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
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
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:
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#FreeHinduTemples
Nandi in front of Lord Shiva plays important role. Do you know the Nandi story of the Natarajan temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu?
ReplyDeleteYes, the Nandi vigraha is very important.
DeleteSadly, I'm not aware of the story from the Chidambaram temple. Will google now. :)
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.
Deletehttp://www.divinebrahmanda.com/2009/09/sivalokanathan-temple-nandanar-temple.html
No worries. Thank you for the link. :)
DeleteWow! so many legends and the growing Nandi! Incredible.
ReplyDeleteThis is a stunning location for a temple. Beautiful.
I loved the aerial shot of the temple. Such a place to build something so wonderful!
DeleteThere 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
ReplyDeleteOh, 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.
DeleteWill check the Ardhanareesawara temple in Tiruchengode. Thank you for sharing it. :)
I just checked. It looks amazing! The pillars, especially are wonderful.
DeleteWow! 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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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
DeleteA beautiful scenery for this temple, and I love the water basin!
ReplyDeleteIt's supposed to contain pure water all the time, collected from an unknown source. :)
DeleteWow 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?
ReplyDeleteSadly, no. We don't promote our ancient structures enough. It should have been a UNESCO site, but it's not. :(
DeleteWoW! Love the view.
ReplyDeleteAnd the lines that hold all together.
And, the only one to have a murthi of lord Shiva. Was happy to read. :-D