Sri Venkateswara Temple : Is the most revered and celebrated temple of Tirupati having tourists and pilgrims flooding in all year long. This is one of the holiest and the wealthiest temples in the world and millions of devotees flock here to pay their reverence. Around 50,000 pilgrims visit the temple every day, which is a massive number. Hence, a whole procedure has been planned and set up which effectively ends at the shrine for darshan. The entry for the Darshan is through Vaikuntam Queue Complex which is a series of interconnected halls that leads to the main temple. These halls are clean and comfortable with the various facilities provided.
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Srikalahasti Temple : Situated in Chittoor, Srikalahasti Temple is popular among devotees who visit the temple along with the highly revered Tirupati Temple, which is just 36 km away. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kalahasti temple has immense religious importance for Hindus and was constructed in the year 1516 by Krishnadevraya, a king of the Vijayanagara empire. The elaborate structure of the Srikalahasti temple complex is a breathtaking view right from the entrance. It has intricate carvings of numerous mythological illustrations that one can explore in the divine surroundings. This magnificent temple is often reffered as the Kailasa and Kashi of the south.
The temple represents one of the five elements (Pancha Bhoota) - Air or Vayu. The place has an abundance of vibrant, divine aura and has the potential to draw visitors with its ornate shrines and mesmerising beauty. Srikalahasti is an excellent example of South Indian temple architecture where highly ornamented gopurams with expansive intricately carved interiors unfold the magnificent treasures of the Dravidian style of architecture.
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Ranganatha Temple : Lying on the banks of River Pennar, Ranganatha Temple is one of the most revered temples of Nellore. The temple is great religious significance and is considered to be the oldest temples of the area which attracts devotees in such large number.
The temple is also known for its beautiful architecture and exquisite carving. It houses seven gold pots adorned with huge mirrors within the temple premises. Addala Mandapam or minor hall situated within the complex is famous for its intricate inlay work. It is also a major part of the temple being the place where the idol of the presiding deity of the temple, Lord Sri Ranganathswamy is enshrined.
Kanaka Durga Temple : Is a famous shrine dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Located in Vijayawada district of Andhra Pradesh, this astounding architecture is built in Dravidian fashion. The temple is surrounded by the hills of Inrakeeladri, right along the banks of the Krishna River. The temple finds mention in many sacred texts and Vedic literature as well and is a revered temple among devotees and followers. People visit this temple every year to show their respect and devotion to the Goddess Supreme and seek her blessings. The temple has detailed timings and rules of darshans and seva opportunities which can be booked online on their website. The temple also runs a food donation programme as a part of their many charitable activities.
The Kanaka Durga Temple of Andhra Pradesh is one of the many Shaktipeethas that are situated in the country. The goddess appears in her Mahishasurmardini form here, along with the image slain demon king Mahishasura. It is believed that the deity is Swayambhu or self-manifested. The imposing image of Kanakadurga is a humbling and unforgettable sight. The deity’s face and body colour are of molten gold shade, and the idol is also bedecked with golden jewellery from which the temple gets its name Kanaka Durga - Kanaka in Sanskrit means gold.
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Ahobilam Temple : Is a small village renowned for Lord Narasimha Swamy Temple. The Ahobilam temple is dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. The temple complex has temples of Adi Lakshmi Devi Temple and Chenchu Lakshmi Devi. It is the only temple where all the nine forms of the deity are worshipped. Ahobilam is believed to be in the middle of Adishesha and expands all over the Nalmalla Hills.
The temple was built according to the Vijayanagara style of architecture and houses idols of all the nine forms of Lord Narasimha Swami. The sacred Ahobilam Temple was built on the footprint of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, measuring 5 feet 3 inches. It is believed that a marriage ceremony performed here leads to a happy and fulfilling marriage. Lord Narasimha is the half-man, half-lion form of Lord Vishnu when he came to save his devotee Prahlad from his own father.
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