Popular Temple in Vizag-Simhachalam Temple

5 Popular Temples in Vizag (2024)

Planning a trip and wish it to be more of a spiritual kind? Do you wish to visit an array of temples during this vacation? Are you facing trouble choosing the ideal vacation destination? If yes, then worry no more because we have got just the right place for you. Visakhapatnam or Vizag as it is commonly known as, will prove to be the perfect spot for you. It is the largest city of Andhra Pradesh. A gem of Southern India, it is also considered as the financial capital of the state. This city is even the administrative headquarters of Visakhapatnam district and state headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard. Other than this significance, the state also acts as a great vacation destination. Located amid the Eastern Ghats on the stunning Bay of Bengal coastline, visitors have a gala time exploring the numerous exciting tourist places in Vizag.

Vizag has almost everything one could expect from a vacation destination ranging from stunning beaches, mighty hills, pretty valleys and soothing temples. When in Vizag and if you wish to indulge into some real religious and spiritual spree, then be rest assured because Vizag houses a plenty of grand temples. Most of the famous temples are located within Vizag city-limit and even though some of them are located a few miles away but all of them are easily reachable via vehicles. So, you don’t have to worry about a thing! Want to know about some of the popular temples in Vizag? If yes, then continue reading because we have already done the job for you by shortlisting the best temples in Vizag for you.

5 Popular Temples in Vizag

1. Simhachalam Temple:

Also known popularly by the name of Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple, this temple in Vizag is located at an elevation of about 300 m above sea level. The architecture of the temple in Vizag is a combination of Chalukyas, Odishan/Kalinga and Cholas style. Though most of the temples are usually east facing, but this one is an exception and faces the west direction. This temple dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha who is believed to be a form of Lord Vishnu, is not just a spiritual place but rather is considered to be one of the most popular tourist places in Vizag as well. There are many interesting legends associated with the establishment of the temple. Visitors can also visit the Swami Pushkarini tank which is situated near the temple and the Gangadhara tank that is located at the bottom of the hill.

Image Source

Location: Simhachalam Road, Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530028

Opening Hours: 4 AM till 9 PM (In case of public holidays timings can differ. So, check before going.)

Speciality: Except on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, every day Lord Varaha Narsimha is covered with sandalwood paste.

2. Sampath Vinayagar Temple:

This is another famous temple in Vizag that draws the attention of both locals as well as traveller devotees. Located in S.G. Sambandan and Co. complex in Asilmetta, this temple was initially constructed by T. S. Selvaganesan, S. G. Sambandan and T. S. Rajeswaran for themselves. The temple was completed in 1962. Dedicated to Lord Ganpati, this temple is a hotspot among fishermen who daily pray before leaving for work. It was in the year 1967 that Ganpati yatra was commenced within this temple by Kanchi Peetadhipathi and Chandrasekharendra Saraswati. This temple in Vizag holds a lot of significance in the hearts of the devotees and hence you can find a number of devotes praying and seeking blessings from the deity all day round.

Image Source

Location: 10 – 1 – 33 Waltair Appliance Road, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530003

Opening Hours: It is open 24 hours, so you can visit it anytime.

Speciality: Ganesh Chaturthi festival celebrations here are worth a watch.

3. Sai Baba Temple:

Located at Chinna Waltair, this temple is believed to be one of the most auspicious temples and loved tourist places in Vizag. The bhoomi poojan of the temple was done on February 9, 1977 and since then it has a special place in the heart of devotees. Since March 18, 1993, the devotees of Sai Baba even began to organise prayer meeting here. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Sai Baba and within the temple premises you can find a 5.5 feet tall idol of Sai baba located on the first floor. However, Sai Baba complex in Vizag is dedicated to many other Gods and Goddesses worshipped in Southern India such as Ganapati, Vishakeswara or Shiva, Parvathi Devi, Rama, Hanuman, Dattatreya, Swami Aiyappa, Dwarakamai, Sanishwara, Suryanarayana and Dhuni.

Image Source

Location: East Point Colony, Chinna Waltair, Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017

Opening Hours: 5.15 AM till 8.30 PM

Speciality: Kakad Aarti that is performed on opening of the temple and Shej Aarti done before closing of the temple are really magical.

4. Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Temple:

This temple in Vizag has an interesting history associated with itself. Kanaka Mahalakshmi temple was initially located inside the Burujupeta Fort but later when Visakha kings attacked, the enemies destroyed the temple and even dropped the deity into a well. It was then, that the Goddess Laxmi is believed to appear in the dreams of her devotees and expressed her desire for a roofless temple. As a result, it was in 1907 that this roofless temple by the name Kanaka Mahalakshmi temple was completed at Burujupeta in One Town area. According to Sthala Puranam, the well was located in the middle of the road and was filled with idols of Ashta Lakshmis. But later when the well was shifted to a corner, a lot of residents died of the plague. So, then the devotees returned it back to the original position and soon the plague epidemic vanished too. This incident made people believe that the Goddess really removes the obstacles in life of devotees and fulfils their wishes.

Image Source

Location: Town Kotha Road, Burujupeta, Chengal Rao Peta, Port Area, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530001

Opening Hours: It is open for 24 hours, so you can visit it anytime.

Speciality: From November 30 to December 29, Margasira Masotsavamulu is celebrated.

5. Venkateswara Swamy Temple:

Situated on the Srungamani Hill, this temple in Vizag draws attention and love from devotees from across the nation. There is common belief among people that Garuda seated Lord Venkateswara and Lakshmi were seated on the location of the temple. If the legend is to be believed, the deity of Lord Venkateswara was recovered from under the rocks here. The temple was constructed in the 16th century AD by the King of East Godavari District, Krishana Bhupaluda. Since Ramanuja declared Venkateswara Swamy temple as one of the 108 sacred Vaishnava Ambimana Kshethrams, the temple has become one of the most popular tourist places in Vizag. The name of the temple also has a mention in the holy Brahmavaivartha Puranam. Some of the other names with which the temple is popularly known among the local people are Upamaka and Swayambhoo.

Image Source