Sri Bramaramba Malleswara Swamy Temple, popularly known as Pedakakani Temple, stands as one of Andhra Pradesh’s most ancient and spiritually significant Shiva temples. Located in Pedakakani village, Guntur district, this sacred shrine is situated approximately 10 kilometers from Guntur city on the Guntur-Vijayawada highway and about 26 kilometers from Vijayawada city .
The temple’s history dates back over 1,000 years, with the original Shiva Linga believed to have been installed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya during his spiritual journey across India. The temple was later renovated and expanded by Sri Krishna Devaraya, the Vijayanagara emperor, in 1440 AD, who was a great patron of temples and a devout follower of Lord Shiva .
According to temple legend, Sage Bharadwaja performed a grand Yajna at this location. During the ceremony, a crow began consuming the sacred Havissu (ritual offerings). The sage discovered that the crow was actually Kakasura, a demon who had received a boon from Lord Brahma to consume ritual offerings but was cursed into crow form. The sage performed Abhishekam with holy water and Panchamrutha, freeing the demon from his curse. In gratitude, Sage Bharadwaja also performed Abhishekam for Lord Shiva using jasmine flowers, giving the deity the name “Mallikarjuna Swamy” or “Malleswara Swamy” .
The temple is particularly famous for Rahu Ketu Pooja, which attracts thousands of devotees, especially childless couples seeking blessings for progeny. The belief “Korina Korkelu Theerche Devudu – Kakani Devudu” (The God who fulfills all wishes) draws pilgrims from across South India .
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Sri Bramaramba Malleswara Swamy Temple |
| Also Known As | Pedakakani Temple, Kakani Devasthanam |
| Location | Pedakakani village, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh |
| Main Deity | Lord Shiva (Malleswara Swamy) |
| Consort | Goddess Bramaramba (Parvati) |
| Distance from Guntur | 10 km |
| Distance from Vijayawada | 26 km |
| Built By | Sri Krishna Devaraya (1440 AD renovation) |
| Installed By | Sri Adi Shankaracharya |
| Famous For | Rahu Ketu Pooja, Childless Couples Blessings |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Pincode | 522509 |
| Contact | 08632 556184, 85000 85151 |
Temple Darshan Timings 2026
The temple maintains consistent daily timings throughout the year, with slight variations during special festivals and occasions .
| Day | Morning Session | Afternoon Break | Evening Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Sunday | 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM | Closed | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Alternative Timings (as per some sources):
- Morning: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Sunday Special Hours:
- Morning: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (with Rahu Ketu Pooja at 4:30 PM)
Best Time for Darshan:
- Early morning (5:00 AM – 7:00 AM) for peaceful experience
- Weekday mornings to avoid crowds
- Avoid peak Rahu Ketu Pooja hours if not participating in the ritual
Sevas and Poojas Available
The temple offers a comprehensive range of poojas and sevas catering to different devotional needs. These services can be availed by purchasing tickets at the temple counter .
| Pooja / Seva | Price (₹) | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahanyasa Purvaka Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam | ₹500 | 2-3 hours | Overall prosperity, health |
| Antaralaya Darshan | ₹20 | 15-20 minutes | Quick inner sanctum darshan |
| Ekavarabhishekam | ₹100 | 30 minutes | Personal blessings |
| Sahasranamarchana | ₹40 | 20 minutes | Daily worship |
| Astottara Sathanamarchana | ₹50 | 15 minutes | Specific wish fulfillment |
| Antaralaya Abhishekam | ₹350 | 45 minutes | Deep spiritual connection |
| Rahu Ketu Pooja | ₹350 | 30-45 minutes | Childless couples, dosha removal |
| Navagraha Pooja | ₹150 | 30 minutes | Planetary afflictions |
| Bandi Prabha (Vehicle Pooja) | ₹100 | 15 minutes | Vehicle blessings |
| Marriage Ceremony | ₹500 | 2-3 hours | Wedding rituals |
| Annaprasana | ₹70 | 30 minutes | First rice feeding ceremony |
| Hair Offering | ₹10 | 10 minutes | Devotional offering |
| Ear Boring | ₹60 | 15 minutes | Traditional ceremony |
| Pongal Offering | ₹10 | — | Sweet rice offering |
| Small Car Pooja | ₹100 | 15 minutes | Vehicle blessing |
| Motorcycle Pooja | ₹50 | 10 minutes | Two-wheeler blessing |
| Lorry/Tractor Pooja | ₹150 | 15 minutes | Commercial vehicle blessing |
Prasadam Items:
- Laddu Prasadam: ₹10
- Vada Prasadam: ₹10
- Pulihora Prasadam: ₹10
Rahu Ketu Pooja Special Timings
The Rahu Ketu Pooja is the temple’s most famous and sought-after ritual, performed specifically during Rahu Kalam periods .
| Day | Timing | Batch System |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Saturday | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Multiple batches |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:30 PM (Evening) | Special evening batch |
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM onwards | Extended evening session |
Rahu Ketu Pooja Details:
- Ticket Cost: ₹350 per person or couple
- Performed in batches from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM on regular days
- Special evening poojas on Sundays (4:30 PM) and Tuesdays (3:00 PM onwards)
- Pooja is performed during the Rahu Kalam period daily
- Particularly beneficial for childless couples and those with Rahu-Ketu dosha in horoscope
- Devotees can perform the pooja as individuals or as couples
Rudrabhishek Timings
| Day | Timing | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 1-2 hours |
| Wednesday | 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 1-2 hours |
| Friday | 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 1-2 hours |
| Saturday | 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 1-2 hours |
Rudrabhishek is not performed on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays .
How to Reach Pedakakani Temple
The temple is strategically located on the Guntur-Vijayawada highway, making it easily accessible from major cities in Andhra Pradesh .
| Mode of Transport | Nearest Point | Distance from Temple | Travel Time | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By Air (Vijayawada Airport) | Vijayawada | 43-50 km | 1-1.5 hours | Taxi ₹800-1,500 |
| By Train (Guntur Junction) | Guntur | 9-10 km | 20-30 minutes | Auto ₹100-200 |
| By Train (Vijayawada Junction) | Vijayawada | 26 km | 45-60 minutes | Bus/Taxi ₹200-400 |
| By Train (Pedakakani Halt) | Pedakakani | 1 km | 5 minutes | Walk/Auto ₹20-30 |
| By Bus (APSRTC) | Pedakakani village | 1 km | From Guntur: 20 mins | ₹10-20 |
| By Road (Private Vehicle) | Temple Gate | Direct | From Guntur: 15 mins | Fuel cost ₹50-100 |
| By Auto-rickshaw | Temple Gate | Direct | From Guntur: 20 mins | ₹150-250 |
Route Details:
- From Guntur: Take the Guntur-Vijayawada highway (NH16), travel approximately 10 km, and get down at Pedakakani village. The temple is just 1 km from the highway.
- From Vijayawada: Travel 26 km towards Guntur on NH16, reach Pedakakani village.
- Bus Frequency: APSRTC buses ply frequently between Guntur and Vijayawada, with stops at Pedakakani village .
How to Book Pooja Tickets
Current Booking System:
As of 2026, Pedakakani Temple does not offer advance online booking for poojas and sevas. The temple follows an on-arrival ticket purchase system .
Booking Process:
- Arrive at the temple and proceed to the Pooja Booking Counter
- Select your preferred pooja or seva from the available list
- Purchase tickets for the same-day pooja or seva
- Collect your token number and reporting time
- Be present at the designated spot 15 minutes before your scheduled pooja time
- Follow the instructions of temple priests during the ritual
Important Guidelines:
- Arrive early (before 7:00 AM) for Rahu Ketu Pooja, especially on weekends and festival days
- Tickets are issued on a first-come-first-served basis
- Carry sufficient cash as digital payment options may be limited
- For group bookings or special arrangements, contact the temple office in advance
- Saswatha (permanent) pooja schemes may be available for long-term devotees
Contact for Queries:
- Phone: 08632 556184, 85000 85151
- Address: Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple, Pedakakani Mandalam, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh 522509
Nearby Attractions
While visiting Pedakakani Temple, pilgrims can explore several nearby temples and attractions in the Guntur-Vijayawada region .
| Attraction | Distance from Temple | Highlights | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mangalagiri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple | 25 km from Guntur | Famous Panakala offering, hill temple | Morning |
| Undavalli Caves | 32 km from Guntur | Ancient rock-cut caves, architectural marvel | Morning |
| Amaravati Temple | 32 km from Guntur | Buddhist stupa, historical significance | Daytime |
| Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple | 27 km from Pedakakani | Major Durga temple, hilltop location | Morning/Evening |
| Kotappakonda Temple | 62 km from Guntur | Trikoteswara temple, hill trek | Morning |
| Bhavani Island | 35 km from Pedakakani | River island, recreational spot | Evening |
| Prakasam Barrage | 30 km from Pedakakani | Scenic dam, Krishna river views | Evening |
The proximity to both Guntur and Vijayawada cities allows pilgrims to combine their temple visit with other spiritual and tourist destinations in the region .
Accommodation Options Near Pedakakani Temple
| Type of Stay | Name/Location | Distance from Temple | Price Range (₹/night) | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple Choultry | Kanaka Durga Sadanam (A/C) | At temple | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | A/C rooms, basic amenities |
| Temple Choultry | Kanaka Durga Sadanam (Non A/C) | At temple | ₹300 – ₹600 | Clean rooms, temple proximity |
| Temple Choultry | Siva Sadanam (Non A/C) | At temple | ₹250 – ₹500 | Basic accommodation |
| Marriage Hall Rooms | Sri Malleswara Swamy Kalyana Mandapam | At temple | ₹400 – ₹800 | Non A/C, event facilities |
| Budget Hotels | Guntur City | 10 km | ₹800 – ₹2,000 | Full amenities, multiple options |
| Mid-Range Hotels | Guntur City | 10 km | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 | A/C, restaurant, WiFi |
| Luxury Hotels | Vijayawada City | 26 km | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 | Premium facilities, 5-star service |
| Service Apartments | Guntur/Vijayawada | 10-26 km | ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 | Extended stay, kitchen facilities |
Most pilgrims prefer staying in Guntur city (10 km away) or Vijayawada (26 km away) due to better amenities and connectivity. The temple choultries are ideal for those seeking basic accommodation close to the temple, especially for early morning poojas .
Important Instructions for Visitors
Do’s at Pedakakani Temple
- Arrive early (before 6:00 AM) for Rahu Ketu Pooja, especially on weekends
- Dress modestly in traditional Indian attire or formal clothing
- Carry sufficient cash for pooja tickets and prasadam
- Remove footwear at designated areas before entering the temple
- Maintain silence and decorum inside the sanctum sanctorum
- Follow queue discipline and instructions from temple staff
- Take holy water from Yagnala Bavi (the sacred well) for health blessings
- Participate in Pongal preparation in temple premises if possible
- Respect local Telugu customs and traditions
- Keep valuables secure; use temple lockers if available
- Carry drinking water and light snacks for waiting periods
Don’ts at Pedakakani Temple
- Do not wear shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing
- Do not consume alcohol or non-vegetarian food before visiting the temple
- Do not carry leather items inside the main shrine
- Do not use mobile phones inside the sanctum (keep on silent mode)
- Do not touch the Shiva Linga without priest permission
- Do not ignore the batch system for Rahu Ketu Pooja
- Do not rush or push in queues; maintain patience
- Do not visit during menstrual cycle (for women) as per traditional customs
- Do not litter or spit in the temple complex
- Do not feed stray animals inside the temple premises
Special Guidelines
- The sacred Yagnala Bavi (well) on the eastern side is believed to contain water from all holy rivers. A glass of this water is considered medicinal .
- Pregnant women and elderly devotees can request priority assistance
- Children must be accompanied by adults at all times
- During peak festival seasons (Maha Shivaratri, Shravan Purnima), arrive extra early
- The temple is particularly crowded on Tuesdays and Sundays due to special Rahu Ketu Pooja timings
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas; follow temple guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the darshan timings of Pedakakani Temple in 2026?
The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM in the morning and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening throughout the week. Some sources indicate alternative timings of 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM .
Is there any entry fee for Pedakakani Temple?
No, general darshan is completely free for all devotees. Special poojas like Rahu Ketu Pooja (₹350), Rudrabhishekam (₹500), and Antaralaya Darshan (₹20) have nominal charges .
How can I book Rahu Ketu Pooja at Pedakakani Temple?
Currently, there is no online booking facility. Rahu Ketu Pooja tickets (₹350 per person/couple) must be purchased at the temple counter on the same day. Arrive before 7:00 AM to secure a spot, especially on Sundays and Tuesdays when special evening poojas are also conducted .
What is the significance of Rahu Ketu Pooja at Pedakakani Temple?
The temple is famous for Rahu Ketu Pooja, particularly for childless couples seeking blessings for progeny. According to legend, Emperor Sri Krishna Devaraya was blessed with a son after praying here. The pooja is performed during Rahu Kalam periods and is believed to remove doshas related to Rahu and Ketu planets .
What is the best time to visit Pedakakani Temple?
Early morning hours (5:00 AM – 7:00 AM) offer the most peaceful darshan experience. For Rahu Ketu Pooja, arrive before 7:00 AM. Tuesdays and Sundays are particularly auspicious but crowded. The best months to visit are October to March when the weather is pleasant .
How do I reach Pedakakani Temple from Guntur or Vijayawada?
From Guntur (10 km), take the Guntur-Vijayawada highway and get down at Pedakakani village. From Vijayawada (26 km), travel towards Guntur on the same highway. APSRTC buses ply frequently, or you can hire auto-rickshaws/taxis. The nearest railway station is Pedakakani Halt (1 km), followed by Guntur Junction (9 km) .
Is there accommodation available near Pedakakani Temple?
Yes, the temple operates choultries including Kanaka Durga Sadanam (A/C and Non A/C) and Siva Sadanam with basic facilities (₹250-1,000/night). For better amenities, stay in Guntur city (10 km) or Vijayawada (26 km) which offer hotels ranging from budget (₹800) to luxury (₹8,000) .
What is the history of Pedakakani Temple?
The temple dates back over 1,000 years, with the Shiva Linga installed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. It was renovated by Sri Krishna Devaraya in 1440 AD. The name “Pedakakani” comes from the legend of Kakasura (the crow demon) who was freed from his curse here by Sage Bharadwaja .
Can I perform marriage ceremonies at Pedakakani Temple?
Yes, the temple is popular for marriage ceremonies (₹500). The Sri Malleswara Swamy Kalyana Mandapam provides facilities for weddings and other life ceremonies like Annaprasana (₹70). Many devotees believe that marriages performed here receive divine blessings .
What is Yagnala Bavi and why is it significant?
Yagnala Bavi is a sacred well on the eastern side of the temple. According to legend, Sage Bharadwaja brought water from all holy rivers and poured them into this well during the original Yajna. Devotees believe that drinking a glass of water from this well cures diseases and maintains good health .
Are there any festivals celebrated at Pedakakani Temple?
Maha Shivaratri and Shravan Purnima are the major festivals celebrated with great fervor. During these occasions, special poojas, extended darshan hours, and additional rituals are performed. The temple sees massive crowds during these festivals .
Is there any official website for Pedakakani Temple?
There is no dedicated official website for Pedakakani Temple. However, information can be accessed through the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department website at apendowments.gov.in or guntur.nic.in/pedakakani_temple.html .
How can I contact Pedakakani Temple for queries?
You can contact the temple through:
- Phone: 08632 556184, 85000 85151
- Address: Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple, Pedakakani Mandalam, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh 522509
- Reference: guntur.nic.in/pedakakani_temple.html
What languages are spoken at Pedakakani Temple?
The primary language is Telugu. English and Urdu are also understood and spoken by temple staff and locals, making it accessible for visitors from different regions .
Reference Information: guntur.nic.in/pedakakani_temple.html | apendowments.gov.in