History:

is nearly 2500 years old. It is one of the oldest shrines in south India, which is devoted to Lord Surya or the Sun God. It is believed that Lord Shiva had blessed the legendary sage Markandeya with a long life by offering his own prayer to Lord Surya at this Temple. The temple is built in the unique beehive style of architecture, boasting the majestic grandeur of the ancient Indian architecture. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Surya in the form of Sri Markandeya Narayana Swamy. The temple is famous for performing special puja and rituals for health, wealth, and prosperity. It is one of the best temple in Andhra-Pradesh which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Markandeya Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the city of Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, India. 2. The temple is estimated to be established 1000 years back and is built in the South Indian style of architecture. 3. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the form of Markandeya Lingam. 4. It is believed that Lord Vishnu visited this temple in his ‘Vishnu Avatar – Hayagreeva’ form to grant divine blessings and knowledge to Markandeya Rishi. 5. The unique feature of this temple is that it was constructed by Sri Krishnadevaraya in 1513 AD from a single granite rock. 6. The temple has three Prakaras with four Gopurams. The Vimanas above the Sanctum have decorated with Navranga designs. 7. Every Saturday, ‘Mahanyasam’ and ‘Sankalpam’ is performed here. 8. Various poojas and rituals are conducted at the temple throughout the year. 9. There are beautiful idols of other deities, such as Sri Rama, Sita and Sudershan Chakra, installed at the entrance of the temple. 10. A grand annual festival is celebrated on the occasion of Shivaratri at the temple with great devotion and enthusiasm. Here are some facts about the Andhra-Pradesh temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Andhra-Pradesh

Worship Method:

The Markandeya Temple in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh is known for its worship methods that have been practiced since ancient times. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the form of Markandeya. The temple complex houses two other deities – Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva in the form of Captain (Maha Mrityunjaya). The rituals and prayers conducted in the temple are as follows: 1. After the Opening Ceremony (Usthapana Pooja), Vedic hymns/Sri Rudram, Narayana Sukta, and Bhagavad Gita are chanted. 2. The holy water from the Ganges (Gangesha Jal) is used to wash the Shivalingam, and holy leaves and flowers are offered. 3. Abhisheka of honey, milk, curd, and ghee is done. 4. Offerings of fresh flowers, fruits, sweets, coconut, and raw rice are also offered. 5. The deity is then adorned with garlands of fresh flowers. 6. Ghee and camphor lamps are lit in the temple complex and the deity is worshipped with chants of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’. 7. Finally, devotees seek the blessings of the deity through Aarti (prayer with ghee or camphor lamps). Apart from these rituals, occasional festivals are also celebrated here. Various spiritual and cultural programmes, including drama, dance, and music, are organized on these occasions. This most visited temple in Andhra-Pradesh

Opening Timing:

The temple opens daily at 8.00 AM and closes at 12.30 PM. It then opens again at 4.00 PM and closes at 8. 00 PM. top temples in Andhra-Pradesh

How to reach:

The Markandeya Temple can be reached by hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw from any part of Rajahmundry. The temple is located 6 km from the heart of the city and it will approximately take 15 minutes to reach. The temple is easily accessible from both bus and railway station as it is located at a distance of 5 km from both. You can also reach here easily by walk or bicycle. famous temples in Andhra-Pradesh