Annavaram

Annavaram is a village in the Kakinada district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, renowned for its religious and cultural significance. The village is best known for the Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Satyanarayana, an incarnation of Vishnu. Situated on Ratnagiri Hill, the temple, constructed initially in 1891 and rebuilt in 1933–34, is a major pilgrimage site in Andhra Pradesh and is second only to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in terms of prominence. The temple's unique rituals, especially the collective Satyanarayana Vratam, attract thousands of devotees, particularly during the Karthika month. Annavaram is located approximately 18 km from Tuni, 51 km from Kakinada and 120 km from Visakhapatnam, with access via National Highway 16 and a B-category railway station on the Howrah–Chennai main line. According to the 2011 Census, the village has a population of 6,865. The village hosts a range of educational facilities and basic healthcare services, although more comprehensive medical care is available in nearby towns.