The Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple also known as the Annavaram Temple located in the tranquil hill ranges of Ratnagiri at the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh must be considered to be one of the most sanctified pilgrimage centers of India. This temple, which is devoted to Lord Satyanarayana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu draws thousands of devotees every day hence becoming the second most popular temple in Andhra Pradesh after Tirupati. The temple was constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture; it was built as per a divine vision to a zamindar of Gorsa and Kirlampudi named Raja Ramanarayana in the year 1891. The god along with Sri Anantha Lakshmi and Lord Shiva signify a special trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva as a representation of cosmic harmony.
The chariot-like shape of the temple with four wheels in the corners marks the movement of time. The temple is therefore enveloped with the blessed atmosphere of the wet Pampa River, a blessed environment. Annavaram is a religiously blessed place to which people walk on pilgrimage to gain blessings. It is also known by the fame of Satyanarayana Swamy Vratham, a health, wealth and prosperity ritual. The temple also provides facilities like online booking, accommodation, and anna danam (free meals), ensuring a fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
Parakamani Seva 2025 : What is It, Who does it
Overview of Annavaram Temple
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ratnagiri Hill, Annavaram, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Deity | Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy (Lord Vishnu), Sri Anantha Lakshmi, Lord Shiva |
| Established | 1891, completed in 1933-34 |
| Architecture | Dravidian style, chariot-shaped with four wheels |
| Significance | Second most visited temple in Andhra Pradesh after Tirupati |
| Main Ritual | Satyanarayana Swamy Vratham for wealth, health, and prosperity |
| Festivals | Kalyana Mahotsavam, Ekadashi, Kartika Pournami, Ugadi |
| Facilities | Online booking, accommodation, anna danam, lockers |
| Contact | +91-8519813124, +91-9392908607 |
| Official Website | www.annavaramdevasthanam.nic.in |
Temple Timings
| Activity | Timings |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 5:00 AM |
| Temple Closing | 9:00 PM |
| Sarva Darshanam (Free Darshan) | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Seegradarshanam (Paid Darshan) | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Antralayam Darshanam (Paid Darshan) | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Satyanarayana Swamy Vratham | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (batches every 30 minutes) |
| Abhishekam | Throughout the day, specific times vary |
Sevas and Darshan Options at Annavaram Temple
| Seva/Darshan | Description | Timings | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarva Darshanam | Free darshan for all devotees | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Free |
| Seegradarshanam | Paid darshan with less waiting time, includes 150g Bhogi Prasadam | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 200 per head |
| Antralayam Darshanam | Paid darshan with minimal waiting time, special queue | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 200 per head |
| Satyanarayana Swamy Vratham | Ritual for prosperity, performed in batches | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (30-min intervals) | 150 – 1500 (varies by type) |
| Abhishekam | Ritual offering to the deity | Varies, check temple counter | 100 per ticket |
| Paroksha Seva | Online ritual for devotees unable to visit | As per booking | Varies, contact +91-9491249990 |
How to Reach Annavaram Temple
Annavaram Temple is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it accessible for devotees across India. Below are the travel options:
- By Road: Annavaram is 44.7 km from Kakinada, 100 km from Visakhapatnam, and well-connected to major cities like Hyderabad, Rajahmundry, and Vijayawada. APSRTC and private buses operate frequently. Devotees can also hire taxis or use personal vehicles. The temple is located on Annavaram Town Road, East Godavari District.
- By Rail: Annavaram Railway Station is just 2 km from the temple, with regular trains from Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Vijayawada. The temple authorities run frequent shuttle buses between the station and the temple.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam International Airport, approximately 100 km away. From there, devotees can take taxis or buses to reach Annavaram. Rajahmundry Airport (80 km) is another option.
- Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available near the railway station and bus stand for short trips to the temple.
How to Reach The Temple
Annavaram Temple has good transport network via road, rail and air which is accessible by the devotees all over India. Below are the travel options:
Annavaram is accessible through road and is located 44.7km away, 100km away by road respectively Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, and is well-connected with Hyderabcad, Rajahmundry and Vijayawada. APSRTC and private buses operate frequently. Devotees can also hire taxis or use personal vehicles. This temple is situated on Annavaram Town road of the East Godavari District.
- Rail: The nearest railway station to the temple is Annavaram Railway Station at a distance of only 2 km and regular trains are available to Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Vijayawada. The temple management operates its own shuttle bus that is periodically transported between the station and the temple.
- Air: Visakhapatnam International Airport is the closest airport which is located at around 100km. Devotees can then travel to Annavaram by bus or taxis. Rajahmundry Airport (80 km) is another option.
- Local Transport: Short distances transportation can be availed around railway station and bus stand like auto-rickshaws and taxis to the temple.
- Nearby Attractions
What are the Nearby Attractions
Scenic and spiritual places are all around the Annavaram that can be visited by the devotees:
- Pampa River: A holy river that had been flowing out of the base of Ratnagiri Hill and this provided an excellent walking trail.
- Talupulamma Lova Temple: A temple in honour of goddess Talupulamma, which is situated 15 km Away and a scenic place, situated on a hill top.
- Kakinada Beach: It is 45 km off Annavaram and a good place to unwind and relax at the Bay of Bengal.
- Pithapuram: It is a historic town 20 km away and constituting ancient Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple.
- Papikondalu Boat Trip: A beautiful boat cruise on Godavari river with hills and wild life sighting scene about 70 km away at annavaram.
These attractions offer a mix of spiritual, cultural, and natural experiences for visitors.
Accommodation Options at Annavaram Temple
| Accommodation Type | Details | Price (INR per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Rooms | Basic rooms with minimal amenities | 200 |
| Non-AC Rooms | Comfortable rooms for families | 500 – 800 |
| AC Rooms | Air-conditioned rooms with modern facilities | 1500 – 2000 |
| AC Suites | Premium suites for larger groups | 2000 – 3000 |
| Marriage Halls | For conducting weddings, includes two rooms | Varies, contact temple |
| Lockers | For storing luggage | Free for casual visitors |
Important Instructions for Visitors
Do’s:
- Dress in traditional clothes: Men are to wear dhoti or kurta-pyjama; women are to wear sarees, half-sarees or salwar kameez.
- Being silent in the temple, chant “Om Sri SatyaDevaya Namah.”
- Deposit offerings only in the hundi.
- Book darshan and accommodation in advance for convenience.
- Respect temple staff and fellow devotees.
- Purchase prasadam from authorized temple counters.
Don’ts:
- Avoid jeans, skirts, sleeveless tops, or non-traditional clothing.
- Do not wear footwear inside the temple premises.
- Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or intoxicants.
- Do not approach touts for quick darshan or accommodation.
- Refrain from sitting with your back facing the deity.
- Avoid taking photos or videos inside the sanctum sanctorum.
FAQs About Annavaram Temple
What is the significance of the Satyanarayana Swamy Vratham?
Vratham is a spiritual practice that is used to get health, wealth and prosperity. It is noted to drive away evil and bless with good luck mostly newly-weds, families and those beginning a new venture.
How long does the Satyanarayana Vratham take?
The Vratham is normally of 2 hours duration with sessions organized between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM in batches.
Can I book accommodation online?
Yes, accommodation may be reserved on www.aptemples.ap.gov.in or in the Mee Seva centers. Reservation will cost a day rent + 50 per cent advance.
What are the prasadam offerings available?
Bhogi Prasadam (150g) costs Rs. 20, and Bangi Prasadam (100g) costs Rs. 15, available at temple counters.
Is there a dress code for the temple?
And yes, men should also wear the traditional clothing such as dhoti/kurta whereas women should wear sarees/salwar kameez. Jeans and sleeveless clothing are prohibited.
What do I do to do Paroksha Seva when I cannot go?
Submit your details containing name, gotram and payment details through WhatsApp to +91-9491249990 to avail Paroksha Seva done by temple priests.
