Sri Yagantiswamy Temple (or) Sri Uma Maheshwara Temple Yaganti

                                                         Sri Yagantiswamy Temple

Yaganti, is a temple to Lord Shiva in Kurnool District in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Every year, Shivarathri is celebrated here and a large number of devotees from all over Andhra Pradesh visit Sri Yagantiswamy Temple. An amazing feature at this temple is its Pushkarini. No one knows how the water flows out from the bottom of hill to the Pushkarini in all the seasons. Devotees consider that a bath in the holy Pushkarini is highly beneficial before paying tributes to Lord Shiva.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has done research on the idol and has concluded that the rock used to carve the idol has an enlarging nature associated to it. Research says that the idol's size increases by an inch in 20 years.Due to the idol's growing nature, a pillar had to be removed so that devotees can do pradakshinas (circumambulations) around the idol. According to the sage Pothuluru Veerabrahmendra, the idol would come alive depicting the end of Kali Yuga, the present era as per Hindu belief.
Sri Yagantiswamy Temple in Banganapalle mandal of Kurnool district, is a popular Lord Shiva Temple, which is located 17 km away from Banganapalle. Every year, Shivarathri is celebrated here and a large number of devotees from all over Andhra Pradesh visit Sri Yagantiswamy Temple. An amazing feature at this temple is its Pushkarini. No one knows how the water flows out from the bottom of hill to the Pushkarini in all the seasons. Devotees consider that a bath in the holy Pushkarini is highly beneficial before paying tributes to Lord Shiva. Yaganti Umamaheswara Swamy temple was constructed and completed by the first Vijayanagara Sangama king, Harihara Bukkarayalu in the 15th century. It was built according to Vaishnavaite tradition. Umamaheswara Swamy, Parvati Devi, and Nandi (Basavanna). According to Potuluri Veera Brahmam, the Basavanna of Yaganti will come out and shout when Kaliyuga ends. People believe that the stone Nandiswara (Basavanna) is increasing in its size. Saint Agasthya came to this place and took a bath in Agasthya Pushkarini and worshipped Lord Shiva. The water in this Pushkarini is fresh and sweet, as it comes from the hills.

History:-

 Bukka Rayalu of the Sangama Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century. It was built according to Vaishnavaite traditions.
 One story of the site's origin is as follows: The sage Agastya wanted to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara on this site. However, the statue that was made could not be installed as the toe nail of the idol got broken. The sage was upset over this and performed a penance for Lord Shiva. When Lord Shiva appeared, he said the place suits Shiva better as it resembles Kailash. Agastya then requested Lord Shiva to give the devotees a Parvathi Goddess as Lord Uma Maheswara in a single stone, which Lord Shiva obliged.

 A second story is as follows: Chitteppa, a devotee of Lord Shiva, was worshiping Lord Shiva and Lord Shiva appeared to him as a tiger. Chitteppa understood that it was Lord Shiva in tiger form, and shouted Neganti Shivanu ne kanti (meaning: I saw Shiva I saw), and danced with joy. There is a cave called Chitteppa nearby.
The Yaganti Nandi Statue history.
 The story according to the priests is that when the sage Agastya completed his uttara desha yatra and started dakshina desha yatra he found the beautiful and pleasent place called yaganti( Nekanti-i have seen)and thought to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara on this site . while roaming around caves one of the caves was found to have a very old statue of Lord Vishnu . After all the yagna, homa and pooja he found that the statue really contains a small defect as broken nail on the foot thumb finger. To seek an explanation he prayed to Shiva and Shiva explained that at this place which contains natural springs and nature only I can be worshipped. Then the sage Agastya asked a boon to Shiva to reside in this place for eternity with Mother Parvathi. So this place is called as Umamahesware (Uma: parvathi, Maheswara: shiva) temple. The shrine contains the statue of Shiva and Parvathi on a single stone.

The story associated with the temple:-

 Sage Agasthya after completing his Uttara Desha Yatra was coming towards the South when he reached this site. Seeing the beauty and serenity of the location, he wanted to install an idol of Lord Venkateswara here. Once the idol got ready and when preparations were being made to install it, he found that the big toe of the idol was broken. Disheartened, he prayed to Lord Shiva seeking the reason. Lord Shiva appeared before him, and told him that this place was Dakshina Kailash and hence more suited to be an abode of Lord Shiva.


Another story of how this place came to be known as Yaganti :-

 There was a great devotee of Shiva named Chitteppa, who was praying in this lovely location. His love and devotion for his Lord was so great, that he saw Lord Shiva in everything. Once a tiger walked before him. Chitteppa saw it as Lord Shiva appearing before him in the form of a tiger. He jumped up in joy, shouting, Ne Kanti, Shiva Nu Ne Kanti! (In Telugu, meaning I saw Shiva, I saw!) Ne Kanti has over time, changed to Yaganti, says the priest at the temple.
Unique features of the temple:
 When one walks into the temple complex, it is amazing to see a number of people from the village gathering in front of the temple and singing hymns in praise of Sri Uma Maheswara Swamy. It was indeed heartening to see the villagers not spending time in front of the television set as is the case in many villages now, but on a sunday evening, congregating at the temple and spending time in community bhajans.

Swayambu Shiva Parvathi:-

 Happy on hearing that, Agasthya sought a boon from the Lord that he should ever remain there, along with his consort Parvathi, granting blessings to all those who prayed to him. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared along with Parvathi Devi in a single stone as a Swayambu.
It is indeed amazing to see the distinct roopas of both Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi on the Swayambu moorthy in the Sanctum Sanctorum. The two distinct images are also smeared with Vibhooti (Sacred Ash) and Turmeric to distinguish Lord Shiva and Parvathi. When we reached the temple, it was around 6 pm in the evening. There were very few people in the temple at that time. It was absolutely an electrifying experience to stand before this magnificient Lord and pray.

 Amazing growing Nandi:-

 The Nandi in this temple is perhaps the most amazing Nandi in the whole world. I, for one, could not take my eyes off it till the priest actually asked me to move because I was obstructing the way for people behind me.
 Some say it was sculpted but keep growing, while others call it a Swayambu that appeared along with the Uma Maheswara Swamy. Whatever be the case, this is one awesome NandiThis Nandi does not sit on a pedastal of any kind, but is sprawled on the ground. The ASI has observed it growing at the rate of one inch in every 20 years and so he has moved from being directly in front of the sanctum sanctorum to its right. They have already removed one of the pillars of the mandapa since it was obstructing the Nandi's growth. The priest mentioned that very soon another pillar will have to be removed.
 According to Sri Potuluri Veera Brahmam, the Nandi will come to life at the end of Kaliyuga and shout!
 Just look at him, what an adorable creature he is!

Veerabadra swamy:-

The Kshetrapalaka at this temple, as in many other temples in this part of India, is Veerabadraswamy. The gigantic Veerabadraswamy with his glittering sword protects the temple and safeguards its sanctity.

Akasha Deepam:-

 Just behind the Veerabadraswamy temple, on top of the hill, on a ledge which looks so steep and narrow, an Akasha Deepam is lit every evening. This lamp glows from 6 pm to 6 am every day. The priest mentioned that four litres of oil and two metres of wick is used every day to keep this lamp glowing for twelve hours.
 It is indeed amazing how the lamp burns in the open air on top of a hill, amid the strong winds blowing. It is equally amazing how the priest is able to climb up every day, with barely any foothold, carrying all these materials to light the lamp, with practically just enough space only to put one of his feet. We all contributed towards the cost of oil and felt extremely satisfied about it.
No crows in Yaganti:
 The priest also mentioned that while Sage Agasthya was performing penance here, Kakasura, an asura in the form of a crow, had been disturbing the sage's penance. Angered, the sage cursed him, saying that no crows should exist within Yaganti. Even today, they say that they have never seen a crow within the village. Moreover, since crow is the vahana (vehicle) of Shani Bagavan, they say that Shani does not bother anyone who is within the vicinity of the Uma Maheswara Swamy temple. People come and worship here to be rid of the dosha of Shani.

Sri Yagantiswamy Temple Pushkarini:-

A feature of this temple is its Pushkarini, a small pond of water on the temple premises. Water flows into this Pushkarini from the bottom of hill through the mouth of a Nandi (bull). The water is fresh and sweet, as it comes from the hills. No one knows how the water reaches the pond all year round and this temple architecture in terms of its sculpture shows the skills of ancient Vishwakarma Sthapathis. Devotees find that a holy bath in Pushkarini is highly beneficial. After taking a bath in Pushkarini, they pay tributes to Lord Shiva.

The sage Agasthya bathed in Pushkarini and worshipped Lord Shiva.


Absence of crows:-

Legend has it that while the Sage Agastya was performing his penance, crows disturbed him and he cursed that the crows cannot enter the place. As the crow is the Vahana for Lord Shani, it is believed that Lord Shani cannot enter this place.

About the Sri Yagantiswamy Temple:-

 According to a legend, Sage Agastya found this beautiful place called Yaganti during his Dakshin Desha Yatra. He wanted to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara on this holy site. He roamed around the caves and found a very old idol of Lord Vishnu. He performed Yagna and pooja before installing the idol. But during this process, he found out that the toe nail on the foot thumb finger of the idol is broken. On seeing this, the sage got upset and did a penance for Lord Shiva. Due to his pure devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and told him that this place contains natural springs, which resemble Kailash, so here only I can be worshipped. The sage then requested Lord Shiva to reside in this holy abode with his consort Goddess Parvati and, therefore, Lord obliged to his request. The main shrine contains Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati engraved on a single stone. Hence, this temple came to be known as Uma Maheshwara Temple.

 This temple is believed to be constructed during 15th century under the reign of King Harihara Bukka Rayalu of Sangama Dynasty of Vijayanagara Empire.
 The most amazing feature of this temple is its Pushkarini. It is a small pond inside the temple premises. The water comes from the nearby hills and reaches the pond all year around. It is considered highly sacred to take a dip in this holy pond before paying tribute to Lord Shiva.
Significance of the Yaganti Temple
•The deities of Yaganti Temple are Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati carved on a single stone.
•There is also a cave in the name of sage Agastya who performed the sacrament towards Lord Shiva.
•The idol of Lord Vishnu which was apparently believed to be distorted was also found in one of the caves of the temple known as Venkateswara Cave.
•The Nandi also termed as Lord Nandeeswara, the ascend of Lord Shiva, present in the Yaganti temple is considered to be budding in size over the decades. As per the researchers, the rock out of which the idol of Nandi is made has a special characteristic which leads the rock to grow. Furthermore, it was also discovered that the idol of Nandi increases to about 10mm per eight years i.e., 1 inch per 20 years. The Archaeological Survey of India has conirmed that the growing of the size of the idol is due to Geological phenomena as per science.
•A very significant and remarkable feature of this temple is that the Pushkarini which is the temple tank consists of sacred holy water flowing from the tank. But, the water is believed to flow from the bottom of the hill
•A very bizarre fact about the place is that crows are forbidden to fly in Yaganti. This is because when sage Agastya was meditating here, Kakusara, the king of crows distracted him from his deliberation and in rage sage Agastya spelled his curse on the crows to prevent them from his entering his premises. Likewise, Shani, the vehicle of crows also could not go through.
•It is also a belief that people performed Pradakshinas, rounds around the idol of Nandi years ago. One of the pillars of the temple has been removed due to the increasing size of the idol.
•As per the Potuluri Veera Brahman, the Basavanna which is the idol of Nandi will come alive and bellow when Kaliyuga ends.

Culture and Traditions at Yaganti:-

Constructed by the first Vijayanagara Sangama King Harihara Bukka Rayalu in the 15th century, the temple ebbs deeply of culture and traditions even today. The nearby villages are still full of colour and festivities all year around, as they must've been since ages. The temple is located amidst a forest, still its not eerily quite anytime of the day and is quite filled with people and pilgrims, going about their work, preparing for performances of various mythological stories, or celebrating the numerous fests.

Yaganti Caves:-

The Yaganti Caves can be found near the Yaganti Temple. Tourists must know about the temple thoroughly in order to appreciate the beauty and the purpose of the caves. This temple is situated in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated at a distance of about 100 km from the place and has excellent road connectivity. This is a very old temple and people from all over the globe come to this place to absorb the architecture and the serene beauty of the temple and the caves. Banganapalle is a town that is just 13 km away from this temple and is well connected by bus services with all the major cities of Andhra Pradesh. While travelling by air, tourists need to get down at Hyderabad airport and take bus services from there to Banganapalle first and then from here, take some private transport to the temple. It was at this temple that the famous saint Veerabrahmendra Swami stayed for some time while composing his Kalagnanam.
Legend has it that while the great Saint Agastya came to Yaganti, he wanted to build a temple for Lord Vishnu at this place. He even found an old idol of Vishnu and wanted to construct a temple around the same. However the saint found that the toe nail of the idol was broken and hence it was not fit for worship. He immediately prayed to Lord Shiva to seek remedy for this problem. Lord Shiva appeared before Agastya and told him that the formation of the Yaganti location bore a striking resemblance to Kailash and therefore, Lord Vishnu’s temple could not be constructed there and it was only His (Lord Shiva’s) temple that needs to be built there. Hearing this Agastya also requested the Lord to bless all the devotees who visit the temple with an idol of the Goddess also, in the form of Uma Maheshwari, which the Lord immediately agreed to. Wherever Lord Shiva is, his ardent devotee, Lord Nandi would also be there. Therefore one can see three main shrines at this temple of Shiva, Uma Maheshwari and Nandi. There is a pond inside the temple and it is called Pushkarini. Water comes from the nearby hills and it is considered to be very sacred to take a holy dip in this pond.
The Yaganti caves are found in close proximity to the temple and it consists of three main parts – Agastya Cave, Venkateswara Cave and the Veera Brahmam cave. The first one (Agastya cave) has around 120 steps that are steep. This is the place where the saint performed penance to meet Lord Shiva. There is also an idol of the Goddess here. The second (Venkateswara cave) has steeper steps, but is much easier to climb. This is where one can find the idol of Lord Vishnu even today with the broken toe. This idol existed even before the Thirupathi temple came into existence. The third (Veera Brahmam cave) is the place where the saint Veerabrahmendra Swami wrote his prophecy, Kalagnanam. Its height is very short and one needs to bend a lot while entering into the cave.

Agastya Cave:-

This is the cave where Agastya performed his penance for Lord Shiva. One can enter the cave by climbing 120 steep steps. An idol to Devi is installed and may be worshipped here.

Venkateswara Cave:-

The damaged idol of Lord Venkateswara is present in this cave. Compared to Agastya cave it is easy to climb though the steps are steep. According to the story this idol was present in this cave before the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple was constructed. But as the idol is damaged near the foot, it could not be worshipped. Veera Brahmam tells us in his Kala Gynanam that this place can stand as an alternative to Tirupati. This temple has very beautiful scenic locations nearby.

Veera Brahmam Cave:-

This is the cave where saint Sree Potuluri Veera Brahmendra swamy wrote some of his Kala Gnaanam (prophecy). The height of the cave is less and one needs to bend half over to enter it

Specialty of  Sri Yagantiswamy Temple:-

The presiding deity of Sri Uma Maheswara temple is Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in a single stone. There is a cave called Agastya cave where saint Agastya said to have performed penance towards Lord Shiva. The idol of Lord Vishnu which was said to be damaged was also found in one of the cave of the temple called Venkateswara cave. The Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva, present in this temple is believed to be increasing in its size. The researchers says that the rock out of which Nandi made has a growing nature. And it was calculated that the idol Nandi grows about 10 mm per eight years.
The special feature about this temple is its Pushkarini (temple tank). Water flows from the bottom of the hill through the mouth of Nandi and fills the Pushkarini. The specialty is that the water flows throughout the year. Legend says that when saint Agastya was performing penance towards Lord Shiva at Yaganti, crows around the temple disturbed his penance. Irritated by crows, the sage Agastya cursed the crows that it cannot enter the place. And even today, we cannot find crows in the temple premises of Sri Uma Maheswara temple.
   
Laddoo Prasadam:-

 Last but not the least, I must mention that this temple has by far the most delicious laddus I have ever tasted. Although I lost one to a monkey, that jumped from above me and plucked it from my hand before I could bat an eyelid, I made sure I went into the counter, and tucked two more away in my handbag to eat them within the safe confines of the car. Hmmm....absolutely heavenly!

Timings of Sri Yagantiswamy Temple :-
   
Morning Hours: 7 am - 11 am,
Evening Hours: 5 pm - 8 pm.

Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple Food Free and quality food will be provided to the pilgrims at Annadana Hall.

Annadana Hall Timings:-

 11 am - 2:30 pm and 8 pm - 9:30 pm

How to reach:-

By road:-

 It is associated with state transport to Hyderabad, Chittoor, Tirupati, Cuddapah, Nellore, Kurnool and Chennai which is 24km from the place called Allagadda and is also connected to the rest of the major cities. Buses are also available to Yaganti from Banaganapalli twice a day i.e., at 7:00 am and 3:30 pm. One can also find buses to Banaganapalli from Cuddapah, Nandyal, Hyderabad and Kurnool.

By Train:-

  The nearest railway station to the Sri Uma Maheswara Temple is the Secunderabad Railway station which is about 7 km from the temple. Nandyal railway station which is 55 km away from the temple is the nearest railway station connected to connected to major cities like Hyderabad, Howrah, Bangalore, Goa, Machilipatnam, Vijaywada, Puri, Hubli, Vizag and Bhubaneshwar.

By Air:-

 The nearest airport to Sri Uma Maheswara Temple is Rajiv Gandhi International airport, Hyderabad and it is about 12km from the temple.
It is believed that the best time to visit Yaganti is in between the months of October to March while the peak season is said to be in between the months of February to March and it generally takes half of the day to explore Yaganti.

Address of Sri Yagantiswamy Temple :-

 Sri Uma Maheshwara Temple/Yaganti Temple
 Yaganti, Dist. Kurnool
 Andhra Pradesh.