Annavaram stands as one of India’s most renowned holy shrines, second only to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. The temple, built in the Dravidian style, is steeped in the glory and richness of Lord SATYADEVA, as described in Revakhanda of Skandapuranam. Lord Satyadeva, along with his consort Sri Anantha Lakshmi and Lord Siva, took residence on Ratnagiri, named after Ratnakara, the son of Meru, the king of holy mountains. Like other Divyakshetrams, Annavaram is surrounded and followed by sacred rivers, with the Pampa River flowing at the feet of the hill. Lord Satyadeva, the god of truth, bestows eternal blessings upon humanity in his manifested form of the DIVINE TRINITY: Hari, Hara, and Hiranya Garbha Thrimurtyatmaka. Thus, the temple attracts pilgrims from various sects, including Vishnavas and Saivas, who come from all over the country to worship Lord Satyadeva, setting aside all sectional differences.
The installation of SRIMATHRIPATHVIBHUTI VYKHUNTA MAHA NARAYANA YANTRA has further enriched the temple, playing a dominant role in attracting both wealth and devotees (Dhana Janakarsha). The Peetham of Swamyvaru is adorned with the installation of Panchayatana, reflecting the glory and sanctity of the deity. This unique yantra, unparalleled elsewhere in India, adds to the grandeur of the temple.
Annavaram’s history and legends add to its allure. One belief suggests that the place earned its name, Annavaram, due to constant food distribution (annam means food in Telugu) by the benevolent locals. Another version attributes the name to the deity’s blessings of anina varam (desired boon) upon devotees. The hillock near the village holds sacred significance, with stories of penance by Meruvu and Menaka, leading to the birth of Bhadra and Ratnakar. Bhadra’s devotion pleased Lord Vishnu, leading to the establishment of Bhadrachalam, while Ratnakar’s penance earned him the grace of Lord Vishnu as Veera Venkata Satyanarayanaswamy, with the hill being named Ratnagiri. Ratnagiri Hill ranges are associated with strategic incidents, including the use of secret underground passages by Sri Krishadevaraya of Vijayanagar and Alluri Seetharama Raju’s revolutionary activities against British rule.
The main temple, constructed on the hill, offers a picturesque view of the Bay Of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats. The temple’s architecture symbolizes the universe, with the chariot-shaped structure representing the seven lokas above and below, and the garbhalaya of the Lord ruling over the entire universe. The idol, standing about 13 feet tall, represents the Trimurthis – Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva – symbolizing unity and uniqueness.
The temple complex also includes shrines dedicated to Sri Rama, Vana Durga, Kanaka Durga, and the village deity Nerellamma. Additionally, nearby adopted temples add to the spiritual richness of the area.
The Satya Deva Vratha katha, associated with the temple, narrates stories of prosperity, salvation, and divine blessings obtained by performing the Satyanarayana Vratham. Pilgrims from far and wide flock to Annavaram, drawn by the experiences shared in these stories, reaffirming their faith through observances in daily life.
In essence, Annavaram stands as a beacon of spirituality and divine grace, welcoming devotees from all walks of life to seek blessings and solace in the presence of Lord Satyadeva.