Yaganti is one of the most famous Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh. The history of the temple dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries and was contributed by the rulers of Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas, and Vijayanagara.
Yaganti is located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a popular tourist destination and is famous for the Sri Yagantiswamy temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The ideal way of tourism in Andhra Pradesh.
Also known as Uma Maheshwara Temple, this temple received significant contributions from Vijayanagara Kings Harihara and Bukka Rayalu, who completed the construction of several buildings in and around the temple.
Overview of Yaganti Temple
In this temple is the idol of Lord Shiva and Parvati, known as Ardhanareeswara. This charming idol is carved from a stone and is a wonderful idol of fancy gods.
The Maha Shiv Ratri Festival, held every October or November, is celebrated with grand celebrations and temple performances. During this period, tourists of Lord Shiva, especially devotees, swarmed in.
This magnificent Yaganti temple not only has lofty religious significance, but also has many distinctive and unique features, and therefore is highly respected. First, Yaganti may be the only temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where he worshipped him as an idol, not Shiva Linga.
The temple also houses Agastya Pushkarni, and water flows down from the top of the mountain throughout the year. The worshiper is dipping in holy water as a form of worship of God.
Yaganti is located on the hills of Yerramala, where there are huge natural scenery and the unique local environment. There are several natural caves in the hills around the temple, which were the hometowns of several saints throughout the era, including the Great Telugu saint and the astrologer Potuluri Veera Brahmam Garu.
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What is the History of Yaganti Temple?
There are different stories about the true origin of the Yaganti temple. According to one statement, the saint Agastya wanted to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara here. For some reason, the statue of Lord could not be placed here, and then the saint repented for Lord Shiva.
When Lord Shiva appeared, the sage realized that this place was more suitable for him. Then he asked Lord Shiva to appear in the form of Ardhanareeswara, which he had to obey and is now worshipped here.
According to the second story, Lord Shiva’s devotees (known by the name of Chitpa) worshipped God; the latter appeared on him as a tiger. Chitteppa realized that it was Lord Shiva in tiger form, and he exclaimed “Neganti Shivanu ne kanti“, which means “I saw Shiva, I saw it.”
Overview of Yaganti Caves
There are many cave temples in Yaganti Temple, adjacent to the main temples. These caves receive almost no natural light, but the artificial light provided by the many diyas illuminated inside the caves enlivens them.
Famous caves include the Agastya cave, which is believed to be the place where Agastya saints repented for the blessing of Lord Shiva. Veera Brahmam cave is home to Potuluri Veera Brahmam, known as Nostradamus in India. He wrote some prophecies in Kala Gnanam and Venkateswara caves. All these caves are open for worship from dusk to dawn.
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What is the Mystery of the Growing Nandi in Yaganti Temple?
According to Potuluri Veera Brahmendra Swamy, when Kali Yuga ended, Yaganti’s Basavanna (southern) will be resurrected and yelled.
It is said that people used to do Pradakshinas (tours) around it in the past. With the expansion of Nandi, the temple staff has removed a pillar. Devotees believe that the idol of Bullock (Shiva) in front of the temple is constantly expanding in scale.
Locals say that idols were initially much smaller than they are now. They said that some experiments were carried out on the idol, and it is said that the type of rock carved out by the idol has a growth or expansion property associated with it.
According to Indian archaeological surveys, the rock grows at a rate of 1 inch every 20 years (10 mm every 8 years).
What are the other beliefs about the Yaganti Temple?
A wonderful feature of the temple is its “Pushkarini” (Pushkarini)-the water flow is very pure. No one can figure out the exact reason why water flows into Pushkarini in all seasons. Nonetheless, before visiting Shiva, taking a bath in Pushkarini is very beneficial to the believers.
According to legend, crows will not fly in Yaganti. This is because Sage Agastya was meditating here; Kasura, the king of crows, disturbed him.
The sage in turn cursed the crow for not entering the house. Because the crow was regarded as a means of transportation for Lord Shani, even he could not enter the temple.
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Symbolism of Yaganti Temple
The Yaganti temple symbolizes rich customs and traditions and together constitutes a vibrant nation. The villages near Yaganti are still full of color and festival atmosphere all year round because they must be a long history.
Although the temple is located in the forest, it will never be quiet at any time of the day. It is lively all day long. Do their work, prepare for various mythological performances, or celebrate numerous festivals.
How to reach the Yaganti Temple?
If you travel by road, Yaganti is 340 km from Hyderabad and 70 km from Kurnool in Karnataka. From Hyderabad, you can take the right to Banaganapalle, send NH7 to Kurnool, and then NH18 to Yaganti. Yaganti is only 18 kilometers away from here.
The bus from Banaganapalli to Yaganti is twice a day, once at 7:00 AM and once at 3:00 PM. By train, the closest railway terminal to the temple complex is located in Panyam, and there are regular trains to and from Secunderabad. Yaganti is therefore very easy to reach.
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Conclusion
Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple or Yaganti is the Shiva temple in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It was built according to the tradition of Vaishnavaite.
This temple was built by King Harihara Bukka Raya of the Sangha dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century. It was built according to the tradition of Vaishnavaite.
The area provides decent private accommodation for all who want to live here. There is no restaurant near the temple. You can buy water and snacks from nearby shops. The temple provides free lunch and dinner in a large canteen, and the food quality is excellent.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is Yaganti famous for?
Yaganti, in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh in India, is a popular tourist site that is famous for its temple of Sri Yagantiswamy, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the perfect way to get a feel of the Andhra Pradesh tourism.
What is famous in Mahanandi?
Mahanandi is a small temple located in the district of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh is a shivaite pilgrimage center which attracts thousands of visitors all around the year. This place is famous for the Mahanandishwara Temple of Lord Shiva.
Who built Yaganti Temple?
This temple was constructed by King Harihara Bukka Raya of the Sangama Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century. It was built according to Vaishnavaite traditions.
How do I get to Yaganti?
If you are traveling by road, Yaganti is located 340 kilometers away from Hyderabad and 70 kilometers from Kurnool, in Karnataka. From Hyderabad, one can take NH7 to Kurnool and then NH18 to Yaganti by taking a right to Banaganapalle. Yaganti is just another 18 kilometers from here.