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'Hide and Seek' Temple in Kurnool!

Sangameshwara Temple in Kurnool is one of the unique temples in Andhra Pradesh. It can only be visited in summer.

By Akshatha Vinayak

Shiva is one of the most interesting gods in the Hindu religion. If we observe, some Shiva temples are found in the unlikeliest of places across India. Even the famous Amarnath and Kedarnath Temples are not easily accessible. A sense of mystery revolving these Shiva Lingams strike a chord with our enthusiasm. Here is one such interesting shrine of Lord Shiva at the confluence of seven rivers! Yes, let us know about Sangameshwara Temple in Kurnool.

Sangameshwara Temple

A distant view of Sangameshwara Temple

Legend of Sangameshwara Temple

According to the myth, once the Pandavas of Mahabharata came to Kurnool during their exile. They decided to install a Shiva Linga in this region after visiting Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple. So, Dharmaraya (Yudhishtira) told his brother Bhima to bring a Shiva Linga from Kashi. Later, they consecrated the Linga at the confluence of the river Krishna and Tungabhadra along with other five tributaries. Hence, the Linga was named as Sangameshwara (Sangama, where the rivers meet).

Submerged Sangameshwara Temple

Sangameshwara Temple was submerged after the construction of Srisailam Dam in 1980. Sangameshwara Temple was not relocated like many other temples in this locality. Thus, the temple got submerged by the water of Srisailam dam. In fact, it remained hidden under water for twenty years and resurfaced in the year 2003.

Sangameshwara Temple

Sangameshwara Temple

Now the temple is visible for some days when the water levels are low in summer. The temple is also opened to public during these days. Since 2003, the temple has constantly resurfaced every year in the summer months. However, this age-old architecture is under threat because of the water.

The temple remains open for 40 - 50 days and devotees are allowed to visit. People are taken in boats as the temple is surrounded by water. Several poojas and rituals are also performed for the wooden Lingam inside the sanctum.

Srisailam Dam

Srisailam Dam
Photo Courtesy: Kashyap joshi


Where is Sangameshwara Temple?

Sangameshwara Temple is near the shore of Muchumarri Village in Kurnool District. It is built at a place where River Krishna and River Tungabhadra along with the tributaries named Bhavanasi, Veni, Bheemarathi and Malapaharani meet.

Srisailam Dam and Reservoir constructed at the border of Mahabubnagar and Kurnool district is one of the beautiful tourist attractions near Sangameshwara Temple.

Sangameshwara Temple

Srisailam Dam and Reservoir
Photo Courtesy: Amit Chattopadhyay

How to Reach Sangameshwara Temple?

Sangameshwara Temple is open only for 40 - 50 days during April-May. Boats are available from the shore to visit this temple.

By Bus: Government run buses are available to reach the Pagidyala.

By Train: Kurnool railway station is the nearest railway station.

Click: How to reach Kurnool

Accommodations

You have to either stay in Vijayawada or Guntur because there on no stay options in Muchmarri village.

To Book Hotels in Vijayawada

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