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Religious Tourism

Srisailam

• Srisailam is situated at an altitude of over 1500 ft. above sea level, about 158 Kms from Nandyal, 180 Kms from Kurnool, and 210 Kms from Hyderabad, nestled in the scenic natural surroundings of the northernmost part of the Nallamalas hill range. 
• The temple at Srisailam holds deep historical and religious significance in South India. It is home to the revered deity Brahmaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy in the form of a natural stone Lingam, recognized as one of the twelve Jyotirlingams in the country. 
• Constructed in the 14th century, the temple's walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting various scenes, including elephant hunts and different manifestations of Lord Shiva. 
• Besides the main temple, other attractions like Sikhareswaram, Hatakeswaram, PalaDhara - PanchaDhara, Sakshi Ganapathi, Sivaji Spurthikendra, Pathala Ganga, Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum, and Rajeev Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary are all worth exploring.

Mahanandi

• The Mahanandiswara temple, located in Mahanandi mandal, is a renowned pilgrimage site dating back to the 7th century A.D. Positioned 14 Kms from Nandyal and 80 Kms from Kurnool, Mahanandi is a picturesque destination nestled in the eastern part of the Nallamalas hill range, surrounded by lush forests. 
• A notable feature of this site is the crystal-clear water that flows perennially from natural springs. The Mahanandiswara festival, celebrated between February and March, attracts pilgrims and tourists from across India, especially the southern regions. 
• In addition to the temple, visitors can explore attractions like Pushkarani, a pond known for its pristine water, and the KodandaRamalayam and Kameswari Devi temples.

Ahobilam

• A significant religious site of ancient origin located 68 km from Nandyal, 28 km from Allagadda, and 160 km from Kurnool.
• Upper Ahobilam worships Navanarasimha, representing the nine forms of Lord Narasimha, while lower Ahobilam houses the temple of Prahladavarada.
• The Brahmotsavam festival, held in February-March, is a major attraction for devotees.
• Noteworthy sites include the Amruthavalli tavar temple, Sannidhi Pushkarini, and Bhashyakara Sannindi.

Yaganti

• Located 11 km from Banganapally and 58 km from Nandyal, Yaganti is known for its natural beauty, caves, and waterfalls.
• The main deity is Uma Maheswara Swamy, also called Yaganti Swamy, in statue form with a beautifully sculpted tower.
• The temple features a large Nandi statue measuring 15x10x8 feet.
• Mahasivaratri Festival is celebrated here, drawing a large gathering of Hindus.

Sri Chowdeshwari Devi Temple

• The renowned temple of Chowdeswari Devi in Nandavaram near Nandyal is a significant treasure of Andhra Pradesh.
• The original deity in the temple was so awe-inspiring that the sanctum doors were permanently closed, and a similar deity was created for worship.
• Devotees can offer worship with vermilion (Kumkum Archana) in front of the deity and the Srichakra.
• Annual Brahmostav celebrations span 15 days from Devi Navaratrulu to Pournami, featuring devotional night celebrations.

Saraswati Devi Temple (Kolanubharati)

• Kollam Bharathi Temple, also known as Kollanubharathi, is famous for the Saraswathi Devi Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of learning in the region.
• The temple is considered to be the third of its kind in India, with other shrines dedicated to Saraswathi Devi in Jammu and Kashmir and Basara in Adilabad District of Andhra Pradesh.
• Historically, the area where the temple is located was once dominated by the Chalukyas of Kalyana during the 11th-12th centuries AD.
• Several inscriptions in nearby places like Kothapalli and Sivapuram indicate the influence of the Chalukyan kings in the region.
• The Saraswathi Temple at Kolanu Bharathi has undergone alterations over time and currently faces north. It comprises a Garbargriha and a pillared Mukhamantapa.
• The idol of Saraswathi Devi in the temple is depicted seated in a padmasana posture with four arms, holding attributes like the Pasam, Parasu, Pusthaka, and Abayahastha.
• Opposite the Saraswathi Devi Temple, there is a group of seven well-preserved shrines, showcasing the Sapthakuta concept of Chalukyan architecture.
• Among the seven shrines, one faces east, while three are arranged in a row facing south and north on a common platform.
• In the vicinity, apart from a small perennial water spring from the Nallamala hill ranges, there are limited water sources available for pilgrims.

Sangameswaram Temple

• Located at a point where seven rivers meet, known as Saptanadi Sangameswaram.
• Legend has it that the Pandavas' Darmaraja established a Shiva lingam at the confluence of these rivers.
• Usually submerged in the backwaters of Srisailam, the temple emerges during the summer season.
• Situated 81 km from Kurnool, this temple is a significant pilgrimage site.

Sri Lakshmi Maddileti Narasimha Swamy Temple, R.S.Rangapuram Village

• Located in a rocky area approximately 8 km from R.S.Rangapuram Village.
• Managed by the Endowment Department and hosts the grand 9-day Mukkoti Ekadasi Bramhostavam festival.
• Attracts numerous devotees who engage in various religious activities like abishekhams, pujas, and vrathams.
• Some devotees even conduct ceremonies like marriages and tonsuring at this picturesque location.
• Noteworthy waterfalls named "Kothula Gundam" and "Thirugudu Gundam" add to the natural beauty of the site.
• Every Saturday, a large number of people visit the temple for spiritual reasons.
• Situated on the banks of Madduleru Vagu, the temple is known as Maddileti Swamy Temple.
• Devotees celebrate the Mukkoti Ekadasi Bramhostavam annually in the months of May, June, and July.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Kolimigundla Village

• The Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Kolimigundla Village was built during the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya, featuring an idol of the king himself along with idols of his two wives, Chinnadevi and Thirumaladevi.
• The shrine of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha showcases exceptional architectural work in the Vijayanagara style of art, positioned atop a 750-feet hillock. The temple walls are adorned with intricate sculptural representations.

Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple, Owk Village

• Located in Owk Village in Nandyal District, the Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple is renowned for Sri Bhulakshmi and Sri Chennakeshava Swamy, known for granting people's wishes.
• Constructed with the support of Sri Krishnadevaraya, historical records attribute the building of this temple to Jagirdar Nandyala Krishnama Raju in the 16th century.
• An interesting legend surrounds the temple's construction, where Sri Chennakeshava Swamy instructed the placement of a black statue from Talamanchi Patnam Village in the newly built temple.
• To enhance public amenities, Krishnama Raju built a fort around the temple, along with several wells and canals. The annual Chitramasam festival at Chennakeshava Swamy Tirunala attracts a diverse crowd, fostering peace and devotion among attendees.

Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple (Sun Temple), Nandikotkur

• Nandikotkur, a small town positioned between the Kurnool-Guntur state highway, lies approximately 58 kilometers away from Nandyal.
• The construction of a sun temple in Nandikotkur dates back to 1080 A.D., credited to the Chanikyas.
• Under the rule of the Chanikya dynasty, notable architectural structures like the Thousands Pillars Temple in Warangal and the Ramappa Temple were erected.
• During the Kakatiya dynasty, under the reign of Prataparudra, Nandikotkur was a significant location within the Navanandi circle.
• Within the village, remnants of the Navanandi steps can still be found.
• It is believed that Sirisinga Deva, a governor serving under Prataparudra, was responsible for the construction of the Surya Narayana Swamy Temple.

Sri Omkareswara Swamy Temple, Bandiatmakur (V)

• Sri Siddeswara Swamy Temple, a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in Omkaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
• The Sri Omkareshwaram Temple, found 14 kilometers from Nandyal, is nestled amidst the dense Nallamalai Forests.
• Noteworthy attractions in the vicinity include the Nava Nandi Temples such as Surya Nandi, Krishna Nandi, and Garuda Nandi.
• The temple surroundings are enhanced by the continuous flow of pristine water from perennial springs, which also fills the temple tank.
• Devotees who visit from distant places often partake in a sacred bath before leaving the premises.

Tourist Places

Mahanandi

• Located in Mahanandi mandal, this temple is a renowned pilgrim center dating back to the 7th century A.D.
• Situated 14 kilometers away from Nandyal district, Mahanandi offers a picturesque setting to visitors.
• Surrounded by lush forests to the east of the Nallamalas hill range, the temple boasts of natural beauty.

Noteworthy Features

• Crystal Clear Water: The temple is known for its perennial springs that provide clear water year-round.
• Annual Festival: The Mahanandiswara festival is celebrated during February-March, attracting pilgrims and tourists from across India, especially South Indians.

Other Attractions

• Pushkarani Pond: A pond with exceptionally clear and pure water, allowing visibility down to the smallest of objects.
• KodandaRamalayam: A temple dedicated to Lord Rama, offering spiritual solace to visitors.
• Kameswari Devi Temple: A revered site for devotees seeking blessings from the goddess.