Srikurmam Kurmanathaswamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Srikurmam Kurmanathaswamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Srikurmam Rd, Srikurmam,

Andhra Pradesh 532404

Moolavar

Kurmanathaswamy

Amman

Lakshmi as Kurmanayaki.

Introduction

• Location: Srikurmam village, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, India
• Dedicated To: Lord Vishnu in his Kurma (tortoise) avatar, and his consort Lakshmi (Kurmanayaki)
• Built In: 11th century, Eastern Chalukyan style
• Architectural Style: Dravida architecture

Puranic Significance:

• Only known temple dedicated to Vishnu’s Kurma avatar
• Also features both tortoise and anthropomorphic forms of Vishnu and Lakshmi
• Key center for Vaishnavism in medieval India
• Stories of Swetha Chakravarthi and Vishnu’s divine intervention are central to the temple’s origin
• Unique mix of Vaishnava, Shaiva, and Shakti iconography

Special Features:

• Unique gopuram and two dhvajasthambas (flagpoles)
• Sanctum designed with an ashtadala padmam (eight-petaled lotus)
• Direct access for devotees to offer prayers
• Idol of Kurmanathaswamy made of black stone, appears golden due to sandalwood paste
• Shrines for Kurmanayaki (Lakshmi) and other deities
• Temple tank (Swetha Pushkarani) linked to legends involving Krishna
• 108 unique ekasila pillars with inscriptions
• Tortoise conservation park for star tortoises

Festivals:

• Major festival: Dolotsavam (3-day celebration)
• Other significant festivals: Kalyanotsavam (Vaisakha Suddha Ekadasi), Kurma Jayanthi (Jyeshta Bahula Dwadasi), Mukkoti Ekadasi
• Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions are observed

Century/Period

11th Century

Nearest Bus Station

Srikakulam

Nearest Railway Station

Srikakulam railway station

Nearest Airport

Visakhapatnam

Location on Map

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