Visakhapatnam, known as `Vizag`, is a port city, the 2nd largest district in Andhra Pradesh, and the mastermind behind India`s steel production silver lining. It is lovingly called `The City of Destiny`. However, the ancient period of time cannot be neglected, as Visakhapatnam was ruled by perhaps all the key ruling dynasties of the erstwhile era. Hindu temples, evidently occupy a major portion of the district. Some widely explored are- Appikonda Temple, Bheemeswaralayam, Kotilingam Temple, Sri Varaha Lakshminarasimha Temple, Simhachalam Temple, the shrines of Lord Venkateshwara in Kailashgiri, the Bhavatarini Kali Temple and the numerous excavated ruins of Hindu temples, the Buddhist and Jain shrines, yet to be declared accepted by the archaeologists. Ancient caves, standing strong since the pre-historic era, tower the area. The temples, built during the reigns of King Krishna Deva Raya, Emperor Ashoka, the Chola dynasty or the Pallava dynasty, are exclusive in their own style of architecture. Lord Shiva and Vishnu dominate the shrines here too, with a handful of temples consecrated in their name. There is a dearth of the female community, when divinity is concerned. Most of the temples were built in between the 12th-15th centuries.

Kotilingam Temple
Location: Panchadarla near Anakapallee
Deity: Lord Shiva

This temple is situated close to the `five fountains` - five jets of water fed by a perennial spring. The presiding deity Shiva has 12 rows of 85 lingams carved on a single lingam. This temple has inscriptions dating back to the 15th century Eastern Chalukyas.

Simhachalam Varaha Lakshminarasimha Temple
The Tamil Cholas and Vijayanagar emperors patronized this temple. Built on a hill, this temple has exquisitely carved halls. There is extensive use of both Chalukyan and Orissa architecture styles. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Narasimha.