20 Must Visit Andhra Pradesh Temples For A Divine Pilgrimage

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Srikalahasteeswara Temple
The Telugu people live in the state of Andhra Pradesh, which got located in southern India. Many dynasties governed this region, and many temples still survive today. The temples created during the reigns of Sri Krishna Devaraya and the Kakatiya dynasty, who pushed architecture to new heights, are among them. These sacred places exemplify Indian culture and heritage. They exhibit superbly carved sculptures and constructions that are well-known throughout the world and have attracted a large number of visitors.

1. Veerabhadra Temple In Lepakshi

Veerabhadra Temple At Lepakshi
Photo Credit: The Divine India
The Vijayanagara-style temple at Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district, got established in the 16th century. Also, the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas narratives of Rama and Krishna gets shown in fresco paintings with bright clothing and colors. Around 200 meters away from the temple stands a gigantic Nandi, or bull, Shiva’s mount. The temple got built on a granite hill in the shape of a tortoise. This is one of the most stunning monuments among Andhra Pradesh temples.

Veerabhadra Temple Famous For:

The temple was built in the Vijayanagara architectural style. It is split into three sections: Mukha Mandapa (the assembly hall), Arda Mandapa (the Ante-Chamber), and Garbhagriha (the Sanctum Sanctorum). A rock chain, Vastu Purush, the Padmini race woman, the hanging pillar, Monolithic Nagalinga, Durga Paadam, Lepakshi saree patterns, and the Eyes of Viroopaakshanna are among the temple’s main attractions.

Timings of Veerabhadra Temple: 5.00 AM to 12.30 PM, 4.00 PM to 8.30 PM
 
Visit Duration: 2 Hours
 
How To Reach: The nearest Railway station is Hindupur at a distance of 14 KM and the nearest airport is Bangalore at a 100 km distance. You can reach Lepakshi by hiring a car or bus
 
Best Time To Visit Veerabhadra Temple: A 10 day long Chariot festival in February

2. Lord Malleshwara Temple In Vijayawada

A Shiva linga is the main deity of the Lord Malleshwara Temple in Vijayawada. Many Mahabharata events got carved in Bramhrambika’s sculptures, which got engraved on temple walls. The temple got built in the 10th century by a Chalukyan ruler. Of course, Shiva Ratri is frequently commemorated here.

Lord Malleshwara Temple Famous For

The annual Goddess Sakambhari festival is held in Ashadha month and is marked by great reverence and rites. During the three-day celebration, Kanaka Durga takes the shape of Sakambhari or Banashankari Amma of the Banashankari Amma Temple. Here prayers are made to the Goddess for the blessing of all vegetables, agriculture, and food so that they are numerous and capable of supporting the multitude.

Timings of Lord Malleshwara Temple: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM
 
Visit Duration: 1 Hour
 
How To Reach: You can take a taxi from Vijayawada railway station
 
Best Time To Visit Lord Malleshwara Temple: Mahasivarathri

3. Kanaka Durga Temple In Vijayawada

Kanaka Durga Temple In Vijayawada
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
The Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada, it’s situated on the Indrakeeladri hills, on the banks of the Krishna River. The deity gets referred to as Swayambhu, or self-manifested, in Triteeyakalpa. During Durga puja or Navaratri, many devotees from all over the world visit the temple to offer their prayers. Saraswati puja and Theppotsavam are also celebrated.

Kanaka Durga temple Famous For

Because this temple is devoted to Goddess Durga, the nine days of Navratri are celebrated here with zeal and merriment. On the tenth day, Dussehra is unquestionably the most important. Every year, hundreds of pilgrims come to seek the blessings of Her Holiness during the events conducted here.

Timings of Kanaka Durga temple: 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM,7:00 AM to 11:00 AM,12:15 PM to 04:00 PM ,6:15 PM to 10:00 PM
 
Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
 
How To Reach: 1.5 KM from Vijayawada railway station and 20.4 KM from Gannavaram Airport
 
Best Time To Visit Kanaka Durga temple: Navarathri, Dussehra, Shakambari festival

4. Tirupati Balaji Temple Andhra Pradesh

Tirupati Balaji Temple Andhra Pradesh
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
In terms of donations and wealth, it is the world’s richest temple, as well as the most visited place of prayer. The temple in Tirumala, a hill town near Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a Vishnu incarnation. It is known as “the temple of seven hills” and it’s designed in Dravidian architecture. During the annual Brahmotsavam, around 500,000 devotees visit the venue. This is one of the most prominent Andhra Pradesh temples.

Tirupati Balaji Temple Famous For

Tirupati is a popular pilgrimage destination in India, known for its iconic temples, most of which are devoted to Lord Vishnu’s incarnations. The location has various famous stories to tell, which interest people from all over the world.

Timings of Tirupati Balaji Temple: 2:30 AM to 1:30 AM (In between break darshans)
 
Visit Duration: 2-3 Hours (Depending on the queue it might take even longer)
 
How To Reach: It has connected buses from all states and cities. Renigunta and Tirupati junction are the nearest railway stations. Tirupati also has an airport from where you can hire a taxi to go up the seven hills.
 
Best Time To Visit Tirupati Balaji Temple: Brahmostavams and other important festivals. However, it can get really crowded and the best season is March-April.

5. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple In Srisailam

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple In Srisailam
Photo Credit: TripHobo
The Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam is located on a level summit of the Nallamalai hills. Nearby is a shrine dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna there. For generations, it has been a prominent Saivite pilgrimage site. Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy’s deity is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, while Goddess Brahmarambha Devi’s is one of the eighteen Mahashaktis and one of Andhra Pradesh’s oldest temples. It’s one of the most unique temples of Andhra Pradesh.

Mallikarjuna Swamy temple Famous For

Beautiful carvings and sculptures cover the temple walls and pillars as well. One of the most gorgeous temples in town, this is the one religious edifice on the Nallamala hills that visitors should not miss while in town.

Timings of Mallikarjuna Swamy temple: 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM
 
Visit Duration: 2 Hours (Depending on the queue it might take even longer)
 
How To Reach: From Hyderabad, it is 213 KM. You can either take a bus or go by car to reach the temple.
 
Best Time To Visit Mallikarjuna Swamy temple: September to October gets considered the best time

6. Kurma Temple In Srikakulam

Kurma Temple In Srikakulam
Photo Credit: Flickr
Kurma temple is the only shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s tortoise form, Kurma. The existing temple, which gets placed in Srikakulam, is approximately 700 years old. It got built about the year 200 AD. The temple also has idols of Lord Rama, Laxman, and Devi Sita, in addition to Govind Deva and his Sakhis. The presiding deity, Kurmadeva, it’s located on the opposite side of Swatha Pushkarini Lake.

Kurma temple Famous For

Ancestor worship is popular in Srikurmam, which is known as pitrukshetra. People think that if their ancestors’ spirits are given prayers here, their souls would be saved. As a result, hundreds of believers practice ancestor worship. Devotees apply Gopi Chandanam on their foreheads while applying Thirunamam.

Timings of Kurma temple: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
 
Visit Duration: 1 Hour
 
How To Reach: Near Airport is in Visakhapatnam, which is 106 KM away and Srikakulam Railway station is 30 KM from the temple. You can hire a car or taxi
 
Best Time To Visit Kurma temple: Annual Festival in February

7. Arasavalli Temple In Srikakulam

Arasavalli Temple In Srikakulam
Photo Credit: Wikipedia 
In Srikakulam, the Arasavalli temple is an ancient sun temple devoted to Surya, the Sun God. The temple’s presiding deity is Suryanarayana Swamy. The temple has said to get built in the 7th century by a Kalinga ruler. Aditya is in the center, with Ganesha, Parvati, Shiva, and Vishnu in each of the quadrangle’s four corners. A representation of Indra is also included. The most prominent festival celebrated here is Ratha Saptami. It’s one of the most unique temples of Andhra Pradesh.

Arasavalli temple Famous For

The temple is often regarded as a symbol of splendor and beauty. It incorporates the architectural talents of the Vishwakarma Brahmins or the Maharanas of Odisha. The temple is designed in such a way that the sun’s early morning rays fall on the deity’s feet twice a year.

Timings of Arasavalli temple: 6 AM – 12.30 PM and 3:30 PM – 8 PM
 
Visit Duration: 30 Mins To 1 Hour
 
How To Reach: 1 KM From Arasavalli Village
 
Best Time To Visit Arasavalli temple: Rath Saptami, Kalyanotsavam, and all-important festivals

8. Jaganmohini Kesava Venugopala Swamy Temple In Ryali

Jaganmohini Kesava Venugopala Swamy Temple In Ryali
Photo Credit: Temple Timings
The Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy temple, located in Ryali, East Godavari district, got built in the 11th century. This shrine of Sri Jaganmohini Keshava Swamy got made of a single stone in the temple. The deity ruling here looks like Lord Vishnu from the front, but Goddess Mohini from the back. The sacred River Ganga flows from Lord Vishnu’s feet, giving the temple its uniqueness. As a result, it is the Akasa Ganga’s source. This is one of the most visited temples in Andhra Pradesh.

Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy temple Famous For

From Chaitra Sudha Navami to Pournami (March/April), the Sri Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy kalyanam will be held. And, from Visakha Sudha Ekadasi to Pournami, the Sri Rama Satyanarayana Swamy kalyanam will be performed. Finally, from Jyeshta Sudha Ekadasi to Pournami, Sri Venugopala Swamy kalyanam will be held (June). Astami, Sravana Bahula Observance of Sri Krishnastami (August).

Timings of Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy temple: 6.00 am to 12.00 noon and from 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm
 
Visit Duration: 1 Hour
 
How To Reach: It’s located approx. 40 KM from Rajahmundry, which is also the closest airport.
 
Best Time To Visit Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy temple: Sri Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy kalyanam conducted between March-April

9. Vinayaka Temple In Kanipakam

Vinayaka Temple In Kanipakam
Photo Credit: TripAdvisor
Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy temple (Kanipakam) The Vinayaka temple in Andhra Pradesh, located near Kanipakam, Chittoor, it’s dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It got created in the 11th century by Kulothunga Chola I, a Chola dynasty emperor. Kanipakam’s Swayambhu, who gets considered as the upholder of truth, is the temple’s idol. Vinayaka Chavithi and the annual Brahmotsavam are two of the temple’s most famous events.

Vinayaka Swamy temple Famous For

Annual brahmotsavams, will be held for 21 days, beginning with Vinayaka chavithi day. On these days, the processional deity of Vinayaka will be carried in procession on several vahanams in front of a great number of pilgrims from all over the nation.

Timings of Vinayaka Swamy temple: 4:00 AM to 9:30 PM
 
Visit Duration: 1 Hour
 
How To Reach: Nearest Airport is Renigunta which is 83 KM from the temple. A number of buses connect to the Kanipakam Bus stand which is at a walkable distance.
 
Best Time To Visit Vinayaka Swamy temple: Ganesh Chathurthi and the annual temple festival.

10. Yaganti Temple In Yaganti

Yaganti Temple
Photo Credit: RVATemples
This shrine got established by Hariharaya Bukkaraya, a ruler from the 15th century. It’s located in the Kurnool district and got built for Lord Venkateshwara. However, just before installation, the idol’s toe got injured, and it got substituted with a Shiva linga.
This temple got nestled among beautiful hills and boasts a spectacular Pushkarini, which receives its water from Nandi’s mouth. The temple’s primary feature is the Yaganti Nandi, which rises in size each year. It’s supposed that when the Kalyug ends, this idol would come to life and shout. This is one of the most visited temples in Andhra Pradesh.

Yaganti Temple Famous For

The Pushkarini, a tiny pond on the temple grounds, is a feature of this temple. Water enters this Pushkarini from the bottom of the hill via the mouth of a Nandi (bull). Because it originates from the highlands, the water is clean and pleasant. No one knows how the water gets to the pond all year, and the temple architecture, particularly the sculpture, demonstrates the talents of old Viswakarma Sthapathis.

Timings of Yaganti temple: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
 
Visit Duration: 2-3 Hours
 
How To Reach: Nearest Airport is Renigunta at 26 KM distance. There are also trains to Srikalahasti railway station. You can also opt for roadway as a number of buses connect to this place
 
Best Time To Visit Yaganti temple: MahaSivarathri

11. Srikalahasteeswara Temple In Srikalahasti

Srikalahasteeswara Temple
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Srikalahasteeshwara Temple, one of Andhra Pradesh’s most famous Shiva temples, got established by the Pallavas in the 5th century. It’s 36 kilometers from Tirupati, and legend has it that this is where Bhakta Kannappa sacrificed both of his eyes to Shiva in order to gain redemption. This temple’s linga gets known as Vayu linga and is one of the most famous Pachaboothalasthalams. The Cholas restored this temple in the 10th century, and it’s known for its hundred pillar hall.

Srikalahasteeshwara Temple Famous For

During solar and lunar eclipses, this is the only temple in India that remains open, while all other temples are closed. This temple is well-known for its Rahu-Kethu pooja. This pooja is thought to protect individuals from the astrological impacts of Rahu and Kethu. According to Hindu folklore, Brahma worshipped Kalahatiswara at this location during all four Yugas.
Timings of Srikalahasteeshwara Temple: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
 
Visit Duration: 1 Hour
 
How To Reach: Nearest Airport is Renigunta at 26 KM distance. There are also trains to Srikalahasti railway station. You can also opt for roadway as a number of buses connect to this place
 
Best Time To Visit Srikalahasteeshwara Temple: Sivarathri and Annual festival in February-March

12. Annavaram Temple In Annavaram

Annavaram Temple
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Annavaram temple in Andhra Pradesh is a popular religious destination. It is the home of Lord Satyanarayana Swamy and got built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The location’s name comes from the Greek word Anna, which means “meal.” It’s thought that this place was historically known for distributing large amounts of food to the poor and needy. On the Ratnagiri hill stands the temple, which got designed in the shape of a chariot. The Lord’s Beetham and chakra got housed on one of the two floors of the main sanctuary.

Annavaram temple Famous For

The Temple is shaped like a chariot, having four wheels on each corner. The main sanctuary is divided into two storeys, and the main entrance is gold plated. The temple has a mandapam where Satyanaraya Vrathams are performed.

Timings of Annavaram temple: 06.00 AM to 12.30 PM 1.00 PM to 9.00 PM
 
Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
 
How To Reach: Located 72 Km away, Rajahmundry is the nearest airport. You can also travel from Visakhapatnam which is 100 KM from this place
 
Best Time To Visit Annavaram temple: All Important Hindu Festivals

13. Ahobilam Temple In Ahobilam

Ahobilam Temple
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Ahobilam temple of Andhra Pradesh it’s located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, around 220 kilometers from Nandyal. Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, whose life-size statue stands at 5 feet 3 inches tall, calls it home. This temple got named after the cave, or Bilam, in which the statue got housed, and it’s placed in a beautiful setting. Ahobilam, one of the most important Narasimha temples in Andhra Pradesh, is well-known among devotees for officiating weddings.

Ahobilam temple Famous For

It is bordered by the scenic Eastern Ghats highlands, which include various mountain slopes and canyons. It is devoted to Narasimha, the lion-headed incarnation of Vishnu, to whom the nine Hindu temples and various shrines are all dedicated.

Timings of Ahobilam temple: 06.30 AM to 7:00 PM
 
Visit Duration: 1 Hour
 
How To Reach: Nandyal is the nearest Railway station which is 66 Km from the temple
 
Best Time To Visit Ahobilam temple: Paarveta Utsavam and Narasimha Jayanti

14. Mangalagiri Temple In Guntur

Mangalagiri Temple
Photo Credit: Temple Diary
This Vaishnavite temple of Andhra Pradesh gets found atop the Mangalagiri hill in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of Lord Vishnu’s eight sacred places in India. The hill gets shaped like an elephant and has steps leading up to the temple. The idol who sips Panakam, or jaggery drink, is the temple’s primary attraction. This idol is nothing more than Narasimha Swamy’s mouth, which opens 15 cm wide for devotees to offer Panakam into. This idol discards the remainder when a specified amount got devoured.

Mangalagiri temple Famous For

At the temple site, there is an inscription from the reign of Krishnadevaraya, who visited the temple. Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu, a zamindari patron and devotee of Narasimha, erected the temple’s eleven-story Gali gopuram.

Timings of Mangalagiri temple: 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM
 
Visit Duration: 1 Hour
 
How To Reach: 12 Kms from Vijayawada and 25 KM from Guntur. There are plenty of transportation options available
 
Best Time To Visit Mangalagiri temple: Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Brahmothsavam

15. Paritala Anjaneya Swamy Temple In Kanchikacherla

Paritala Anjaneya Swamy Temple
Photo Credit: TripAdvisor
This enormous statue of Lord Hanuman attracts both Indian and foreign visitors to this shrine. The statue is the world’s tallest, at 135 feet tall. The statue dwarfs Brazil’s Christ Redeemer, the world’s most iconic monument. This place got placed in the village of Paritala, around 30 kilometers from Vijayawada. This statue looks to be protecting people and instilling confidence and optimism in them. Abhaya Anjaneya Swamy is one of Andhra Pradesh’s most well-known Hanuman temples.

Paritala Anjaneya Swamy Temple Famous For

The status of this monument as the world’s second-highest devoted to Bhagavan Hanuman has been supplanted by another statue located at Manav Bharti University, Solan, which is 155 feet and 2 inches tall.

Timings of Paritala Anjaneya Swamy Temple: 06.30 AM to 7:00 PM
 
Visit Duration: 1 Hour
 
How To Reach: It is 30 KM away from Vijayawada. A bus or a taxi to Paritala is suitable.
 
Best Time To Visit Paritala Anjaneya Swamy Temple: Hanuman Jayanti

16. Simhachalam Temple In Vishakhapatnam

Simhachalam Temple
Photo Credit: Temple Purohit
This temple got inspired by the Simhachalam hill, which is 800 meters above sea level. Simhachalam temple gets devoted to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha and is one of the 32 Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temples in Andhra Pradesh. The architecture of this temple is a mix of Orissan, Chalukya, and Chola building styles. Sri Ramanuja outlined the devotional practices of this historic Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple in Andhra Pradesh, which got erected over a thousand years ago. The idol gets covered with Sandalwood paste and resembles a Shiva lingam throughout the year.

Simhachalam temple Famous For

From the outside, Simhachalam temple resembles a castle, with three outer courtyards and five entrances. The building combines the styles of the Kalingas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and Great Cholas.

Timings of Simhachalam temple: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
 
Visit Duration: 1 Hour
 
How To Reach: 32 KM from Vizag Airport
 
Best Time To Visit Simhachalam temple: Kalyanotsavam and Chandanotsavam

17. Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple In Antarvedi

Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple Antarvedi
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
This magnificent temple gets dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and it’s located in Antarvedi, East Godavari. Because of its location near the junction of the Bay of Bengal and the Godavari rivers, the temple is also known as Antarvedi Temple. The temple’s main sanctuary, which dates from the 15th century, faces west instead of east. Lord Rama and Anjaneya, according to legend, came to this area after slaying Ravana and paid their adoration to Lord Narasimha.

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple Famous For

The temple celebrates Kalyanamohasthavam from Magha Sudha Sapthami to Magha Bahula Padyami, Sri Venkateswara Swamy kalyanam during Jesta Sudha Ekadasi, and Sri Narasimha Jayanthi during Vaisakha Sudha Chaturdasi.

Timings of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple: 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM
 
Visit Duration: 1 Hour
 
How To Reach: The nearest airport is Rajahmundry which is 109 km away. The nearest bus stop is Narasapuram which is just 20 km away from the temple
 
Best Time To Visit Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy: Sri Narasimha Jayanti

18. Thousand Pillar Temple In Warangal

Mangalagiri Temple
Photo Credit: Trawell.in

The Thousand Pillar Temple is an old temple located in the lively state of Telangana, in a little hamlet called Hanamakonda. As the name implies, the temple features over a thousand pillars, some of which are extensions or parts of surrounding pillars. These pillars are so densely linked that they almost form the temple’s walls. The Thousand Pillars Temple, built in the shape of a star, is a renowned pilgrimage site that attracts over 1000 pilgrims practically every day.

Thousand Pillar Temple Famous For

With a thousand pillars, the temple is a superb example of architecture and sculpture. The temple’s components include beautifully carved pillars, perforated screens, magnificent iconography, rock-cut elephants, and the massive dolerite Nandi. The talent of Kakatiya sculptors is visible in adroit workmanship and perfect ivory carving technique in their art, as well as the strengthening of foundations such as the sandbox method.

Timings of Thousand Pillar Temple: 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM

Visit Duration: 1 Hour

How To Reach: Located only 150 km from the hustling and bustling city of Hyderabad.

Best Time To Visit Thousand Pillar Temple: October to February

19. Venkateswara Swamy Temple In Dwaraka Tirumala

Venkateswara Swamy Temple Dwaraka Tirumala
Photo Credit: Trawell.in
Lord Balaji gets worshipped at Dwaraka Tirumala, also known as Chinna Tirupati. It’s called after Lord Balaji’s Swayambhu statue, which got discovered under an ant mound by a saint named “Dwaraka.” Chinna Tirupati is an excellent alternative if you can’t make it to Tirupati but still want to offer your offerings to Balaji. The main temple, which includes a Rajagopuram, Vimana, and Mukhamantapa, exemplifies the grandeur of South Indian architecture.

Venkateswara Swamy Temple Famous For

The festival for the self-manifested idol (little idol) is held in the month of ‘Vaisakha,’ whereas the festival for the installed idol is held in the month of ‘Aswayuja,’ which might be in the months of April–May or September–October each year.

Timings of Venkateswara Swamy Temple: 4:00 AM to 9:30 PM
 
Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
 
How To Reach: The nearest Railway station is Bhimadole which is 17 KM from the location
 
Best Time To Visit Venkateswara Swamy Temple: Tiru Kalyanotsavam

20. Amaralingeswara Swami Temple In Amaravathi

Amaralingeswara Swami Temple Amaravathi
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
This is one of the Panchakarma Kshetrams in the Guntur district, which gets dedicated to Lord Shiva devotion. Lord Indra had said to have placed the Sivalinga on the banks of the Krishna river.  A nail got hammered into the top of the Shiva lingam to prevent it from getting any larger, resulting in a scarlet blood stain that’s still visible even today. Many notable emperors, notably Sri Devaraya of the Vijayanagara dynasty, have placed inscriptions at the shrine.
Amaralingeswara Swami Temple Famous For
The temple’s primary festivals are the Mahashivaratri, which occurs during the Magha Bahula Dasami, the Navaratri, and the Kalyana Utsavas. Amaravati is thus an important Kshetra since it is located at a particularly sacred area of the holy river Krishna and is a sanctified place of devotion in Hinduism.
Timings of Amaralingeswara Swami Temple: 5 AM to 8 PM
 
Visit Duration: 1 Hour
 
How To Reach: 40 KM from Guntur
 
Best Time To Visit Amaralingeswara Swami Temple: Shivarathri, Navarathri, and Kalyana Utsav