Jonnawada Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Kamakshi Tayee Ammavari Temple

Andhra Pradesh, Nellore, Amaravathi

Located in Jonnawada village on the banks of sacred Penna River, Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Kamakshi Amma temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his Consort Goddess Kamakshi Ammavaru. The temple was constructed in 1150 AD. Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Kamakshi Amma is one of the three temples of Kamakshi Devi and the remaining two temples are Sri Kamakshi Temple at Shiroda in Goa and the Sri Kamadchi-Ampal-Tempel in Hamm, Germany.

Legend

Once Kasyapa Prajapathi, Son of Marichi, decided to perform a Yagna and he decided to perform the yagna at Rajathagiri which is located north to Penna river. He installed three Yagna Gundam namely, Daskhanagni, Aahananiyagni, Aaraspathyagni to perform Yagna. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva emerged out of Yagna gundam in a Linga shape. In Skanda Purana, the place where Yagna held is mentioned as Jannada, which later cane to be known as Jonnavada. Lord Siva requested Goddess Parvathi to stay here at this place who came in search of Lord Siva. Upon his request Goddess manifested herself in the idol form and started residing in the penna river. Later, some fishermen found the idol and installed on the banks of Penna river. During the 4th century, Aadi Sankaracharya on his way to Himalayas found this Idol and installed the idol along with Lord Shiva in the temple.

Architecture

The entrance door, Dwaja Sthabham and the gopuram of the temple adorning with five kalasams on the top are made out of gold. The Raja gopuram is wonderfully carved in beautiful designs and patterns with the portraits of gods and goddesses carved on it.

Darsan Info

Timings : 5.00 AM to 1.00 PM and 4.30 PM to 9.15 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Wear modest clothes and avoid shorts and skirts while visiting temple.

Famous Festival

Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated annually during Vaisakha Month

Culture

The culture of Nellore is very vibrant and unique. The linguists from the city played a pivotal role in the evolution of Telugu as a language. The ancient dance forms of Annamayya, Kuchipudi and Tyagaraja are still practiced in the city.