According to inscriptions in the temple dated 1281 AD, the holy place of Kürmakshetra was recreated by Sri Ramanujacharya under the power of Jagannatha Deva at Jagannatha Puri. Soon after the temple came under the jurisdiction of the king of Vijayanagara. The temple is devoted to Sri Kurmanatha, the second avatar of Lord Vishnu, Kurma Avatar.
History
Sri Kurmam temple is of very old and ancient temple where outer area were restructured many times. The present construction is of 700 years old. This temple stories were stated in kurma, Vishnum Agni, Padma, Brhmanda Puranas.
Many great kings and saints like Lava and Kusha (sons of Lord Rama), Bala Rama Krishna, Sage Durvasa, Adi Sankaracharya, Ramanuja Charya, Narahari Theertha and Chaitanya Maha Prabhu were visited this temple.
Sri Ramanujacharya prayed for deity Lord Vishnu at this location in the 11th century. The deity, facing East till then, turned towards West to bless Archarya. The second flag post was established since then the deity is facing west.
Swetha Pushkarini was formed by Lord Maha Vishnu’s Sudarsana. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi appear out of this holy tank in Garuda Vahana and self manifested here as Kurma Nayaki. Those takes holy on Maga Suddha Chaviti, will be relieved from the sins.
Places to visit nearby temple
Arasavalli Surya Deva Temple, Sri Mukhalingam Siva Temple, Narada Theertham, Madhava Theertham, Koutilya Theertham, Chakra Theeratham, Narasimha Theertham, etc.
Nearest Railway Station
Srikakulam Railway station