Annavaram - Sri Satyanarayanaswamy Aalayam 

Reputed as the second Tirupathi and commanding a repeated influx of both theists and tourists, this ancient thirtha kshetra has carved out a covetable niche in the temple history of our Bharat. It has unique features and awe-some legends. And they are enviable to say the least. The august yantra, enshrined in the sacred temple, built atop the Ratnagiri hills, surrounded by the holy river Pampa, and drawing thousands and thousands of devotees day after day is instrumental in raising the spectacular glory of that Supreme deity, Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayanaswamy. Its tremendous impact is so stunning that the temple has become exceedingly popular to be ranked very high among the famous temples in Andhra Pradesh. Neither its origin takes us back to the Vedic times, nor it is visited by celestials, nor did it lure spiritual luminaries to its abode to sing in praise of its glory, nor even the mighty princes diverted their revenues to make it a sculptural piece to be preserved in museums, yet it is mesmerizing the countless ardent devotees, why?

All but due to the extraordinary powers of the Chakra installed in the ground floor of that two-tired shrine, which is igniting the theistic instincts in the devotees, who visit to propitiate the august deity Satyanarayanaswamy with a vratam to be performed periodically in their homes itself. As the powerful Chakra sanctified by the potent bijaksharas and mystic symbols is lifting the adorers from the fathomless ocean of woes, the number of adorers is growing by leaps and bounds day by day. And to initiate the prospective adorers and giving proper guidance, special spacious halls are built accommodating two thousands at a time and what is more, the initiation ceremony is going on regularly everyday.

Uniqueness

Together with this, the holy shrine claims certain unique features, not found anywhere in any temple in India - it is here alone in the whole of Bharat Land, the holy yantra inscribed on metal plate worshipped in the ground floor first, and the Moolavirat enshrined in the second floor adored next; it is this temple built in the form of a chariot with four wheels representing mystic powers; it is this temple guarded by Vanadurga in the role of kshetrapalaki; it is this temple's sanctum sanctorum that has entrances on four sides; it is here the principal deity is installed along with Lord Siva on the same Vedika indicating the oneness between Siva and Vishnu; it is this deity adored as Hiranya garbha, and hence the honorific name of Harihara Hiranyagarbhatrimurthyathmaka swarupa; it is this swayamvyakta archamurti, who revealed himself to the devotees and bade them to building a temple atop the hill for the permanent dwelling to granting boons to devotees for worldly success - material prosperity, spiritual progress and professional advancement during living and moksha after death.

The Temple

Of the conspicuous features that greet the visiting devotees, the oddity of the shape of the temple strikes first and stands best. It acquaints them with the sanctity of a rare type. It is built in strict conformity with agamic injunctions and vastu sastric cannons. According to sastras, particularly that of Agni Purana, the archamurti of any place of public worship should be a manifestation of the Prakriti - the walls, towers and the vimana of the temple should be so designed to remind the viewers of the universe; the Lord enshrined inside the garbhagriha is the supreme spirit. and the indweller of the entire universe. This temple is fashioned to resemble a chariot, and serve, as a symbol of the seven lokas above, and seven underneath with the garbhagriha in the centre representing the seat of ruling power. The fore of the temple depicts the frontal aspect of a chariot, the Meru on the ground floor with a pillar at the centre and the images on the floor above indicate that the Lord not only remains in the centre, but permeates the whole universe. The wheels of the chariot stand for the Sun and the Moon reminding that this chariot moves on the wheels of time, and goes on eternally. Thus the entire design of the temple conforms to the Vastu sastra and satisfies all the ritualistic needs. Hence the sanctity. And that accounts for the speciality here. The archamurti made of black granite is about two feet in height and casts a spell on the visitors at first sight itself with grand decoration. The minimized form of His infinite maximized Viratarupa remains in the minds of the devout bhaktas for ever, if once they drink in the asadrisanantha divyasobha of the Lord. That is its uniqueness, accountable for the repeated unending visits by the pious for replenishing the spiritual treasure, they enshrine in their hearts.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several important festivals periodically, like Bhishma Ekadasi, Srivati Jayanthi, Piabhotsavam, New year's day, Devi Navaratrulu, Sita Ramakalyanam, , Giri Pradakshanam, Jwalatoranam, besides conducting special functions on auspicious occasions. On festive days, the utsava vigrahas are taken out in procession with all pomp and splendour. People in thousands visit to avail the grand sight and obtain Lord's grace.

It lies on the Vijayawada - Visakhapatnam broad guage line

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