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Punyagiri Temple, a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva on top of the Punyagiri Hills is one of the oldest Shiva temples in the world. The locals believe that the Pandavas stayed here during their stay in Andhra Pradesh. The temple draws thousands of people from all over the country, during Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated for three days. Shrouded in mystery, its origins are still up for debates. All of this makes the temple one of the most interesting places in India.
Location
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
Located on the top of the Punyagiri Hill in Eastern Ghats, near a small village, Srungavarapukota, the Punyagiri Temple address is a prominent tourist attraction of Vizianagram. While Punyagiri Hill is a perfect getaway from hectic city life, for it is 40 km drive away from Vizianagaram city and about 20 km from Kadapa city. Punyagiri hills are home to many tourism destinations such as Katiki Waterfall, Araku Valley, Ramatheertham and many more.
How To Reach
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By Air: The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, which is around 140 kilometres from Punyagiri. From the airport, you can take a cab or a bus to Kadapa and then walk to the temple.
By Road: The temple is located at the top of a hill, only accessible by a set of rocky steps that take you through a small forest. The closest town to the Punyagiri is Kadapa, which is connected to the hill by road. Buses and taxis may take you to the base of the hill, where you can then walk to the temple.
By Train: The nearest train station is in Kadapa. From there, take a taxi or bus to the temple.
Things To Do In Punyagiri Temple
1. Enjoy Darshan Of Shiva Lingam
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Shiva Lingam inside the temple is believed to be the starting point of Chinaputturdara Waterfalls which flow from the right side of the temple. The Linga is bathed by the continuous stream of water that flows under it. Devotees come here to pray and wash themselves with the water coming from the Shiva Lingam. The Linga is the symbol of Shiva’s immense power and people come to the hills to anoint the idol and offer flowers to Lord Shiva.
Timings: 6 AM – 8:30 PM
2. Take A Dip In The Punyagiri Pond
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The pond outside the temple on Punyagiri Hill is a huge attraction for both devotees and scientists. The pond is believed to have healing abilities by the devotees of Lord Shiva. It is one of the main research stations for researching microalgae distribution in India. And some studies suggest that microalgae can be beneficial for humans, but there are few types that might have a bad effect on the human body. Punyagiri pond is surrounded by beautiful green forest and it is a perfect place to picnic with your family.
Timings: 24*7
3. Marvel At The Grandeur Of Punyagiri Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in India. Its origin is unknown and a topic of debate. The temple’s floor is made from the rockstone, the gopuram of the temple is made from sandstone and the outer walls of the Mandapam are carved with icons of gods and goddesses. The wall is filled with stories and myths from ancient vedic religion. The architecture, while having elements of Dravidian architecture, precedes the dravidian style. The temple is a treasure for archaeology and history lovers.
Timings: 6 AM – 8:30 PM
4. Climb To Punyagiri Hill
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Punyagiri Hills are part of the beautiful Eastern Ghats. The hills have great scenery, rich biodiversity and magnificent waterfalls. The place is perfect for nature lovers. The visitors can enjoy a little trek, take a dip into the mesmerising waterfalls and watch beautiful exotic birds that are only found in Andhra Pradesh. The trekking trails are easy and you can take your kids along with you to the beautiful hill near Vizianagaram. From here you can visit the temple, Katiki Waterfall and many other tourism hotspots of Andhra Pradesh.
Timings: 24*7
5. Enjoy The Maha Shivaratri Celebration
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Being the temple of Lord Shiva, the temple is jam packed with devotees from every corner of the country, who travel to the hill temple for the three day celebration of the festival. It is one of the biggest Maha Shivaratri celebrations in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is filled with festive energy during these three days. If you are also seeking spirituality, attending the festival during this time is a must for you.
Timings: February and March
Where To Stay
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The closest city is Kadapa city, which is about 20 kilometres from the temple. The city offers its visitors all types of accommodation options. You can choose from the vast variety of hotels in Kadapa based on your budget. Hotels such as Haritha Hotel and Hotel Blue Diamond offer a good stay, with world class service and all necessary amenities. You can also choose to stay in Vizianagaram in hotels such as hotel VR Grand and Hotel Maurya, which offer some great rooms, along with all modern amenities.
Where To Eat
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While exploring Kadapa, one can find a variety of food options that match their tastes. The region has an overwhelming number of local restaurants where you can try authentic Andhra cuisine. Popular vegetarian options include idli, dosa, and sambar, as well as rice-based dishes like pulihora (tamarind rice) and biryani. Many restaurants provide both North Indian and Chinese cuisine. Some of the best restaurants in the region are: Mayura Gardenia, Mandi House Arabic Restaurant, Rayalaseema Family Restaurant, and more.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
Punyagiri Temple is best to visit during the festival of Mahashivratri, which falls between February and March. Not only is the temple filled with hundreds of devotees, but the villages nearby are bustling with life because of the change in season. During their stay, visitors can also take a tour to the nearby village and experience the hospitality of rural India. It is one of the best times to visit the hills, which are filled with warm sunlights, waterfalls and beautiful clouds.
Other Factors To Consider
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There are a few points that need to be taken into consideration before you head towards the temple.
Tips For Travellers
- When going to the temple, it is advised to dress modestly. A traditional outfit is recommended, particularly while coming to the sanctum.
- Footwear is not allowed inside the temple, so wear comfortable shoes that can be easily removed.
- If you enjoy trekking, the short trip to the temple might be highly enjoyable. Make sure you carry a water bottle and wear proper shoes.
- Keep the temple and its surroundings clean. Avoid littering and respect the splendour of the surroundings.
- Make sure you carry your phone, powerbank, cash and all the other important essentials during your excursion.
Punyagiri Temple offers a calm place for individuals searching for spiritual peacefulness and a connection to nature. So, whether you’re attracted to the temple’s religious significance, its gorgeous position, or the amazing views from the hills, a visit here guarantees to be both informative and satisfying. Plan your visit during the Maha Shivaratri festival to the oldest Shiva temple with TripXL, now.
Cover Photo: Nakkeeran Naveendran / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
