Mahanandiswara Swamy Temple

Andhra Pradesh , Kurnool, Hyderabad

Nava Nandi yatra, the Mahanandishwara temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the shrine houses a huge statue of his loyal devotee, the Nandi bull. The uniqueness of the temple is the perennial gushing of holy water underneath the Lingam. The temple is believed to be around 1500 years old and the Vishwakarma Brahmins were the artisans of the shrine. The inscriptions found in the temple show that the shrine was repaired and renovated over the years of Cholas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagara rule.

Legend

The place where the temple stands is believed to have been the site where Nandi, as a young boy meditated to Lord Shiva. The Lord, pleased with the devotion gave Nandi powers and allowed him to come and stay with him in Kailas.

This temple is part of Nava nandi Darsan Yatra.

Architecture

The shrine of Mahanandishwara shows a mixture of Chalukya and Vijayanagara style of arhitecture. The tiered gopuram on the entrance is adorned with sculptures and carvings. There is a huge statue of the Lord's loyal devotee, Nandi. The temple is famous for its fresh water pools, called Kalyani. The idol of Shiva is swayamabhu. There is a water source that originates at the Garbhagriha below Linga. The water, believed to have healing qualities, is hot during the winter season and vice versa during the summer.

Darsan Info

Mahanandiswara Swamy temple timings- 9AM to 8PM. The temple is part of the Nava Nandi darshan yatra.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.

Famous Festival

March - Shivrathri(Feb/Mar)

November - Karthika Poornima

Culture

Nandyal derives its name form Nandi and the temples around it dedicated to Shiva's loyal devotee. It has been an important pilgrimage destination since the time of Vijayanagara rule.