About Annavaram Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple
The Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple stands on Ratnagiri hill above the town of Annavaram in Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, looking over the Pampa river. Lord Satyanarayana, a form of Vishnu, is worshipped here with Goddess Anantha Lakshmi and Lord Shiva beside him. It is one of the most visited temples in the state, and many regard it as second only to Tirumala in Andhra devotion. Most pilgrims come to perform the Satyanarayana Vratam, the well-loved family ritual for health, prosperity and the fulfilment of wishes; Ekadashi days are thought especially auspicious for it.
According to the temple legend, Mount Meru and his wife Menaka prayed to Vishnu and were blessed with two sons who became mountains: Bhadra, now Bhadrachalam, home of Rama, and Ratnakara, on whom Vishnu appeared as Veera Venkata Satyanarayana. The recorded history is recent. Tradition says a local Brahmin, Eeranki Prakasa Rao, and the local ruler both dreamt that the Lord would appear on the hill; the image was found under an ankudu tree and consecrated on 6 August 1891. A simple shed grew with donations, and the stone temple was built in 1933–34. It is managed by a trust board under the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department.
The temple is designed to look like a chariot, with four wheels at its corners said to stand for the Sun and Moon and the endless movement of time; the main entrance is gold-plated. On the ground floor is a sacred yantra surrounded by shrines of Ganapati, Surya, Bala Tripurasundari and Maheswara, and a tall cylindrical form representing the Trimurti. The main deities are on the floor above. A large mandapam hosts the vratams, often with hundreds of couples performing the ritual together. Nearby on the hill are a Sri Rama temple, said to mark where the image was found, and shrines of Vana Durga and Kanaka Durga.
Annavaram Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple timings
Usually open from early morning to night, with vratam batches through the day. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Annavaram Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple
By air
Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam airports serve the area; Visakhapatnam is about 120 km away and Rajahmundry about 72 km.
By train
Annavaram station on the Vijayawada–Visakhapatnam line is about 3 km from the temple; most trains between Chennai and Kolkata stop here.
By road
Annavaram lies on National Highway 16, about 18 km from Tuni and 51 km from Kakinada. APSRTC buses run about every 30 minutes from Kakinada, Rajahmundry and Tuni.
Festivals at Annavaram Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple
- Telugu New Year (Ugadi)Mar/Apr
- Sita Rama KalyanamMar/Apr
- Kanaka Durga JataraApr/May
- Sri Krishna JayantiAug/Sep
- Ganapati NavaratruluAug/Sep
- Sarannavaratrulu (Navaratri)Sep/Oct
- Giri Pradakshina (Karthika Purnima)Oct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional dress is expected, particularly for those performing the vratam: dhoti for men and saree or half-saree for women.
- Entry
- General darshan is free. Satyanarayana Vratam and special darshan tickets are sold by the devasthanam.
- Book your Satyanarayana Vratam slot at the devasthanam counter or online in advance during Karthika month.
- Ekadashi and Karthika days are very crowded; reach early in the morning.
- Visit the small Sri Rama temple nearby, said to mark where the image was found.
- Couples performing the vratam should wear traditional dress.
Places to visit near Annavaram Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple
- Sri Rama Temple, RatnagiriShrine near the main temple at the spot where the idol was found
- Vana Durga and Kanaka Durga templesGoddess shrines on Ratnagiri hill
- KakinadaPort city, about 51 km away
- RajahmundryCity on the Godavari, about 72 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is Annavaram famous?
For the Satyanarayana Swamy temple on Ratnagiri hill, where thousands of families perform the Satyanarayana Vratam.
How far is Annavaram temple from the railway station?
Annavaram railway station is about 3 km from the temple.
When was Annavaram temple built?
The image was consecrated on 6 August 1891, and the present stone temple was built in 1933–34.
What is the best day for the Satyanarayana Vratam at Annavaram?
Ekadashi is considered the most auspicious day, and the Karthika month is the busiest season.
Why is Annavaram temple shaped like a chariot?
Its four corner wheels are said to represent the Sun and Moon and the endless movement of time.
What are the Annavaram Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to night, with vratam batches through the day. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Annavaram Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple?
Traditional dress is expected, particularly for those performing the vratam: dhoti for men and saree or half-saree for women.
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