A divine ode to rich culture and spirituality

At the centre of Visakhapatnam lies an architectural masterpiece that radiates both grandeur and reverence - the Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple. The temples serves as a revered shrine and has a rich heritage. Stepping inside its sacred precincts immerses you in vibrant colours and intricate designs which create an intoxicating ambience, inspiring a deep sense of calm devotion within.

Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi, venerated as an embodiment of wealth and prosperity by locals in Visakhapatnam, draws worshippers from across India to seek her blessings and offer their prayers. Her massive five-tiered gopuram signifies not only its spiritual but also historical importance. Standing firm since 1872 to represent faith and devotion of its devotees.

Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple stands out not only for its religious significance, but also due to its financial prosperity; it ranks among the three richest temples in Andhra Pradesh. A visit to this sacred place will allow visitors to experience all that makes Andhra Pradesh so vibrant - inner peace, seeking blessings and immersing oneself in Indian art and architecture can all be found there!

A temple steeped in enchanting tales

Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple is home to captivating legends that have been passed down from generation to generation, such as its role as family deity for erstwhile kings of Visakhapatnam.

Buruju Peta is home to a unique temple dedicated to goddesses. According to the goddess's wishes, the sanctum sanctorum has no roof; hence its unique name. Devotees themselves offer prayers directly to her idol, creating an intimate link with divinity.

Stories resonating through time

Over the centuries, this temple has witnessed stirring stories of devotion and miracles. According to local lore, an idol was discovered from a well in 1912 and installed into a small shrine at its original spot along a road. In 1917 during road widening, municipal authorities removed and relocated it in one corner. Plague broke out shortly thereafter and killed many; locals believed this change to be caused by shifting it, hence they installed it back where it originally stood, resulting in its subsidence and eventual return to its original spot. This further strengthening the belief that every prayer offered here will be answered - by divine intervention!

Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple has attracted much more than spiritual significance; its divine beauty has also attracted fame through film, documentaries and travel shows, making it an iconic landmark of Indian cinema. Pokiri features the temple in one song called Gala Gala Paruthunna featuring scenes of it as one of its locations.

Temple visitors flock to Margasira month, considered auspicious in Hindu astrology. Legend has it that the self-manifested goddess was consecrated during this month (November-December) on Thursdays.

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Timings

Opening time - Open all days

Start on a spiritual adventure

Enliven your temple visit with captivating activities. Browse the offerings at local shops such as key chains and miniature models available outside the complex for sale as wonderful keepsakes of divine beauty, or explore religious books and calendars available locally to enrich your spiritual experience.

A celestial odyssey

While taking in the splendour of Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi, visit nearby treasures that add charm to Visakhapatnam. Kailasagiri Hill Park provides breathtaking views of both city and sea while the INS Kursura Submarine Museum provides insight into maritime history.

Start off your trip at Rishikonda Beach or seek blessings at Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Simhachalam for some water sports fun or visit Simhachalam's Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple perched atop a hill for prayers of devotion. To gain further insights into tribal culture visit the Tribal Museum near Araku Valley.

At the centre of Visakhapatnam stands Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple as an oasis of spirituality and an invitation to discover Andhra Pradesh's rich culture and heritage. Within its ornate architecture and serene ambience, visitors will find solace, blessings, and the essence of Indian art and spirituality.