Anantapur district in Rayalaseema
is a treasure trove of sacred shrines, blending Vijayanagara-era architecture,
natural springs, and legends of divine protection. These temples are not only
places of worship but also cultural landmarks that narrate centuries of
history.
1. Bugga Ramalingeswara
Swamy Temple – Tadipatri
- Deity:
Lord Shiva
- Significance:
Built in the 15th century, this temple is famed for its Lingam constantly
waterlogged by a natural underground stream (Bugga). The intricate
Vijayanagara carvings are world-renowned.
- Festivals:
Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Masam.
- Timings:
6:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
- Getting Here:
Located in Tadipatri town (~55 km from Anantapur city). Tadipatri has a
railway station and good bus connectivity.
2. Sri Chintala
Venkataramana Swamy Temple – Tadipatri
- Deity:
Lord Venkateswara
- Significance:
Built by Pemmasani chieftains, this Vaishnavite shrine features a stone
chariot and walls carved with Ramayana and Mahabharata scenes.
- Festivals:
Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Brahmotsavam.
- Timings:
6:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
- Getting Here:
Just 1 km from Bugga temple, within Tadipatri town.
3. Kasapuram Nettikanti
Veera Anjaneya Swamy Temple – Guntakal
- Deity:
Lord Hanuman
- Significance:
Established by saint Vyasaraja, the idol faces south and has
diamond-encrusted eyes. Devotees believe prayers here remove obstacles and
grant protection.
- Festivals:
Hanuman Jayanthi, Ugadi.
- Timings:
6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM (open continuously on Saturdays).
- Getting Here:
Kasapuram village, 5 km from Guntakal Junction (major railway hub), ~90 km
from Anantapur.
4. ISKCON Anantapur –
Somuladoddi
- Deities:
Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi
- Significance:
A modern landmark shaped like a four-storied chariot. Known for its
cleanliness, meditation halls, and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Festivals:
Krishna Janmashtami.
- Timings:
7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
- Getting Here:
Located on NH-44, Somuladoddi area, outskirts of Anantapur city. Easily
accessible by auto-rickshaw.
5. Aluru Kona Ranganatha
Swamy Temple – Tadipatri Region
- Deity:
Lord Ranganatha (Reclining Vishnu)
- Significance:
Nestled in the Yerramala hills, this temple is beside a perennial spring
and waterfall. Pilgrims bathe in step-tanks before darshan.
- Festivals:
Brahmotsavam (Chaitra Masam, April/May).
- Timings:
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Getting Here:
Aluru village, ~5 km from Tadipatri.
6. Kona Ramalingeswara
Temple – Yadiki Caves
- Deity:
Lord Shiva
- Significance:
A rustic cave shrine at the entrance of the Yadiki limestone caves,
combining pilgrimage with adventure.
- Festivals:
Maha Shivaratri.
- Timings:
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Getting Here:
Yadiki Mandal, ~30 km from Tadipatri, ~60 km from Anantapur. Best reached
by private taxi or bike.
7. Gugudu Kullayi Swamy
Temple – Narpala Mandal
- Deity/Significance:
Kullayi Swamy, revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Known for communal
harmony and fire-walking rituals.
- Festivals:
Muharram (massive congregation with sacred fire-walking).
- Timings:
5:00 AM – 8:30 PM.
- Getting Here:
Gugudu village, ~30 km from Anantapur city. Accessible by state buses or
local cabs.
Travel Tips
- Day 1:
Cover Tadipatri circuit (Bugga Ramalingeswara, Chintala Venkataramana,
Aluru Kona, Yadiki Caves).
- Day 2:
Cover Anantapur–Guntakal circuit (ISKCON, Kasapuram, Gugudu).
- Best Season:
October–March for pleasant weather.
- Dress Code:
Traditional attire (saree/veshti or modest Indian wear).
Conclusion
The temples of Anantapur
District are living monuments of faith, architecture, and cultural harmony.
From the waterlogged Lingam of Bugga Ramalingeswara to the communal unity at
Gugudu Kullayi Swamy, each shrine offers a unique spiritual experience. A
pilgrimage here is not just about darshan—it’s about immersing yourself in the sacred
heritage of Rayalaseema.