MAHANANDI IN KURNOOL DISTRICT

Mahanandi (Telugu: మహానంది) is a village located east of the Nallamala Hills near Nandyal, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a picturesque village surrounded by thick forests. Within 15 km of Mahanandi, there are nine Nandi shrines known as Nava nandulu. Mahanandi is one of the Nava Nandis. The Mahanandiswara Swamy Temple, an important shrine, is located here. This ancient temple dates back over 1,500 years. The inscriptions of 10th century tablets speak of the temple being repaired and rebuilt several times.
These nine temples are Mahanandi, Shivanandi, Vinayakanandi, Somanandi, Prathamanandi, Garudanandi, Suryanandi, Krishnanandi (also called Vishnunandi) and Naganandi.
A festival is held here annually during February and March to celebrate Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva.
Mahanandi is about 21 km from Nandyal. The nearest airport is at Hyderabad, which is about 215 km from Kurnool, and the nearest railway station is at Nandyal. There are 2 routes to reach Mahanandi from Nandyal town. One route via Thimmapuram and is the shortest, around 17 km from bus stand. Another route, via giddalur road you need to take left diversion at Boyalakuntla cross and it will be around 24 km distance from nandyal.

Temple pools

The temple is famous for its fresh water pools, called Kalyani or Pushkarni. The architecture of the pools and temple shows the skill of the Vishwakarma Brahmins.
The main temple is surrounded by three pools: two small pools at the entrance and one big pool inside the temple itself. This holy tank is 60 square feet (5.6 m²) with an outdoor pavilion called a mandapa in the centre. The inlets and outlets of the tank are arranged so that the depth of the water is constantly kept at five feet, thus enabling pilgrims to bathe in the holy waters. Bathing in the inside big pool is prohibited after 5 PM every day.
A peculiarity of the water source is that it has a constant flow irrespective of the change of seasons. The water source originates at the Garbhagruha (inner shrine) just below Swayambhu Linga. One can touch the water near the Shiva Linga (symbol of Shiva). The devotees can offer prayers and touch the Shiva Linga. This is unusual, because traditionally at temples, the main deity is kept away from the touch of the devotees.
The water is famous for its crystalline and healing qualities and is ever tepid. The outgoing water irrigates 2,000 acres (8.1 km²) of fertile land surrounding the village. The surrounding areas are under production with rice fields, fruit, vegetable and flower gardens.The temple is well known for the konneru. The water during the winter season will be very hot and vice versa during the summer. During the early mornings, you can feel the water luke warm and water gets cooled gradually with the rise in temperature

Mahanandi
మహానంది



 Worlds biggest Nandi statue at Mahanandi

BELUM CAVES

Belum Caves is the largest tourist cave in Indian subcontinent and the longest caves in plains of Indian Subcontinent, known for itsstalactite and stalagmite formations. Belum Caves have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons. It is a natural underground cave formed by the constant flow of underground water. The caves reach its deepest point (150 feet from entrance level) at the point known as Pataalaganga.^[1] In Telugu language, it is called బెల్లము గుహలు Belum Guhalu. Belum Caves has a length of 3229 metres, making it the second largest natural caves in Indian Subcontinent after Krem Liat Prah caves in Meghalaya.

It was brought to scientific attention in 1884 by a British surveyor Robert Bruce Foote, later in 1982-84, a team of German speleologists headed by H Daniel Gebauer conducted a detailed exploration of the caves. Thereafter in 1988, the state government declared them protected, and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) developed the caves as a tourist attraction in February 2002. Today, 3.5 km of the cave has been successfully explored, though only 1.5 km is open to tourists.^[1] There are 16 different pathways, including the main entrance and there are deposits of Quartz in the caves. The caves are formed in Black Limestone.

Belum Caves are located at Belum Village in Kolimigundla Mandal of Kurnool District in State of Andhra Pradesh. Kolimigundla is situated 3 km from Belum Caves.^[2]

It is part of a larger complex of caves carved out of the limestone deposits in the Erramalai region. Other caves include Billasurgam caves, Sanyasula caves, Yaganti caves,Yerrajari caves, and Muchchatla Chintamanu caves (caves are called gavi in the local language).

• pillidwaram — pillidwaram means cats gate. It is a natural arch of stalactites formed in the shape of a lion’s head;
• Kotilingalu Chamber - This section contains stalactite formations which are akin to shiva lingams. This section has thousands of such stalactite giving it a surrealistic look. It has one huge pillar formed due to stalactite and stalagmite joining together.
• Patalaganga - It is a small perennial stream which disappears into the depths of the earth. This stream flows from the southeast to northwest. It disappears and is believed to be heading towards a well at the Belum village, located 2 km away from the caves.
• Saptasvarala Guha or Musical Chamber - Saptasvarala Guha means chamber of seven notes. The stalactite formations in this chamber reproduce musical sounds when these are struck with a wooden stick or knuckles. This section was opened to the public in 2006.^[6]

Banyan Tree formation inside Belum Caves

• Dhyan Mandir or Meditation Hall - This section is near to the entrance. An interesting formation at Meditation hall looks like a bed with pillow to recline. The local legend has it that in ancient times many sages used to live here. This section was used by Buddhist Monks. Many relics of Buddhist period were found here which are now housed in museum at Ananthapur.
• Thousand Hoods - This section has amazing stalactite formations shaped like hood of Cobra. The stalactite formations on the ceiling looks as if thousands of cobras have opened their hoods.
• Banyan Tree Hall - This section has a huge pillar with stalactites hanging from the ceiling. This gives a look of Banyan Tree with its aerial roots when seen from below. The locals call it "Voodalamari" since it looks like a Banyan Tree with its aerial roots hanging from the branches.
• Mandapam - This is a huge area inside the cave with magnificent stalactite structures on the sides giving it a look of a hall with pillars.

• Distance from major cities/towns[edit]

  • 301 km from Bangalore
  • 365 km from Hyderabad
  • 420 km from Chennai
  • 106 km from Kurnool
  • 85 km from Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh
  • 165 km from Puttaparthi
  • 68 km from Proddatur
  • 30 km from Tadipatri
  • 60 km from Nandyal
  • 25 km from Banganapalle
  • 34 km from koilkuntla
  • 44 km from Jammalamadugu
  • 135 km from Adoni
  • 92 km from Guntakal
  • 737 km from Visakhapatnam
  • 76 km from Chilamkur
  It is very near to Owk, and adjacent to Belum Village,

MY CITY KURNOOL

Kurnool History

Kurnool District (Telugu: కర్నూలు జిల్లా, Urdu: کُرنول ضلع) is a district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, located in the west-central part of the state on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra and Handri rivers. The town of Kurnool is currently the headquarters of the district. It had a population of 3,529,494 of which 23.16% were urban as of 2001.In 12th century AD, the Odder, who carted stones for the construction of the temple at Alampur, Mahaboobnagar District, on the left bank of the River Tungabhadra, used the site where the town now stands as a stopping place before crossing the Tungabhadra. They greased their cart wheels with oil supplied by local oil merchants and called the place ‘Kandanavolu’ which in course of time came to be known as Kurnool.Of historical interest are the ruins of a royal fort dating back to the medieval kingdom of Vijayanagar, which flourished from the 14th to the 16th century. Several Persian and Arabic inscriptions which throw light on various aspects of historical interests are found here.In Kurnool there are 52 dargahs (shrines) located around the Tungabhadra and Hundri rivers. A very famous and lengthy K.C. Canal starts in Kurnool and ends in Cuddapah. It is around 300 kilometers long. In Kurnool city there are a number of ancient temples, churches and mosques. Kurnool city, known as the gateway to the Rayalaseema, on N.H.7 (Kanyakumari to Varanasi) on the banks of the Rivers Thungabhadra and the Hundri was the capital of the first linguistic state in free India, Andhra State from 1 Oct. 1953 to 31 Oct. 1956. As such it has some historical buildings.Kurnool has freedom fighters like Vuyyalawada Narsimha Reddy, Gadicharla Harisarvothama Rao. Zilla Grandhalaya Samstha (ZGS) and the District Central Libray (DCL), Kurnool, building near the old Bus stand is named ‘GADICHARLA HARISARVOTHAMA RAO SMARAKA BHAVANAMU”. It is the second district, apart from Nellore (Bejawada Gopal Reddy ‘Andhra state’ & Nedurumalli Janardhan Reddy), which has contributed two Chief Ministers to Andhra Pradesh: Damodaram Sanjeevaiah (1st dalit Chief Minister of India and A.P), Kotla Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy 10th Indian Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha rao was elected as member of parliament from Nandyal constituency with over 6 lakh (600,000) majority, a world record. How to Reach By Rail: Kurnool lies on the Hyderabad–Bangalore railway line. There are also frequent passenger trains to Hyderabad, Delhi and Chennai. By Road: Kurnool is connected to most cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh and to Bangalore and Chennai by the state road transport corporation (APSRTC). National Highway 7 connects it to Hyderabad (210 km, 3.5 hours) and Bangalore (360 km, 6 hours). By Air: Hyderabad Begumpet Airport. Sightseeing on Tour to Kurnool Site Seeings Srisailam – Shiva temple and Hydel power plant (175 km) Mantralayam- Raghavendra Swami Temple (92 km) Alampur – Shiva Temple (25 km approx) Mahanandi- Shiva Temple with natural spring (80 km) Ahobilam – Ahobila Nrisimha Swamy’s Temple (90 km approx) Belum caves near Banaganapalle (125 km) Rollapadu – sanctuary for the Great Indian Bustard – the largest flying bird (60 km) Konda Reddy Fort- Central attraction of Kurnool in Kurnool Town (Centre of the city) Yaganti, Near Banaganapalli- Shiva temple (85 km) Kalva-bugga – Natural spring; also don’t miss the natural rock formations on the way (27 km) Nallamala forest – (Srisailam, Mahanandi and Ahobilam are all located within the forest region) Jagannatha Hill – Outskirts of Kurnool(5km) Madhilatiswami temple near bethamcherla 60kms from kurnool. KambagiriSwamy Temple near Dhone.80 Kms from Kurnool

Brief Details

Belum Caves:-  Originally discovered in 1854 by H.B.Foote, these subterranean passages were explored by the Department of archeology and Museums, followed by team of European speleologist led by Mr. Gebaner, Belum Caves are the second largest natural caves in Indian Sub. Continent after Meghalaya Caves. These underground caves are located on a flat agricultural field, have 3 well like cavities with the central one being the main entrance to the caves. After a descent of 20 meters at the entrance, the cave is horizontal & has a length of 3229 meters. Longer than Borra Caves in Vishakhapatnam district Belum Caves have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons. All this makes Belum Caves a geological & archeological attraction worldwide. Kurnool Fort Located in the heart of Kurnool & believed to be built by the Raja’s of Vijayanagara. Konda Reddy Buruju was a part of Kurnool fort & was used as a prison. One revolutionary Konda Reddy attained martyrdom in this prison. Since then the place is known as Konda Reddy Buruju. Other interesting places to see in & around Kurnool are the Gol Gumbaz, Church, Shirdi Sai Baba temple and Jagannatha Gutta. Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple that dates back to the early 16th century is unique in that it is the only temple where all the nine forms of Lord Narasimha are worshiped. Other sites worth seeing are Amrutavalli Thayer Temple; Sannidhi Pushkarini; Bhashyakara Sannidhi and the Upper Ahobilam Narasimha Shrine and waterfall. Best time to visit: July- February Mahanandi A noted pilgrimage centre, Mahanandi is surrounded by dense forests and is famous for the Mahanandiswara temple that dates back to the 7th century AD built by the Chalukyas of Badami in rekhanagara style. The remarkable feature here is the crystal clear water, which flows throughout the year from the perennial springs. Other places of interest are Pushkarini, a pond with water so clear and pure that even a pin at the bottom can be seen, Kodanda Ramalayam, and the Kameswari Devi temple. Mallikarjuna Temple The Brahmaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are natural stone formations in the shape of a Linga. Built in the 12th century during the rule of the Kalyana Chalukyas, the temple received patronage from the Kakatiyas. Ana Vema Reddy, a king of the Reddy dynasty built veerasiramandapa and steps to Patalaganga at Srisailam. Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagar Kingdom and Chatrapati Sivaji of the Maratha Kingdom visited the temple and built gopuras. The temple walls are carved with depictions of elephants, hunting scenes and Siva in different manifestations. Raghavendra Swamy Temple Situated on the banks of the river Tungabhadra, Mantralayam is famous for the ‘Samadhi’ of the well known saint, Sri Raghavendra Teertha, a Madhava saint. The temple built over 300 years ago, still attracts a large number of followers and devotees. Otherplaces to see include Raghavendra Swamy Brindavan, the tomb that he entered alive; Anjaneya Swamy Temple; Panchamukhi Anjaneya Swamy and Venkateswara Swamy Temple. Manager: Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Mantralayam Roollapadu Bird Sanctuary Rollapadu Bird sanctuary is located 60 Km away from Kurnool near Nandikotkuru. It spreads over an area of 614 sq.Km. This sanctuary is home for the endangered Great Indian Bustard. The land is covered all over with open grass and dry thorny bushes. Various kinds of animals, birds, and reptiles found here are Black Buck, Bonnet Macaque, Indian Bustard, Indian Roller, Sparrows, Mynas, Russell’s viper, Indian Cobra, Jackal, Wolf and Indian Fox. Best Time to Visit: October to February. Srisailam-Nagarjuna Sagar Tiger Reserve Located at a distance of 20 km. from Hyderabad, this lake is also called as Osman Sagar. It was constructed by Mir Osman Ali Khan, the VIIth Nizam of Hyderabad after the disastrous floods of 1908 by constructing a dam across river Musi. The lake was planned by Mokshagundam Visweswarayya for supplying water to the city of Hyderabad. The lake is spread over an area of 46 square kilometers. It has well laid out lush green gardens and a swimming pool. It is a very popular picnic spot for the city crowd. Srisailam Dam One of the 12 Largest Hydroelectric Projects in the Country. Coverage Area: 80,000 Hectares. The Srisailam dam is constructed across river Krishna. This dam is situated in a deep gorge in the Nallamalai hill range. The dam is surrounded by natural beauty. It is 300m above the sea level and is 512m long and is one of the twelve largest hydroelectric projects in the country. It has 12 radial crest gates. The construction of this dam has paved the way for providing irrigation water to about 80,000 hectares in Kurnool and Cuddapah districts in the chronically drought-prone Rayalaseema region from Srisailam project. One requires special permission to go on to the main dam. Nearby Attractions: Bhramaramba Mallikarjunaswamy Temples, Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary. Umamaheswara Swamy Temple Yaganti Umamaheswara Swamy temple was constructed and completed by the first Vijayanagara Sangama Kings Harihara Bukka rayalu in the 15th century. It was built according to Vaishnavaite tradition. While Chitteppa, a devotee of Lord Shiva was worshipping, Lord Shiva appeared to him as tiger. Chitteppa understood Lord Shiva’s darshan in Tiger form and shouted “Yaganti Shivanu ne khanti” and danced with the Tiger. Still there is Chitteppa cave. Gradually it became Yaganti and temple was constructed first by him and later by Vijayanagara rulers. Places to see inside Umamaheswara Swamy and Parvati Devi. Nandi (Basavanna): According to Potuluri Veera Brahmam, the Basavanna of Yaganti will come out and shout when kaliyuga ends. People believe that stone Nandiswara (Basavanna) is increasing in its size. Agasthya Pushkarini:Saint Agasthya came to this place and took bath in this Pushkarini and worshipped Lord Shiva. The water in this Pushkarini is fresh and sweet, as it comes from the hills. Yaganti Caves The natural caves at Yaganti such as Rokalla cave, Venkateswara cave, Sanka cave, and Veera Brahmam caves add beauty and serenity to this holy place. Potuluri Veera Brahmam has written his monumental work, kalagnanam in this cave only.