Mahanandi Temple
Mahanandi temple dates back to the seventh Century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the biggest temples of India. Nine Nandi shrines known as Nava Nandis are present 15kms near Mahanandi temple. Mahanandi temple is the most famous amongst the Nava Nandis.
History of Mahanandi Temple
The cowherd then conveyed this news to the King. As expected the King was surprised and decided to experience it himself. The next day, he did the same thing and again the cow began to give her milk on the ant-hill. The young lad began to drink the milk again, but God vanished immediately once the king started to enjoy the sight and the cow in a hurry destroyed the ant-hill. The hoops of the cow are still deeply marked on the ant hill.
One day, Lord Siva appeared in the dream of the King and told him to worship him at that place. So, the King constructed a temple which is known as Mahanandi Temple.
This ancient temple dates back over 1,500 years. The inscriptions of 10th century peoples speak of the temple being repaired and restored many times.
Architecture of Mahanandi Temple
By walking a little further, one will see the second prakara (temple compound) and then a large Pushkarani or Kalyani (Holy water tank) that is spreads over 60sq feet with a Mantapam (Pavilion like structure) in the centre.
There is a small Shiva Linga in this mantapam. Mahanandi temple is known for its curative powers found within the heat lukewarm drinking water found within the tank. . The inlets and outlets of the tank are organized in a way that the depth of the water remains constant at 5 feet for the devotees to swim in. Supply of this water here has never been stopped water is alleged to return from five springs known as Daivodhinidhara, Srisailadhara, Kailasatirtha , Narasimhadhara and Nanditirtha.
Festivals of Mahanandi Temple
How to reach Mahanandi
By Road: Mahanandi is about 16-km from Nandyal and100-km east of Kurnool by road. Bus services are available from Kurnool and Nandyal.
By Air: The nearest airport is GMR Indira Gandhi Hyderabad International Airport at a distance of 215 km.
Places near Mahanaadi Temple
Some of the places around Mahandi temple are:
- Srisailam temple
- Ahobilam Temple
- Yaganti temple