Holistic Places
Tallapaka Temples and Annamacharya Legacy – A Sacred Birthplace of Devotion and Music
Located about 6 km from Annamacharya University, Rajampet, Tallapaka is the revered birthplace of saint-poet Annamacharya, who composed over 32,000 devotional hymns. The village is home to historic temples like Sri Chennakesava Swamy, Sri Siddeswara Swamy, and the rare Sudarshanachakra Temple, reflecting both Vaishnavite and Shaivite traditions. Annamacharya is believed to have received divine inspiration at the Chennakesava temple. The Siddeswara temple, over 1300 years old, and the Sudarshanachakra shrine draw devotees seeking blessings for health, family, and spiritual fulfillment. Tallapaka remains a cultural beacon celebrating music, devotion, and heritage.
Sri Udayagiri Yellamma Devasthanam, Mannur – A Living Symbol of Faith and Tradition
Located about 9 km from Annamacharya University, Rajampet, Sri Udayagiri Yellamma Devasthanam in Mannur is a sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Yellamma (Renuka Devi). Nearly 500 years ago, traders from Mannur brought her idol from Udayagiri, and when their bullock cart halted mysteriously at a spot in the village, it was seen as divine will to establish the temple there. Built in traditional South Indian style, the temple is a hub for daily worship and vibrant annual festivals featuring processions, annadanam, and cultural events. It stands as a beacon of heritage, community devotion, and spiritual continuity.
Soumyanatha Swamy Temple, Nandalur – A Legacy of Grace and Devotion
Located about 14 km from Annamacharya University, Rajampet, the Soumyanatha Swamy Temple in Nandalur is an 11th-century Vaishnavite shrine renowned for its Chola-inspired architecture. Spanning over 10 acres, it features four majestic Raja Gopurams, a 108-pillared mandapam, and red-stone lion-headed columns depicting scenes from the Bhagavatham. The presiding deity, Sri Soumyanatha Swamy, symbolizes peace through his Abhaya Hastham posture. With sub-shrines, a sacred pond, and traditions like pradakshinam and Kalyanotsavam, the temple remains a vibrant center of devotion. Saint Annamacharya’s 16 compositions further enrich its spiritual significance.
Mannuru Sivalayam Temple – A Sacred Legacy of Adi Shankaracharya
Situated about 7 km from Annamacharya University, Rajampet, the Mannuru Sivalayam Temple is a revered shrine believed to be established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. He installed a self-manifested Shiva Lingam after performing Sandhyavandanam, marking the site as spiritually powerful. Known for its healing Rudra Abhishekam and tranquil setting, the temple is deeply connected to the Annamayya heritage. It draws pilgrims especially on Mondays and Maha Shivaratri, offering Vedic rituals in a serene natural environment. Preserved by local efforts, it stands as a timeless center of devotion and spiritual renewal.
Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple, Ontimitta – A Timeless Symbol of Devotion and Art
Located about 25 km from Annamacharya University, Rajampet, the Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple in Ontimitta is a 16th-century marvel built by Chola and Vijayanagara rulers. Celebrated for its Dravidian architecture, the temple houses a rare single-stone idol of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, and features a grand mandapam with 32 intricately carved pillars. It is the official venue for the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam on Rama Navami, organized by TTD. Sacred elements like the Rama Theertham and sub-shrines enrich its spiritual aura. The temple remains a hub for pilgrimage, history, and cultural heritage in Andhra Pradesh.
Gundluru Agastheswara Swamy Temple – A Sacred Legacy of Shaivism
Situated about 12 km from Annamacharya University, Rajampet, the Gundluru Agastheswara Swamy Temple is a revered shrine believed to have been consecrated by sage Agastya during the Treta Yuga. Home to a self-manifested Shiva Lingam, the temple’s present structure dates to the 12th century and features stone-pillared halls, inscriptions, and a unique shrine for Kanchi Kamakshi—reflecting both Shaivism and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri draws large crowds for its spiritual fervor. The temple’s peaceful rural setting and historical depth make it a prominent spiritual and cultural landmark in the region.
Cheyyeru River – Lifeline of Rayalaseema’s Land and Culture
Buddhist Heritage Site at Adapur – A Glimpse into Early Monastic Life
The Buddhist site at Adapur, near Nandalur located around 15 km from Annamacharya University, Rajampet. Situated on Lanja Kanuma Gutta hill by the Cheyyeru River, it dates back to the Satavahana period (2nd–4th century CE). The site features a large Mahastupa, reflecting early Buddhist architecture and Hinayana practices. Excavated artifacts like coins and terracotta figurines highlight its spiritual and economic significance. Though now in ruins, it remains an important center for heritage research and Buddhist studies.
Bhuvanagiri Gutta Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – A Sacred Hill of Devotion
Bhuvanagiri Gutta, about 10 km from Annamacharya University, Rajampet, is home to the revered Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, founded over 300 years ago when a saint discovered divine footprints under a neem tree. Worshippers believe that sincere prayers here bring peace and wish fulfillment, with large gatherings on Saturdays and during the annual Brahmotsavam on Vaisakha Pournima. Devotees trek the hill as an act of faith, experiencing spiritual peace and scenic beauty. The temple is especially vibrant during Annadanam celebrations, drawing pilgrims from across the region. It remains a cherished spiritual retreat rooted in tradition and belief.
Bhakta Kannappa – A Legend of Unwavering Devotion
Bhakta Kannappa, born in Utukur near Rajampet—about 10 km from Annamacharya University—is revered for his fearless and selfless devotion to Lord Shiva. A tribal hunter from the Chenchu community, he offered raw devotion by placing meat and water from his mouth on a Shiva Lingam. When the lingam bled, he sacrificed his own eye and prepared to give the second before Lord Shiva appeared and granted him moksha. The lingam, now the Vayu Lingam at Srikalahasti, honors his devotion. Kannappa’s story symbolizes that true love for God transcends rituals, caste, and knowledge.
Balijapalli Gangamma Temple – A Living Tradition of Devotion and Culture
Gangamma Temple, located around 12 km from Annamacharya University, Rajampet, hosts the revered Gangamma temple and its vibrant annual Jathara. Celebrated for over 200 years, the festival honors the goddess’s triumph over the demon Palegadu, marked by midnight “Chatimpu,” spirited processions, and ritual offerings. A fresh earthen idol is decorated annually, and a sacred spring that flows year-round adds divine sanctity to the site. Devotees from across Rayalaseema gather to celebrate, carrying sacred soil home as blessings. This Jathara remains a vital expression of local faith and cultural identity.
Attirala Temple Complex – A Sacred Confluence of Myth, History, and Devotion
Attirala, also known as Hatyarala, is a revered temple site located about 10 km from Annamacharya University, Rajampet, on the banks of the Cheyyeru River. It features the Parasurameswara, Gadadhara Swamy, and Treteswara temples, blending Chola and Dravidian architectural styles. The site is mythologically significant as Lord Parasurama and sage Likhita were believed to be spiritually cleansed here. Built during the 10th century by the Vaidumbas and patronized by multiple dynasties, it is also known as ‘Dakshina Gaya’ for its ancestral ritual importance. The temple hosts grand celebrations during Maha Shivaratri, attracting devotees from across the region.
Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Rajampet – A Spiritual Landmark of Heritage
Located about 6 km from Annamacharya University, Rajampet, the Anjaneya Swamy Temple is a 500-year-old shrine believed to be sanctified by Lord Rama during his exile. The temple’s unique bowl-shaped landscape, called Kundaladari, and presence of Kalpa Vriksha, Pushkarini, and ancient carvings enhance its sanctity. It holds deep mythological ties to the Pandavas and Kalabhairava. Renovated with 13 traditional features, it attracts devotees during Deepotsavam and Sri Rama Navami. This temple stands as a vital spiritual and cultural symbol for the local community.
