Temples, Caves & Shrines: Discovering Vijayawada's Spiritual Side.
- Vijayawada Express
- Aug 14
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 21
ISKCON Temple Vijayawada
Gunadala Matha Shrine
Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple
Sri Kanaka Durga Temple
Akkanna Madanna Caves Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple
If you're searching for a place where your soul finds peace, your heart feels light, and your mind becomes still, then the ISKCON Sri Jagannath Temple in Vijayawada is not just a temple; it's a heavenly experience on Earth. You're greeted by breathtaking, majestic, clean, and pure devotional energy when you enter the temple. The temple is elegantly designed and inspired by the sacred Jagannath Puri, and every wall seems to whisper the glories of the Lord. The temple also provides accommodation for pilgrims. Clean, simple, and spiritually vibrant rooms allow you to stay closer to the Lord, a perfect place for anyone visiting from out of town. The air is often filled with melodious kirtans, bhajans, and the Hare Krishna maha-mantra chanting. Being part of the evening aarti or the Sunday feast program is a truly soul-transforming experience. Surrounded by greenery and divine vibrations, the temple is a sanctuary of peace in the middle of the city. Birds chirping, mantras echoing, and smiles on every devotee’s face, the atmosphere is magical. There’s also a book stall with Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and other divine literature to deepen your spiritual journey. Plus, a Goshala where cows are cared for with love and devotion, truly reflecting Vedic values. Though it’s part of the global ISKCON movement, this temple has a strong local touch that makes every visitor feel welcome, whether you're a devotee, spiritual seeker, or just someone looking for inner peace.
Gunadala Matha Shrine Church is a famous Catholic shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India. It's a popular pilgrimage centre and a significant religious landmark in the region. It is a divine and peaceful place, filled with spiritual energy. The hilltop view is serene, and the climb feels like a faith journey. Thousands of devotees visit with deep belief, especially during the annual festival. The atmosphere is calm, clean, and blessed with devotion everywhere, a must-visit holy site for anyone seeking peace, prayer, and spiritual connection. The stunning architecture and peaceful ambience make it a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike. The church's history and significance are palpable, and the staff's warm hospitality adds to the overall experience. The shrine's beautiful gardens and tranquil surroundings provide a sense of calm, making it an ideal spot for reflection and prayer. The church's impressive structure and stunning stained-glass windows are a treat. Whether seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply a peaceful retreat, Gunadala Matha Shrine Church is a gem worth exploring. Well-maintained and clean, this church is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this sacred site and experience its beauty and serenity."
Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple, Kothapeta, is a peaceful and spiritually vibrant temple at the base of Indrakeeladri Hill in Vijayawada, dedicated to Lord Subramanya (Murugan). The temple houses three unique forms of the deity – as a youth, with consorts Valli & Deivanai, and in serpent form near an anthill. The white stone idol and silver-covered Garuda pillar enhance the divine atmosphere. The temple is well-known for special rituals such as: Kavadi Puja (devotees carry Kavadi in devotion), Pavalimpu Seva (ritual to put the Lord to rest at night symbolically). The temple is accessible only on foot, with steps leading up the hill; vehicle parking is unavailable at the bottom of the road. You’ll also find Lord Shiva and Sri Rama shrines inside the complex, home to Goddess Sita and Lord Satyanarayana Swamy, making it a rich spiritual destination. Highly recommended for devotees seeking inner peace, powerful rituals, and cultural depth in Vijayawada. What makes this temple special is the Abhishekam performed for Lord Subramanya Swamy, a truly divine experience. The spiritual energy here is intense, and many devotees believe that offering prayers at this temple brings protection, strength, and peace. A must-visit for anyone seeking divine blessings after visiting Durga Matha. There are two ways to reach the temple - the Steps route on the hill from the Goddess Durga Devi Temple or another route - the Steps route from below, i.e, near Komali Vilas - there are around 150 steps, and it's a nice trek to the top. The temple, steeped in legend, was consecrated in 1954.
The Sri Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada is one of the most sacred temples in Andhra Pradesh, drawing thousands of devotees daily. The Main Gopuram is an architectural masterpiece with intricate carvings and a grand presence, welcoming visitors to a profoundly spiritual experience. What’s Good: Breathtaking Gopuram Architecture – The detailed carvings and vibrant colours make the entrance truly stunning. Spiritual & Divine Atmosphere – The temple’s energy and devotional chants create a peaceful and powerful experience. Scenic Views – Located on Indrakeeladri Hill, the temple offers beautiful views of the Krishna River and the city. Different Entry Options for Darshan – Based on your preference, you can choose different entry types for darshan: ₹500 Special Entry – Fast Lane access, taken by lift, and allows the closest darshan near the idol. ₹250 Entry –Lift access but keeps you around 15 feet away from the idol. Free Entry – It requires walking about 1 km uphill and allows Darshan to be accessed from around 20 feet away. Mobile -You must deposit your mobile before entering the lift. Only Cash Payments Accepted – The temple does not accept UPI or card payments for seva tickets, prasadam, or donations, which is inconvenient for many visitors. Crowd Management on Festival Days – The temple gets extremely crowded during Dasara and special occasions, leading to long waiting times. The Sri Kanaka Durga Temple is a divine destination with an awe-inspiring Main Gopuram and a powerful spiritual aura. Would highly recommend visiting for its historical, architectural, and spiritual significance!
Akkanna Madanna Caves rock-cut caves present at the foothills of Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada. This lower cave dates to 4,5 centuries AD and was hewn by the famous Vishnukundina King, Madhava Varma-2. The Eastern Chalukyas converted these Buddhist caves into Hindu cave temples for 8,9 centuries AD. The Vinayaka sculpture carved here is considered Valampuri Ganapathi and resembles the Vinayaka carved at the Nataraja cave in Moghalrajapuram. Dwarapalakas carved here resemble those present in the Nataraja cave of Moghalrajapuram and the Seetharama cave of Mustabada village. The lions carved here resemble the lion depicted on Vishnukundina coins. Despite suffering from vandalism and extreme weathering, it still showcases inscribed pillars, providing a glimpse into the area's historical significance. It is primarily an unfinished carved cave, but one will wonder how it was built. A few tunnel paths were closed as they led to another destination, saying that people who went in never returned. However, it is safe to visit. As it is a historical place, you'll love the experience.
A must-visit temple in Vijayawada, the speciality of this temple is generally in Shiva temples we see Ganapathi, Karthikeya, and Parvati Ammavaaru. Still, here we can see Mahalakshmi Ammavaaru, Shrimahavishnu, and a massive statue of Hanuman outside the temple. Sri Parvathi Sametha Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple at Yanamalakuduru is situated on a small hill southeast of Vijayawada city in Andhra Pradesh. is one of the oldest temples of Lord Shiva, 612 feet above sea level, on the banks of the river Krishna. It is a well-maintained temple with a peaceful and serene atmosphere. This beautiful temple at the top of the hill is covered with bright lights at night, and one can see many parts of Vijayawada city in the videos. In general, the temple is not crowded during regular days, but during festivals like public holidays and Shivaratri, the temple is full of devotees and tourists. Prabhalu Jatra is focused on the day of Mahashivratri. Apart from the temple, which is cool, the view of the city from here is magnificent, which makes it a must-visit place in the evening during sunset. You can also view the beautiful Krishna River, the Bundar Canal and highway traffic from here. The temple glows like a glittering diamond during the Mahashivaratri festival in feb every year.
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