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| Mahanandi | |
| Coordinates: (find coordinates) | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District(s) | kurnool |
| Nearest city | nandyal |
| Parliamentary constituency | nandyal |
| Assembly constituency | srisailam |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
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This article may require copy-editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone or spelling. You can assist by editing it now. (September 2007) |
Mahanandi is located to the east of Nallamala hill ranges in Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a picturesque village surrounded by thick forests. About 15 km radius from Mahanandi, you can see nine Nandis known as "Navanandis" and Mahanandi is one of the Nava Nandis. The Mahanandiswara Swamy Temple, an important shrine, is located here. A famous festival is held here annually during February and March to celebrate Shivaratri.
Mahanandi is about 16 km from Nandyal. The nearest airport is at Hyderabad, which is about 219 km from Kurnool, and the nearest railway station is at Nandyal.
The ancient temple dates back over 1,500 years. The inscriptions of 10th century tablets speak of the temple being repaired and rebuilt through successive ages by many kings.
Pools
The temple is famous for its fresh water pools. The architecture of the temple water pools and the temple is a testimony for Vishwakarma Brahmins in planning the architecture for the pools and sculpting this temple.
The main temple is surrounded by three pools: two small pools at the entrance and one big pool inside the temple premise. This Holy tank is 60 square feet (5.6 m2) with a Mantapa 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 all pilgrims to bathe.
The source the water to this tank has not been traced until now. The water is seen flowing into the tank through some inlets that have been built. But their exact location is still a mystery. The water is famous for its crystalline and healing qualities and is ever tepid. The outlet of the water feeds 2,000 acres (8.1 km2) of fertile land surrounding the Mahanandi village. The surrounding areas are green and lively with rice fields, fruit, vegetable and flower gardens.
A peculiarity of the water source is that it has a constant flow irrespective of change of seasons. The water source originates at the Garbhagruha just below Swayam Bhu Linga. One can touch the water near the Shiva Linga. And the devotees can offer prayers and touch the Shiva Linga. (Traditionally at temples, the main deity is kept out of touch of the devotees.)
Related links
First two photos are not reflecting the real beauty of temple, rather giving old impression. better if some other nice photoes can be added.
Mahanandi has inspired a food blog called Mahanandi (http://www.nandyala.org/mahanandi/).
Photos
 Mahanandi Temple with main Pushkarini Tank |
 Mahanandi Temple with small Pushkarini Tank |
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