Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Kesava Swamy Temple in the village of Duvva, Tanuku mandal, Andhra Pradesh, is a temple of Lord Kesava – Lord Vishnu – counted among the Pancha Kesava Kshetras, the five sacred Kesava temples of the Godavari region. Duvva lies about 8–12 km from Tanuku, amid the paddy fields and canals of the delta.
One of the Pancha Kesava Kshetras
Most accounts of the Pancha Kesava Kshetras name the five temples as those at Ryali, Tanuku, Duvva, Kotalaparru and Mandapaka; one account gives Vakatippa in place of Duvva. Devotees who make the pilgrimage to all five Kesava temples include Duvva on their route, together with nearby Tanuku and Mandapaka.
Duvva – the Village of Sage Durvasa
Tradition holds that Duvva was established by the great sage Durvasa, who performed intense penance here, and that the village was once called Durvasapuram – a name that in time became Duvva. Besides its Kesava temple, Duvva is known for the Sri Daneswari Ammavari Temple, the shrine of the Goddess on the southern side of the village.
About the Temple
The temple's founding year and its local legend have not been published. It is a centre of Vaishnava worship for Duvva and the neighbouring villages, and draws devotees especially on Saturdays and on the festivals of Lord Vishnu.
Festivals
- Vaikuntha Ekadasi – darshan of the Lord through the northern gateway (usually December–January).
- Dhanurmasam – a month of early-morning worship of Lord Vishnu (usually mid-December to mid-January).
- Saturdays – the weekly day especially dear to devotees of Lord Vishnu.
Visitor Information
- Timings: official timings are not published; the temple is usually open in the morning and evening. Please check locally before a special visit.
- Etiquette: traditional dress is recommended; remove footwear before entering.
How to Reach
- By Road: Duvva is about 8–12 km from Tanuku; APSRTC and private buses as well as autorickshaws connect it with the surrounding towns and villages.
- By Train: the nearest railway station is Tanuku, about 12 km away by road.
- By Air: the nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport, Madhurapudi (RJA), about 58 km away by road.
Nearby Temples
In Duvva itself, about 3 km away, is the Sri Daneswari Ammavari Temple. The fellow Pancha Kesava Kshetras at Mandapaka (about 11 km) and Tanuku (about 12 km) are close by.
