Location:
16-km From Nandyal, Kurnool District
Presiding Deity: Mahanandishwara (Lord Shiva)
Dates Back To: Chalukyan Period
Mahanandi
is located 16-km from Nandyal. It is a reputed religious centre in the
State and a scenic spot owing to its location to the east of the
Nallamalla hill ranges in a natural gorge of ravishing beauty
surrounded on all sides by thick forests.
A Display Architectural Magnificence
It is famous for the Mahanandishwara temple, which dates back to the
early Chalukyan period. Mahanandishwara temple is dedicated to Sri
Mahanandishwara (Lord Shiva). Mahanandi has very interesting
historical and legendary associations. Within a radius of about 15-km
from Mahanandi lie nine Nandis known as "Navanandis".
Mahanandi is one of the Nava Nandis. The main shrine of Mahanandiswara
is unique in many aspects. The shrine as well as other temples
exhibits architectural splendour.
Rudragundam:
One of the remarkable features of the Mahanadishwara temple is the
crystal clear water, which flows through out the year from the
perennial springs. It is flushed out continuously from the Pushkarani
through two exits. The Pushkarani is constructed to maintain 5ft of
flowing water inside it, which facilitates a secured holy both, after
which pilgrims can pay their obeisance to the Almighty. It is believed
that by taking holy bath in this 'Pushkarani' all the sins of pilgrims
are gone.
Sri Kamaeswari Devi Temple:
Sri Kameshwari Devi is wife of Lord Mahanadeeshwara, and the temple of
Sri Kameshwari Devi is situated south of Nandeeshwara temple. Pilgrims
after finishing the holy bath at 'Rudragundam' can have the blessings
of Lord Shiva and Kameswari Devi. It is believed that 'Devashilpi'
(architects of 'Devas') constructed the temple of Lord Shiva.
King Nandana and his ancestors performed Pujas to Lord Shiva. Sri
Kameswari Devi Alayam was reconstructed in 1939. Also present in the
premises is marble carved Sri Kodanda Ramalayam built in 1953. The
temple has Sri Rama, Sita, Lashkmana Idols, whose beauty seems to
increase when watched. One never gets satisfied, even of watching
these Idols for long time.
The Eight Nandis
Mahanandi is one of the Nava Nandis. Surrounding Mahanandi within
15-Km diameter range, 9 temples of Nandi are present namely "Prathama
Nandi", "Naga Nandi", "Soma Nandi", "Surya
Nandi", "Shiva Nandi", "Vishnu Nandi", "Vinayaka
Nandi" and "Garuda Nandi".
Prathama Nandi: This Nandi is situated upon a high soil base
very nearer to Nandyal railway station.
Naga Nandi: Naga Nandi is inside Anjaneya temple, which is
located towards west of Nandyal.
Vinayaka
Nandi: Vinayaka Nandi is situated towards northwest of Mahanandi
Kshetram.
Garuda Nandi: It is located towards the west of Mahanandi
temple.
Shiva Nandi: Approximately 13-kms away from Nandyal one can
find Shiva Nandi. The nearest landmark is Kadamala Lake.
Vishnu Nandi: 2 miles from Mahanandi, Vishnu Nandi that is also
known, as Krishna Nandi is located.
Surya Nandi: Surya Nandi is located 4 miles east of Nandyal,
and 6 miles west of Mahanandi.
Soma Nandi: Soma Nandi is towards east of Nandyal near Atmakur.
FESTIVAL
The festival of Mahanandiswara is celebrated for over seven days
commencing from 'Magha Bhula Chaturdasi' (February-March) and the
Hindus from different parts of the country, particularly from Andhra
Pradesh, Mysore and Maharashtra states, visit this place, the daily
congregation being about 20,000.
HOW TO GET THERE
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Nandyal at a distance
of 16-km from Mahanandi.
