Shri Mahanandisvara Swamy Temple - Mahanandi Nandyal
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🛕 Temple Info
Nestled in the tranquil forests of the Nallamala hills, Shri Mahanandisvara Swamy Temple is an ancient and spiritually vibrant Shiva temple located about 14 km from Nandyal town. Surrounded by natural beauty, this divine site is renowned for its crystal-clear perennial springs, lush surroundings, and sacred pools (Pushkarini).
The temple is built in the Nagari style of architecture, and its sanctum houses a unique Swayambhu Shiva Lingam — a naturally formed, rough uncut rock infused with sacred Saligramas. Devotees are blessed with the rare opportunity to touch the Lingam, believed to emit divine energy. The large, serene tank in front of the temple, with a central mandapam, enhances the spiritual aura and serves as a curative Tirtha (sacred water body).
Major Festivals and Rituals:
- Mahanandiswara Utsavam (February–March)
- Maha Shivaratri celebrations
- Ritual baths in the sacred Pushkarinis
💫 Importance
Shri Mahanandisvara Swamy Temple is one of the Navanandi Kshetras, a group of nine sacred Nandi shrines surrounding Nandyal. Among these, Mahanandi holds the highest reverence and is central to the belief that visiting all nine Nandis and the main shrine from sunrise to sunset grants moksha (liberation).
It is believed that it was here Lord Shiva accepted Nandi as his vahana (divine mount), making it a spiritually significant location. The temple is a major pilgrimage site, especially during the Maha Shivaratri festival and the Mahanandiswara Utsavam held in February–March.
The temple pools (Rudragundam, Vishnugundam, and Brahmagundam) are considered holy, and the water is believed to possess healing properties. The temple attracts pilgrims and tourists from across India, particularly from South India, throughout the year.
📜History
Dating back to the 7th century CE, the temple was originally built by the Chalukyas of Badami and later expanded by various dynasties, including the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. Notable kings such as Sri Krishnadevaraya and Narasimhadevaraya are known to have patronized the temple.
Legend associates the construction of the temple’s Vimana (tower) with Rasasiddha, a northern mystic architect during the reign of King Nanda. The temple's design showcases the mastery of Vishwakarma architects, with its remarkable water management and sacred architecture.
One of the key spiritual installations here is the Srichakra consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya in front of Goddess Kamesvari Devi, enhancing the temple’s spiritual energy and alignment with Shakta traditions.
🪔 Pooja Timings
Morning: 🕔 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening: 🕑 2:00 PM – 9:30 PM
🚌 Transfort Options
- By Air:
- ✈️ Nearest Airport – Orvakal Airport, Kurnool (71 km)
- By Train:
- 🚉 Nearest Railway Station – Gazulapalli Station (5 km)
- By Road:
- 🚌 Excellent connectivity via APSRTC buses
- Route 1 (shortest): Via Thimmapuram – approx. 17 km from Nandyal Bus Stand
- Route 2: Via Giddalur Road – turn at Boyalakuntla Cross – approx. 24 km from Nandyal
🏙️Near By Cities
Kurnool
Gazulapalli
Thimmapuram
Giddalur
Nandyal
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