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Manthani town is located in
Karimnagar on the banks of
Godavari. It is about 72-km from Karimnagar. Gauthameswara is the
presiding deity of the town and also the main temple. The origin and the
history of the temple is not known but the sculpture around the temple
presents similarity to that of the thousand pillar temple of Hanamkonda in
Warangal District. Kakatiya
rulers might have renovated the old temple during their regime. Its
sculpture is worth seeing.
There is a big Shiva Lingam about 1m to 1.25m in height made of black
stone installed in the 'Garbhagudi' (sanctum sanctorum) on a beautifully
carved 'Panawatika' (platform or pedestal on which the phallicemblem is
fixed) according to 'Somasutra'. There is also a small room in between the
entrance room and Garbhagudi where Lord Vigneswara's idol is installed in
the inner right corner.
There is a big 'Nandi' idol in the entrance room, 1.5m to 2m in length
and 1m in height,and beautifully carved in black stone. But the ears and
nose of the Nandi are said to have been destroyed by Muslim invaders. On
Shivaratri day about thousand people seek 'darshan' of the Lord. Adjoining
the temple there are three teerthams, the 'Brahmateertha', the
'Rudrateertha' and the 'Vishnuteertha', holy places for taking a dip in
the river Godavari.
Road: Karimnagar is well connected by road to all the important places of the State. To reach Manthani one can hire a taxi or take a bus from Karimnagar.
Accommodation is available at the hotels in Karimnagar.
