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Mahanandi is located 16-km from Nandyal. It
is a reputed religious centre in the State and a scenic spot owing to its
location to the east of the Nallamalla hill ranges in a natural gorge of
ravishing beauty surrounded on all sides by thick forests.
A Display Architectural Magnificence
It
is famous for the Mahanandishwara temple, which dates back to the early
Chalukyan period. Mahanandishwara temple is dedicated to Sri
Mahanandishwara (Lord Shiva). Mahanandi has very interesting historical
and legendary associations. Within a radius of about 15-km from Mahanandi
lie nine Nandis known as "Navanandis". Mahanandi is one of the
Nava Nandis. The main shrine of Mahanandiswara is unique in many aspects.
The shrine as well as other temples exhibits architectural splendour.
Rudragundam:
One of the remarkable features of the Mahanadishwara temple is the
crystal clear water, which flows through out the year from the perennial
springs. It is flushed out continuously from the Pushkarani through two
exits. The Pushkarani is constructed to maintain 5ft of flowing water
inside it, which facilitates a secured holy both, after which pilgrims can
pay their obeisance to the Almighty. It is believed that by taking holy
bath in this 'Pushkarani' all the sins of pilgrims are gone.
Sri Kamaeswari Devi Temple:
Sri Kameshwari Devi is wife of Lord Mahanadeeshwara, and the temple of
Sri Kameshwari Devi is situated south of Nandeeshwara temple. Pilgrims
after finishing the holy bath at 'Rudragundam' can have the blessings of
Lord Shiva and Kameswari Devi. It is believed that 'Devashilpi'
(architects of 'Devas') constructed the temple of Lord Shiva.
King Nandana and his ancestors performed Pujas to Lord Shiva. Sri
Kameswari Devi Alayam was reconstructed in 1939. Also present in the
premises is marble carved Sri Kodanda Ramalayam built in 1953. The temple
has Sri Rama, Sita, Lashkmana Idols, whose beauty seems to increase when
watched. One never gets satisfied, even of watching these Idols for long
time.
The Eight Nandis
Mahanandi is one of the Nava Nandis. Surrounding Mahanandi within 15-Km
diameter range, 9 temples of Nandi are present namely "Prathama Nandi",
"Naga Nandi", "Soma Nandi", "Surya Nandi", "Shiva
Nandi", "Vishnu Nandi", "Vinayaka Nandi" and "Garuda
Nandi".
Prathama Nandi: This Nandi is situated upon a high soil base very
nearer to Nandyal railway station.
Naga Nandi: Naga Nandi is inside Anjaneya temple, which is located
towards west of Nandyal.
Vinayaka Nandi: Vinayaka Nandi is
situated towards northwest of Mahanandi Kshetram.
Garuda Nandi: It is located towards the west of Mahanandi temple.
Shiva Nandi: Approximately 13-kms away from Nandyal one can find
Shiva Nandi. The nearest landmark is Kadamala Lake.
Vishnu Nandi: 2 miles from Mahanandi, Vishnu Nandi that is also
known, as Krishna Nandi is located.
Surya Nandi: Surya Nandi is located 4 miles east of Nandyal, and 6
miles west of Mahanandi.
Soma Nandi: Soma Nandi is towards east of Nandyal near Atmakur.
The festival of Mahanandiswara is celebrated for over seven days commencing from 'Magha Bhula Chaturdasi' (February-March) and the Hindus from different parts of the country, particularly from Andhra Pradesh, Mysore and Maharashtra states, visit this place, the daily congregation being about 20,000.
Rail: The nearest railway station
is at Nandyal at a distance of 16-km from Mahanandi.
Road: Mahanandi is about 100-km east of
Kurnool and 16-km from Nandyal by
road. Bus services are available from Kurnool and Nandyal.
Devastana Choultries
Shambhu Priya Tourist Guesthouse, Mahanandi
Accomodation is also available in the hotels at Kurnool.