In the heart of Southern Andhra Pradesh, nestled amid the rugged beauty of a low, rocky hill known as Kurmasailam—or “tortoise hill” in Telugu—stands the ancient and enigmatic Lepakshi Temple. This sacred edifice is more than just a monument of stone and mortar; it is a living tapestry interwoven with threads of story, myth, history, and transcendent art. Its very existence invites us to journey back in time, where every carved pillar, every vibrant fresco, and every whispered legend tells the tale of a bygone era rich in devotion, sacrifice, and creativity. A Legacy Carved in Stone The story of Lepakshi Temple begins in 1583, when the visionary brothers Virupanna and Veeranna, then in the service of the illustrious Vijayanagara kings, set out to create a structure that would stand as a testament to both their faith and their craftsmanship. Their ambition was monumental—a temple that could encapsulate the divine and the mortal, the celestial and the earthly, in a harmonious blend of ...

  Hanging Column and Architectural Marvels of Lepakshi Temple: A Testament to Timeless Ingenuity Nestled in the tranquil environs of Lepakshi village, about 15 km from Hindupur in southern Andhra Pradesh, the Lepakshi Temple stands as a resplendent beacon of 16th-century Vijayanagar architecture. Revered for its intricate sculptures, innovative engineering, and vibrant mural paintings, the temple continues to captivate historians, architects, and travelers alike. Among its many wonders, the famed Hanging Column, or Pillar, draws special attention—a marvel that defies conventional support principles and symbolizes the architectural genius of ancient India. This article delves deep into the various aspects of Lepakshi Temple, exploring its signature features, the legends that shroud them, and the broader cultural and historical context that makes this temple an enduring monument of heritage. The Enigmatic Hanging Column Perhaps the most celebrated of all the temple’s features is t...

The Divine Saga of Annavaram Satyanarayana Swamy Temple Nestled on the serene and sacred Ratnagiri Hill in Annavaram, a small yet spiritually significant town in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, the Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple stands as a beacon of divine grace and devotion. Dedicated to Bhagavan Satyanarayana Swamy, an incarnation of Bhagavan Vishnu, this temple is more than just a religious structure; it is a gateway to divine blessings, boundless faith, and celestial miracles. The temple’s spiritual magnetism and its surrounding scenic beauty have drawn pilgrims and devotees for centuries. To fully appreciate the significance of this sacred site, one must delve into the Sthala Purana (legend of the place) and explore the underlying stories of devotion, divine love, and miracles that mark its history. The Birth of Ratnagiri Hill and the Blessings of Vishnu According to Hindu mythology, the Meru Mountain, regarded as the king of mountains and often described ...

The Jaganmohini Keshava Temple, located in Ryali village of Andhra Pradesh, is a rare and unique temple dedicated to the Mohini Avatar of Bhagavan Vishnu. One of the temple's miraculous features is a continuous stream of water that flows from the feet of the idol (murti) inside the temple. This village, nestled in the East Godavari District, lies between the Gautami and Vasishta Rivers, which are tributaries of the Godavari River. Origin Of Ryali Village Name The name 'Ryali' translates to 'falling' in Telugu. The legend behind this name is tied to an event where a flower from Mohini Devi's hair fell to the ground while Lord Shiva was in pursuit of her. Upon picking up the flower and smelling it, Lord Shiva became enchanted by Mohini's beauty. Story Of Origin Jaganmohini Keshava Temple Before the establishment of the current village, the area was a dense forest. In the 11th century, Chola King Vikrama Deva frequently visited this forest for hunting. ...

Nannaya (1023 -1063 CE) stands as a pivotal figure in the literary history of Telugu. Born during the 11th century CE, he served as the court poet and priest to King Rajaraja Narendra of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty. His patronage and position afforded him the opportunity to undertake a monumental task: translating a portion of the Mahabharata into Telugu. Commissioned by King Rajaraja Narendra himself, Nannaya embarked on the translation of the epic, beginning with the Adi Parva, Sabha Parva, and a portion of the Aranya Parva. However, the project remained unfinished during his lifetime, yet it laid a significant foundation for future literary endeavors in Telugu. The translation was later continued by Tikkana in the 13th century CE and Errapragada (Errana) in the 14th century CE. Telugu Translation of Mahabharata is known as Kavitraya Bharatamu. While Nannaya's work was intended as a translation, he skillfully interwove his own narrative touches and stylistic nuances, effect...

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 wors...

Shiva is typically venerated in the form of a Shivling, with human depictions being rare. However, an exceptional temple in Andhra Pradesh, known as the Pallikondeswarar Temple in Surutapalli, deviates from this norm. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped in a reclining position, sleeping on the lap of Goddess Parvati. This unique temple was constructed by King Harihara Bukka Raya of the Vijayanagara dynasty (1344-47). Reason For Shiva In Sleeping Position The reason behind Shiva's reclining posture in this temple is tied to a significant mythological event. During the churning of the ocean of milk, known as Samudra Manthan, various treasures, along with the elixir of the gods, Amrita, and the deadly poison Halahala, emerged from the ocean. To protect the world from the poison, Shiva bravely consumed it. As the poison traveled down Shiva's throat, Goddess Parvati intervened by tightly holding his throat, causing Shiva's neck to turn blue. After this incident, Shiva and...

Kukkuteswara Temple, situated in the town of Pithapuram in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, India, is a renowned Hindu temple that holds significance in both Saivite and Shakta Hindu traditions. It is counted among the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas, making it one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in Shaktism. The primary deity of this temple is Lord Kukkuteswara, an incarnation of Lord Shiva in the form of a rooster, and his consort, Rajarajeswari Devi. The temple's origin story is as follows: According to ancient scriptures, a demon named Gayasura performed rigorous penance for many years to gain a boon from Bhagavan Vishnu, seeking the power of Indra. In response, Indra also undertook a profound penance, seeking a boon from the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) to protect the people from the demon. The Trimurtis approached the demon in the guise of Brahmins and requested a location to conduct a Yagna (sacred ritual). They proposed to perform the Yagna ...

Pallikondeswara Temple, also known as Pradosha Kshetram, is devoted to Bhagavan Shiva. It is situated in the village of Surutupalle, located in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Shiva is worshipped here in a rare posture for him sleeping on the lap of Goddess Parvati. Pallikondeswara Temple History The temple's construction is attributed to the Vijayanagara king Harihara Bukka Raya during the years 1344-47. An inscription within the temple reveals that it underwent a renovation in 1833, generously funded by a princess from Kalahasti. In 1976, Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati of Kanchi Mutt visited the temple and guided the excavation of a particular spot, unearthing a stone bearing the footprints believed to belong to Rama's twins, Lava and Kusha. Notably, on June 23, 2002, the Kumbabhishekam, a sacred consecration ceremony, was performed by Sri Jayendra Saraswati and Sri Vijayendra Saraswati. Presently, the temple is under the administration of the State In...

Pallikondeswara Temple, also known as Pradosha Kshetram, stands as a Hindu place of worship devoted to Lord Shiva. It is situated in the village of Surutapalli, located in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India. This unique temple features Bhagavan Pallikondeswarar (Shiva), reclining gracefully on the lap of his divine consort, Parvati, setting it apart from other Shiva temples. During the churning of the ocean of milk, known as the Samudra manthan, carried out by both gods and demons, various treasures emerged from the ocean, including the coveted Amrita (the elixir of the gods) and the deadly poison Halahala. To safeguard the inhabitants of the world from the perilous poison, Lord Shiva valiantly consumed it. As the poison began its descent into Shiva's throat, his consort Parvati intervened, preventing it from further progress by firmly grasping Shiva's throat, which led to Shiva's neck taking on a distinctive blue hue. Following this episode, Shiva, accompanie...

Kotappakonda Temple, situated on a sacred hill in the Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh, India, is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The temple is famous for its Thirunallu festival, which is the biggest of its kind in the world. Kotappakonda Tirunallu festival 2026 date is February 15. Kotappakonda Thirunalu is a state festival of Andhra Pradesh. Annually, a grand festival known as Thirunallu is celebrated at this temple, making it one of the largest Tirunallas in India. The festivities occur on Mahashivaratri day, drawing thousands of participants from across the Telugu states. During the festival's nighttime hours, cultural activities are also organized around the beautifully crafted prabhas, which are triangular arrangements constructed from long tree sticks. These prabhas are sourced from various villages near Kotappakonda and serve as the festival's main attraction. Vibrantly hued rectangular fabric structures, known as "Prabhalu," arrive from diverse villa...

Kotappakonda Temple, situated on a sacred hill in the Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh, India, is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The temple, known as Kotappakonda Sri Trikoteswara Swamy temple, is associated with a renowned legend. Kotappakonda Temple Story Long ago, a cattleman named Sundudu and his wife Kundiri lived in the southern region of the Trikuta hills. Their fortunes took a turn for the better after the birth of their first child, a beautiful daughter named Anandavalli, also known as Gollabhama. Anandavalli developed a deep devotion to Mahadeva Shiva and devoted most of her time to offering prayers at the Old Koteswara Temple, located on Rudra Hill. Over time, Anandavalli's attachment to materialistic life waned, and she embarked on a path of penance for Sri Koteswara Swamy. She visited Rudra Hill daily, even enduring the scorching summer sun to worship Bhagavan. Impressed by her unwavering devotion, Jangama Devara, a divine being, appeared before her. Touch...

Bhavanarayana temples or kshetras are sacred Vaishnav spots. Worship of Bhava Narayana, a form of Bhagavan Vishnu is popular in the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, and the temples dedicated to this form of Vishnu Bhagavan are found at Sarpavaram, Pattisam, Bhavadevarapalli (named after Him, and simplified as Bhava Devara), Sabbayagudem, Bapatla, Ponnuru, Inumella, Narasaraopet, Amritaluru, Pedda Ganjam and Chinna Ganjam. Different legends are associated with Bhagavan Bhavanarayana. According to one legend, God came over to Ponnuru to give evidence in favor of a learned person in connection with his marriage, and stayed there. That his legend was popular by the 12th century is confirmed by an inscription found at Ponnuru. Bhava Narayana Vilasamu, an 18th century literary work on Yakshagana in Telugu, describes this legend in detail, showing its continued popularity. According to another legend, Bhagavan Vishnu manifested himself in a ‘pala’ (mimusops hexandra) tree in Baptla,...

Mondays in the month of Kartik is observed as Karthika Somavara Vratam in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. The fasting is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kartika Masam 2025 in Kannada and Telugu calendars begins on October 22 and ends on November 20. Karthika Somavara Vratham 2025 dates are October 27, November 3, November 10, and November 17. In Hinduism, Mondays are generally dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. But the Mondays in the month of Shravan and Kartik are considered special by Lord Shiva devotees. Somvar (Monday) gets its name from one of thousand names of Lord Shiva – Someshwara. The crescent moon (Soma) on the matted locks of Shiva gives him the name Someshwara. It is believed that the moon observed Somavara Vratam to escape from the curse of Daksha and to get the blessings from Lord Shiva and a spot in His matted locks. It must be noted that Kartik month in North India is generally dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Kartik month in Maharash...

Nagula Chavithi is a Hindu observance dedicated to Nagas or Snakes in Telugu culture. Nagula Chavithi 2025 date is October 25. Nagula Chavithi is observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi) after Diwali in Kartik month (October – November). It is mainly observed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and adjoining areas and on this day Nagas (Cobras) are worshipped. In many regions, it is a three-day festival – Nagula Chavithi is followed by Naga Panchami and Naga Sashti on the following days. In 2025, the date of Nagula Chavithi is  October 25, Naga Panchami date is  October 26  and Naga Sashti date is  October 27. Note : Some communities observe it on Shravan Shukla Paksha Chaturthi, this is on July 29, 2025. Nagula Chavithi Sand Sculpture by Tarani Prasad Mishra at LNPeta The popular legend associated with Nagula Chavithi in Telugu Hindu culture suggests that on the day Lord Shiva drank the poison Halahala or Kalkuta to save the universe during the fa...

One of the Hindu temples exclusively dedicated to Dhanvantri, the Hindu god of health, cure, treatment and Ayurveda is located at Chintaluru Village in East Godavari District – Andhra Pradesh. Chintaluru Dhanvantri temple was built and consecrated in 1942 by well-known Ayurveda expert and author Vaidyaraaj Dwibhashyam Venkateswarlu. The temple is visited annually by thousands of devotees seeking good health and vigor. Dhanvantri is an avatar of Bhagavan Vishnu. He is also the 12th in Narayana's Ekavimshathi order followed in this region. The inner walls of the beautifully maintained temple are lined with murtis of Brahma, Daksha Prajapati, Ashwini Devas, Indra, Bharadwaja, Vagbhata, Athreya, Sushruta and Charaka – all of whom are associated with Ayurveda. Within the temple compound are small shrines to Subramanya, Venkateswara with Sridevi and Bhudevi, and Kashi Vishweshwara with Annapurna. The most important day in a week is Saturday. Ekadashi, which falls on the 11th day ...

Atla Taddi is observed by married and unmarried women in Andhra Pradesh in the month of Ashwin. Atla Taddi 2025 date is October 10. On Atla Taddi day, prayers are offered to Goddess Gauri (Parvati) for the welfare and long life of husbands by married women. Unmarried women pray for a good life partner. Atla Taddi fast is observed on the day from sunrise to sunset. Women and unmarried girls eat food before sunrise on the day. Gauri Puja is performed in the evening. The fast is broken in the evening by consuming specially prepared dosas with gooseberry chutney and other dishes. A major highlight of the festival is women playing on swings and engaging in other games. Applying Mehndi on hands is compulsory on the day. During the same period Karva Chouth is observed in North India . Related How to observe Atla Taddi?

Sripati Pandita was an exponent of Virasaivism in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Virasaivism was popularized in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana through two different sampradayas (schools). The first was the Basava or Jangama Sampradaya. The second one was the Pandita Sampradaya or Aradhya Sampradaya. Three important leaders popularized the Pandita Sampradaya or Aradhya Sampradaya. And they were collectively known as Pandia-traya (the three pundits). Sripati Pandita (1060-1135 CE) was the first among them, the other two being Sivalenkamancana Pandita (1085 – 1150 CE) and Mallikarjuna Pandita (1100 – 1180 CE). Sripati Pandita tried to counteract the influence of Mimamsakas and Advaitins by upholding bhakti. His line of though culminated in Srikanta, who, in Srikanta Bhashya (commentary), openly declared that his system was Saiva Visishtadvaita. Palkuriki Somanatha in his Panditaradhya Caritra and Mallikarjuna Pandita in his Sivatattvasara refer to a miracle performed by Sripati Pandita...

Sripada Krishnamurthy Sastry (1866 – 1962 CE) was an outstanding Telugu poet and playwright. He was born in a remote village in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Venkata Somidamma and Venkata Somayaji were his parents. He was a devotee of Goddess Bala Tripurasundari. He was a versatile genius, a poet, critic, translator, journalist, and avadhani (one who performs literary gymnastics where concentration is put to test), apart from being a great patriot. He was a famous scholar. He is the author of more than 100 works. Sriapada’s major poetical works are Sri Krishna Mahabharata, Sri Krishna Maha Bhagavata and Sri Krishna Ramayana. Sripada Krishnamurthy Sastry was one of the eminent avadhanis of his time. He performed a number of avadhanas at various places. He was an ashtavadhani and a satavadhani. He performed avadhanas in Telugu and Sanskrit. Sripada was also a journalist. He maintained the Kalavati press at Chennai and then shifted it to Rajahmundry. He published seve...

Nine Nandi Temples, also known as Nava Nandi or Nava Nandulu, are located in and around Mahanandi Village near Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh. The temples are dedicated to Nandi, the divine bull and vahana or vehicle of Mahadeva Shiva. The famous Shiva shrine named Mahanandiswara Swamy temple is located in the village. All the nine shrines are dedicated to Shiva with the presence of Nandi. It is believed that Shiva atop Nandi had given darshan to various gods and goddesses in the nine places. The Nine Nandi Temples are Mahanandi Shivanandi Vinayaka Nandi Somanandi Prathamanandi Garudanandi Suryanandi Krishnanandi Naganandi As per history, the local kings known as Nandas ruled here in 10th century CE and built a number of temples and worshiped their ancestral deity the Nandi, hence the name Mahanandi. All the nine temples are located within the radius of 10 Kilometers in and around Nandyal town. The entire area is also known as Nandi Mandala. Story Of Nine Nandi Temp...