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Srikurmam Kurmanadha Swamy Temple

Srikurmam, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh
Lord Vishnu
More in Andhra Pradesh

Type

Hindu Temple

Deity

Lord Vishnu

Pincode

532185

One of the oldest and most important Vishnu temples in India, where Vishnu is worshipped in his Kurma (tortoise) avatar — one of only two major Kurma temples in India. The presiding deity Kurmanadha Swamy is in a unique tortoise form. The temple dates to the 10th century CE and has associations with Ramanuja.

History & Significance

Significance

Srikurmam is unique in India for enshrining Vishnu in the Kurma (tortoise) avatar. According to legend, Vishnu appeared as a tortoise to allow the devas and asuras to use Mount Mandara as a churning rod during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean). The deity here is one of very few Kurma forms in the country.

Plan Your Circuit

Nearby Temples

Closest temples by distance — worth combining into the same trip.

(Sun)

One of only three major Surya (Sun god) temples in India, built by the Kalinga king Devendra Varma in the 7th century CE. Designed so that sunlight falls directly on the deity's feet on the equinoxes. The Sun god here is worshipped as Surya Narayana (a combined form of Surya and Vishnu).

Arasavalli Surya Narayana Temple

Arasavalli, Andhra Pradesh13 km
Lord Surya (Sun)

Devi

A major Devi temple in coastal Srikakulam dedicated to Nagalapuri Ammavaru — the presiding goddess of the region. One of the most important Shakti shrines in north Andhra Pradesh. Receives large gatherings during Dussehra/Navratri.

Penchalakota Nagalapuri Ammavaru Temple

Nagalapuram, Andhra Pradesh28 km
Goddess Devi

Shiva

A masterpiece of Kalinga architecture — three 9th–10th century CE Shiva temples built by the Eastern Ganga kings on the banks of the Vamsadhara river. The Mukhalingeswara, Somesvara, and Bhimeswara temples have extraordinary sculptural detail. Often called the 'Konark of Andhra Pradesh'.

Srimukhalingam Mukhalingeshwara Temple

Mukhalingam, Andhra Pradesh46 km
Lord Shiva

Rama

An ancient Rama temple in the hills of Vizianagaram where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are said to have rested during the exile. A sacred pond (Ramatheertham tank) is associated with Rama's footprints. Pilgrims perform the Ramanavami festival with great devotion here.

Ramatheertham Ramalayam

Ramatheertham, Andhra Pradesh65 km
Lord Rama