Temples

The Mahanandiswara Swamy Temple at Mahanandi is one of the most revered and ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Kurnool District. It is a central part of the Nava Nandulu (nine Nandi temples) circuit in the region, holding immense spiritual significance. The temple is famous for its unique and miraculous perennial spring—a natural underground water source that continuously fills the large Pushkarini (temple tank). What makes the water special is that its temperature is consistently warm in winter and cool in summer, and it is believed to flow from directly beneath the main Shiva Lingam. The presiding deity, Mahanandiswara, is worshipped here, and the architecture features a beautiful Chalukyan style dating back many centuries, with renovations by subsequent dynasties like the Vijayanagara Empire. Devotees consider a dip in the sacred Pushkarini tank a prerequisite before offering prayers to the Lord. The surrounding area, nestled in the Nallamala forests, is characterized by lush greenery, adding a serene and picturesque backdrop to this powerful center of Shiva worship.

The Ahobilam Nava Narasimha Temples form a highly sacred and unique pilgrimage center dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the ferocious man-lion avatar of Lord Vishnu. Located deep within the dense Nallamala Forest and hills of the Kurnool District, this site is the only place where all nine forms (Nava Narasimha) of the deity are worshipped. The temples are geographically divided into two main areas: Lower Ahobilam (Diguva Ahobilam), which is easily accessible and houses the main temple complex, and Upper Ahobilam (Eguva Ahobilam), which consists of several shrines spread across the rugged, forested hills. Many of the temples in Upper Ahobilam require significant trekking to reach, adding a sense of adventure and devotion to the pilgrimage. The region is believed to be the spot where Lord Narasimha emerged from the pillar and killed the demon Hiranyakashipu, making it a powerful spiritual nexus. This collection of nine shrines, each depicting a different aspect of the deity, draws thousands of devotees who undertake the strenuous journey to complete the full Nava Narasimha Darshanam.

Mantralayam is a world-renowned pilgrimage site located in the Kurnool district, situated on the southern bank of the sacred Tungabhadra River. The Matha (monastery) is the spiritual home of the Jeeva Samadhi of the 17th-century Vaishnava saint, Sri Raghavendra Swamy, revered as an incarnation of the devotee Prahlada. The Saint is considered a key figure in the Dvaita philosophy of Madhvacharya and is affectionately called “Rayaru” by his followers. Devotees from across India and the globe flock to Mantralayam throughout the year to receive blessings at his brindavanam (sacred tomb structure). The Matha is known not only for its spiritual sanctity but also for its tradition of providing free food (Annadaana) to thousands of pilgrims daily. The atmosphere of Mantralayam is deeply tranquil, dedicated to the study of the Vedas and devotional practice. The annual Aradhana Mahotsavam is the most significant festival, drawing massive crowds for three days of intense worship and celebration. For pilgrims in Kurnool and Andhra Pradesh, Mantralayam serves as an essential center of faith and cultural heritage.