🛕 Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple — Visakhapatnam’s Ancient Hill Shrine
📍 Padmanabham, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh
🗓️ Estimated Origin: 14th–15th Century CE
Nestled on a scenic hill in Padmanabham, the Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple remains one of coastal Andhra’s oldest Vishnu shrines. Believed to date back to before the 14th century, this temple continues to draw devotees from across the region.
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Locals trace the shrine’s roots to the early medieval period, long before the current structure was built.
Historical records suggest royal patronage by the Pusapati rulers of Vizianagaram and the Raja Sagi family of Pandrangi, who endowed the temple with over 3,000 acres of land before independence.
The temple was later reconstructed on the same sacred site, blending Dravidian style architecture with local craftsmanship.
Situated atop a serene hill, the temple offers panoramic views of the lush countryside.
Devotees once had to climb hundreds of steps, but improved access roads now make the journey easier.
The main deity, Lord Anantha Padmanabha Swamy (Vishnu resting on Adisesha), is worshipped alongside smaller shrines for Lakshmi and Hanuman.
One of only two Padmanabha Swamy temples in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it holds immense spiritual importance.
The temple’s annual festivals attract pilgrims from across North Coastal Andhra, celebrating the divine “Anantha Padmanabha Vratham” with grandeur.
Locals regard the temple as a guardian of the region — both spiritually and historically.
In 2015, reports noted the temple was not listed under the state Endowments Department, sparking debate over heritage protection.
Heritage enthusiasts continue to call for better conservation, proper recordkeeping, and infrastructure improvements.
The Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is more than a shrine — it’s a living link to Visakhapatnam’s pre-colonial past, a reminder of the region’s royal legacy, and a testament to centuries of uninterrupted worship on its sacred hill.
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