Home > The GReaT Divine Darshan > Vijayawada
HOLY PLACES
IN VIJAYAWADA
Vijayawada—where the temples are taller than your ambitions and the spice levels come with no warning label. Formerly known as Bezawada (before the rebrand), this city sits between the Krishna River and Indrakeeladri Hills like it’s on a perfectly curated Instagram grid. Among the many temples in Vijayawada, the iconic Kanaka Durga Temple is the city’s crown jewel, like the Beyonce of hilltop shrines, always stealing the spotlight. Legend has it that the Goddess defeated Mahishasura here and decided to settle down—because why wouldn’t you, when your hilltop home comes with river views and a constant flow of coconuts? Even Arjuna from the Mahabharata dropped by for a quick divine power-up. Basically, Vijayawada has been the go-to place for blessings and upgrades long before 5G arrived. Crossing the Prakasam Barrage is like participating in a mini pilgrimage—half spiritual, half survival sport (especially during peak hours). And don’t even get us started on the autos—they follow GPS powered by vibes. Biryani? Hotter than a Vijayawada summer. Tiffins? So good, they should have their own temple. And the city? Growing faster than rumours during the election season. Whether you're temple-trekking, tiffin-hunting, or just trying to survive the traffic with your dignity intact, Vijayawada has one rule: go big, or go spicy.
_d82c5911)
OUR Hotels
IN THE CITY, BY THE SACRED SITES 🏙
Grand Vijayawada by GRT Hotels
Welcome to Grand Vijayawada by GRT Hotels—where the pillows are fluffier than your weekend excuses and the spa drips are more soothing than your playlist on a rainy day. Tucked between divine darshans and delightful detours, we’re your cosy launchpad for all things Vijayawada—minus the chaos, plus all the comfort you didn’t know you needed. Wander over to the Akkanna Madanna Caves (ancient selfies, anyone?), shop for Kalamkari masterpieces, or grab a Mangalagiri saree that says, “Yes, I can chant slokas and break the internet". After a day of spicy adventures and spiritual sprints, come back to rooms so comfy, they might just ask you to adopt them. Tired? Meet our Shirodhara Spa Therapy—where warm oil gently flows over your forehead, and your worries get the hint and quietly leave the room. We’re the first in town to offer it, and trust us, even your inner chaos will take a power nap. Families, kids, pets—we welcome everyone. Even your melodramatic cat, who acts like she booked the suite herself. Whether you’re in town for temple runs, tiffin chases, or the kind of nap that heals your entire week—we’ve got the vibe, the view, and the vadais (crispy, golden, and always on point). Grand Vijayawada by GRT Hotels—where checking in feels like coming home, if home also brought you hot towels and zero chores.
OURDivine Destinations
TRAVEL THROUGH THE MUSEUMS OF FAITH 🛕
_7e5c7c07)
SRI DURGA MALLESWARA SWAMY VARLA DEVASTHANAM ✨
Perched atop Indrakeeladri Hill by the Krishna River, this ancient Shakti shrine is a self-manifested symbol of divine power and Vijayawada’s spiritual heart.
Distance from Our Hotel6 km
Timing5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.FestivalBangle Festival: (Oct-Nov)
Shakambari: (Jun-Jul)
Navarathiri: (Oct-Nov)
Mahashivarathri: (Feb)Sacred Food OfferedLaddu, Tamarind Rice
Transportation CostFor assistance, please contact the front desk.
Disclaimer: The temple's timings are subject to change as per the operating committee's decisions.
About Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam:
- Perched atop Indrakeeladri Hill along the banks of the River Krishna, this sacred site has been revered since ancient times and is considered a Swayambhu (self-manifested) abode of divine power.
- References in sacred texts like the Kaalika Purana and Durga Saptashati place its spiritual significance as far back as the Treta Yuga, marking it as one of the oldest known centres of Shakti worship.
- Over centuries, various dynasties, including the Eastern Chalukyas and Vijayanagara rulers, contributed to the site's development, as seen in inscriptions and structural features.
- During the ten days of Dussehra, the deity is adorned in ten unique forms, each representing different aspects of Shakti. Devotees gather in vast numbers to witness the splendour and seek blessings.
- Visitors traditionally take a ritual dip in the Krishna River before making their way up the hill, either by steps or the road, both offering panoramic views of the city below.
- The shrine has become one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in Andhra Pradesh, playing a central role in the spiritual life of the region.
- Today, it stands not only as a symbol of victory over evil but also as an emblem of the city’s identity, deeply embedded in its culture, festivals, and folklore.
_7e5c7c07)
Divine Facts:
Once upon a mythical time in the Mahabharata era, Arjuna—the mightiest archer of the Pandavas and part-time seeker of divine weapons—found himself on a spiritual mission. With the Kurukshetra war looming, Arjuna wasn’t just collecting arrows—he was chasing blessings, divine boons, and celestial weaponry. And nothing short of Lord Shiva’s fearsome Pasupata Astra would do. His quest led him deep into the wilderness and finally to the serene banks of the Krishna River, at the foot of a mystical hill now known as Indrakeeladri. Here, Arjuna set up camp—not with tents and torches, but with intense tapasya (penance). No spa, no snacks, no shortcuts—just full-on devotion mode. Pleased by his grit, Lord Shiva appeared, but not in his full godly get-up. Disguised as a tribal hunter, he tested Arjuna’s strength in a duel, because what’s a divine blessing without a bit of suspense? When the cosmic dust settled and Arjuna proved his mettle, Lord Shiva revealed himself and granted the powerful Pasupata Astra, capable of reducing entire armies to ash. Overwhelmed with gratitude (and possibly still catching his breath), Arjuna built a shrine at that very spot to honour the divine energy that had blessed him. And thus began the spiritual legacy of this hill, long before concrete steps and temple bells arrived. Today, that very spot where Arjuna once meditated and worshipped is considered sacred ground, where the divine feminine energy resides in full glory, continuing to bless devotees, not with weapons, but with wisdom, strength, and unwavering courage.LAKSHMI NARASIMHA TEMPLE ✨
Set atop Agiripalli’s hill with 740 steps to climb, this 4,000-year-old Lakshmi Narasimha temple is a sacred blend of legend, devotion, and towering heritage.
Navarathri: (Oct-Nov)
Adhyayanathavas: (Apr-May)
Vyasa Pournami: (Jul-Jul)
Vasantha Panchami: (Jan-Feb)
Disclaimer: The temple's timings are subject to change as per the operating committee's decisions.
About Lakshmi Narasimha Temple:
- According to the Puranas, the temple is believed to be around 4,000 years old, dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, also revered here as Sri Sobhanachaleswara Swamy.
- The temple is located in Agiripalli, approximately 25 km from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
- There is archaeological evidence suggesting the presence of the temple and its sacred tank (pushkarini) dating back to the 15th century onwards.
- In 1561 AD, a devotee is said to have arranged for the creation of a garden and Bhoga Mantapam (a pavilion for offering sacred items). Flowers from this garden were traditionally sent to the Bhadrachalam Sita Rama Swamy Temple.
- To reach the temple, devotees must climb 740 steps, as there is no ghat road available, preserving its traditional access route.
- The temple complex includes one of the tallest gopurams (temple towers) in South India, constructed by Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu, a prominent historical patron.
- The nearby Ksheera Vruksham, a sacred tree on the Mangalagiri hill, is a popular pilgrimage spot for women praying for fertility and children.
Divine Facts:
Long before selfies and status updates, the Pandavas were on a mission to seek divine grace—and Yudhishthira, the eldest and wisest of the lot, decided to take a spiritual detour. While most people collect souvenirs, Yudhishthira decided to leave behind something far more divine—a powerful idol of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at the base of a serene hill in Mangalagiri. Talk about leaving a legacy! But the temple didn’t stop at just having divine roots. Fast forward a few centuries, and along came Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu, a king with a flair for the dramatic and a deep devotion for Lord Narasimha. He didn’t just offer coconuts and camphor—he built a 153-foot gopuram that could practically wave at the clouds. But wait—plot twist! After all that hard work, the gopuram started leaning. Panic? Nope. The clever architects from Kanchipuram suggested digging a tank opposite the tower. Result? The gopuram stood up straighter than your back in a yoga class. The temple’s main deity is none other than Narasimha, the lion-headed avatar of Vishnu, with Goddess Lakshmi by his side—because even fierce avatars need a touch of grace. The idol is decked with 108 saligramams (sacred fossil stones), and yes, there's also a legendary Dakshinavarti Shankham, believed to be Krishna’s conch shell. (Basically, the original surround sound system.) And the grandeur doesn’t stop there—there’s an ancient wooden ratha (temple chariot) with carvings so detailed, it puts modern storytelling to shame. Temples dedicated to Rajyalakshmi, Rama with Sita and Lakshmana, and even a golden Garuda vahanam are scattered around like spiritual Easter eggs. So, whether you’re in it for the divine darshan, the history, or just to climb those legendary 740 steps for a good leg day—this hill isn’t just a destination. It’s a divine chapter waiting to be experienced._0b82e12c)
