Yaganti Temple

— YAGANTI

B.Sushanth Babu

B.Arch Student at Lovely School of Architecture and Design, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India.

Thousands of traditions and stories about gods and ancient sculptures exist in India. These aren’t simply stories; they’re also mankind’s beliefs and faiths, which keep this consciousness alive and well. Every crest of this region is adorned with massive majestic temples and shrines, which not only add to the realm’s allure but also instill divinity in the air. Yaganti temple is one of those revered temples that inspires faith in and acceptance of our supreme lords.

Andhra Pradesh is well-known for its ornate architectural embellishments on ancient temples and shrines. Temples can be found in Andhra Pradesh’s most remote locations. These heavenly temples in Andhra Pradesh are rich in spiritual significance as well as architectural significance dating back centuries.

History of Temple

The temple is thought to have been built in the 5th and 6th century by Cholas, Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Vijayanagara rulers. Beautiful structures add refinement to the world and bestow divine grace on humans. The monarch of Vijayanagara, Harihara Bukka Rayalu of the Sangam dynasty, made a significant contribution to the temple by ensuring the completion of several structures in and around the temple. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and maintains its reputation as the most divine and mysterious destination in the world.

Yaganti is located in the Yerramala hills, which provide the place with timeless natural beauty and a unique setting. Countless natural caves in the hills surrounding the temple have been home to many saints over the centuries. There are a few legends associated with this lovely location, which pique the interest of visitors and instill a sense of belief and faith in them.
Yaganti Temple is notable for being the only spot in the world where Lord Shiva is worshipped as an idol rather than as a Shiva Linga.

Caves can be found within and around the temple grounds. The Agastya Cave, which has 120 steps leading up to it, is open to believers. The cave houses a Devi idol that is revered. The damaged idol of Sri Venkateswara may be found in the Venkateswara Cave. This cave has a lot of steps. This idol is thought to have existed prior to the construction of the Tirumala Tirupati Temple. The idol’s foot was broken, so it couldn’t be worshipped.

On the grounds of the Yaganti temple is a little pond. Water is thought to pour into this pond from the base of the hill via Nandi’s mouth. No one knows how the pond is kept stocked with water all year. Devotees believe that taking a bath in the holy Pushkarini before visiting Shiva is highly beneficial.

Architectural Values

Lord Shiva, Mata Parwati, and Nandi are the temple’s principal deities. Nandi, according to legend, is continually shifting and developing. People have also made certain structural changes to make room for Nandi to grow. The stone on which Nandi was carved was studied, and it was discovered that the composition of the granite from which the idol was cut is such that it has a natural tendency to enlarge on its own. According to locals, the Nandi statue in Yaganti Temple was originally considerably smaller than it is now. Temple staff are believed to have removed one pillar as the Nandi had become bigger. The Nandi grows at a rate of 1 inch every 20 years, according to the Archaeological Survey of India (10 mm per 8 years).

Water Flow

One feature of Yaganti Temple is the Pushkarinis, on the temple premises, that never run out of water, even in peak summer. The water flows here from the bottom of the hill, you can find the same in Mahanandi too. And the water is always fresh and cool. Water flows into the Pushkarnis through the mouth of Nandi, and most devotees take a dip here before having a darshan of Uma Maheswara Swamy.

Regional Belief and Faith

• Throughout the day, all of the caverns are open for worship. Because there is very little natural light inside, artificial lighting is given.
• The pond is filled with water all year, although the origin of its path has yet to be discovered.
• People claim that they have never seen a crow in the village because of Sage Agastya’s curse.
• The monolithic Nandi statue, which has been rising by an inch every 20 years, is the most remarkable feature of the Yaganti Temple. Localities Believe that after this kali yuga, Nandi will awaken and shout. To obtain Nandi’s blessings, people do pradakshina around him.