Sri Kurmanatha Swamy Temple is a unique and ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Kurma (tortoise) avatar. It is the only known temple in the world where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in this form.
Temple Description
Located in Srikurmam village of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, this temple is believed to be over 2,000 years old and was renovated in the 11th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple has a beautiful mix of Kalinga and Dravidian architecture. The sanctum houses the Kurma avatar idol of Vishnu in a reclining form, and the temple also has carvings of various avatars of Vishnu and a large number of inscriptions in Sanskrit and Telugu.
Temple Speciality
Only Kurma Avatar temple in the world
Famous for Pitru Karmas (ancestral rites), similar to Gaya in Bihar
Temple tank Swetha Pushkarini is considered sacred
The deity is Swayambhu (self-manifested)
Managed by the Simhachalam Devasthanam
Temple Address
Sri Kurmanatha Swamy Temple,Srikurmam Village, Gara Mandal,Srikakulam District – 532404,Andhra Pradesh, India.
Temple Location (Longitude & Latitude)
18.2942° N, 84.1565° E
Temple Timings
Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
(Timings may vary on festivals and special days)
Temple Sevas
Archana
Abhishekam
Nitya Pooja
Pitru Shraddha Sevas (ancestral offerings)
Special Darshan on Kurma Jayanti, Vaikuntha Ekadasi, and Kartika Masam
Traveling Facilities
Well connected by road from Srikakulam and nearby towns
Buses, taxis, and autos available
Parking available for private vehicles
Food Facilities
Free Annadanam (midday meal) by the temple
Local eateries and tiffin centers available nearby
Stay Facilities
Temple guest houses (basic) available
Hotels and lodges in Srikakulam city (13 km away)
Nearby Railway Station
Srikakulam Road Railway Station (Amadalavalasa) – approx. 15 km
Nearby Airport
Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ) – approx. 110 km
Nearby Bus Station
Srikakulam APSRTC Bus Complex – approx. 13 km
Bus Routes to Temple
APSRTC buses from Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam to Srikurmam
Local auto-rickshaws and taxis available from Srikakulam to the temple
Train Routes to Temple
Reach Srikakulam Road (Amadalavalasa) station from Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar
Then take a taxi or auto to Srikurmam
Airways to Temple
Fly to Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ)
Travel by road to Srikakulam → then to Srikurmam (total ~110 km)
Nearby Cities to Temple
Srikakulam – 13 km
Visakhapatnam – 110 km
Vizianagaram – 65 km
Bhubaneswar – 350 km
Nearby Visiting Temples and Places
Arasavalli Sun Temple – 16 km
Srimukhalingam Temple – 50 km
Baruva Beach – 40 km
Srikakulam Town – for local sightseeing and shopping
Preferable Visiting Season
October to March – Pleasant weather
Best times: Kurma Jayanti, Vaikuntha Ekadasi, Karthika Masam
Shopping – Famous For
Handloom sarees from Srikakulam
Brass and bell metal idols
Ayurvedic herbs
Puja samagri (ritual items)
Sri Kurmanatha Swamy Temple is more than a place of worship; it is a confluence of mythology, tradition, and peace. Whether you seek spiritual solace, historical curiosity, or ritual performance for your ancestors, Srikurmam offers a deeply fulfilling experience. With its tranquil surroundings, sacred energy, and cultural richness, a visit to this temple is not only devotional but also soul-enriching. Plan your journey during the cooler months to fully absorb the divine aura and architectural grandeur of this one-of-a-kind Vishnu temple.
