Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Vari Devasthanam at Annavaram is one of the best-loved Vaishnava shrines of Andhra Pradesh. The temple sits on Ratnagiri hill, beside the Pampa river, in Kakinada district (formerly East Godavari). It is famous across the Telugu states as the home of the Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam, and after Tirumala it is among the most visited temples in Andhra Pradesh.
Main Deity and Worship
The presiding deity is Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy, a form of Lord Vishnu, worshipped together with his consort Sri Anantha Lakshmi Ammavaru. A rare feature of this temple is that Lord Shiva is also seated beside the Lord in the same sanctum, so devotees regard the deity as an embodiment of the Trimurthi – Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara – in one place.
The sanctum is built on two levels. The main idols are worshipped on the upper level, while the lower level holds a sacred yantra over which the shrine was raised, believed to be the source of the kshetram's power.
Sthala Puranam (Legend)
According to tradition, Ratnakara, a son of the mountain king Meru, performed deep penance to be blessed by Lord Vishnu. The Lord was pleased and promised to dwell upon him; Ratnakara became the hill known today as Ratnagiri, and the Lord made it His abode as Satyanarayana Swamy.
The temple as we know it began in the late 19th century. It is said that the Lord appeared in the dreams of the local zamindar and a devout Brahmin, revealing that His idol lay hidden on the hill. A search was made, the idol was found, and it was installed with due rites in 1891. Since then the shrine has grown steadily into a major pilgrimage centre.
Mahima / Significance – The Satyanarayana Vratam
Annavaram is above all the kshetram of the Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam, the sacred vow-puja described in the Skanda Purana. Families perform the vratam to give thanks, to mark new beginnings such as a wedding, a new home or a new job, and to pray for peace and prosperity. The Devasthanam conducts the vratam in large halls every day, and on auspicious days thousands of couples take part.
Because of this, Annavaram is also one of the most popular places in the Telugu states for weddings. Newly married couples very often come here to perform the vratam together as their first puja.
Architecture and Temple Complex
The main temple is designed in the shape of a chariot (ratham), with carved wheels at its corners, symbolising the Lord riding out to bless the world. Around it are wide courtyards, vratam halls, a kalyana mandapam and shrines for the associated deities. The hilltop offers lovely views over the Pampa river, its reservoir and the green countryside of the Godavari region.
Prasadam
The temple's prasadam is famous in its own right: a soft, sweet preparation made from wheat rava, ghee and jaggery, packed in a leaf. Pilgrims carry it home as a blessing for family and friends.
Temple Timings
- The temple opens early in the morning and stays open until night, with short breaks for rituals and naivedyam.
- Vratam batches run through the day. Timings change on festival days, so please check the official Devasthanam website before your visit.
Festivals
- Sri Swamy Vari Kalyanam (Vaisakha, April–May): the celestial wedding of the Lord and Ammavaru – the biggest festival of the year, celebrated over several days.
- Karthika Masam (October–November): the busiest month at Annavaram, when the number of vratams rises sharply and devotees light lamps and take part in special pujas.
- Dasara / Devi Navaratrulu (September–October): special alankarams and pujas for Ammavaru.
- Vaikuntha Ekadasi (December–January): special darshan of the Lord.
How to Reach
By Road: Annavaram lies on National Highway 16 (Chennai–Kolkata), about 75 km from Rajahmundry, about 50 km from Kakinada and about 120 km from Visakhapatnam. APSRTC buses run frequently from all major towns in the region. A ghat road and a flight of steps lead up the hill to the temple, and Devasthanam buses run between the foot of the hill and the temple.
By Train: Annavaram railway station is on the main Visakhapatnam–Vijayawada line, about 2 km from the temple, and many express trains stop here.
By Air: The nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport (RJA), about 75 km away. Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (VTZ) at Bhogapuram, the new airport serving Visakhapatnam, is about 165 km away and has more flights.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional attire is expected, especially for those performing the vratam – dhoti for men, and saree or churidar with dupatta for women.
- Vratam booking: vratam tickets can be bought at the temple or booked online through the official Devasthanam website. The Devasthanam provides the puja items.
- Best time to visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Weekday mornings are the least crowded.
- Crowds: Karthika Masam, wedding season, weekends and Ekadasi days are very busy; allow extra time.
- Stay: Devasthanam cottages and choultries are available on the hill and in the town, with more hotels in Kakinada and Rajahmundry.
- Nearby places: Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple and Puruhutika Shakti Peetham at Pithapuram, and the beaches and Coringa mangroves near Kakinada.
- Nearby Pancharama: the Sri Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, Samalkot, about 40 km away.
