Mahanandi
Spiritual Oasis in Nallamala: Mahanandi is an ancient village located at the foothills of the Nallamala Forest. The primary attraction is the Mahanandiswara Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, dating back over 1,500 years. It is famous for its perennial crystal-clear water springs that flow throu gh the temple tanks. The temple is one of the Nava Nandis (nine shrines of Nandi) located within a 15-km radius. Legend says the water originates from the hoof of a divine cow. The surrounding forest adds a serene and mystical vibe to the pilgrimage site.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Religious & PilgrimageEntry Fees:
Nominal Entry and Puja Fees: The entry to the temple is Free for all devotees. Special Quick Darshan tickets are available for 50 INR to 100 INR during peak hours. Performing a "Rudra Abhishekam" or "Seva" involves a fee ranging from 200 to 500 INR. Mobile phones and came...Nominal Entry and Puja Fees: The entry to the temple is Free for all devotees. Special Quick Darshan tickets are available for 50 INR to 100 INR during peak hours. Performing a "Rudra Abhishekam" or "Seva" involves a fee ranging from 200 to 500 INR. Mobile phones and cameras are restricted inside the main sanctum but allowed in the outer courtyard.Timing:
Temple Opening Hours: The temple is open from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Ideal Visit Time is early morning at 5:30 AM for the "Suprabhatam" seva. Avoid Tuesdays and Sundays if you want to skip heavy crowds. The evening "Harathi" at 7:00 PM is a soul-stirr...Temple Opening Hours: The temple is open from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Ideal Visit Time is early morning at 5:30 AM for the "Suprabhatam" seva. Avoid Tuesdays and Sundays if you want to skip heavy crowds. The evening "Harathi" at 7:00 PM is a soul-stirring experience for visitors.Special Events:
Maha Shivaratri Celebrations: The festival of Maha Shivaratri in February/March is the grandest event here. Thousands of pilgrims perform night-long vigils and chant hymns to Lord Shiva. The temple is decorated with thousands of oil lamps and fresh forest flowers. Special...Maha Shivaratri Celebrations: The festival of Maha Shivaratri in February/March is the grandest event here. Thousands of pilgrims perform night-long vigils and chant hymns to Lord Shiva. The temple is decorated with thousands of oil lamps and fresh forest flowers. Special "Abhishekams" are performed with the spring water throughout the night, creating a powerful spiritual energy.Best Photo Spots:
Picturesque Temple Tanks: The Pushkarini with the central mandapa is the most scenic spot for photography. The Main Entrance Gopuram against the backdrop of the green Nallamala hills is stunning. The Nandi Statue at the entrance is one of the largest and most detailed in t...Picturesque Temple Tanks: The Pushkarini with the central mandapa is the most scenic spot for photography. The Main Entrance Gopuram against the backdrop of the green Nallamala hills is stunning. The Nandi Statue at the entrance is one of the largest and most detailed in the region. The forest paths leading to the temple offer great nature photography opportunities.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Spiritual Rites and Nature Walks: 1.
Holy Dip: Take a ritual bath in the Pushkarini to cleanse yourself before darshan. 2.
Nava Nandi Tour: Hire a local jeep to visit all nine Nandi temples in one day. 3.
Inner Sanctum Puja: Offer prayers by touching the Swayambhu Lingam personally. 4.
Forest Trek: Walk along the Nallamala foothills to experience the diverse flora and fauna. 5.
Temple Architecture: Study the 10th-century inscriptions found on the temple walls. 6.
Photography: Capture the reflection of the gopuram in the crystal-clear waters of the tank. 7.
Local Shopping: Buy traditional brass items and religious souvenirs ...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Miracle of Eternal Springs: Mahanandi is world-famous for its Koneru (temple tanks) where the water is warm in winter and cool in summer. The water is so clear that a small needle dropped at the bottom is clearly visible. It is the only temple where devotees are allowe...The Miracle of Eternal Springs: Mahanandi is world-famous for its Koneru (temple tanks) where the water is warm in winter and cool in summer. The water is so clear that a small needle dropped at the bottom is clearly visible. It is the only temple where devotees are allowed to touch the Shiva Lingam and the water source directly inside the sanctum. The shrine is a vital part of the Nava Nandi pilgrimage circuit, drawing millions of Shiva devotees. -
Architecture:
Dravidian and Chalukyan Influence: The temple exhibits a mix of Chalukyan and Vijayanagara architecture. The main gopuram is built in the Badami Chalukyan style with intricate stone carvings. The central Pushkarini (holy tank) is a square structure of 60x60 feet with a sto...Dravidian and Chalukyan Influence: The temple exhibits a mix of Chalukyan and Vijayanagara architecture. The main gopuram is built in the Badami Chalukyan style with intricate stone carvings. The central Pushkarini (holy tank) is a square structure of 60x60 feet with a stone mandapa in the middle. The water inlets are designed to maintain a constant depth of 5 feet regardless of the season. The stone pillars are carved with various avatars of Lord Shiva and Vishnu. -
How To Reach:
Connectivity to Nandyal:
By Air: The nearest international airport is Hyderabad (280 KM) or Tirupati (230 KM).
By Train: The nearest railway station is Nandyal (15 KM), which connects to major cities. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Yaganti (55 KM), 2. Ahobilam (65 KM), 3. Belum Caves (90 KM), 4. Orvakal (60 KM), 5. Rollapadu Sanctuary (45 KM), 6. Nandyal (15 KM), 7. Srisailam (160 KM), 8. Gundla Brahmeswaram (30 KM), 9. Panyam (30 KM), 10. Banaganapalle (45 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Traveler Health and Etiquette:
Health & Safety: The temple floor can be slippery; walk carefully near the water tanks.
Packing: Carry a fresh set of clothes if you plan to take a holy dip in the tank.
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Uma Maheshwara Swamy TempleYaganti Cave TemplesAdoni FortAhobilam TempleGandikota FortMahanandiMangampeta WaterfallsMantralayam Nallamalla ForestOravakallu Rock GardenRavadurg Gooty FortRollapadu Wildlife SanctuarySiddavatam FortThimmamma MarrimanuAraku Tribal MuseumAraku ValleyBheemili BeachBojjannakondaMore PlacesNote:-
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