It is one of the most famous pilgrimages of Andhra Pradesh in India. Kotappakonda is famous for its Trikoteswara Swamy Temple, which is named after Lord Shiva. This temple is situated on top of a hill and has three peaks, hence the name “Trikoteswara” for this temple. Thousands of devotees come every year to Kotappakonda. It is specially noted during the festival of Maha Shivaratri, when special celebrations take place along with rituals. The beautiful scenery from atop the hill and the serene atmosphere of the place make it a destination point for the seekers of spirituality as well as the tourists.
It is very pleasant to journey to Kotappakonda due to the dense greenery surrounding the hill. People mostly go for trekking up the hill to reach the temple, though there is a road to those who want to go by car. The place is well-maintained, as reflected in the cleanliness of the facilities availed to visitors. Other small temples and viewing points are also located nearby, thereby making it a decent day-trip spot for families and friends. Kotappakonda offers both spiritual experiences and enjoyment of nature’s beauty.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple 2024 : Price and Darshan
Kotappakonda Temple Darshan Timings:
| Day | Morning Darshan | Evening Darshan |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Please note, timings may vary on special occasions or festival days like Maha Shivaratri. It’s a good idea to confirm the timings if you plan to visit on those days.
Kotappakonda Temple Pooja Offerings Schedule:
| Pooja | Timings |
|---|---|
| Suprabhatha Seva | 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM |
| Abhishekam | 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM |
| Archana | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Maha Nivedana | 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM |
| Sarva Darshan | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Special Pooja | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Ekantha Seva | 8:00 PM |
Please note that the schedule may change during special festivals or auspicious days like Maha Shivaratri. It’s always good to confirm the pooja timings before visiting.
How to Reach Kotappakonda Temple:
| Mode of Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| By Road | Kotappakonda is well connected by road from nearby cities like Guntur (50 km) and Vijayawada (80 km). Regular buses and private vehicles are available. |
| By Bus | APSRTC buses run frequently to Kotappakonda from major towns like Guntur, Narasaraopet, and Vijayawada. Bus services increase during festivals. |
| By Train | The nearest railway station is Narasaraopet (12 km away). From here, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple. |
| By Air | The closest airport is Vijayawada International Airport, located around 90 km from Kotappakonda. Taxis and buses are available from the airport. |
| By Taxi/Auto-Rickshaw | Taxis and auto-rickshaws can be hired from nearby towns like Guntur and Narasaraopet for a convenient journey to the temple. |
This table outlines the main travel options to reach Kotappakonda Temple.
Abhishekam, Sevas, and Pooja Offerings at Kotappakonda:
Here is a description of the temple offerings you mentioned:
- Rudrabhishekam: Performed for Lord Shiva using sacred items such as milk, honey, and water, while mantras are chanted to invoke blessings.
- Panchamrutha Abhishekam: A special ritual where five sacred ingredients—milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar—are used to perform Abhishekam.
- Ksheerabhishekam: Abhishekam with milk, performed to seek health and prosperity.
- Alankarana Seva: The deity is adorned with flowers and ornaments while chants fill the atmosphere.
- Maha Aarti: A grand light offering to the deity, performed during morning and evening rituals.
- Offering of Nivedyam: Food is offered to the deity and later distributed to devotees as prasad.
- Archana: A special prayer where the names of the deity are chanted for the well-being of the devotee.
- Special Pooja: An elaborate pooja including offerings of fruits, flowers, and incense, usually performed upon request.
- Kalyanotsavam: A ceremony that reenacts the divine marriage of the deity.
- Ekantha Seva: The final night service offered to the deity, marking the temple’s night closure.
Here is the translation and a table based on the information provided:
Temple Darshan Timings
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Afternoon: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Regular Sevas and Poojas
| S. No. | Name of the Seva | Cost | Seva Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Archana (Uphill) | ₹ 5.00 | 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 03:00 PM to 08:00 PM |
| 2 | Archana (Downhill) | ₹ 10.00 | 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 03:30 PM to 06:00 PM |
| 3 | Asttotharam | ₹ 50.00 | 03:00 PM to 08:00 PM |
| 4 | Panchaharathi | ₹ 50.00 | 01:15 PM to 01:30 PM |
| 5 | Annaprasana | ₹ 100.00 | 06:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| 6 | Abhishekam | ₹ 100.00 | 06:00 AM to 12:15 Noon |
| 7 | Aksharabhyasam | ₹ 100.00 | 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM |
| 8 | Heavy Vehicle Pooja (Uphill) | ₹ 200.00 | 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 03:00 PM to 08:00 PM |
| 9 | Heavy Vehicle Pooja (Downhill) | ₹ 200.00 | 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM |
| 10 | Light Vehicle Pooja (Uphill) | ₹ 50.00 | 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 03:00 PM to 08:00 PM |
| 11 | Light Vehicle Pooja (Downhill) | ₹ 50.00 | 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM |
| 12 | Kesakhandana (Tonsure) | ₹ 10.00 | 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM |
| 13 | Moolavirat Abhishekam | ₹ 400.00 | On auspicious days, 05:00 AM to 02:00 PM |
| 14 | Mandapa Abhishekam | ₹ 150.00 | On auspicious days, 05:00 AM to 02:00 PM |
| 15 | Mahashivaratri Paroksha Abhishekam | ₹ 600.00 | Early Morning on Mahashivaratri Festival Day |
Mahashivaratri Paroksha Abhishekam Special Note:
On the day of Mahashivaratri, an Abhishekam is performed with devotees’ gotra names. Special offerings include prasadam, sesha vastram (cloth), vibhuti, gandham (sandal paste), kumkum, and a photo of the deity. These are sent via post or courier.
Kotappakonda Temple Sevas and Darshans List
- Suprabhatam: This Seva is performed in the early morning to wake up Lord Shiva. Devotees gather at the temple to witness the first-day rituals of the day. It usually begins with a 5:30 AM timing.
- Abhishekam: This is a divine bath given to the deity of Lord Shiva with milk, curd, honey, and water. It is one of the prominent sevas which many devotees book in advance. Abhishekam timings are from 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM.
- Alankara Seva: The deity is decorated with attractive clothes and flowers during this seva. Devotees participate in it by offering clothes, ornaments, and many other items used for the decoration of the deity.
- Aarti: It refers to the offering of light to the deity as part of the devotional service and is performed several times daily. The main Aarti, however, is done in the evening, which is around 6:00 PM.
- Nithya Kalyanam: This special seva is considered to be a divine wedding service by Lord Shiva and Parvati. Devotees can book this seva for personal benefits, like invoking blessings upon one’s marriage or prosperity in family life.
- Prasadam Offering: Food items like fruits, sweets, or coconuts can be offered to the deity by the devotees. This seva is done throughout the day.
- Maha Mangala Harathi: The last Aarti of the day, performed around 8:00 PM, where devotees can offer their prayers before the temple closes for the day.
- Special Poojas: On festivals and auspicious days, special poojas such as Rudrabhishekam and Maha Rudra Yagam are performed to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva. These poojas are performed either in the morning or in the evening.
Pooja Schemes at Kotappakonda Temple
| S. No. | Pooja Scheme | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saswatha Abhishekam (10 years only) | ₹ 2116.00 | Pratyaksha (in-person) or Paroksha (remote) Abhishekam will be performed once a year on the day chosen by the devotee (except on auspicious days). |
| 2 | Saswatha Astottaram (10 years only) | ₹ 1116.00 | Pratyaksha or Paroksha Astottaram (108 names recitation) will be performed once a year on the day selected by the devotee (except on auspicious days). |
| 3 | Nitya Gotranam (1 year only) | ₹ 1116.00 | Nitya Gotranam (daily chanting of family lineage) will be performed every day for one year during the morning Abhishekam. |
| 4 | Kartheekamasa Paroksha Abhishekam | ₹ 600.00 | Paroksha Abhishekam will be performed every day during Karthika Masam (sacred month). Special prasadam including Swamy’s Seshavastram (cloth), photo, Vibhooti, Gandham (sandal paste), Kumkum, and dry fruit prasadam will be sent by post or courier. |
Additional Notes:
- During Karthika Masam, a special Abhishekam will be performed with the devotee’s gotra (family name), and special darshan will be provided to couples every day.
How to Book Online:
- Confirmation Receipt: In case of successful payment, a confirmation mail or SMS will be sent, which should be preserved and used for entry at the temple.
- Accessing Website: The official website of the Kotappakonda Temple or other portals authorized to sell online bookings.
- Darshan Type: Select one from the type of darshan: free darshan or special paid darshan.
- Preferred Date and Time: Select the date and time you prefer to perform darshan.
- Personal Details: Fill in the personal details, including name, age, and phone number. Ensure the information is accurate.
- Payment: Paid darshan payment, if selected, shall be made through an online method provided on the website—credit/debit card, net banking, etc.
IMPORTANT LLINKS
OFFICIAL WEBSITE – CLICK HERE
Kotappakonda Temple FAQs
Are there any restrictions for elderly or differently-abled visitors?
The temple is accessible to most devotees, but the steps leading up to the temple can be steep. It is advised that elderly and differently-abled visitors use appropriate assistance while visiting the temple.
What special events are celebrated at Kotappakonda?
Mahashivaratri is the most significant festival celebrated at Kotappakonda. Other events include Shivaratri, Karthika Masam, and other auspicious days related to Lord Shiva.
Is accommodation available near Kotappakonda Temple?
Yes, there are guesthouses, lodges, and basic hotels available near the temple premises for devotees. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during festivals.
How can I reach Kotappakonda Temple?
The temple is located near Guntur in Andhra Pradesh. It is accessible by road from Guntur, rail from nearby stations like Narsaraopet, and air from Vijayawada airport.
What are the offerings made to Lord Shiva at Kotappakonda?
Devotees often offer coconuts, fruits, flowers, sweets, and milk. Special poojas and Abhishekams involve offerings like milk, curd, honey, and water.
Is there any dress code for visiting Kotappakonda Temple?
Yes, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Traditional attire is recommended, and wearing white or light-colored clothes is considered respectful when visiting the temple.
What is the best time to visit Kotappakonda?
The best time to visit Kotappakonda is during the Mahashivaratri festival, which draws large crowds. However, the temple is pleasant to visit year-round, especially during mornings and evenings.
What sevas are performed at the Kotappakonda Temple?
Some of the prominent sevas include Suprabhatam, Abhishekam, Alankara Seva, Nithya Kalyanam, and Maha Mangala Harathi. Special poojas like Rudrabhishekam are performed during festivals.
How can I book darshan tickets online for Kotappakonda?
You can book darshan tickets through the official website of the Kotappakonda Temple or authorized portals. Simply select the type of darshan, fill in your details, and make the payment if required.
What are the temple timings for Kotappakonda?
The temple is generally open from 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM every day. Special poojas and sevas take place during specific times in the morning and evening.