Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Rushikonda – Coastal Divya Kshetram of Visakhapatnam

Location

Temple Name: Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Rushikonda
Proximity:

~1.2 km from Rushikonda Beach
~10 km from Ramakrishna Beach

Managed by: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)
Timings: Daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Presiding Deity

Main Deity: Sri Venkateswara Swamy (Srivaru)

Temple Significance

Spiritual Landmark: Inaugurated as Sri Venkateswara Divya Kshetram, this temple enriches Visakhapatnam’s spiritual landscape.
Built by TTD: With an investment of ₹28 crore, the temple spans 10 acres overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
Vaikhanasa Agama Tradition: The temple follows traditional Vaikhanasa rituals, ensuring sanctity and spiritual depth.
Maha Kumbhabhishekam: Conducted with grandeur in March 2023, led by Visakha Sarada Peetham Pontiff Sri Swarupananda Saraswati.
TTD’s Mission: Part of TTD’s nationwide initiative to establish Srivari temples from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, including upcoming sites in Odisha, Amaravati, and Jammu.
Monthly Laddu Prasadam: Available every 2nd Saturday, adding devotional value to visits.

Temple History

Inception Year: 2020–2022
Purpose: Built by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to extend Srivari’s blessings to underserved coastal and tribal communities.
Consecration: The Maha Samprokshana (grand consecration) took place over six days from March 18–23, 2022, including:

Ankurarpanam (seed sowing ritual)
Kalasa Sthapana (sacred pot installation)
Idol Pratishta (installation of Sri Venkateswara idol)
Abhishekam, Homam, and Srinivasa Kalyanam

Spiritual Vision: Part of TTD’s mission to build 1,000+ Srivari temples across India—from Kashmir to Kanyakumari—to preserve Sanatana Dharma in modern times.

Architectural Highlights

Style: Dravidian architecture, inspired by South Indian temple traditions
Craftsmanship: Sculptures and design elements created by Sri Venkateswara Institute of Traditional Sculpture and Architecture (SVITSA), TTD’s heritage wing.
Features:

Ornate gopuram (tower) with traditional carvings
Spacious mandapam for rituals and gatherings
Sea-facing layout offering panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal
Integration of Vaikhanasa Agama principles in temple design and rituals

Rituals

The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama traditions, similar to Tirumala, ensuring sanctity and continuity in Srivari worship:

Suprabhata Seva: Early morning awakening of the deity with sacred hymns
Thomala Seva: Flower garland offering
Archana & Abhishekam: Daily pujas with mantras and sacred bathing
Sahasranama Archana: Recitation of 1,000 names of Lord Venkateswara
Nivedana & Harathi: Food offering followed by ritual waving of lamps

Special rituals may include:

Kalyanotsavam: Symbolic celestial wedding of Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi
Vishesha Pujas: On auspicious days like Pournami, Ekadashi, and Saturdays

Festivals Celebrated

Vaikunta Ekadasi: Special darshan through Vaikunta Dwaram, symbolizing liberation
Rathasapthami: Celebrating Surya’s chariot procession; may include symbolic rituals
Sri Rama Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Krishna Janmashtami: Observed with devotional fervor
Srinivasa Kalyanam: Often performed during temple inaugurations and special occasions

Beliefs & Devotional Significance

Divya Kshetram: Considered a sacred extension of Tirumala, offering Srivari’s blessings to coastal devotees

Temple Hours

Time	Event
6.00 am to 6.30 am	Suprabhatam
6.30 am to 8.00 am	Viswaroopa Darshan
8.00 am to 8.30 am	Thomala Seva
8.30 am to 9.00 am	Sahasranama Archana
9.00 am to 9.30 am	Naivedyam
9.30 am to 12.00 noon	Sarva Darshan
12.00 pm to 1.00 pm	Naivedyam
1.00 pm to 6.00 pm	Sarva darshan
6.00 pm to 7.00 pm	Naivedyam
7.00 pm to 8.00 pm	Sarva Darshan
8.00 pm to 8.30 pm	Ekanta Seva

Getting Here

By Road

From Visakhapatnam Railway Station: ~15 km via Beach Road or NH16
From RTC Complex (Dwaraka Bus Station): ~13 km
From Vizag Airport: ~22 km via NH16

Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, cabs, and APSRTC buses frequently ply to Rushikonda Beach. From the beach, it’s a short uphill drive or walk to the temple.

By Train

Nearest Station: Visakhapatnam Junction (VSKP) – well-connected to major cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Delhi.

By Air

Nearest Airport: Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ) – ~22 km away

Daily flights from Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai

Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early morning for Suprabhatam or evening for sunset darshan with sea view
Carry Essentials: Water bottle, cap, sunscreen (especially for beachside visits)
Combine with Sightseeing: Plan a half-day trip including Rushikonda Beach, Kailasagiri, and Simhachalam Temple
Festival Days: Expect crowds during Ekadasi, Kalyanotsavam, and monthly laddu prasadam days (2nd Saturday)
Parking & Access: Ample parking available; temple is wheelchair accessible
Photography: Allowed in outer premises; restricted inside sanctum