🌿 About Mahanandi Temple
Nestled at the base of the Nallamala Hills in Nandyal district, Mahanandi Temple is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Mahanandeeswara Swamy and surrounded by lush forests, hills, and freshwater springs.
The temple’s highlight is its Koneru (holy pond) — a natural spring that flows eternally with pure water.
🕒 Temple Timings & Darshan Schedule (2025)
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Temple Opens | 4:30 AM |
| Suprabhata Seva | 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM |
| Abhishekam & Alankaram | 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Temple Break | 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Temple Closes | 9:30 PM |
💡 Best Time: Morning 5:00–8:00 AM or evening 6:00–8:00 PM.
🙏 Poojas and Sevas (Updated 2025)
| Seva Name | Timing | Ticket (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Suprabhata Seva | 4:30 AM | 100 |
| Ashtavidha Mahamangala Harathulu | 5:00 AM | 200 |
| Seeghra Darshanam | 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM | 50 |
| Sparsha Darshanam (Touch Linga) | 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 150 |
| Ksheerabhishekam | 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 500 |
| Rudrabhishekam | 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 1500 |
| Nijaroopa Darshanam | 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM | 100 |
| Ekanta Seva | 9:00 PM | 100 |
| Mahanyasa Rudrabhishekam | — | 2000 |
| Swamy Vari Kalyanam | — | 200 |
| Sahasra Namarchana | — | 100 |
| Go-Puja | — | 150 |
| Chandi Homam | — | 100 |
| Vehicle Puja (2/3 Wheeler) | — | 250 |
| Vehicle Puja (Car/Van/Tractor) | — | 250 |
🎟️ Free Darshan Available daily.
👗 Dress Code: Traditional wear encouraged.
🏛️ History and Legend
Dating back over 1,500 years, the Mahanandi Temple was built during the Chalukya dynasty and later renovated by Vijayanagara rulers.
Legend says a cow poured milk daily on a mound that turned into a Shiva Lingam, and when villagers dug into it, a spring emerged — forming the sacred Koneru pond that still flows today.
💧 The Sacred Koneru — Nature’s Wonder
The temple’s Koneru (holy tank) holds clear, sweet water that never dries up. The temperature stays cool in summer and warm in winter — a rare natural phenomenon.
Three ponds surround the temple:
- Inside sanctum (for rituals)
- Middle pond (for devotees)
- Outer pond (for visitors)
🧴 Tip: Carry a towel and waterproof pouch if you plan to bathe.
🌄 Hidden Gems Around Mahanandi
- Shivanandi Temple – Scenic small shrine atop nearby hills.
- Vinukonda Nandi Temple – Offers stunning forest views.
- Pushkarini Garden – Peaceful area near the main Koneru.
- Mahanandi Deer Park – 2 km from temple.
- Ahobilam Temple (60 km) – Famous Narasimha Swamy shrine.
🤩 Interesting Facts
- Mahanandi is the chief among the Nava Nandulu temples.
- The spring water has constant flow and clarity year-round.
- Devotees can touch and perform abhishekam to the main Lingam.
- The temple’s hydraulic design still amazes engineers.
- The lotus ceiling near the sanctum is an architectural gem.
🚗 How to Reach Mahanandi
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By Air | Nearest: Kurnool Airport (100 km), Tirupati (220 km) |
| By Train | Nandyal Railway Station (19 km) — regular trains from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntur |
| By Road | 15 km from Nandyal via NH 40 — frequent APSRTC buses |
🚙 From Hyderabad: Approx. 280 km (6–7 hours by car).
🏨 Where to Stay Near Mahanandi
| Hotel Name | Distance | Approx. Price/Night | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haritha Hotel (APTDC) | 0.5 km | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 | Book on Booking.com |
| Sree Guru Lodge | 1 km | ₹900 – ₹1,500 | Book on Agoda |
| Hotel Rajdhani, Nandyal | 15 km | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 | Book on Trip.com |
🍴 Local Food & Shopping
- Enjoy Andhra-style breakfast (idli, dosa, vada) near the temple gates.
- Local shops sell brass idols, turmeric, and sacred ash.
- For authentic Andhra meals, try restaurants in Nandyal town.
🧭 Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions
- Avoid 12:30 PM–4:00 PM (temple break).
- Carry extra clothes for a dip in the pond.
- Combine your visit with:
- Ahobilam – Narasimha temple caves
- Belum Caves – natural limestone caves
- Srisailam Jyotirlinga – famous pilgrimage spot
✨ Final Thoughts
Mahanandi Temple is a perfect blend of spiritual devotion, natural beauty, and ancient engineering. From the soothing Koneru to the sacred Lingam, every corner tells a story of purity and peace.
Plan your visit today — take a dip, say your prayers, and let the serenity of Mahanandi refresh your soul.
💬 Discover more beautiful temples and destinations across Andhra Pradesh on TravellerKaka.com.
📦 Recommended for You
- Ahobilam Temple Travel Guide – Lord Narasimha’s Abode
- Belum Caves – India’s Longest Underground Marvel
- Srisailam Jyotirlinga – History, Ropeway, and Pooja Timings
💬 FAQ
Q1. What is Mahanandi Temple famous for?
Mahanandi is famous for its sacred spring pond (Koneru) and ancient Shiva temple where devotees can touch the Lingam.
Q2. What are Mahanandi Temple timings?
The temple is open from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM, with a break from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
Q3. Can devotees take a bath in the temple pond?
Yes, devotees can bathe in the Koneru before entering the temple.
Q4. Which dynasty built the Mahanandi Temple?
It was built by the Chalukyas and later expanded by the Vijayanagara kings.
Q5. What are the main nearby attractions?
Ahobilam, Belum Caves, and Srisailam are popular nearby destinations.
