Srikakula Andhra Mahavishnu temple

Srikakula Andhra Mahavishnu temple is located at Srikakulam village in Ghantasala Mandal in Diviseema region of Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh. The presiding deity is Lord Vishnu who holds Shanka in right hand and a Chakra in the left hand which symbolises peace. The original Salagrama Mala decorated to Lord Vishnu here can be seen and this Salagrama Mala can only be seen in Tirumala and Ryali temples.

Srikakula Andhra Mahavishnu Temple is built in 1081 as per the inscriptions on the pillar of the Rajagopuram. It is one among the few rare temples where we can see Lord as Lord Vishnu. In all the other temples we can see his other incarnations as Lord Venkateshwara Swamy, Lord Narasimha Swamy, Lord Krishna and Lord Rama. The temple has beautiful Rajagopuram which was built by Anantha Dhandapaaludu. The pillars of Raja gopuram are carved with temple information. On the walls of this temple, one can see more than 30 inscriptions of the 12th and 13th century. Sri Krishnadevaraya visited this temple in 1519 and he mentioned this in his works.

It is believed that King Andhra Vishnu constructed a huge wall that connected Sri Sailam, Bheemeshwaram and Kaleshwaram. All these are historic temples in Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that lord Shiva himself resides within these walls. Andhra Vishnu is believed to have fought a giant called Nishambu for three centuries before he killed him. The temple was built by King Andhra Vishnu and named after himself. The presiding deity is Lord Sri Maha Vishnu.

Legend
According to the reference of Srikakula Andhra Maha Vishnu in Uttara Kandan of brahmanda Purana, It is one of the oldest temples beside river Krishna. In earlier days goddess Krishna (river) did penance here. She asked Lord Vishnu to stay here near the Krishna River. Lord Vishnu told her, at the end of this yuga Lord Brahma will also do penance here with the same wish, then I will fulfill both your wishes. In Kaliyuga Lord Brahma came here and performed penance for Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was pleased by the penance and allowed Lord Brahma to install him as Lord Vishnu here and do pooja here. Lord Vishnu said those who visit this temple will get relieved from their sins.

Lord Brahma installed the idol and worshiped Lord Vishnu here. So it is called as SRIKAKULAM (KA+AAKULAM). KA means “Lord Brahma”, AAKULAM means “place”. Lord Vishnu is famous as Srikakuleswara Swamy , ANDHRA MAHAVISHNU, Andhra Nayakudu , Andhra Vallabhudu, Telugu Vallabhudu ans several other names.

It is believed that those who takes bath in river Krishna and visit this temple on Mukoti Ekadasi will get relieved from all their sins.