Annavaram, the abode of Sri Satyanarayana Swamy temple is just about 110 KM from Vizag on the National Highway leading to Chennai.
Annavaram derived its name from 2 words ‘Anina+Varam meaning that the “ place where wanted boons are granted”. Annavaram is one of the most visited temples in India. We are all familiar with the Sri Satyanarayana Vratam which is believed to ensure fulfillment of all desires and also bring prosperity to those who perform the Vratam. According to the legend, Lord Mahavishnu Himself indicated to Narada that performing Sri Satyanarayana Vratam frees the mankind from all the miseries and also ensure prosperity for the families performing this Vratam. Thousands of devotees perform Satyanarayana Vratam in the temple premises regularly. The temple is also a highly popular venue for marriages.
According to the legend, the Lord appeared in the dream of the then Zamindar of Gorsa and Kirlampudi Estates and directed him to trace his idol on the hill. Accordingly, the Zamindar traced the idol, installed it on Sravana Suddha Vidiya in 1891 and offered reverential prayers to the Lord. Soon, thousands of devotees started from far and near started offering prayers regularly to the Lord. Annavaram emerged as a much sought after and famous place of pilgrimage on the spiritual map of India.
The temple complex resembles the shape of a chariot with the four wheels at each of the corners. The Kalyana Mandapam in the front of the temple greets us and as we proceed, we come across the temples of Lord Rama and Vana Durga and Kanaka Durga. The chariot shape of the temple represents seven Lokas and the Garbhalaya, the abode of the Lord, at the center indicates that the Lord is the master of the universe.
The temple opens at 3.30 A.M with the Suprabhata Seva to the Lord. The public can have darshan from 6 am to 9 pm. Rajabhoga Mahanaivedyam is done from 12.30 to 13.00 and Darbar Seva is done from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm. From 8.30 pm to 9 pm, it is time for Ammavari Ekantaseva.
The temple provides affordable and adequate accommodation for the devotees in the form of Choultries, Guest Houses, and VIP cottages. Also down the hill too Private Hotels & resorts provide accommodation at reasonable rates.
The 6-day long Kalyanostavam of the Lord commences from Vaisskha Suddha Ekadasi (April-May) consists of elaborate rituals is largely attended by thousands and thousands of devout. Other well attended festivities in Annavaram include Ugadi, Srirama Navami, Sri Kanaka Durgamma Vari Jatara Mahotsavam, Sri Saraswati Puja, Utla Sambaralu, Ganapathi Navaratra Utsavams, Sri Devi Navaratrulu etc.
(You can contact the temple authorities on phone numbers 08868-238121,238125,238163. You can also send communicate through emails at eoavm@itpvis.ap.nic.in for any assistance or guidance.)
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