Southern part of India is famous for its ancient dynasties which were opulent in art and wealth! Kurnool is a formerly princely state located in Andhra Pradesh famous for its ancient monuments, temples and palaces. Architecturally and religiously important temples are aplenty in this pious region. Let's take a tour through the spiritual locale of Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh
The pious region of Kurnool
PC : Harsha Vardhan
Kurnool is a laid-back district in Andhra Pradesh renowned for its historical monuments and sacred temples! Home to the Belum caves, many significant temples are located in this region. Let's take a look at some of the places to visit in Kurnool!
Mahanandi Temple
Mahanandi temple in Kurnool has the world's biggest Nandi statue! It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nallamala hills. The Mahanandiswara Swamy Temple, an important shrine located here, dates back to over 1,500 years and is said to be built by Chalukya kings.
Mantralayam
Located on the banks of Tungabhadra river in Kurnool district, Mantralayam is a highly sought after religious destination by devotees of Lord Vishnu. The town is popular for the Samadhi of Saint Raghavendra Teertha, who is considered to be the incarnation of Bhakta Prahlad by his followers. A lot of devotees visit this temple throughout the year.
Srisailam
Srisailam is reputed for the shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna on the flat top of Nallamala hills. It has played a dominant role in the Hindu religious, cultural and social history since ancient times! It is a very popular pilgrimage site for the Shaivites and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Bhramarambha Temple, located next to it, is considered as one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas in India! Distance from Srisailam to Kurnool town is around 180 km.
Ahobilam
Ahobilam is a holy site in the Allagadda mandal of Kurnool district. It is considered to be one of the 108 Vaishnava Divyadesams in the country and is believed to be where Lord Narasimha killed the demon Hiranyakashipu and blessed his greatest devotee Prahlad.
Yaganti
PC : Porusreddy
About 100 kilometres away from the city of Kurnool, lies the Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple. A temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Nandi (The sacred Bull), it is renowned for its marvellous Pushkarini (temple pond) and architecture!
These are some of the important temples in and around Kurnool. Take a pilgrimage to these great temples and attain a spiritual uplift! Happy Travelling :)