Mahanandi
(IPLTOURS)
Maha Nandi group comprises with Nine Nandi Temples and in Maha Nandi, Ganapathi Nandi and Garudha Nandi are in the town. The other six temples are in between Nandyal and Maha Nandi towns. Maha Nandi is located east to the Nallamala Hills near Nandyal of Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh surrounded by Forest. The Village called with the name of the temple Maha Nandi from 1500 years. The details of Nine Nandi explained to the viewers individually. The Nine temples of Nandi are in the road of 15km from Nandyal to Maha Nandi.
Maha Nandi is one among the Nine Nandi Temples and is the main temple among them. The temple exists from more than 1500 and the village named with the Temple as Maha Nandi. The period of construction of the temple is not available but the area developed in the reign of Cholas, Pallavas and Vijayanagara Kings. The temple consists of three ponds one big pond inside and Kalyani and Pushkarini ponds at outside to the temple.
The history of the pond inside to the temple is very interesting. The water flows from the bottom of the Swayambhu Ling to the inside Pond and further flows from the inside pond to the Kalyani and Pushkarini ponds outside to the centum and the water level always be full in the three ponds. The water source in the centum is mysterious. The Pond constructed affixing idols of Ganesh, Shiva, Parvathi and other Gods on the walls. There is five headed Shiva Ling in the centre of the Pond and devotees pour the water of the pond on the Shiva Ling.
It is a fact that water availability in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh is low and in general the area suffers from drought. The water flows from the centum of the temple throughout the year without any obstruction to the Kalyani and Pushkarini ponds exist in outside to the temple with 5 feet depth for the convenient of Pilgrims to take bath upto 5 pm. The water will be hot in winter and cold in summer. The water before sun rise will be warm and gradually become cold at noon. The water flowed to the pond from the bottom of the Swayambhu irrespective of seasons. It is not feasible to touch the Siva Ling due to barricades in the temple. The Villagers cultivate Paddy, Fruits and Vegetables in 2000 acres up to 8 km with the water flowed from the tank.
A big statue of Nandi, servant and vehicle of Lord Shiva constructed near Garuda Nandi. Nandi statues are generally engraved with black granite stone in Shiva Temples. But the statue at Maha Nandi appears in white colour engraved with limestone. Maha Sivaratri performed gloriously in the holly place along with other holy places of Shiva. Devotees should wear traditional cloths covering the entire body as per the customs of the Temple. Cell Phones and Cameras are prohibited inside the temple. It is also prohibited to use soaps and detergents for bathing in the ponds to protect environment. There are Locker and Clock Room facilities like other temples.
The temple will kept open from 4-30AM to 1-00Noon and 2-00PM to 9-30PM. Visiting the other temples starting from Nandyal, Pilgrims may reach Mahanandi in the evening and may stay in Karavena Nityannadana Satram or other hotels including AP Tourism Development Corporation. Free meals facility available in Karavena Satram. It is strange to note that the Mahanandeeswara Devastanam has not take action to present the importance and legend of the remaining Nandi Kshetrams besides placing the information of nearby temples in their Web Site.
Photo Gallery
IPLTOURS – Indian Pilgrim Tours
