Kurmanatha Swamy Temple located at Srikurmama in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh is a very rare shrine dedicated to Kurma Avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu. Kurma (Tortoise) avatar is the second incarnation of Vishnu Bhagavan.
Kurmanatha Swamy Temple – History – Unknown Facts
Originally a Shiva
Temple – It was initially dedicated to Lord Shiva and known as Kurmeswara
Temple before being converted into a Vaishnavite temple.
Converted by Ramanuja
– In the 11th century AD, philosopher saint Ramanuja is believed to have
converted it into a Vaishnavite shrine.
Ancient Origins – Local beliefs state that the temple was
originally built in the 2nd century AD.
Swayambhu Temple – The deity is believed to be self-manifested
(Swayambhu).
The Kashi Connection: Local belief holds that a secret tunnel exists within the temple that leads directly to Kashi (Varanasi).
Attacks: Between the 11th and 17th centuries, this world-renowned temple faced repeated invasions by Islamic marauders from Delhi and beyond. In a desperate bid to save it, locals risked their lives to coat the entire complex in a limestone mixture, successfully camouflaging the structure as a natural hill. Although most of these layers have since been removed, traces of the protective coating remain visible on the walls today as a testament to their sacrifice.
Unique Idol Structure –
The main deity is made of black stone but appears yellow due
to regular sandalwood paste application.
The idol is 2.5 feet long and formed by three stone parts
representing the tortoise’s head (west-facing), body, and tail (or Sudarshana
Chakra).
In Devakoshtas Maha Vishnu, Gajalakshmi, Ganesa, Durga,
Trivikrama, and Narasimha are worshipped.
It is believed that the originally the main murit was worshipped as a Shivling until Ramanujacharya discovered its significance.
Ashtadala Padmam Design – The sanctum’s upper structure is
shaped like an eight-petaled lotus (ashtadala padmam).
Two Dhvajasthambas – Unlike most Vaishnavite temples, it has
two flagstaffs, one facing east and one west.
Direct Sanctum Entry – Devotees are allowed to enter the
sanctum sanctorum directly to offer prayers, which is rare in Vaishnavite
tradition.
Follows Both Traditions – The temple uniquely follows both Shaivite
and Vaishnavite worship practices.
Major Festival – The three-day Dolotsavam is the most
important among the four annual festivals celebrated here.
Royal Trusteeship – The temple trustees are the Gajapathi
Rajus of Vizianagaram.
Administered By – Managed by the Hindu Religious and
Endowment Board of Andhra Pradesh.
Postal Recognition – The India Post issued a commemorative
stamp featuring the temple on 11 April 2013.
Spiritual Geography & Significance
Kali Yuga’s Vaikuntham: The triangular region between the Nagavali River, the Vamsadhara River, and the Bay of Bengal is hailed as the Vaikuntham (abode of Vishnu) for the current age.The Sacred Circle: The temple is encircled by
Panchalinga Kshetras: Five dedicated Shiva temples.Ashta Tirthas: Eight sacred water bodies located within a 30 km radius.
Moksha Sthalam: It is considered a site for liberation, comparable to Varanasi, Puri, and Gaya, where last rites for the deceased are performed.
Abhimana Pradesha: It is recognized as one of the 16 most favored places of the great philosopher Sri Ramanujacharya.
Distinct Architecture –
The gopuram design differs from typical Vaishnavite temples.
The temple has 108 unique ekasila (single-stone) pillars,
each carved differently.
The temple walls contain 42 mural paintings of Krishna.
Swetha Pushkarani (Sudha Kundam) –
The sacred temple tank is believed to have been created by
Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra.
It is believed Goddess Lakshmi emerged here and manifested
as Kurma Nayaki.
Contains a small Narasimha Mandapam at its center.
The white sand beneath the water is called Gopi Chandanam.
Tortoise Conservation Centre –
The temple houses India’s only conservation center for star
tortoises.
Devotees offer tortoises found nearby and feed them gongura
leaves.
Conservation is supported by the Endowment Board and NGO
Green Mercy.
As of September 2015, the temple housed 255 tortoises.
Additional Shrines –
Shrine of Kurmanayaki (with Andal deity).
Guardian deities include Hatakeswara, Karpureswara,
Koteswara, Sundareswara, and Pathalasiddheswara.
Dashavatara statues are located at the rear side of the
temple.
Notable Pilgrims & Worshippers
The temple has been a destination for legendary kings,
sages, and saints across different eras:
Divine Figures: Balarama (elder brother of Sri Krishna), and
Rama’s sons, Lava and Kusa.
Sages: Sage Durvasa.
Philosophers & Saints: Adi Sankaracharya,
Ramanujacharya, Narahari Theertha, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Temple Timings –
Darshan: 6:00 AM – 7:45 PM
Abhishekam: 4:30 AM – 6:00 AM