Mahanandi Temple is east of Nallamala Hills and Forest; the temple’s main deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Mahanandeeswara Swamy. Mahanandi is the ancient and essential shrine among the nine shrines. The temple morning timings are 04:30 am to 01:00 pm, and the evening timings are 02:00 pm to 09:30 pm.
The Mahanandi temple was constructed 1500 years ago, has undergone repairs, and has been rebuilt several times. Chalukya Kings built the temple, and the temple’s architecture shows the strong presence of Chalukyas. The temple’s presiding deity is Mahanandeeswara Swamy, who is in the form of Swayambu Shiva Lingam.
History of Mahanandi Temple:
Contents
- 1 History of Mahanandi Temple:
- 1.0.1 Mahanandi Temple Timings:
- 1.0.2 Mahanandi Temple Special Sevas:
- 1.0.3 Mahanandi Temple Puja Timings:
- 1.0.4 Festivals Celebrated at Mahanandi Temple:
- 1.0.5 Mahanandi Temple Prasadams:
- 1.0.6 Mahanandi Temple Dress Code:
- 1.0.7 Tourist places near Mahanandi Temple:
- 1.0.8 Hotels near Mahanandi Temple:
- 1.0.9 Mahanandi Temple Contact Details:
- 1.0.10 How to Reach Mahanandi Temple:
- 1.0.11 FAQs:
- 1.1 What is the Mahanandi temple famous for?
- 1.2 Are there any specific rituals and ceremonies performed at the temple?
- 1.3 Who is the god in Mahanandi temple?
- 1.4 Are there any accommodation options near the temple for devotees?
- 1.5 In which district is Mahanandi temple located?
- 1.6 Where does the water come from in Mahanandi?
According to the legends, black cow milk from the Gopavaram village is used daily for Abhishekam. The cowherd takes the cows to feed in the forest. One of the cows enters the bush, oozes the milk, and comes home with an empty udder daily.
The cowherd wanted to know why, followed the cow and hid behind the bush. The cow usually stood on the grass-covered ant hole; a lad came out and drank the milk. The cowherd saw that and started talking here and there.
The spies of the King heard it and informed the King. The King felt happy and wanted to see the same, and he followed the cow slowly; the cow was frightened and ran away hurriedly with its huff, sunk the hole, and the child disappeared from there.
The King went home with great surprise and had a dream the same day; Lord Shiva appeared and told him that he only drank milk and instructed him to construct a temple. The next day, the King visited the hole and found Rock Pallus instead of a hole. He found the cow’s hoof on the Shiva Lingam and was surprised.
The King constructed the temple, dug toward an opposite pond, and named it Rudra Gunda. He dug two ponds on the northern and eastern sides of the temple and called them Brahma Gunda and Vishnu Gunda; the ponds are of total water in all seasons and supply the water for 2000 acres of fertile lands.
Mahanandi Temple Timings:
The temple morning timings are 04:30 am to 01:00 pm, and the evening timings are 02:00 pm to 09:30 pm.
| Days | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
| Monday | 04:30 am to 01:00 pm | 02:00 pm to 09:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 04:30 am to 01:00 pm | 02:00 pm to 09:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 04:30 am to 01:00 pm | 02:00 pm to 09:30 pm |
| Thursday | 04:30 am to 01:00 pm | 02:00 pm to 09:30 pm |
| Friday | 04:30 am to 01:00 pm | 02:00 pm to 09:30 pm |
| Saturday | 04:30 am to 01:00 pm | 02:00 pm to 09:30 pm |
| Sunday | 04:30 am to 01:00 pm | 02:00 pm to 09:30 pm |
Mahanandi Temple Special Sevas:
Devotees come here to perform Poojas and Sevas to Lord Mahanandeeswara Swamy. Below are Sevas with timings and prices.
| S No. | Poojas/Sevas | Temple Timings | Ticket Prices |
| 1 | Suprabhatam Seva | 4:30 am to 5:00 am | Rs.100 per person |
| 2 | Sthanika Abhishekam, Binde Seva | 5:00 am to 5:30 am | Rs.100 per person |
| 3 | Astavidha Maha Mangala Harathi | 5:30 am to 6:30 am | Rs.100 per person |
| 4 | Nijaroopa Darshan | 8:00 am to 9:00 am, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Rs.50 |
| 5 | Nithya Kalyanam | 11:00 am onward | Rs.1116 |
| 6 | Maha Nivedana | 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm | |
| 7 | Break Time (No Darshan) | 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm | |
| 8 | Astavidha Maha Mangala Harathi | 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm | Rs.100 |
| 9 | Ekantha Seva | 9:00 pm to 9:30 pm | Rs .50 |
Mahanandi Temple Puja Timings:
Special Pujas performed to Mahanandeeswara Swamy are:
| Sevas Names | Timings |
| Mangala Vadhyamulu | 04:45 am |
| Swamy Vari Sthanika Abhishekam | 05:30 am |
| Mahamangala Harathi | 06:00 am |
| Abhishekam Swamy Vari | 06:30 am to 12:30 pm |
| Laghunyasa Abhishekam | 06:30 am to 12:30 pm and 06:00 pm to 08:30 pm |
| Mahanyasa Purvaka Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam | 06:30 am to 12:30 pm and 06:00 pm to 08:30 pm |
Festivals Celebrated at Mahanandi Temple:
The main festival celebrated in the temple is Maha Shivaratri for seven days initiated from” Maha Bhula Chaturdasi”. Nearly 20,000 devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Mysore visit the temple daily. The other festivals celebrated here are:
- Ugadi
- Vaikunta Ekadasi
- Kartika Pournima
- Vijayadashami
Mahanandi Temple Prasadams:
The temple provides Prasadam to the devotees who visit the temple. Below are the Prasadams with prices
| Prasadams | Ticket Cost |
| Pulihora | Rs.10/- |
| Laddu | Rs.10/- |
| Abhishekam Laddu | Rs.50/- |
Mahanandi Temple Dress Code:
Mahanandi Temple does not have a strict dress code. Still, it is advisable to dress modestly and respectfully, covering shoulders and legs, as a mark of reverence while visiting the temple.
Tourist places near Mahanandi Temple:
- Belum Caves
- Ahobilam
- Yaganti Temple
- Ainavilli Temple
- Sri Jagajjanani Temple Nandyal
- Krishna Nandi Temple
- Global Water Park
- Yaganti Temple
- Anjaneya Swamy and Naga Nandi temple
Hotels near Mahanandi Temple:
- Hotel Shobha
- Hotel DR Indraaprasthaa
- Suraj Hotel
- Hotel Suraj Grand
- Sri Laxmi Ganesh Hotel
- Hotel Palla’s Pride
- Mahanandi Haritha Hotel
- Hotel Chanakya
- The Mourya Inn
Mahanandi Temple Contact Details:
- Address: Mahanandi Temple, Mahanandi, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Contact Numbers: 08514-234726 / 284620, 08514-234727, 08514-234728
How to Reach Mahanandi Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Orvakal Airport, Kurnool, 40km from Nandyal. The other airport is Shamshabad Airport, Hyderabad, nearly 250kms to Nandyal.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Gajupally Railway Station, 6 km from Mahanandi. The nearest railway station is Nandyal Junction, 19 km from the temple.
By Road:
APSRTC provided several buses from Nandyal to Mahanandi. There are buses from places like Amaravathi, Hyderabad, Tirupati, Srisailam, etc.
FAQs:
What is the Mahanandi temple famous for?
The temple is famous for its freshwater pools, and it is called Kalyani or Pushkarni. The temple’s architecture shows the Chalukya Kings’ strong presence in this region. The pools of the temple show the skill of the Vishwakarma.
Are there any specific rituals and ceremonies performed at the temple?
Mahanandi Temple performs various rituals and ceremonies, including daily poojas, abhishekams (ritualistic bathing), and special prayers during auspicious occasions and festivals to appease the deities and seek their blessings.
Who is the god in Mahanandi temple?
It is a temple of lord Shiva. It is located in the Nallamala forest.
Are there any accommodation options near the temple for devotees?
Yes, several accommodation options are available near Mahanandi Temple, including guesthouses, lodges, and hotels to cater to the needs of devotees.
In which district is Mahanandi temple located?
The temple was located in Nandyal District.
Where does the water come from in Mahanandi?
Mahanandi is one of the Nava Nandis. The water source originates at the Garbhagruha, just below Swayambhu Linga. Everyone can touch the water near the Shiva Linga.