Built by:
ancient
dynasties of India
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
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.
.
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 village
of Sri Kurmam
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
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.
IMAGES
VIDEOS
REFERENCES
