Sri Kurma Temple Srikakulam

Kurma temple srikulam is said to be the only temple dedicated to the 'Kurma'(tortoise) incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The present temple is at least 700 years old.

The original temple was supposedly built in 200 AD. The Deity consists of two stones, about two feet long, coming out from the ground.These represent the head and body of Sri Kurma. As you enter the inner sanctum of the temple, the idols of Lord Rama, Laksmana, and Sita are on one side and the those of Govindadeva (Krishna) and His Sakhis on the other. Sri Kurma Temple temple is located on the shore of Swatha Puskarini Lake. While the temple faces east, the presiding Deity, Kurmadeva, faces the opposite direction, with his back to the entrance.

According to legend Bilvamangala Thakura, the author of Krishna-Karnamrita, prayed to the back of the Deity with such extreme humility and sincere devotion that Sri Kurma graciously turned around to face his worshipper. To the left of the main temple is a small temple dedicated to the four-armed form of Bilvamangala. It is said that Bilvamangala's body is buried below this temple. This temple has a devotional atmosphere and is architecturally beautiful to look at.

Southern India

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