7 Must-Visit Pilgrimage Places Near Visakhapatnam
1.Simhachalam Temple
Our pilgrimage starts at Simhachalam Temple which is located approximately 16 kilometres from Visakhapatnam. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha – one of Lord Vishnu's incarnations — and is famous for its architectural beauty and divine presence. The main deity of the temple, Lord Narasimha, appears in an enchanting form which embodies the fierce and kind aspects of divinity. People go there to get blessings for good luck, harmony and protection from devilish powers.
2.Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Temple
Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Temple at Burujupeta in Visakhapatnam stands as an epitome of devotion and faith amidst scenic surroundings. For devotees seeking blessings for affluence and prosperity, Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Temple caters to their needs since it is dedicated to Goddess Kanaka Maha Lakshmi who symbolises wealth. With its lively atmosphere and religious passion it has become a must-visit place for pilgrims as well as tourists.
3.Kailasagiri
Kailasagiri though not an ordinary temple per se is rather a quiet hilltop park that provides vista views of both Visakhapatnam cityscape as well as Bay of Bengal. Picturesque in nature, Kailasagiri has got Hindu mythological statues including the sculptures of Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi like other prominent figures depicted here. Many people climb up the hill for meditation or thoughts and to enjoy the sacred atmosphere amidst lush greenery with cool winds.
4.Satyanarayana Swamy Temple
Another 120 kilometres away from Visakhapatnam lies the holy town of Annavaram where Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, a renowned temple is located. Ratnagiri Hills, along Pampa River banks is home to this Lord Satyanarayana temple which signifies the embodiment of truth and righteousness. Pilgrims usually come here to perform Satyanarayana Vratham – a ritual of worship and thankfulness which is believed brings them prosperity, joy and fulfilment of their wishes.
5.Arasavalli Sun Temple
In Srikakulam district, Arasavalli Sun Temple approximating 113 kilometres away from Visakhapatnam is a divine destination popular among those who want to experience the divine radiance of the sun god. One of the oldest sun temples in India, it is dedicated to Lord Surya. The architecture here follows traditional Kalinga style; people visit this place to pray for good health, energy and spiritual awakening.
6.Ramateertham
Ramateertham about 115 kilometres away from Visakhapatnam nestled amidst beautiful landscapes is one such serene pilgrimage spot steeped in mythology as well as spirituality. It houses Ramalingeswara Temple primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva at its heart. According to legend, this was visited by Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana during their exile period. Pilgrims frequenting this place seek divine blessings alongside inner peace due to its calmness that resonates with divinity.
7.Sri Kurmam Temple
Sri Kurmam Temple is positioned in the village of Sri Kurmam about 100 kilometers from Visakhapatnam. It is a tribute to Lord Kurmanatha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of a tortoise. The temple boasts breathtaking architecture and sculptures that depict the amazing cultural diversity of the people living in this area. Pilgrims come to this holy place for blessings regarding longevity, protection and spiritual enlightment.
Final Thoughts
Visakhapatnam is surrounded by other places that would make any pilgrim happy to have a resourceful place with its unique aura of spirituality. These sanctified places are numerous: ancient temples with picturesque surroundings such as hilltop sanctuaries with panoramic views. Seeking prosperity, good health or enlightenment, all these reasons make one visit pilgrimage sites located near Visakhapatnam where they can find peacefulness through divine connection and personal transformation within themselves.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


India.com
19 hours ago
- India.com
From Cursed Temples To Vanishing Villages: Chennai's Wildest Urban Legends
The capital city of Tamil Nadu in southern India which is simply known as Chennai embodies both historical significance and traditional heritage. The city of Chennai is known for its busy arts community and delicious food and stunning buildings as well as various neighborhood myths and legends which created its unique character throughout many decades. Local stories formed through the spiritual and social understanding of the region reveal how people of Chennai shape their understanding of past and present as well as future expectations. Legend of Kapaleeswarar Temple: A Pillar of Faith A visit to Chennai to explore its mythological heritage must include the Mylapore landmark known as Kapaleeswarar Temple. Historians trace the roots of this Shiva temple from the 7th century Pallava dynasty period even though the Vijayanagara Empire reconstructed its current structure during the 16th century. Scientific accounts confirm that Hindu mythology associates this temple with Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. Legend tells that Parvati briefly closed her eyes during head massage with Shiva which darkened the universe for a short moment. Shiva swiftly cursed his wife Parvati to walk as a human being on the planet Earth due to her playful closing of her eyes. Karpagambal (a name for Parvati) was born into royalty as a princess who honored peacocks during her existence. After taking severe penance under a mango tree Parvati received her divine form when Shiva manifested as Kapaleeswarar ('Lord of the Skull'). Second, the location of the Kapaleeswarar Temple at this holy grounds. Daily temple visitors deeply identify with these themes because they reflect the devotional nature as well as redemption stories and the importance of humility that runs through the local faith. During its annual Brahmotsavam festival the temple welcomes numerous pilgrims who recognize it serves as the religious foundation of Chennai. Basilica: Bridging Mythology and History St. Thomas Mount forms a legendary connection with the adjacent Santhome Basilica. Early Christian tradition tells of apostle St. Thomas who came to India in 52 AD spreading Christianity down the Coromandel Coast with Chennai as part of his mission. People believe St. Thomas received his martyrdom on St. Thomas Mount before his remains were laid under the modern-day basilica. Hundreds of thousands of Christians from across the globe visit the church because it contains relics believed to be from St. Thomas as well as his tomb. The 'Bleeding Cross' located at St. Thomas Mount carries ancient Pahlavi writings that strengthen the historical significance of the legend. The story remains influential for Chennai's history because it brought religious communities together to share space and tolerance. Enigma of Marina Beach and Adi Shankara Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, holds more than just scenic beauty. The legend at Marina Beach exists because of 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya who used his Advaita Vedanta philosophy to revive the Hindu faith. According to legend Adi Shankara participated in scholar debates at the beach to spread his teachings while visiting the city which was known then as Madrasapatnam. The legend provides no definitive proof about a connection between Adi Shankara and Marina Beach yet it displays Chennai's historical heritage as a place of philosophical discussion. Modern society uses the beach area for entertainment purposes while its historical significance represents Chennai's religious background. Temple: Tales of Krishna's Valor The Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane presents stories from the Mahabharata as it honors Lord Vishnu through his appearance as Krishna. According to popular belief Krishna acted as the chariot driver for Arjuna in the Kurukshetra war. The deity inside the temple holds only a conch and discus while omitting all weapons to symbolize Krishna's promise he made during his time of recovery from injuries. Chennai maintains an enduring link with legendary texts like the Mahabharata that continues to fuel artistic expression and musical and dance creation of Bharatanatyam. All its elaborate sculptural details along with its numerous gopurams serve as an architectural symbol of the partnership between skill and religious devotion that defines the city. Surrounding Semmozhi Poonga The modern botanical arrangement of Semmozhi Poonga stands in contrast to other landmarks even though traditional myths remain present in its history. Town people share historical accounts about traditional medicines that ancient seers and healers once employed. Tamil culture demonstrates its dedication to nature through these historic stories while following the current environmentalist movement toward sustainability. Conclusion: Myths as Cultural Anchors The legends and myths of Chennai play a central developmental role because they unite different generations and create strong feelings of neighborhood ties. Statements about divine temples and historical accounts about saints and philosophers form the basis of Chennai's shared history. Subsequent to the urban development of IT parks and skyscrapers rests an extensive heritage of wisdom that exists through both oral traditions and sacred religious texts. Chennai maintains its cultural foundations firmly rooted by preserving and broadcasting these stories as its people march forward with modernity. Those interested in understanding Chennai's metropolitan essence can learn valuable insights about its essence by studying its legends.

The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
For kanwariyas, yatra is a route to devotion, social acceptance and fun
Sitting inside a makeshift camp for kanwariyas near Kashmere Gate ISBT, Sanjeev Kushwah, 25, is wrapping his blistered feet with bandages. He's almost at the end of a five-day-long 400-km round trip to Haridwar. Home in Gautampuri in east Delhi is still nearly 10 km away and the four pots of water he has shouldered from the Ganga river in Har Ki Pauri are weighing him down. However, instead of pain and exhaustion, Mr. Kushwah is full of excitement at the prospect of returning to a grand welcome. 'I had been seeing a group of three boys from our neighbourhood undertake the journey every year. They seemed to be having a lot of fun. Like me, the three unmarried migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh didn't get much respect from our neighbours. But each year, on their return, they were feted by the entire Gautampuri,' said Mr. Kushwah. He added, 'I also wanted to be part of the journey and feel a sense of bonding with those around me. That's why I set out for Haridwar with the three on Saturday.' Of the four pots that Mr. Kushwah, who earns his living as a golgappa vendor, is carrying, one is meant for his family, one for his neighbours, and one for the local temple. The fourth, he intends to keep for himself. Kanwar Yatra falls in 'Shravan', a holy month in the Hindu calendar. This year, the yatra lasted 13 days and concluded on Wednesday, marked by 'Shravan Shivratri'. Hope of acceptance Ashwini Bhola, 24, and Bhawana Bholi, 20, who got married earlier this year against their families' wishes, were determined to make their first pilgrimage together. Not only to receive Lord Shiva's blessings. But also to be accepted by their parents and neighbours. 'It's been over six months since we got married and moved into a rented flat in Nabi Karim, but neither of our families has accepted us yet. Hopefully, our lives will be easier when we offer our families and neighbours Ganga water and prasad,' said Mr. Ashwini Bhola. 'Fun with friends' While some people make the annual pilgrimage out of devotion and for social acceptance, for youngsters like Pramod Thakur, the walkathon also holds the promise of an adventurous outstation trip at zero cost. 'For an unemployed person like me, this is the only outing I can afford. Besides, my family can't prohibit it outright. Food, water, and accommodation are available at camps every few metres of the way. I'll never forget the fun I had on this trip with my friends, said the 20-year-old from north-west Delhi's Shastri Nagar.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Tokyo millionaire walks away from beauty empire to chase past life visions in Shiva's land during Kanwar Yatra
Among thousands of saffron-draped sadhus and common people, heading to Haridwar for the Kanwar Yatra, one stands out, Hoshi Takayuki, 41, a former Japanese entrepreneur who once ran a chain of 15 beauty product stores in Tokyo. But now? He is Bala Kumbha Gurumuni, a Lord Shiva devotee on a soul-searching journey through Uttarakhand. From Tokyo to Trishul: The unlikely yogi tale of Hoshi Takayuki What sparked this transformation? A spiritual rollercoaster that started two decades ago in Tamil Nadu. During a trip, Takayuki stumbled upon a Nadi astrology centre, yes, the ancient palm-leaf-reading thing, and the predictions apparently blew his mind. He was told that he had once lived as a Himalayan sage and was destined to return to Hindu spirituality. Talk about a plot twist. A Lord #Shiva devotee, Takayuki has built two shrines in the deity's honour; but his spiritual journey began 20 years ago with a trip to #TamilNadu, where an astrological reading "revealed his past life".Details here 🔗 Dreams, destiny, and a full-blown Shiva obsession Back in Tokyo, Takayuki said he dreamt of being in Uttarakhand in another lifetime. That one dream set off a chain reaction. He soon handed over his business empire to his followers (power move, honestly) and dedicated himself entirely to a spiritual life. Fast-forward to today, he has transformed his Tokyo home into a full-fledged Shiva temple and even constructed a second shrine. He now goes by his spiritual name, which he said was revealed in a second Nadi reading, Bala Kumbha Gurumuni. Kanwar Yatra, ashrams, and big plans for India Takayuki is not walking this path alone. He is currently in India with a squad of 20 followers, offering free food to fellow kanwariyas in a Dehradun camp. According to his long-time friend and Japan-based Indian consultant Ramesh Sundriyal, Takayuki is planning to set up an ashram in Uttarakhand and has already bought 35 acres in Puducherry to build a majestic Shiva temple. The spiritual influencer, because let's be honest, he kind of is one—says he still feels deeply connected to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand and is convinced he lived there in a past life. He is still searching for what he calls 'his lost village.' Now that is what you call a full-circle reincarnation arc.