About the TempleSri Kurmanadha Temple is established in Sri Kurmam Village, which is 13 km from Srikakulam Town. The temple is consecrated to Sri Kurmanadha, the second avatar of Lord Vishnu also known as Kurma Avatar. The main deity is Lord Vishnu in the form of Kurma. This temple is built in the Odishi architecture style. A beautiful Viman is built on the Garbhalaya. A five leveled Gopuram with intricate carvings was built at the entrance of this temple.
Temple Inner View
ArchitectureHistory of the Sri Kurmanadha Temple starts from the way back to 1st Century A.D. The central portion, moolasthanam is a large saligrama. The image of the main deity Kurma is not a sculpture, but the fossil of an actual turtle. The idols of Vishnu and other deities are the major attraction and artistic wonder of this temple. A mandapam in front of the temple stands on Lion pillars. The temple has two Dhwajastambams, one at front side and the other at the back side of the temple.
This is the only temple in India where Lord Vishnu is seen in “Kurmavatara”. According to some inscriptions this temple is believed to be built out of a face rock.Devotees can enter in to sanctum sanctorium through a narrow lane. A bigger stone and a smaller stone on the small stone platform, represents the tortoise. Rear portion of this divine tortoise is a large ammonite, with swirling circles on its face represents the Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Vishnu. Similarly the front portion of divine tortoise is a shalagramams, a kind of stone.
Temple View
LegendsKing Sweta observed penance during Kruta yuga. Pleased with him, Lord Vishnu appeared here in the form of kurma. Lord Brahma performed the rituals and dedicated Gopala Yantra to the shrine. The lake Sweta Pushkararini was created by sudarshan chakra in front of the temple. The lake has cosmic powers. It is believed that Goddess Ganga takes holy dip in this lake once in a year.
Festivals and CelebrationsSpecial puja like Abhishekham is conducted on special occasions such as Dolotsavam popularly known as Holi , Annual Kalyanotsavam, Kurma Jayanthi, Festival of Deity on Jyeshta Bahula Dwadasi, Mukkoti Ekadasi along with the festivals like Maha Shivaratri in this temple.
Temple Idol
How to Reach
By Road: Buses are available from Vizag, Vijaywada, Srikakulam and Hyderabad.
By Train: The nearest railway head is Amadalavalasa which is 20 km away.
By Air: The nearest airport is Vizag Airport which is 120 km away.
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