Mahanandi is a quaint and serene village nestled in the Nallamala Hills of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is home to one of the most ancient and magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahanandiswara Swami temple. This temple is also one of the Nava Nandis, a group of nine temples that worship Nandi, the bull mount of Lord Shiva. If you are looking for a peaceful and spiritual getaway, Mahanandi is the perfect destination for you. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Mahanandi, how to reach it, what to do there, and where to stay.
The Mahanandiswara Swami temple is the main attraction of Mahanandi. It is believed to have been built in the 7th century AD by the Chalukyas, the Nandas, and the Vijayanagara kings. The temple has a unique and exquisite architecture, with intricate carvings, sculptures, and pillars. The temple is surrounded by a massive stone wall, which encloses a spacious courtyard.
The temple is also one of the Nava Nandis, which are nine temples dedicated to Nandi, the bull mount of Lord Shiva. The legend goes that Nandi performed penance at Mahanandi and pleased Lord Shiva, who granted him the boon of becoming his vehicle. The other eight Nandi temples are located within a radius of 15 km from Mahanandi, and are known as Prathama Nandi, Naga Nandi, Soma Nandi, Surya Nandi, Shiva Nandi, Vishnu Nandi, Garuda Nandi, and Vinayaka Nandi. It is considered auspicious to visit all the nine Nandi temples in a single day.
The most remarkable feature of the temple is the Pushkarini tank, which is filled with crystal clear water that flows from an underground spring. The water is so pure and clean that you can see the fish and the coins at the bottom of the tank. The water is also believed to have healing and curative properties, and many devotees take a dip in the tank before entering the temple. The tank is connected to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, where the main deity of Lord Shiva is installed.
Another attraction of the temple is the Nandi statue, which is made of basalt and is one of the largest in India. The statue is about 15 feet long and 10 feet high, and is adorned with garlands and bells. The statue is also said to be growing in size over the years, and some cracks can be seen on its back. The statue is revered by the devotees, who offer prayers and milk to it.
The temple is open from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm, and the darshan timings are from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The temple is also the venue for many festivals and celebrations, such as Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Pournami, Ugadi, and Mahanandi Utsavam. The temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and thousands of pilgrims flock to the temple to witness the rituals and ceremonies.
How to Reach Mahanandi: Modes of Transportation and Local Transport
Mahanandi is well-connected by air, rail, and road, and you can choose the mode of transportation that suits your convenience and budget. The nearest airport to Mahanandi is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, which is about 215 km away. From there, you can take a flight to Kurnool, which is the nearest city to Mahanandi, and then take a taxi or a bus to Mahanandi. The flight from Hyderabad to Kurnool takes about 45 minutes, and the taxi or bus from Kurnool to Mahanandi takes about 2 hours.
The nearest railway station to Mahanandi is the Nandyal railway station, which is about 19 km away. Nandyal is well-connected by trains to major cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From Nandyal, you can take a taxi or a bus to Mahanandi, which takes about 30 minutes.
The nearest bus station to Mahanandi is the Mahanandi bus station, which is about 1 km away from the temple. Mahanandi is well-connected by buses to nearby towns and cities like Kurnool, Nandyal, Srisailam, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The buses are frequent and comfortable, and the fares are reasonable.
The local transport options in Mahanandi are taxis, autos, and buses, which are easily available and affordable. You can also hire a bicycle or a motorcycle to explore the village and the surrounding areas.
The best time to visit Mahanandi is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The summer months from April to June are hot and dry, and the temperature can reach up to 40°C. The monsoon months from July to September are humid and rainy, and the roads can be slippery and muddy.
What to Do in Mahanandi: Activities and Attractions
Mahanandi is a place where you can relax and rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul. Here are some of the activities and attractions that you can enjoy in Mahanandi:
- Take a dip in the Pushkarini tank and experience the freshness and purity of the water. You can also feed the fish and the turtles that live in the tank, and make a wish by throwing a coin into the water.
- Perform rituals and prayers at the Mahanandiswara Swami temple and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Nandi. You can also participate in the aarti and the abhishekam, and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity.
- Witness the festivals and celebrations at the temple and join the festivities and the joy. You can also watch the cultural programs and the processions that are organized during the festivals, and enjoy the music and the dance.
- Enjoy the scenic views and the nature of Mahanandi and the Nallamala Hills. You can also go for a trek or a hike in the hills and explore the flora and fauna of the region. You can also spot some wildlife like deer, monkeys, peacocks, and bears in the forest.
- Try the local cuisine and the culture of Mahanandi and its people. You can taste some of the delicious dishes like pulihora, pongal, dosa, idli, vada, sambar, chutney, and curd rice. You can also savor some of the sweets like laddu, halwa, jaggery, and payasam. You can also interact with the locals and learn about their traditions, customs, and beliefs.
- Stay in one of the hotels or resorts near Mahanandi and enjoy the hospitality and the comfort. You can choose from a range of options, from budget to luxury, depending on your preference and budget. You can also book your stay with Tripoto and get the best deals and discounts.
Conclusion
Mahanandi is a hidden gem in the Nallamala Hills that offers a serene and spiritual experience to the visitors. It is a place where you can connect with nature and the divine, and feel the peace and tranquility. If you are planning to visit Mahanandi, you can book your trip with Tripoto and get the best itinerary, guides, and tips. You can also share your travel stories and photos with Tripoto and inspire other travelers. Mahanandi is a place that you will never forget and will always want to come back.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Mahanandi, the land of Nandi.
