM Special Days: Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Masam, Mondays (Shiva Pooja) Entry Fee: Free for all devotees Facilities: Parking, drinking water, prasadam counter, and guides for pilgrims ✨ Highlights Historical Vijayanagara-era temple with breathtaking stone sculptures Continuous natural spring beneath the Shiva Lingam (“Bugga”) Peaceful riverside location with spiritual ambience Major center for Shivaratri celebrations in Anantapur district

The Vasavi Kanyakaparameshwari Temple in Anantapur is a revered spiritual destination dedicated to Goddess Vasavi Devi, the divine incarnation of peace and virtue, and the presiding deity of the Arya Vysya community. This sacred temple attracts devotees from across Andhra Pradesh who come to seek blessings for prosperity, harmony, and well-being. Located in the heart of Anantapur city, the temple stands as a beautiful example of traditional South Indian architecture, featuring intricately carved gopurams, polished stone pillars, and golden sanctum details. The serene atmosphere within the temple complex invites worshippers to meditate and connect with divine energy. The main idol of Sri Vasavi Kanyakaparameshwari Devi is adorned with exquisite jewellery and colorful silk sarees, while the temple walls depict scenes from her life — spreading the message of ahimsa (non-violence) and moral strength. Regular poojas and spiritual events are conducted here, especially on auspicious days like Vasavi Jayanthi, Navaratri, and Karthika Masam, when the temple glows with vibrant decorations and devotional music. 🌸 Visitor Information Address: Vasavi Kanyakaparameshwari Temple, Old Town, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh Temple Timings:🕕 Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM🕕 Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM Aarti & Pooja: Conducted daily morning and evening Entry Fee: Free for all devotees Best Time to Visit: During Vasavi Jayanthi and Navaratri festivals Facilities: Footwear stand, parking area, drinking water, and prasadam counter ✨ Highlights Dedicated to Goddess Vasavi Devi, symbol of virtue and peace Stunning temple architecture and cultural heritage Regular poojas, spiritual gatherings, and festive celebrations Peaceful and centrally located temple in Anantapur city

The ISKCON Temple in Anantapur stands as a serene spiritual destination dedicated to Lord Krishna, radiating peace and devotion amidst the vibrant city. Established by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the temple is not just a place of worship but a center for cultural, spiritual, and community development. Nestled along Somandepalli Road, the temple welcomes devotees and visitors into a calm, beautifully designed environment featuring traditional South Indian architecture blended with modern elements. The main sanctum houses enchanting deities of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi, surrounded by mesmerizing murals and devotional artwork that bring the stories of Krishna to life. Every day, the temple hosts morning and evening aartis, bhajans, and spiritual discourses that inspire peace and devotion among visitors. On special occasions like Janmashtami, Rath Yatra, and Gaura Purnima, the temple comes alive with vibrant celebrations, music, and community feasts (prasadam). The ISKCON Anantapur campus also includes a Govinda’s Restaurant, offering pure vegetarian cuisine, and a gift shop selling books, spiritual items, and devotional music. The atmosphere here provides a refreshing escape from daily life — a place to reflect, meditate, and connect with the divine. 🌸 Visitor Information Address: ISKCON Temple, Somandepalli Road, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh Visiting Hours:🕗 Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM🕕 Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Aarti Timings:🌅 Mangala Aarti: 4:30 AM🌇 Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM Entry: Free for all visitors Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening during aarti hours Facilities: Parking, Govinda’s Restaurant, Book Store, Meditation Hall ✨ Highlights Peaceful spiritual retreat within Anantapur city limits Beautiful temple architecture and devotional ambiance Daily prayers, bhajans, and special festival events Pure vegetarian restaurant and souvenir shop