Yaganti Temple Legends

While returning from The North, Sage Agastya came across Yaganti and impressed with the natural beauty around and thought of installing Lord Venkateswara Idol here. After a little search, he was able to find Vishnu’s idol in a cave nearby and did all the rituals prior to installation. At the time of installation, Sage Agastya noticed that the Idol’s toenail was broken and stopped the installation. Agastya Rishi was upset and did penance to know the reason. Lord Siva appeared before him and told him that this place suits for a Saiva Kshetra and that is why he was not able to install the Idol. Lord Siva self-manifested here as Ardhanareswara ( Lord Siva occupies half of the body and another half will be of Goddess Parvathi) on request of Sage Agastya.  Lord Siva is here known by Uma Maheswara.

Another version of the story is, there lived a Siva’s ardent devotee by name Chitteppa. For whom Lord appeared in the form of a Tiger, knowing this, he started shouting as ‘Neganti ni Shiva nu Neganti ni’ which means I saw Siva I saw)

Yaganti Temple Crow’s Story

Once it happened Demon Kakasura in the form of a crow, tried to disturb Sage Agatsya’s meditation.  Angered Sage passed the decree that no crows should be seen near Yaganti.

Yaganti Temple History

This temple was built during the 5th and 6th century and was patronized by Kings from Pallavas, Cholas, and Chalukyas.

Temple was renovated by the kings Harihara and Bukka Raya from Vijayanagara Dynasty. This temple had a glorious time during the 15th century.

Yaganti Temple Pushkarini

Water comes out of Nandi’ mouth, no one knows from where the water is coming from. Water flow continues irrespective of the seasons. This water possesses medicinal properties and tastes sweeter.

Yaganti Temple Caves Entry Timings

Caves entry is available from 7 am – 5 pm

 Agastya Cave

It is believed that Sage Agastya did penance here for Lord Siva. One should climb up 120 steps to reach the cave entrance. Shrine for Goddess Parvathi is located here.

Sri Venkateswara Cave

Defect Idol of Vishnu can be seen here. It is believed that this Idol was sculptured prior to the arrival of  Lord Venkateswara Swamy onto Tirumala hills.

Sri Pothuluri Veera Brahmam Cave

It is believed that Sri Pothuluri Veera Brahmendra Swamy spent some of his time here.

Yaganti Temple Nandi

The most interesting part of Yaganti Nandi is a monolithic statue which is growing by an inch over the span of 20 years. Unlike other Siva temples, Nandi is not located right opposite to the Lord Siva’s Idol inside the temple. Sri Pothuluri Veera Brahmendra Swamy mentioned in his prophecy that at the end of Kaliyuga, Yaganti Nandi will come alive and shouts loudly.

Yaganti Temple Akasha Deepam

Every day temple priest used to the lit lamp using 4 litres of oil and 2 mt thick wicks, in the evening on a ledge behind Veerabhadra Swamy Temple. The lamp glows from 6 am – 6 pm in the open air on top of the hill.

Yaganti Temple Timings

• Morning Hours: 7 am –  11 am
• Evening Hours: 5 pm – 8 pm

Yaganti Temple Food

Free and quality food will be provided to the pilgrims at Annadana Hall

Timings: 11 am – 2:30 pm and 8 pm – 9:30 pm

How to reach Yaganti Temple?

1. Yaganti is 11 km from Banaganpalli, 48 km from Nandyala, 78 km from Ahobilam, 76 km from Kurnool. Bus frequency is quite from all these places to Yaganti Temple
2. The nearest Railway station is at Nandyal.
3. The nearest airport is at Tirupati, which is 280 km away.

Yaganti Temple

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