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Mahanandi Temple is a famous ancient temple located in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The 1500-year-old temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is one of the Nava Nandis (9 Nandis), who are spread across Andhra Pradesh. The temple is inspired by Dravidian architecture that dates back to the Chalukyan era. The temple is visited by both devotees and tourists, who want to see the majestic mystery of the holy place. The temple is famous for its Nandi statue, carvings and ancient sculptures. It is one of the most mystical places in India.
Location
Mahanandi Temple is located in the middle of the beautiful Nallamala Hills, surrounded by green forests and a scenic landscape. The temple is located on the outskirts of Mahanandi Village, in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The place is blessed with natural resources, from green hills and luscious forests to a continuous spring that flows right through the temple.
How To Reach
Photo:P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: The temple is easily accessible by road. The village where the temple is located is 15 km from Nandyal and about 80 km from Kurnool. You can get a bus from both of these places to the temple directly.
By Train: The nearest railway station to the temple is the Nandyal Railway station. The train station is well-connected to all the major cities in India. You can book a cab, taxi, or auto rickshaw from the railway station, and they will directly drop you at the gates of the temple.
Places To Visit Around Mahanandi Temple
1. Nandi Statue
Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons
The temple is famous for its ancient Nandi statue. The Sacred Bull was carved from a single black rock by the craftsman who built this temple. It is an enormous idol that sits outside the temple. The locals believe the statue of Shiva’s beloved vehicle guards the temple from all evil. Devotees from all around the world travel to the temple to anoint the idol and get its blessing. It is a reminder of the great artistry of ancient humans.
Timings: 24*7
Location: Mahanandi Temple
2. Pushkarini
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The temple tank, or Pushkarini, is one of the major attractions of the temple. It is believed that the perennial spring has a healing factor that can heal all types of sickness, but the most likely reason behind the healing nature of the water is the minerals that exist in the underground spring. The tank receives water from the continuously flowing spring underneath the temple from the garbhagriha under the Shiva Linga. Believers from all parts of India travel to Mahanandi Temple to take a dip in this sacred water tank.
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Location: Mahanandi Temple
3. The Main Sanctum
Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Main Sanctum is the residence of the deity of the temple. The main sanctum is the central attraction of the temple. It is home to an ancient Shiva Lingam, which is believed to hold immense powers. The idol inside the main sanctum is supposedly self-manifested; the locals believe the idol in the temple appeared out of nowhere, which is why they call it Swayambhu. Historians suggest the idol was established by the Chalukyan kings who built the temple. Devotees travel from all over the world to see this extraordinary idol of the god of destruction.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 9 PM
Location: Mahanandi Temple
4. Ahobilam Temple
Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
According to legends, Ahobilam Temple is the place where Lord Narasimha appeared to save Pralhad from his demon father, Hiranyakashipu. The temple is at the foot of a hill that supposedly houses one of the pillars from that time. It is a hard trek to the temple, visitors must walk the rocky path, through the jungle to reach the top where the pillars stand tall. If you are someone who loves mythology, you need to visit these beautiful trekking trails.
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
Location: Ahobilam, Allagadda, Andhra Pradesh 518545
5. Yaganti Temple
Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The cave temple in Kurnool is famous for its ever-growing Nandi statue. The statue of the sacred bull supposedly grows in size every year, and while devotees believe it to be a miracle, experts attribute the expansion to the stone the bull was made from. Millions of people, both devotees and doubters, travel to the temple to check out this weird phenomenon. The temple was supposedly built by sage Agastya, who originally dedicated it to Lord Venkateswara, but later Shiva gave him a vision asking him to dedicate the temple to him.
Timings: 6 AM – 7:30 PM
Location: Temple Gopuram, Yaganti Rd, Yaganti, Andhra Pradesh 518124
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are a number of accommodation options around the temple. Depending on your needs, budget, and expectations, you can choose from the vast array of accommodations in Kurnool. The closest city to Mahanandi Temple is Nandyal city. It is easily accessible from all major cities. Another option is the Devasthanam cottage. It is operated by the temple authorities. These cottages are not as lavish as hotels in the area, but they offer a beautiful experience to the visitor. You can visit the temple office and book a stay at the guest house.
Where To Eat
Photo: Neetu Laddha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Visitors can eat food served at the temple canteen. The temple only serves vegetarian food; the taste is homely and made by the priests who work in the temple. You don’t have to worry about the hygiene of the temple’s food. The chefs and servers are dedicated to offering tasty, clean, and hygienic food to the devotees who travel to the temple every year. The food isn’t something extraordinary or special; it is just regular homemade delicacy, made by priests performing their religious duties.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Yousuf R / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The temple opens at 6 in the morning and closes around 9 pm. The timings may change during festivals. Especially during Maha Shivaratri, when the temple is open the whole night. If you are looking for a comfortable pilgrimage, the best time to visit the temple is between the months of October and March. The weather in the city is pleasant, and the city is filled with pilgrims from all over the world. The temple is extremely lively during the time of Maha Shivaratri.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Dariusz Sankowski / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- Wear Appropriate Clothes: The temple is not just a holy place but also a heritage site. It is important to respect the culture and wear modest clothes when visiting the temple.
- Leave Your Shoes Outside: The temple is a sacred site; that’s why the priests ask visitors to leave their footwear outside.
- Do Not Litter: Respect the temple’s sanctity, and make sure you don’t litter around the premises. While there are workers to clean the temple, it is also the duty of the visitors to keep the place clean.
Mahanandi Temple is a must-visit place for people who are looking for peace and for history students. The temple has some extremely beautiful, intricate carvings telling the story of Shiva and Parvati. These carvings will leave anyone dumbfounded; the complexity and artistry put into the work is astonishing. The place is an exceptional example of human brilliance. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the Mahanandi Temple.
Cover Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons
