kurma temple, Srikurmam

kurma temple

“जहाँ कूर्म अवतार का वास हो, वहाँ धैर्य और स्थिरता स्वयं की पहचान बन जाती है।”

― kurma temple

This is the only temple in the world where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his Kurma (tortoise) avatar, often said to be Swayambhu (self-manifested).

Mythological Significance & History

The Kurmanathaswamy Temple, commonly called Sri Kurmam Temple, is located in Srikurmam village, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh—situated near the Bay of Bengal, about 13–15 km from Srikakulam town.
This is the only temple in the world where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his Kurma (tortoise) avatar, often said to be Swayambhu (self-manifested).
References in the Padma, Vishnu, Brahmanda, and Kurma Puranas highlight its mythic importance, while the temple’s origins are traced back to possibly the 2nd century AD, with renovations taking place in the 11th century under the influence of Ramanuja and Eastern Ganga kings.

Significance of the Temple

Mythical Origin: Sage Narada guided King Swetha Maharaja here, where Lord Vishnu manifested as Kurma to support Mount Mandara during the cosmic churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).
The Swetha Pushkarini—a sacred lake in front of the temple—is believed to have been created by Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra, and devotees bathe here for healing and ancestral rites, akin to sacred sites like Varanasi.

Architecture of the Temple

The sanctuary blends Kalinga and Dravidian architectural styles, with contributions from the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Its Padma Vimana (tower) and ornate mandapa feature 108 unique pillars, each intricately carved.

Notably, the deity uniquely faces west, prompting the presence of two flag masts—one at each entrance.

The sanctum houses both the Kurma form of Vishnu and Lakshmi as Kurmanayaki, with nearby shrines to Shiva, Durga, Ganesha, and others.

How to Reach to Temple

By Road: Located about 12–15 km from Srikakulam town, accessible via NH-16.

By Rail: Nearest major railhead is Srikakulam Road Railway Station (Amadalavalasa) (~25–30 km).

By Air: Visakhapatnam International Airport is the nearest (~110–125 km away).

Note: Photography is generally restricted inside the sanctum

Temple Timings

Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing
6:00 AM to 7:45 PM

Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

About Us

Trending Post

"हे नाथ ! हे मेरे नाथ ! मैं आपको भूलूँ नहीं !!"

Sri Sathya Sai Baba - The Avatar of The Age

The Incomprehensible Divine Master - Beyond Time & Space

The Omnipresent - Omnipotent - Omniscient - Omnifelicitate Master

Glory of Bharat

The Divine Land

From The Divine Treasure Chest

Rare Gems of Divine Heritage

Divinely Inspired

Divine Insights

Pearls of Devotion

The Divine Play

Devotees Paradise

God is Love

Vedas & Upanishad

Mantra & Hyms

Trending Now

About Us

Trending Post

"हे नाथ ! हे मेरे नाथ ! मैं आपको भूलूँ नहीं !!"

Hari Om

About Us

Trending Post

"हे नाथ ! हे मेरे नाथ ! मैं आपको भूलूँ नहीं !!"

Menu

kurma temple

“जहाँ कूर्म अवतार का वास हो, वहाँ धैर्य और स्थिरता स्वयं की पहचान बन जाती है।”

Mythological Significance & History

Significance of the Temple

Architecture of the Temple

How to Reach to Temple

Temple Timings

Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing

Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing

Temple Location

Related Posts

SATYAM

SHIVAM

SUNDARAM

Mantras

Vedas

Avatars

Sacred Glory

Devotional India Foundation