Dedicated to Shiva, the Yaganti Temple, also known as Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple, is situated in the Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Delving into its history and narrative, the temple was erected by King Harihara Bukka Raya of the Sangama Dynasty during the 15th century, adhering to Vaishnavite traditions.
Yaganti Temple Story
Legend has it that the sage Agastya initially intended to
construct a temple for Lord Venkateswara at this site. However, the crafted
statue faced an impediment during installation, as the toe nail of the idol
broke. Disheartened, the sage undertook penance for Shiva. Upon Shiva's
manifestation, he suggested that the locale was more fitting for Shiva,
resembling Kailash. Agastya then beseeched Shiva to grant devotees a single-murti
(bimbam or vigraha or idol) representation of Bhagavan Uma Maheswara with
Parvathi Goddess, a request to which Shiva acquiesced.
Another tale recounts the devotion of Chitteppa, a Shiva
devotee, who, while worshipping, witnessed Shiva appearing in the form of a
tiger. Recognizing the divine presence, Chitteppa exclaimed, "Neganti
Shivanu ne kanti" (meaning: I saw Shiva, I saw) and jubilantly danced.
Notably, there is a cave named Chitteppa near the Yaganti Temple.
The Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple holds significance as
one of the temples supported by a prominent Indian dynasty. Annually, Maha
Shivaratri is celebrated, drawing a multitude of devotees from across Andhra
Pradesh. The temple's primary deities include Shiva, Parvati, and Nandi.
Additionally, the revered saint Veera Brahmendra Swamy temporarily resided
here and composed the Kalagnanam.