November 2025

Ranganatha Swami Dewalayam, Rajagopalapuram The Ranganatha Swami Dewalayam, located in the Chinanchala area of Rajagopalapuram in Palasa, is a prominent and highly revered Vaishnavite temple. Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a form of Vishnu reclining on the serpent Adishesha), it serves as a central place of worship and traditional religious activity for the local community. The Significance of the Reclining Posture The main deity, Lord Ranganatha, is enshrined in the Ranganatha Swamy (Ranganayaka) form, often depicted in a magnificent reclining posture (Ananthasayanam) upon the coils of the divine serpent, Adishesha. This posture symbolizes the Lord’s cosmic sleep (Yoganidra) while the universe is in a state of dissolution, representing eternal rest, preservation, and the continuous cycle of creation. Key Festivals and Rituals As a major Vaishnavite shrine, the temple observes all traditional festivals with great devotion, drawing large crowds from Palasa and the surrounding villages. Location and Importance Situated in Rajagopalapuram, the temple serves as an important spiritual anchor in this part of Srikakulam district. It provides a peaceful and traditional spiritual environment, upholding ancient customs and ensuring that the deep-rooted Sri Vaishnavite traditions are passed down through generations.

Ramalayam And Kasi Visweswara Temple, Kasibugga The Ramalayam and Kasi Visweswara Temple complex in Kasibugga is a revered dual shrine, serving as a focal point for the worship of Lord Rama (an incarnation of Vishnu) and Lord Visweswara (Lord Shiva). It beautifully encapsulates the harmony between the Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions, providing a traditional spiritual sanctuary for devotees in the heart of Palasa-Kasibugga (Railway Quarters area). The Fusion of Faith (Harihara) This dual arrangement is a powerful manifestation of Harihara worship, where Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara) are revered side-by-side. Devotees visit this single complex to offer prayers to both deities, celebrating the unity of the Preserver and the Destroyer aspects of the Divine. This is highly significant in South Indian spiritual practice, symbolizing the complete cycle of life, creation, and liberation. Spiritual Calendar Highlights Local Community Hub Located near the Railway Quarters in Kasibugga, the temple is deeply integrated into the local community fabric. It acts as more than just a place of worship—it is a social and cultural center where neighbors gather daily, reinforcing the spiritual and communal bonds of the residents.

Sri Venkateswara Temple, Kasibugga (Chinna Tirupati) The magnificent Sri Venkateswara Temple in Palasa, covering over 12 acres in the Kasibugga area, is a grand, newly built shrine inspired by Tirumala. Constructed by a local devotee to fulfill a deep spiritual desire, it has quickly become a major modern pilgrimage landmark in the region, affectionately known as “Chinna Tirupati” (Mini-Tirupati). The Story of Devotion The temple owes its existence to the profound devotion of its founder, Hari Mukund Panda (an elderly resident of the town). Legend holds that after an unsatisfactory darshan (glimpse) of the Lord Venkateswara at the original Tirumala temple, his mother advised him to build a temple in their village so that he—and others who could not travel or endure the long queues—could experience the Lord’s presence locally. Tirumala Replica Built entirely on private land using the founder’s own resources, the temple was meticulously designed to mirror the architecture, rituals, and traditions of the Tirumala shrine. Pilgrimage Significance The temple’s mission is to provide an accessible and peaceful darshan experience to devotees in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Southern Odisha. It has gained immense popularity, especially during auspicious days like Karthika Ekadashi, drawing large crowds who seek to receive the blessings of Lord Venkateswara closer to home.