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Oct 14, 2013

Sri Kurmam Temple, Andhra Pradesh


Location:                     Sri Kurmam Village, 12 miles away from Sri Kakulam, Andhra Pradesh
Built by:                      ancient dynasties of India from 11th -19 century AD
Also known as:           Sri Kurmam Temple, Kurmantha Temple      
Primary deity:              Lord Vishnu
Important Festivals:     Vaishakhi Festival
Attraction:                   The Salingrama and Kurmantha

INTRODUCTION
A legendary temple in Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to the ditiya (second) avatar Lord Vishnu. The second incarnation of Lord Vishnu from the Dashavatars (10 incarnations) was a kurma (tortoise). Sri Kurmam is a holy pilgrimage for the Hindus. The Kurmanatha (tortoise) depicts prosperity and peace. The temple is located at a distance of 12 miles from the town Srikakulam. The divine place is situated in the southernmost region of the Taluk district.

HISTORY
The sculptor that is worshipped as the deity in Sri Kurmam has not been sculptured by artisans. It is a fossil of a real giant turtle. The front head of the deity is in the shape of a turtle and the Vishnu namam represents it. A Salingrama represents the posterior portion. Adi Sankacharya presented the Salingrama. The artistry of Sri Kurmam is a lustrous belonging of historical India. Dhwajastambams (flag masts) are present at back and forth of Sri Kurmam, which are indeed a unique feature. The Dhwajastambams represent the deity as facing the back of the shrine on the west. The rock carvings have inhabited the shrine since 11 A.D. The shrine premises possesses more than 200 pillars

Discovery of Holy Shrine
Ancient Indian dynasties contributed to the construction of Sri Kurmam. The project began under the initiatives of the kings of the Ganga dynasty, notably Anantha Varma Chodaganga Raju. Rulers of other Indian dynasties like Toorpu, Ayankqa Bheema, Velanati, Calukyas, Velama as well as the Gajapathis contributed their wealth in proceeding with the construction of the temple.

HOW TO REACH
By Air
The nearest airport to the Sri Kakulam town is the Vishakhapatnam airport. The distance of the place from the airport is about 106 km. You will have to take a cab or bus from the airport to reach the place and the journey would be of about 2 and a half hours.
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By Rail
The railway spot nearest to Sri Kakulam is via the Amadalavalasa that is situated at a 20 km distance. Sri Kakulam is a notable railway junction on the broad gauge segment of Howrah-Chennai. The place is well-connected via railways with major cities of the state. Numerous trains are available to board from Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Vijayawada. You can cover up the minimal distance of the village of Sri Kurmam from the Sri Kakulam town by taxi or cab.

By Road
Once you enter the Sri Kakulam town, take the pathway towards Asravalli in the direction of police quarters via cross roads on the NH 5. As you walk straight, you will pass away the Asravalli Bus Junction, from where you can reach the Asravalli Shrine. Again, you will have to walk straight, until reaching Deepavali road bus junction. You have to navigate straight to Sri Kakulam bus stoppage on National Highway 5. At that junction, turn and trod left to bag the road to Sri Kurmam. After reaching the Sri Kurmam village, you can easily go to the temple.

IMPORTANT SHRINES
The Sri Kurmam is a glorious architecture of ancient India. The architectures of Hindu gods and goddesses are noteworthy and so are the lion pillars (depict powers) and the divine Salingrama.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEMPLE
According to Hindu mythology folios, Lord Vishnu first appeared at Sri Kurmam to bestow monarch Swetamahipathi. It is noted that the bones of the dead are disposed at the Swethapuskarani tank are transformed into comas or tortoises.

WEATHER AND TIME TO VISIT
The temple is located in Southern India. Considering the temperature of Southern India, it is quite humid and hot during summers. Monsoons at Andhra Pradesh sometimes get violent during the mid July and early August. The great Vaishakhi festival is held at the temple in April.

ACCOMODATION
·         Nearby accommodations to the Sri Kurmam temple include Hotel Satya A/c (Star hotel), Hotel Nataraj A/c, Hotel Balaji A/c, Hotel kinnera A/c, Hotel Aditya A/c.
·         You can book railway tickets or air tickets online as well. Tickets are available for booking in major and metro cities of India.

TIPS FOR DEVOTEES
As you land in the Vishakhapatnam airport, you can take a cab or taxi or board a bus to reach the temple. This journey is approximately of 2 and a half hour. In the meantime, cabs or buses will halt at tea or coffee shops and food outlets. You can always get down there to purchase some food.

RULES AND RITUALS OF THE TEMPLE
Signify your devotion towards Lord Vishnu: The Sri Kurmam temple is an ideal place to signify your devotion towards Lord Vishnu. The temple nurtures a peaceful environment, where you can offer your prayers.
Cleanse your mind and soul: It is said that one who visualizes Lord Vishnu in the prosperous Kurma avatar with devotion and respect can leave behind all sins and troubles and start his/her life afresh.

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