Mahanandi Temple
The Mahanandiswara Swamy Temple, an important shrine is located at Mahanandi, a village located on the east of the Nallamana Hills. The place is surrounded by forests, this ancient temple finds its roots 10 centuries in history. The inscriptions of 10th-century tablets speak of the temple being repaired and rebuilt many times.
These nine temples are Mahanandi, Shivanandi, Vinayakanandi, Somanandi, Prathamanandi, Garudanandi, Suryanandi, Krishnanandi (also called Vishnunandi) and Naganandi.
A festival is held there every year in February and March to celebrate Maha Shivaratri the Great Night of Shiva.
History of Mahanandi Temple
The shrine or deity of Lord Shiva present in this sacred temple belongs to the 7th century. The basic temple structure was constructed by Chalukyas (7th century) and was later enhanced by Nanda Dynasty (10th century) and Vijayanagara Kings (15th century).
Architecture of Mahanandi Temple
Devotees can take a holy dip at Mahanandi temple Pushkarni or Koneru in which there are Pancha Lingams of which the center one is called Varuna Lingam. Irrespective of the seasons, water in the Pushkarni [Koneru] is at the same constant five feet flow.
It is said that the main water source originated below the inner Swayambhu Linga at the Garbhagruha and the pilgrims can touch the Shiva Lingam to perform puja and also take the holy water as Thirtham.
The outgoing water of the Mahanandi temple is used for irrigation of fertile lands in the surrounding areas of the temple. One of the world's biggest man-made Nandi of 15 ft. x 27 ft. is present near the Mahanandi temple.
The main Gopuram of this temple resembles Badami Chalukyan style architecture where as other temple structures resemble the Vijayanagara style.
