The temples in Nandyal, located in the Nandyal city, Andhra Pradesh, are famous for their incredible and rich cultural heritage. These holy places, filled with architectural beauty and history, draw both pilgrims and tourists. From magnificent carvings and strong towers to tranquil settings, these temples radiate majesty. The temples of Nandyal offer an enthralling peek, serving one of the most beautiful experiences in the world.
Top 10 Temples In Nandyal
Here are the 10 best temples in Nandyal, filled with historical artefacts that date back to the 10th century:
1. Mahanandi Temple
Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons
One of the Nava Nandis, Mahanandi Temple, is famous for Pushkarini, a holy water lake. It is thought that the year-round, crystal-clear water, which has healing properties, stays at an even temperature. In order to get blessings and purification, devotees regularly dip into this water of one of the most famous temples in Nandyal. The continuous inflow and outflow of water in the pool, which represents the never-ending cycle of life, sets the sacred pool apart from everything else in the temple.
Location: 14 km from Nandyal
Timings: 4:30 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Attractions: Belum Caves, Nallamala hills
2. Ahobilam Temple
Photo: RameshSharma / Wikimedia Commons
Ahobilam Temple, a shrine to Lord Narasimha, has nine shrines located across several caves in the picturesque Nallamala Hills. Legend has it that Lord Narasimha made his appearance at these cave sanctums to vanquish the demon Hiranyakashipu. The trek to these shrines provides both spiritual fulfilment and an exciting experience, along with amazing vistas of the surroundings. The trekking trail is easy, and even a beginner can climb to the cave shrines of the Nallamala Hills.
Location: 68 km from Nandyal
Timings: 6:30 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: Eguva Ahobilam waterfalls, Rollapadu Wildlife sanctuary, Pillidwaram
3. Chintala Venkataramana Swamy Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
The stunning Vijayanagara architecture of this temple was built to worship Lord Venkateswara. Hindu epic scenes are depicted in magnificent sculptures and carvings on the gopuram (tower) and mandapam (hall) of the temple. The annual Brahmotsavam festival is a big attraction among visitors, with thousands of devotees for the grand celebrations and rituals.The intricate carvings will leave you wondering about the technology and artistic talent of the builders. These make one of the popular temples in Nandyal.
Location: Tadipatri, near Nandyal
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Nearby Attractions: Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy temple, Gandikota fort
4. Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple
Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons
Yaganti Temple, one of the oldest temples in Nandyal, was built in the 15th century by the king Harihara Bukka Raya. It was built in honour of Lord Shiva. The holy temple is located deep in the Nallamala Hills. The temple is famous for its growing Nandi, which has brought many visitors from all over the world to the temple. According to geologists, the idol is made of a rock that grows when it comes in contact with water. Regardless, it is one of the most unique places on the planet.
Location: 55 km from Nandyal
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: Venkateshwara cave, Agastya cave, Nallamala hills
5. Mallikarjun Temple
Photo: Arpita Tripathy / Wikimedia Commons
Mallikarjun Temple is an ancient temple in Srisailam, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. While it is a little far from Nandyal in the northern Nallamala Hills, the temple is one of the most important places in Hinduism and the region’s history. The temple is one of the 18 Shakti Peeth in India and houses a jyotirlinga of Shiva. Many devotees travel here to see the jyotirlinga. This is one of the 12 most holy jyotirlingas in the world and one of the best temples in Nandyal.
Location: Srisailam, Kurnool
Timings: 6 AM – 8:30 PM
Nearby Attractions: Srisailam dam, Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam sanctuary, Akkamahadevi caves
6. Sri Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Tadipatri town, Sri Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple is one of the biggest temples in Nandyal and ancient temples in India. The Shiva temple is famous for its intricate carvings that retell the stories related to Lord Shiva. The beautiful temple is located on the bank of the gorgeous Penna River. It was constructed during the Vijayanagar empire. This is shown in its architecture that shows the Dravidian inspiration throughout the temple complex.
Location: Tadipatri, Kurnool
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: Penna river, Vijayanagar era ruins, Kadapa mineral mines
7. Madhavaraya Temple
Photo: Vishal Tomar / Wikimedia Commons
Madhavaraya Swamy Temple is a 16th century construction dedicated to Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It has been awarded the title of Monument of National Importance, by the Government of India. It has inscriptions and carvings that date back to the 16th century, and reveals details about the religious culture of the Vijayanagara era. The inscriptions are pretty intriguing for history students as they talk about the average visitors and their offering in the temple. It is a window into another time, reminding us of our mortality.
Location: Gandikota, approximately 90 kilometres from Nandyal
Timings: Open 24*7
Nearby Attractions: Gandikota fort, Mylavaram dam, Owk reservoir
8. Raghunatha Swamy Temple
Photo: Harish Aluru / Wikimedia Commons
Raghunatha Swamy Temple is an old temple in Gandikota, located behind the Gandikota Fort. King Kaka Raja constructed the temple during his reign. The temple is completely destroyed due to its age. The gopuram that originally stood at the entrance no longer welcomes visitors. The temple once held the idol of Lord Vishnu, but it is no longer there. No one knows what exactly caused the temple’s demise. However, historians believe it was left to the mercy of time following the fall of the Vijayanagara Dynasty.
Location: Gandikota, 95 kilometres from Nandyal
Timings: Opens 24*7
Nearby Attractions: Gandikota fort, Pennar River Gorge viewpoint, Jamia Masjid
9. Sri Chowdeshwari Devi Temple
Photo: Bhanu / Wikimedia Commons
This temple, one of the best in Nandyal temples, is dedicated to one of the incarnations of the supreme goddess, Adishakti. She is believed to be the bringer of light. Her temple is located in the Nandavaram village. The temple is not just a holy place but also the community centre for the village. The villagers visit the temple every Friday and Monday to pray to the goddess of light. There is a weekly community dinner at the temple, where people of the village come together to cook and eat food around the temple’s premise.
Location: Nandavaram, 32 km from Nandyal
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: Banaganapalli Fort
10. Chennakeshava Temple
Photo: సుబాబు / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Owk Village in Nandyal is the famous Chennakeshava Temple. It is the most famous temple in Nandyal District. The temple is dedicated to the holy couple, Vishnu and Laxmi. The locals believe the temple grants all the wishes of its visitors. People from all over the world travel to the temple to pray to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation. The temple was built by Jagirdar Nandyala Krishnama Raju in the 16th century. There are a number of wells and water canals all around the temple.
Location: Owk Village, Nandyal
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Nearby Attractions: Ravvala Konda, Nawab palace, Ravvalakonda Kshetram
The temples of Nandyal bear witness to India’s everlasting spiritual and cultural heritage. Every temple offers visitors and devotees an unforgettable experience because of its unique qualities and fascinating legends. These holy places, which range from the mysterious cave sanctuaries of Ahobilam to the magnificent Nandi statues of Mahanandi and Yaganti, lure with promises of devotion. The trip to these temples combines an understanding of India’s rich past with a spiritual journey. If you are ready to explore India’s rich past, book your trip with TripXL to Nandyal.
Cover Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only