MAHANANDI - YAGANTI (FROM HYDERABAD)

Just opposite to Mahanandi Bus Station, Mahanandishwara Temple is one of the famous pilgrimage sites in Andhra Pradesh dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are nine Nandi shrines known as Nava Nandis and Mahanandishwara temple is the prime temple. The temple is said to have been built by Chalukyas in 7th century and was later enhanced by local Nanda Dynasty (10th century) and Vijayanagara Kings (15th century).

Located to the east of Nallamala forest range, the main attractions of the temple are Pushkarini and tower (Vimana) over the Garbha gruha built in Badami Chalukyan style. Other structures in the temple are in Vijayanagara style. The linga in the central sanctum is unique because it is like a rough uncut rock, with two cavities. According to the legend, the local kings known as Nandas ruled here in the 10th century AD and they built a number of temples and worshipped their ancestral deity, Nandi.

The holy tank (Pushkarini) inside .....

At a distance of less than 1 Kms from Mahanandi Bus Station, Kameshwari Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati is situated to the south of Mahanandiswara Temple. Pilgrims after finishing the holy bath in Pushkarini (Rudragundam) can have the blessings of Lord Shiva and Kameswari Devi.

King Nandana and his ancestors performed Pujas in this temple. Kameswari Devi Temple was reconstructed in 1939. In this premises of this temple, Sri Kodanda Ramalayam dedicated to Lord Rama was built in 1953. The temple has Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana Idols.

At a distance of 300 meters from Yaganti Bus Stand, Pushkarini is the famous temple pond of Yaganti situated about 100 meters before the main temple entrance.

Pushkarini, filled with pure water throughout the year, is a wonderful structure with beautiful gopuras, pillared corridor and wonderfully built a mandapa at the center of the pond. No one knows how the water flows into Pushkarini in all the seasons. The water flows continuously keeping the water in the pond clean all the time. The water flows through a rock entrance with carved figures of Nandi. Devotees usually take bath in the pushkarini before visiting the main temple.

There are wonderful carvings of Lord Shiva, Lingodbhava, Lord Vishnu, Shiva & Parvathi and several other gods below the first step of the temple pond.

At a distance of 400 meters from Yaganti Bus Stand, Uma Maheshwara Swamy (also called Yagantiswamy) Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Yaganti is one of the most famous Shiva Temple is Andhra Pradesh state. The temple dates back to 5th and 6th centuries with contributions from Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagara rulers. The temple received significant contribution from Vijayanagara Kings Harihara & Bukka Rayalu, who finished the construction of several structures in and around the temple.

Built in Dravida style, the temple boasts a large five-story tower built by Vijayanagara rulers. The tower is followed by the main temple structure built with stone which has a large pillared hall followed by the sanctum which houses the deity. The pillars in front of the sanctum have wonderful carvings of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma along with several other gods.

The sancutm houses the idol of Shiva & Parvathi .....

At a distance of 500 meters from Yaganti Bus Stand and 200 meters from Uma Maheshwara Temple, Agasthya Guha (cave), also known as Rokalla Guha is the cave where Sage Agastya performed the Penance for Lord Shiva. It is situated on eastern side of Venkateswara Guha.

While travelling in South India, Sage Agastya came across this place and he wanted to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara. However, the statue that was made could not be installed as the toe nail of the deity got broken. Sage Agastya was upset over this and he performed a penance for Lord Shiva. When Lord Shiva appeared, he asked the Lord the reason why he could not install Lord Venkateswara statue. Lord Shiva replied that the place suits Shiva better as the hills resemble Kailasha. Agastya then requested Lord Shiva to give the darshan to devotees along with Goddess Parvathi as Uma Maheswara in a single stone, which Lord Shiva obliged.

This cave can be reached by climbing very steep steps. There is a Shivalinga at .....

At a distance of 400 meters from Yaganti Bus Stand and 100 meters from Uma Maheshwara Temple, Venkateswara Guha (cave) has a damaged idol of Lord Venkateswara. This is said to be the idol made by Sage Agastya in order to build Venkateswara temple at this place.

Another story says that, first lord Venkateswara is placed in this cave instead of Tirupati. But as the idol has damaged feet, it could not be worshipped. As per Veera Brahmam Kala Gynanam, whenever people cannot worship god in Tirupati, then this place is going to be alternative instead of Tirupati. Lord Venkateswara is worshipped here and the original idol of the deity can also be seen. This place gets crowded in peak season, Saturdays and Shivaratri season.

This cave can be reached by climbing very steep steps from the gopura of Uma Maheshwara Temple. The cave also boasts enormous natural beauty.

Timings: 6 AM - 1 PM and 3 PM - 6:30 PM