Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Vari Devasthanam,Andhra Pradesh

Anna translates to “what you desire”, while “varam” means boon or godsend. Hence, the name Annavaram is an expression of the belief that the deity will endow one with whatever one desires.

The most distinctive feature of Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Vari Devasthanam is the shrine to Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy situated upon the Ratnagiri Hills. The land is considered to belong to both Lord Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swami Temple and Goddess Anantalaxmi Satyavathi Ammavaru.The temple, situated on the hill top, is about four furlongs (almost a kilometre) away from its base. It can be reached either by steps covered with canopy, via Ghat road, or trekked via a stone path.

The popularity and importance of the Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Vari Devasthanam is increasing among pilgrims. This place is considered as second only to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Festivals are celebrated year-round. Popular festivals are Kalyanam in May, Devi Navratri in September, the Swayamvara Vardhanti of Sraavana Suddha Ekadashi Day, Srirama Kalyana, Kanakadurga Yatra, Prabha Utsavam, Teppa Utsavam and Jalatoranam.

The hill top offers a panoramic view of the surrounding fields and villages. A river water barrage with boating facility is near the main entrance of the hill. This place is called Pampa Sarovara.

Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Vari Devasthanam ,Andhra Pradesh

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The temple of Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy is the main temple on the Ratnagiri hill. There is also a temple of Sri Rama and the shrines of Vanadurga and Kanaka Durga nearby. The temple of gramadevatha (village deity) is in the village at the foot of the hill. It is said that Raja I.V.Ramanarayanam,the then zamindar of Gorsa and Kirlampudi estates, having been ordained by the Lord in his dream, traced the idol on the hill, worshiped it and installed it at the present spot on sravana suddha vidhiya of the telugu year Khara, 1891. The hillock it self is about 300ft above sea level, green fields all-round the hills and the pampa river encircling Ratnagiri. About 460 well laid stone steps leads to the top of it.

“The main temple constructed in the form of a chariot with the four wheels at each of the four corners. In front of the main temple is the kalyana mantapa, constructed and decorated with modern pieces of architecture. As we go down the way, we come across Ramalaya and then the shrines of Vana Durga and Kanaka Durga. The Akriti of any temple is, according to the Agni Purana, merely a manifestation of the Prakriti. According to this the chariot of the temple is intended as a symbol of the Seven Lokas and the seven Lokhas above with, the garbhalaya of the Lord, at the heart’s center ruling over the entire Universe.

The temple at Annavaram has been constructed to depict this idea concretely. The front side of the temple depicts the chariot. The Meru on the floor with the pillar at the center, and the idols at the top are intended to bring forth the idea that the Lord not only remains at the heart’s center but also permeates the entire universe. The wheels depicting the Sun and the Moon serve to remind us that this Juggernaut moves on the wheels of time, and goes on for ever and ever, Thus the Annavaram temple satisfies both the ritualistic values and the spiritual aspirations of the devotees.”

It is written in our puranas that the Lord of the hills, Meruvu and his consort, Meneka undertook great penance to achieve the gift of two sons, Ratnakara and Bhadra, by Lord Vishnu. Bhadra then undertook great penance to please Lord Vishnu and succeeded to become Bhadrachalam a vehicle on which Lord Shri Ram sat permanently. On the other hand Ratnakara pleased Lord Vishnu to become the Ratnagiri hill. It is believed that the then zamindar had a dream which guided him to the idol and worship it and establish it as a temple.

Sarva Darsanam :Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Vari Devasthanam timings 06.00AM to 12.30PM 1.00PM to 9.00PM

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The ideal weather to visit Annavaram is between the months of August to October. The temperature recorded in summers is 26 degree Celsius- 48 degrees Celsius. The temperature in winter is about -10 degree Celsius.

By Air

The village can be reached by air via Rajahmundry airport which is 72 kms away from here.

By Rail

The railway station Annavaram is situated at the main Chennai-Howrah railway line.

By Road

The NH-5 bypass crosses through Annavaram and the APSRTC buses operate on the highway regularly.

Where to Stay

The village has many temple ashrams and other small cottages and lodges to stay at very reasonable prices.

The major festivals celebrated in the Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Vari Devasthanam include Srirama Kalyana, Kanakadurga Yatra, Prabha Utsavam, Teppa Utsavam, Swayamvara Vardhanti of Sraavana Suddha Ekadashi Day.