Yaganti is the abode of Umamaheshwara Swamy situated in the Erramala hills of Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Yaganti, is a well known temple of Andhra Pradesh, which has a lot of historical and religious significance.
As the legend goes, Agastya Maharishi wanted to install the deity of Lord Venkateshwara at Yaganti. But when the idol was made, he found that a toe nail had been damaged, thereby making it unworthy for regular pooja. Lord Shiva is said to have appeared in his dream and told Agastya that Shiva and Vishnu do not have two identities and were equal. So Agastya Maharshi requested Shiva that he would like to worship Parvati Ma along with Shiva and not separately. So Lord Shiva took the form of Ardhanareeshwara (half Shiva and half Parvati) and the idol was thus made. Thus the Lord is worshipped as Umamaheshwara Swamy, meaning Parvati and Shiva.
This shrine has been worshipped for thousands of years. In 6th, 7th century CE, the Cholas and Pallavas started to the build the temple. Later this temple got its present glory during the time of the Vijayanagara rulers, Harihara and Bukka Rayalu, who are credited with having finished the construction of several prominent structures in and around the temple.
Pushkarini
As we enter, we come across the Pushkarini first. This Pushkarini has water throughout the year and people do not know the source of this water. It is said that these waters contain healing properties, and many devotees take a dip in this holy water. The beauty of this Pushkarini is that it has carved panels all around, just above the water level. The Pushkarini is surrounded by a pillared mandapa. From there, if we climb a few steps, we come to the temple.
Carved panels around the Pushkarini
Pillared mandapa
To the right we can see the way to go to the cave where the idol of Lord Venkateshwara has been kept. The steps are steep and we didn't climb up. It was evening time, the light was fading, and we wanted to visit the temple with atleast some light for us to admire it's beauty.
Way to cave of Lord Venkateshwara idol
After admiring the 5 tiered Gopuram, we entered the temple compound. To the right again there was a pillared mandapa. Then went for the darshan of Umamaheshwara swamy.
Carved pillars telling us of incidents of the Ramayana
There are four pillars in the temple which are carved on all sides with episodes from Ramayana. This temple has been built in the Vaishnavite tradition, thus though the main idol is of Shiva, the carvings on the pillars are of Vaishnava stories. Had the divine darshan and managed to take some pictures of the carvings on the pillars, then we came to the Stone Nandi which is not opposite the lord in this temple but in the mandapam to the right side. Had heard many stories about this Nandi, because it has been growing. The ASI has confirmed that the Nandi has been growing an inch every 20 years. Admired it and took pictures. According to Potuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy (a seer whose prophesies are famous), the Yaganti Nandi will get up and bellow at the end of Kaliyuga.
Growing Nandi
Agastya Pushkarini
From the temple compound to the right, we can see the Agastya pushkarini, where Agastya Maharshi is said to have bathed before his worship. The whole atmosphere is so serene, peace enveloped me when I was there.
There is another cave in these hills which is of Veerabrahmendra Swamy where he had written his famous prophesies.
It was a blissful visit and we started back to Nandyal from the temple.
