Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple

Introduction to the Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple

The Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple is at the convergence of three rivers, Swarnamukhi, Bhima, and Kalyani, in Chandragiri, Andhra Pradesh. It is also known as Thondavada Agastheeshwara Swamy Temple, Sri Maragadhavalli Sameetha Shri Agastheeshwara Swamy Temple, and Mukkoti Temple.

Legend of the Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple

According to the temple legend, Sage Agastya came here to worship Shiva. He advised Hanuman to get a Shiva Lingam from Kashi for Pooja. Since Hanuman delayed bringing the Shiva Lingam, Agastya made a Lingam out of the sand and worshipped it.

According to Legend, Lord Srinivasa stayed in the ashram of Agastya after his marriage. He performed Nitya Pooja to Shiva here, now known as the Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple.

Sage Agastya performed penance here for Shiva; the River Swarnamukhi sprang from this place.

The Uniqueness of the Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple

Unlike other temples, Maragadhavalli is on the left side of Agastheeshwara Swamy, which resembles the sitting posture of a bride and a groom in marriage as per Hindu religious practice. People could only visualize it in ancient temples.

The Sapthamathrukas Kowmari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Brahmi, Mahedri, Maheshwari, and Chamundi replaced the Navagrahas in this Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple.

The Architecture of the Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple

The Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple was built during the reign of Rajendra-I. Rajaraja-III abundantly contributed to this temple. Sage Agastya Muni installed the Shiva Lingam here. Hence, it is known as Agastheeshwara Lingam.

The Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple faces east and has a three-tier Gopuram and a Dhwaja Sthambam. It has three entrances and a strong compound wall. The beautifully sculptured Dwarpalakas at the entrance of the sanctum adds beauty to the hall. Sri Ganesha and Sri Subramaniya are on the east side of the temple.

Agastheeshwara, the main deity, graces the sanctum as a Swayambu. Mother Parvati blesses her devotees in the name of Vallimata (Maragadhavalli), who has a separate shrine in the second Prakaram. An inscription engraved on the temple's wall reveals that the Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple was built in 1100 AD. It has a square Shikhara and an Ekatala Vimana.

A temple tank is outside the temple. The nearby village was famous as Tondavada by the Chandragiri kings. It was a place where visitors used to take rest and keep their elephants and horses.

A Mandapam is in the center of the river opposite the temple. It houses the statues of Ayyappa, Balaji, and Ganapati. Small shrines of Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Anjaneya are near the tank.

Festivals in the Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple

The Mukkoti Agastheeshwara Temple celebrates Maha Shivratri, Karthikai Deepam, Arudra Darshan, and Panguni Uthiram.