Anantagiri Temple near Vikarabad
Ananthagiri Temple, located at Ananthagiri in Vikarabad district of Telangana, is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Anantha Padmanabha Swamy). This temple is regarded as one of the ancient temples of Telangana.
According to Skanda Purana it is believed the temple is installed by the Rishi Markandeya in Dwapara Yuga. Attracted by peaceful atmosphere of Ananthagiri hills Markandeya Rishi came here for yoga sadhana.
Ananthagiri Temple is very popular amongst the devotees of Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Thousands of devotees visit the temple and offer their pujas every day.
Anantha Chaturdashi Vratham, Satyanarayanaswamy Vratham, Narasimha Jayanti, Karthika Masam Jathara, every Ekadashi, Shravana Masam, Ugadi, Sankranti, etc,. are the most celebrated events at Ananthagiri Temple.
There are tens of rooms (AC & Non-AC) and accommodation options at the temple. Since this temple is managed and maintained by Telangana State Endowments department, a lot of developmental programs are being taken up by the board.
Ananthagiri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is an ancient and revered Vishnu temple situated amidst the scenic Ananthagiri Hills in Vikarabad district, Telangana. According to local legend and the Skanda Purana, the temple’s origins trace back to the sage Markandeya, who performed intense sadhana here in the Dwapara Yuga and installed the deity in salagrama rupa.
Temple History and Legends
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Markandeya Maharshi, drawn to the hills’ tranquility, performed daily yoga and meditation, then travelled to Kasi for a Ganga snanam via a cave.
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On one dwadasi, unable to reach Kasi in time, he was blessed with divine darshan by Lord Vishnu, who brought the holy Ganges to the hills so the rishi could bathe. The nearby Musi river is said to originate from this blessing.
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Rajarshi Muchukunda, resting after years of battle, is connected to the hills through his mythological story involving Lord Krishna and Kalayavana, with Muchukunda nadi also said to start here.
Modern Temple Structure
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Although the site’s spiritual heritage is thousands of years old, the main temple building was constructed about 400 years ago by the Hyderabad Nawabs after the deity appeared to them in dreams, urging its establishment.
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Unlike the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala where the deity is in a reclining position, here Lord Padmanabha Swamy is worshipped in standing posture.
Location and Visiting Details
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The temple sits 75 km from Hyderabad and about 5 km from Vikarabad, surrounded by lush forests, streams, and trekking trails in the hills.
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It is open to visitors from 7:30 AM to 8 PM, with options for prasadam and basic accommodation available on site.
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Frequent buses and private transport connect Vikarabad and Ananthagiri.
Religious Importance
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The temple is considered highly auspicious for Vishnu devotees, attracting pilgrims for regular worship as well as seasonal events.
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The site’s connection with sacred rivers, ancient rishis, and its tranquil setting make it significant for spiritual seekers and tourists alike.
For in-depth ritual schedules, event timings, or special pooja arrangements, it is advisable to contact the temple authorities or visit during major festival seasons.
Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Ananthagiri Hills is open daily, with specific timings for darshan and major poojas throughout the day.
Temple Timings
Temple Timings in Weekdays
Morning Hours: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Evening Hours: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Temple Timings on Sundays
Morning Hours: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Evening Hours: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Devotees can visit from 7:30 AM until 8:00 PM on all days.
Daily Pooja Schedule
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Abhishekam: 4:30 AM – 6:30 AM (early morning ritual bathing of the deity).
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Nirmalya Darshan: 3:30 AM – 4:45 AM (seeing the deity in the remnants of previous day’s offerings, special ticket available).
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Sarva Darshan: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (general darshan slots for devotees).
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Additional Darshan Slots: 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM – 11:10 AM, 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM, 6:45 PM – 7:20 PM.
Special Poojas
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Deeparadhana (Aarti): Held during major darshan slots and festivals, exact times may vary; tickets and dress code apply.
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Usha Pooja, Pantheeradhi Pooja, Ucha Pooja: Advanced rituals available with special tickets and timings (see temple counter for costs and arrangements).
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Ritual timings may be adjusted during festivals and public holidays due to special poojas or events.
Dress Code
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Men: White dhoti/pancha, no shirts or vests inside sanctum.
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Women: Sarees preferred.
For up-to-date information on seasonal or festival schedules, contacting temple authorities directly or checking local notices is recommended.