In the heart of the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, 15km from Nandyal, there exists the sacred village of Mahanandi, where Lord Shiva with his Vehicle Nandi (the sacred bull) situated in their respective forms to bless the devotees who visit this holy place.
Mahanandi has the history from ancient ages and the existence of 9 nandis (Nava Nandulu) is the specialty of this place. The linga form of Lord Shiva is known as Nandishwara at Mahanandi, the Saiva Kshetra (Shiva place) Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh is the only place where there are many Lord shiva temples. Mahanandi is one among them. In the middle of the thickest Nallamala Forests, this village and the temple in this village attracts the tourists especially devotees who believe in Hinduism. This place not only has a history of sacredness, but this place is another natural beauty and has many unrevealed and hidden mysteries behind it.
It's been said, this place was developed by Cholas, Pallavas and Vijayanagara Kings. The art and architecture resembles the ancient culture and single stone structures. But no one can surely answer the question "Who built these temples"? It's an unknown fact till date where no one could identify the person who has built this sacred temple. The history of Linga is also mesmerizing.
The interesting aspect of this place is Koneru (the pond) inside the temple. Usually, Kurnool is a drought prone district in Andhra Pradesh. The water scarcity is common here. But no matter whatever the season it is, the water flow in this pond has always remained same with the same flow and the water level of the pond remains same too every single day. Inside the temple premises, there exists one Main pond (Koneru) near to the Antargarbhalayam (main temple) and two constructed ponds outside the main temple.
The water in the main pond is the deepest mystery that no one could find where the water has been coming from. It is to be said that the water is coming from the downside of the main temple and yet there are no proofs for that. The water always remains crystal clear no matter how many devotees take bath every single day. The water is neat and clean always. The water has medicinal values and people drink the water to get rid of diseases. The water flow to this main pond and the temperature of the water makes people always surprise and chase the mystery. Still the truth is unsolved, but the beauty of the pond is inexplicable.
Spiritually, it is believed that all our known and unknown sins can be cleared off if a person takes a holy dip in this holy pond. The pond was constructed with heavy rocky walls on which various carvings have been made. The Idol of Ganesha, Lord Shiva and Parvati, many gods and goddesses, the gate-guardian deity of Lord Shiva (Nandi) and many more has beautifully carved by the ancient sculptors. In the middle of the pond, there exists a stone abode of 5 Linga forms of Lord Shiva, where people spill the water inside the pond on those linga forms.
The inflow of water is quite unknown and it is believed as a sacred reason for the visiting of this temple. The temple resembles the very ancient culture. There are many small temples in this huge place. One can witness the main deity, Lord Shiva in the form of Nandishwara Swamy and also 9 various Nandis too. The existence of Subramanya Swamy (the snake god), the worshipped linga forms by Pandavas from Mahabharata, Nandi Ganapati (Elephant God) and many smaller temples situated inside the temple premises of Mahanandi.
People believe in a faith concept where everyone crosses from one side to another side under the lower body of a Cow. Most of them follow this tradition inside the temple to show the respect towards Cow and indulges in the spirit of history of the place. Each stone wall in this temple, tells many stories to the people.
The architecture of this temple, is totally ancient and one can feel the vintage vibes from the pillars of the temple. The carvings are very old and ancient which speak the stories of Hindu gods and the spiritual history of this place. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati idols attract the visitors or devotees because of the size. Talking about size, Mahanandi is the only place where the biggest Nandi (the gate-guardian deity of Lord Shiva) has constructed. Visiting that huge Nandi form is indeed an eye feast. Unlike the black stoned Nandis, we regularly witness in front of Shiva Linga, this particular Nandi is in white color.
Coming to the temple rules, everyone must wear traditional clothes which cover the whole body. Cellphones and Cameras are strictly prohibited. Usage of soaps and detergents are also strictly prohibited. Hence, one of the reasons for clean maintenance of the pond. Like every other temple, Mahanandi also provides all the facilities like locker services, cloak rooms, changing rooms, washrooms, Pooja materials, eatables and drinks outside the temple.
Mahanandi is near to Nandyal. It is around 15 kms of distance from Nandyal. Railway and Roadway are the modes of transportation. As we all went as a big family, we courted train from Vijayawada to Nandyal. From Nandyal, we booked a 11 seater Winger, hence we explored the roadway of Nandyal and Mahanandi in the middle of Nallamala forests.
The local people are helpful and people can find many places to stay nearby the temple. The prices are a little overrated. The place isn't dangerous at all. Though the village is covered by the forests around, there wouldn't be any harm. The best examples are the monkeys around. The monkeys in Mahanandi are harmless and they are kind of habituated with the human habitat. They roam everywhere and they won't commit any harm to anyone. In fact, Monkeys are also one of the attractions of Mahanandi.
One must explore the village atmosphere of Mahanandi in the early morning to sense the village vibes. Due to the forest area, the weather here is cool but sometimes it's unpredictable too. Always try to visit in your own vehicles or book a vehicle beforehand because the mode of transportation is limited in this village and hence, if you get your own vehicle, it would be flexible to take some time to explore in and around Mahanandi. One thing, which has irked me off was the business tactics of the Pandits inside the temples. Everything has a price tag. Some Pandits are even selling their blessings. So, don't involve too much in spirituality which is interlinked with monetary terms. Be aware of fake people and unnecessary traditions which empty your pockets.
Altogether, Mahanandi is spiritual, interesting yet mysterious place to visit. The journey towards this village is adventurous and exciting too. The ancient history of this place attracts the visitors. The curiosity to know about the place, keeps every person alert in this place, because every pillar has its own story here. So what are you waiting for, chase the mystery by witness with your own eyes and feel the warmth of the water in Koneru and discover from where the water is coming inside the temple premises. Indulge yourself in spirituality and know the history of the place. This place is thrilling, exciting and adventurous. To, the people who love exploring the deeper forests and villages, Mahanandi is the place. The place which is spiritually mysterious!!
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