Srikurmam Temple: History, Significance, Timings, and Complete Travel Guide

Nestled near Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, Srikurmam Temple—also known as the Srikurmam Kurmanatha Temple—is a unique and sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Kurma Avatar (Tortoise form). It is the only temple in the world where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in this rare incarnation, making it a prominent spiritual destination for devotees and history enthusiasts alike.

History and Significance of Srikurmam Temple

The Srikurmam Temple history dates back to the 2nd century CE and is steeped in mythological and historical significance. According to legend, the temple was built where Lord Vishnu appeared as the Kurma Avatar to support Mount Mandara during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). The deity here is known as Kurmanatha Swamy, and the temple’s name "Srikurmam" is derived from the Sanskrit word Kurma, meaning tortoise.

Architecturally, the Srikurmam Temple is a stunning example of Kalinga-style architecture, adorned with intricate carvings, stone pillars, and sculptures that depict stories from ancient scriptures. This makes it not only a spiritual center but also a site of artistic brilliance and historical value.

Srikurmam Temple Timings and Daily Rituals

The temple follows traditional Vaishnavite customs. Below are the general Srikurmam Temple timings for devotees:

• Morning Darshan: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM

• Evening Darshan: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The temple performs various Srikurmam Temple rituals daily, including Suprabhatham, Abhishekam, Alankaram, and evening Aarti. Special poojas are held during auspicious occasions and Ekadashi days, attracting a large number of devotees.

Sevas and Prasadam Details

The Srikurmam Temple Seva details include a range of offerings such as Archana, Sahasranama Archana, and Kurma Homam. Devotees can book these sevas at the temple office or through authorized online portals. The Srikurmam Temple prasad mainly consists of pulihora (tamarind rice) and sweet pongal, distributed after the main pooja.

Festivals Celebrated at Srikurmam Temple

The temple comes alive during major festivals like Kurma Jayanthi, Vaikuntha Ekadashi, and Maha Shivaratri. During these celebrations, thousands of devotees visit to seek Lord Kurmanatha’s blessings, making it one of the most significant temple festivals in Andhra Pradesh.

How to Reach Srikurmam Temple

• By Air: The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam International Airport, about 130 km away.

• By Train: Srikakulam Road Railway Station is the closest major railhead, 15 km from the temple.

• By Road: The temple is well-connected by road; buses and taxis are available from Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam.

The Srikurmam Temple location is serene, surrounded by lush greenery and village charm, making it an ideal spiritual getaway.

Best Time to Visit Srikurmam Temple

The best time to visit Srikurmam Temple is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for temple visits and sightseeing in nearby areas.

Nearby Attractions

Devotees visiting Srikurmam Temple can also explore temples near Srikakulam, such as:

• Arasavalli Sun Temple

• Srimukhalingam Temple

• Salihundam Buddhist Site

These places enrich the cultural and spiritual experience of your trip.