Blog Archive

Thursday, April 29, 2021

The Growing Nandi of Yaganti

Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple, Kurnool- Andhra Pradesh

Dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries 

With contributions from not one but four empires 

The Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas, and the Vijayanagara 

Yaganti Uma Maheshwara aalayam was 

Built and developed over the centuries

Kings Harihara and Bukka Rayalu of the Vijayanagara

Gave the most contribution 

And finished the various structures in and around the region

Source: Hit Full

Yaganti is famous for its natural beauty in the Yerramala Hills

And the pure pushkarini water 

Which no one knows where it comes from 

Bhakts believe that a dip in the pushkarini 

Is a must before visiting Shiva to take his blessings

Source: RVA Temples
 The only aalayam to have a murti of Prabhu Shiva 

And his wife, Devi Parvati 

Instead of his ling form 

Ardhanareeswara, they are called, 

One body and two souls- 

Half for Shiva and half for Maa Parvati 

Agastya muni, they say performed penance here

Requesting Shiva to appear in the said form 

Source: RVA Temples

Do you know that crows don’t fly in Yaganti 

Because of a curse from Agastya 

Who was disturbed by Kakasura, the king of crows

There’s more to this place than we’ll know 

One of which is the growing Nandi murti called the Basavanna 

One pillar in the mandir had to be removed 

As the Nandi grows each year, 

Occupying more space in the premises

 

Source: Deccan Chronicle


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Note: 

According to an archaeological survey, the Nandi grows at the rate of 1 inch per 20 years. That’s around 10mm per 8 years. It is said to be made of a rock that has natural properties to expand and grow over time. 

Pushkarini- a holy water body in a temple 

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Source: 

https://hitfull.com/articles/yaganti-temple-mystery-the-mysterious-growing-nandi-of-yaganti-temple_70p.html

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#FreeHinduTemples



16 comments:

  1. Nandi in front of Lord Shiva plays important role. Do you know the Nandi story of the Natarajan temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the Nandi vigraha is very important.
      Sadly, I'm not aware of the story from the Chidambaram temple. Will google now. :)

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    2. Sorry. It is in a place called Thirupungur near Chidambaram. Here is the link for the article where Lord Shiva asked the nandi to move away a little bit.

      http://www.divinebrahmanda.com/2009/09/sivalokanathan-temple-nandanar-temple.html

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    3. No worries. Thank you for the link. :)

      Delete
  2. Wow! so many legends and the growing Nandi! Incredible.
    This is a stunning location for a temple. Beautiful.

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    Replies
    1. I loved the aerial shot of the temple. Such a place to build something so wonderful!

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  3. There is an Ardhanareeswara temple in Tiruchengode in Tamilnadu on a hill.... Do you know that in TamilNadu some people whisper their prayers and wishes in the Nandhi s ears

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, we do the same here. As a kid, I used to do my best to stretch and whisper my wishes into the Nandi's ears.

      Will check the Ardhanareesawara temple in Tiruchengode. Thank you for sharing it. :)

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    2. I just checked. It looks amazing! The pillars, especially are wonderful.

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  4. Wow! what a temple. I have never heard of it till now. I hope I'll visit one day. Your series is amazing. Consider making it into an ebook. You know Blogchatter is having the ebook festival in May, right? I will totally root for your book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Meena. I've been thinking about it. Some friends suggested I try paperback publishing for this series. I'm still considering the options, but you so much for your support. :D <3

      Delete
  5. A beautiful scenery for this temple, and I love the water basin!

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    Replies
    1. It's supposed to contain pure water all the time, collected from an unknown source. :)

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  6. Wow the Yerramala Hills look so beautiful too beside the temple.. And what interesting legends. The crow story and the growing Nandi... Is it a UNESCO world heritage site?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sadly, no. We don't promote our ancient structures enough. It should have been a UNESCO site, but it's not. :(

      Delete
  7. WoW! Love the view.

    And the lines that hold all together.

    And, the only one to have a murthi of lord Shiva. Was happy to read. :-D

    ReplyDelete