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Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh

Srikurmam

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map

January

10.7 - 32.3 °C

February

13.3 - 36.0 °C

March

17.5 - 39.5 °C

April

19.7 - 40.9 °C

May

19.8 - 42.1 °C

June

21.2 - 40.4 °C

July

21.5 - 36.1 °C

August

21.9 - 35.1 °C

September

21.7 - 35.8 °C

October

19.2 - 35.1 °C

November

14.1 - 33.3 °C

December

11.0 - 31.4 °C

Major Airports :

Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ)

Nearest Railway Ration

Srikakulam Road Railway Station (CHE)

Major Airports :

Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ)

Where Lord Vishnu Reveals Himself in Rare Kurma (tortoise) Avatar, in a Temple Unlike Any Other in the World

Nestled in the coastal district of Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh lies Srikurmam, a serene town renowned for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Kurma (tortoise) incarnation. Standing out as one and only Suyambu or Self-Manifested temple in the world where Lord Vishnu is adored in the form of Kurma, Srikakumam has become a place of immense religious and historical significance.

 

A Temple Steeped in History and Legends

 

The Kurmanathaswamy temple popularly known as Srikurmam Temple, located along the serene Nagavali River, traces its origins to the Eastern Ganga dynasty and later flourished under the patronage of Suryavanshi Gajapatis, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles.

 

According to legend, King Swetha Chakravarti, whose queen Vishnu Priya was a devotee of Vishnu, was swept away to the hills during a flood at Swetha Giri. Guided by Rishi Narada, he prayed to Vishnu, who appeared in his Kurma avatar, created a lake with his Sudarshan Chakra, and cured the king’s sickness. This tank then came to be known as Swetha Pushkarini. At the king’s request, Vishnu manifested as Kurmanatha, and Brahma consecrated the deity with the Gopala Yantra. The temple is also associated with visits by Rishi Durvasa, Lava and Kusha, and Balarama, whose curse ensured Vishnu’s Kurma form is worshipped here alone.

 

Today, the Srikurmam Temple continues to thrive under the custodianship of the Gajapati rulers of Vijayanagaram, preserving its rich spiritual heritage and architectural grandeur.

Architectural Splendor that captivates the Eye

Srikurmam is not just a place of worship; it is an architectural marvel. Its gopuram differs from typical South Indian Vaishnava temples, and uniquely, it has two Dwajastambhas in the East and West. The upper part of the sanctum sanctorum is shaped like an Ashtadala Padmam (eight-petaled lotus), and devotees can directly enter the Garba Gudi.

The main deity, Kurmanatha, carved from black sandstone, appears yellowish due to the application of chandan. The deity, about 2.5 feet tall, is aligned symbolically with the head facing west, the body occuping the center, and the rear representing the Sudarshana Chakra. Surrounding the sanctum are shrines for Govindarajaswamy with Sridevi and Bhudevi, as well as Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.

A giant tortoise relief marks the temple entrance, complemented by a tortoise park housing around 255 star tortoises, many entrusted by devotees from nearby fields. Devotees often feed them gongura leaves as an offering.

The temple complex features expansive mandapas and intricately carved pillars that narrate stories from Hindu scriptures, while its sacred tanks enhance the spiritual atmosphere. Walking through Srikurmam is like stepping back in time, where devotion, mythology, and artistry converge seamlessly.

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Festivals that Illuminate Srikurmam

Srikurmam is one of the rare temples in India that embraces both Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions. The three-day Dolotsavam, celebrated in March around Holi, is the temple’s most prominent festival, featuring deity processions, devotional music, traditional dances, and elaborate offerings. Another important celebration is Vaikuntha Ekadashi, when the temple is adorned with flowers, lamps, and vibrant decorations, and devotees partake in special rituals believed to bring blessings and prosperity. These festivals not only highlight the region’s rich religious heritage but also offer visitors a glimpse into the cultural vibrancy and communal spirit of Andhra Pradesh.

Best Time to Visit

Srikurmam is best visited between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for temple walks and sightseeing. Early mornings and evenings are particularly enchanting, as the soft light enhances the intricate carvings and creates a serene atmosphere along the temple grounds. For those interested in photography, these times provide the perfect opportunity to capture the temple’s architectural brilliance against the backdrop of the Nagavali River. The quiet streets of the town and the calm riverside surroundings make Srikurmam a perfect blend of spiritual retreat and scenic exploration.

How to Reach

By Air: Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ), approximately 115–120 km from Srikurmam, is the nearest airport, offering regular domestic flights and limited international connectivity.)

By Rail: Srikakulam Road Railway Station (CHE), located about 20–22 km away, is the nearest major railhead. It lies on the Howrah–Chennai main line and is well connected to Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Vijayawada, and other key cities.

By Road: Srikurmam is easily accessible by road from Srikakulam town (20 km) and Visakhapatnam, with good connectivity via state highways. Regular buses, taxis, and private vehicles operate from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and nearby towns.

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