Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, revered as Annavaram Temple, majestically sits atop the sacred Ratnagiri Hill in East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. As the second most visited temple in the state after Tirupati, this divine abode attracts millions of devotees annually who seek blessings, perform the famous Satyanarayana Vratham, and experience the unique spiritual energy of worshipping the Divine Trinity in a single magnificent idol.
Quick Overview: Annavaram Temple 2026
| Temple Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Vari Devasthanam |
| Also Known As | Annavaram Temple, Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, Ratnagiri Temple |
| Location | Ratnagiri Hill, Annavaram, East Godavari District, AP 533406 |
| Main Deity | Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy (Lord Vishnu) |
| Goddess | Anantha Lakshmi (Satyavathi Devi) |
| Unique Feature | Divine Trinity (Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva) in single 13-feet idol |
| Temple Timings | 3:30 AM to 9:30 PM (Daily) |
| Vratham Timings | 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Famous For | Satyanarayana Vratham, Swamy Vari Kalyanam |
| Established | 1891 (Reconstructed 1933-34, Renovated 2011-12) |
| Founded By | Raja Ramanarayana (Zamindar of Gorsa & Kirlampudi) |
| Hill Height | 300 feet above sea level |
| Steps to Temple | Approximately 460 stone steps |
| Distance from Kakinada | 44.7 km (1 hour by road) |
| Distance from Rajahmundry | 60 km (1.5 hours) |
| Distance from Visakhapatnam | 100 km (2 hours) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Annavaram Railway Station – 2-3 km |
| Nearest Airport | Rajahmundry (60 km) / Visakhapatnam (100 km) |
| Official Website | https://annavaramdevasthanam.nic.in |
| Helpline Numbers | +91-8519813124, +91-9491249990 |
| Main Phone | 08868-238121, 238125, 238163 |
Annavaram Temple Darshan Timings 2026
Daily Temple Schedule
| Time | Activity / Pooja |
|---|---|
| 3:30 AM | Temple Opens (Peak seasons/festivals) |
| 3:30 AM – 4:00 AM | Temple Cleaning & Preparation |
| 4:00 AM | Suprabhatam Seva (Divine awakening) |
| 4:30 AM | Abhishekam (Sacred bath) |
| 5:00 AM | Thomala Seva (Floral decoration) |
| 5:30 AM | First Bell – General Darshan Begins |
| 6:00 AM | Satyanarayana Vratham Begins |
| 8:00 AM | Kalyanotsavam (Daily celestial marriage) |
| 9:00 AM | Ekanta Seva (Private worship) |
| 12:00 PM | Noon Aarti & Naivedyam |
| 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch Break (Varies) |
| 1:00 PM | Afternoon Darshan Resumes |
| 6:00 PM | Evening Deepa Aarti |
| 7:00 PM | Ekanta Seva (Evening) |
| 8:00 PM | Sahasranama Archana (1000 names) |
| 9:00 PM | Ekanta Seva (Night) |
| 9:30 PM | Temple Closes |
Important Notes:
- Peak Season Opening: 3:30 AM (festivals, weekends, auspicious days)
- Regular Weekday Opening: 5:30 AM
- Vratham Hours: Fixed 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (all days)
- No Weekly Closure: Open 365 days including Amavasya
Darshan Wait Times
| Day Type | Avg Wait Time | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 20-30 min | Early morning (5:30–7:00 AM) |
| Weekends | 45-90 min | Before 6:00 AM |
| Festival Days | 2-4 hours | Late evening (7:00–9:00 PM) |
| Ekadasi/Pournami | 3-5 hours | Very early (3:30–5:00 AM) |
Types of Darshan & Ticket Prices
1. Sarva Darshan (Free Darshan)
Price: FREE
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Queue: Standard queue from main entrance
Average Wait: 30-90 minutes
Best For: All devotees, general worship
2. Seegra Darshan (Quick Darshan)
Price: ₹50 per person (was ₹200, currently reduced)
Timings: Same as Sarva Darshan
Benefits:
- Faster entry through separate queue
- Reduced wait time (15-30 minutes)
- Includes 150 grams Bhoga Prasadam (Jaggery Pongal in banana leaf)
Best For: Families, elderly, time-constrained visitors
3. Antaralayam Darshan (Inner Sanctum)
Price: ₹100-₹200 per person
Timings: Select time slots (check at temple)
Benefits:
- Closer view of deity
- Inner sanctum access
- Minimal waiting
- Special blessings opportunity
Best For: Special occasions, important prayers
Satyanarayana Vratham Complete Guide
The Sri Satyanarayana Vratham is the temple’s most famous ritual, performed by thousands daily.
What is Satyanarayana Vratham?
A sacred Hindu ritual dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Satyanarayana (Lord of Truth), involving:
- Recitation of five sacred stories (Vratham Kathas)
- Special prasadam offering
- Archana and abhishekam
- Prasadam distribution
Who Should Perform?
- Newly married couples – blessed married life
- New homeowners – during Griha Pravesh
- New business owners – prosperity
- Seekers of relief – health, financial, family issues
- Spiritual seekers – liberation and divine grace
Vratham Types & Prices 2026
| Vratham Type | Timing | Price (₹) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Vratham | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 500-750 | Personal pooja with family |
| Samuhika Vratham | Multiple slots | 300-500 | Group vratham (mass) |
| Vishesha Vratham | Specific slots | 1,000-1,500 | Special with extra sevas |
| Ekadasi Vratham | Ekadasi days | 750-1,000 | Highly auspicious |
How to Book Vratham
Method 1: Online Booking (Paroksha Seva)
- Visit https://annavaramdevasthanam.nic.in
- Click “Online Services” → “Paroksha Seva”
- Register (mobile, email)
- Select “Swamy Vari Vratham”
- Choose date/time slot
- Provide: Name, Gotram, Nakshatra
- Complete payment
- Receive confirmation email/SMS
Method 2: WhatsApp Booking
Send to +91-9491249990:
- Full Name
- Gotram
- Bank transaction details
- Address
Method 3: Temple Counter
- Same-day booking (subject to availability)
- Counter opens: 5:30 AM
- Can book 30 days advance at MeeSeva centers
Method 4: MeeSeva Centers
- Visit any AP MeeSeva/CSC center
- 30 days advance booking
- Pay ₹50% advance
What to Bring
Temple Provides:
- All pooja materials (samagri)
- Priest for ritual
- Prasadam preparation
Optional to Bring:
- Fruits (5-6 varieties)
- 2 coconuts
- Flowers/garlands
- Camphor, incense
- Traditional dress (MANDATORY)
Vratham Duration
- Individual: 45-60 minutes
- Group: 60-90 minutes
- Complete visit: 2-3 hours (with waiting)
Swamy Vari Kalyanam (Divine Marriage)
Daily Celestial Marriage of the deity
Timing: 8:00 AM (2:30 AM during festivals)
Price: ₹2,500 – ₹5,000
Special Feature: Sponsor the divine marriage, receive special prasadam and blessings
Temple Sevas & Poojas
| Seva Name | Timing | Price (₹) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suprabhatam Seva | 4:00 AM | 500 | Divine awakening |
| Thomala Seva | 5:00 AM | 300 | Floral decoration |
| Abhishekam | 4:30 AM | 1,000 | Sacred bath |
| Sahasranama Archana | 8:00 PM | 500 | 1000 names chanting |
| Ekanta Seva | 9AM/7PM/9PM | 1,500 | Private worship |
| Kalyanam Sponsorship | 8:00 AM | 2,500-5,000 | Divine marriage |
| Naivedyam Seva | 12PM/8PM | 300 | Food offering |
Famous Prasadam
1. Jaggery Pongal (Bellam Paramannam) ⭐
The Star Prasadam:
- Packed in banana leaves
- Price: ₹50 per packet (150g)
- Included with: Seegra Darshan ticket
- Famous for: Authentic taste, divine blessings
2. Other Prasadams
- Laddu: ₹20-40
- Pulihora (Tamarind Rice): ₹30
- Chakkara Pongali: ₹40
Where to Buy: Main prasadam counter near entrance
Temple History & Mythology
The Sacred Legend
From Skanda Purana and Agni Purana:
- Meru (lord of mountains) and Menaka performed penance
- Lord Vishnu blessed them with two sons: Bhadra and Ratnakara
- Bhadra became Bhadrachalam (where Lord Rama settled)
- Ratnakara desired to emulate his brother
- Lord Vishnu agreed to settle on Ratnakara as Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy
- Ratnakara thus became sacred Ratnagiri Hill
Modern History
1891: Raja Ramanarayana (Zamindar) had divine vision commanding temple construction
1933-34: Major reconstruction and expansion
2011-12: Extensive renovation while preserving traditional architecture
The Unique Trinity Idol
13-Feet Tall Cylindrical Idol:
- Base: Lord Brahma – The Creator
- Middle: Lord Shiva (Rudra) – The Destroyer
- Top: Lord Vishnu – The Preserver
This unified Divine Trinity (Trimurti) makes Annavaram unique, appealing to both Vaishnavites and Shaivites.
Name Origin
“Annavaram” means:
- Anna (Food) – Famous for generous food distribution
- Varam (Blessings) – Deity bestows abundant blessings
Temple Architecture
Chariot-Shaped Dravidian Design
Four Wheels: One at each corner representing:
- Sun and Moon
- Eternal wheels of time
- Perpetual cosmic cycle
Structure Symbolism:
- Seven Lokas Below: Seven lower worlds
- Seven Lokas Above: Seven higher worlds
- Garbhalaya (Center): Deity ruling entire universe
Two-Floor Structure
Ground Floor:
- Yantra (Sacred geometric diagram)
- Panchayatana (Five deities):
- Ganapati (East)
- Suryanarayana Swamy (South)
- Bala Tripurasundari (West)
- Maheshwara Swamy (North)
- Satyanarayana Swamy (Center)
First Floor:
- Center: Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy
- Right: Goddess Anantha Lakshmi
- Left: Lord Shiva
Unique Features
- Kalyana Mandapam: Grand marriage hall (1000 vratham capacity)
- Sun Dial: Displays accurate IST using astronomy
- Pampa River: Encircles hill base
- 460 Stone Steps: Base to hilltop
- Motorable Road: For elderly/disabled
How to Reach Annavaram Temple
By Air
1. Rajahmundry Airport
- Distance: 60 km (1.5 hours)
- Connectivity: Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai
- Taxi: ₹1,200-₹1,800
2. Visakhapatnam Airport (Recommended)
- Distance: 100 km (2-2.5 hours)
- Better connectivity to major cities
- Taxi: ₹2,000-₹3,000
- Bus: ₹150-₹250
By Train (Most Convenient)
Annavaram Railway Station (AVM)
- Distance: 2-3 km from temple (10 min)
- Line: Vijayawada-Kolkata main line
- Most express trains stop here
Major Trains:
- Samta Express
- Coromandel Express
- Falaknuma Express
- East Coast Express
- Konark Express
Station to Temple:
- Auto-rickshaw: ₹50-₹100
- Devasthanam bus: Free/₹10
- Walk: 30 minutes
By Road
Via NH-16 (passes through Annavaram)
| From | Distance | Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kakinada | 44.7 km | 1 hour | NH-16 |
| Rajahmundry | 60 km | 1.5 hours | NH-216, NH-16 |
| Visakhapatnam | 100 km | 2 hours | NH-16 |
| Vijayawada | 190 km | 3.5 hours | NH-16 |
| Hyderabad | 420 km | 7 hours | NH-65, NH-16 |
Bus Services:
- APSRTC: Every 30 min from major cities
- Devasthanam buses: 2 buses (free/subsidized)
- Private operators: AC/Non-AC available
Bus Fares:
- Kakinada: ₹40-₹60
- Rajahmundry: ₹60-₹100
- Visakhapatnam: ₹100-₹200
Reaching Hilltop
Option 1: Climb 460 steps (20-30 min, moderate) Option 2: Drive up motorable road (₹30-₹50 parking) Option 3: Temple shuttle services (free/nominal)
Accommodation at Annavaram
Quick Summary (See specialized guide for details)
| Type | Rooms | Price/Day |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Choultries | 200+ | ₹200-₹400 |
| Standard Cottages | 150+ | ₹400-₹600 |
| Prakash Sadan (Non-AC) | 41 | ₹650 |
| Prakash Sadan (AC) | 44 | ₹1,050 |
| Hari Hara Sadan (Non-AC) | 56 | ₹400-₹600 |
| Hari Hara Sadan (AC) | 84 | ₹950 |
| Suite Rooms | 20 | ₹1,500-₹3,000 |
Booking: Walk-in (CRO – 24hrs), MeeSeva (30 days advance), DD method
For complete accommodation guide, see our specialized post.
Nearby Attractions
Religious Sites
- Draksharamam (60 km) – Pancharama Kshetra
- Samarlakota (50 km) – Pancharama temple
- Pithapuram (35 km) – Kukkuteswara Swamy
- Antarvedi (90 km) – Godavari confluence
Natural Destinations
- Uppada Beach (25 km) – Clean, peaceful
- Kakinada Beach (45 km) – Popular destination
- Papikondalu (150 km) – Godavari boat rides
- Maredumilli Forest (80 km) – Waterfalls, trekking
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Temp | Crowd | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Oct-Feb | 18-30°C | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best |
| Summer | Mar-Jun | 30-42°C | Low | ⭐⭐⭐ (Visit early AM) |
| Monsoon | Jul-Sep | 25-35°C | Low | ⭐⭐ (Slippery steps) |
High Crowd Days:
- Ekadasi (twice monthly)
- Pournami (Full Moon)
- Sankranti (January)
- Brahmotsavam (Annual)
- Sundays
Peaceful Days:
- Monday-Wednesday (non-festival)
- Early morning (3:30-6:00 AM)
- Late evening (7:00-9:00 PM)
Dress Code & Rules
Dress Code
Men: ✅ Dhoti with upper cloth ✅ Shirt and formal trousers ✅ Kurta-pajama ❌ Shorts, sleeveless, torn jeans
Women: ✅ Saree with blouse ✅ Salwar kameez with dupatta ✅ Half-saree ❌ Jeans, western casuals, short dresses
Temple Rules
Do’s: ✅ Remove footwear before entry ✅ Maintain silence in sanctum ✅ Follow queue discipline ✅ Mobile off inside temple ✅ Respect traditions
Don’ts: ❌ No photography in sanctum ❌ No leather items ❌ No smoking/alcohol ❌ No outside food inside ❌ Don’t touch deity
Facilities
- Shoe keeping (free)
- Lockers for valuables
- Drinking water
- Clean restrooms
- First aid
- Wheelchairs for disabled
Contact Information
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Ratnagiri, Annavaram, East Godavari – 533406, AP |
| Phone | 08868-238121, 238125, 238163 |
| Fax | 08868-238124 |
| endow-eoanna@gov.in | |
| Website | https://annavaramdevasthanam.nic.in |
| Vratham Helpline | +91-8519813124, +91-9491249990 |
| Accommodation | +91-9393939150 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Annavaram Temple timings in 2026?
Temple is open 3:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily (peak seasons) and 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM (regular days). Satyanarayana Vratham: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
2. How many steps are there to Annavaram Temple?
Approximately 460 stone steps from base to hilltop. Alternatively, a motorable road is available.
3. What is Seegra Darshan ticket price?
₹50 per person, includes 150 grams Bhoga Prasadam (Jaggery Pongal in banana leaf). Provides faster entry.
4. How to book Satyanarayana Vratham online?
Visit annavaramdevasthanam.nic.in → Online Services → Paroksha Seva → Select Vratham → Provide details → Pay. Or WhatsApp +91-9491249990 with details.
5. What is Satyanarayana Vratham ticket price?
₹300 to ₹1,500 depending on type:
- Individual: ₹500-750
- Samuhika: ₹300-500
- Vishesha: ₹1,000-1,500
6. Is temple open on Amavasya?
Yes, temple open all days including Amavasya, which is actually considered auspicious for vratham.
7. What is unique about this temple?
The 13-feet idol represents Divine Trinity in single form: Brahma (base), Shiva (middle), Vishnu (top) – allowing worship of all three simultaneously.
8. How far from Visakhapatnam?
100 km (2-2.5 hours) via NH-16. Regular buses and trains available.
9. Can I do vratham without booking?
Yes, buy tickets at temple counter same day (subject to availability). Advance booking via MeeSeva or online recommended for weekends/festivals.
10. What prasadam is famous?
Jaggery Pongal (Bellam Paramannam) in banana leaves. Included with Seegra Darshan or buy separately.
11. Is accommodation available?
Yes, Devasthanam provides rooms ₹200-₹3,000/day: choultries, guest houses, Prakash Sadan, Hari Hara Sadan (AC/Non-AC).
12. How to book temple rooms?
- Walk-in: CRO office (24 hours)
- MeeSeva: 30 days advance
- DD method: Send to temple office
- Phone: +91-9393939150
13. When is best time to visit?
October to February (18-30°C). Weekdays (Mon-Wed) and early morning (5:30-7:00 AM) have less crowd.
14. How to reach from railway station?
Annavaram station is 2-3 km away:
- Auto: ₹50-₹100
- Devasthanam bus: Free/₹10
- Walk: 30 min
- Taxi: ₹80-₹150
15. What to bring for vratham?
Temple provides everything. Optionally bring:
- Fruits (5-6 varieties)
- 2 coconuts
- Flowers
- Camphor
- Traditional dress (mandatory)
16. Is there dress code?
Yes, traditional attire required. Men: dhoti/kurta/formal. Women: saree/salwar. No western casuals/shorts/sleeveless.
17. Can I drive to hilltop?
Yes, motorable road available to drive directly to hilltop. Parking: ₹30-₹50.
18. What is Swamy Vari Kalyanam?
Daily celestial marriage of deity at 8:00 AM (2:30 AM during festivals). Can sponsor for ₹2,500-₹5,000.
19. Special darshan during festivals?
Yes, temple opens 3:30 AM during festivals with extended hours based on crowd.
20. Nearest airport?
- Rajahmundry: 60 km (1.5 hrs)
- Visakhapatnam: 100 km (2 hrs) – Better connectivity
21. Online booking for Antaralayam Darshan?
No online booking for regular darshan (Sarva/Seegra/Antaralayam). Purchase at temple counters on arrival.
22. Facilities for elderly/disabled?
- Wheelchairs available
- Motorable road (no steps needed)
- Priority in queue (request)
- First aid/medical facilities
23. MeeSeva booking for accommodation?
Yes, 30 days advance through MeeSeva centers in AP/Telangana. Online temple accommodation booking currently not available.
24. Room check-in/check-out time?
Flexible 24-hour basis. Check in anytime, checkout within 24 hours.
25. How much time for complete visit?
- Darshan only: 2-3 hours
- Darshan + Vratham: 4-5 hours
- Full day (nearby temples): 8-10 hours
Conclusion
Annavaram Temple stands as a powerful symbol of spiritual unity, bringing together worship of the Divine Trinity in one magnificent form. Whether you visit for Satyanarayana Vratham, seek blessings for new beginnings, or experience Ratnagiri Hill’s divine energy, the temple promises a transformative spiritual journey.
Plan your visit wisely:
- Book vratham in advance during peak seasons
- Arrive early morning for peaceful darshan
- Wear traditional attire
- Carry minimal belongings
- Respect temple rules
- Stay overnight for complete experience
May Lord Satyanarayana shower eternal blessings upon all devotees!
Om Namo Venkatesaya! 🙏
