Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple

Introduction to the Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple

Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple is located in Nandalur, Andhra Pradesh. It lies near the Kadapa district's Cheyyuru River (convergence of the Bahuda River and Punch River). The great poet Annamacharya visited the Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple and composed 'Shrungara Keertanalu' for Sri Soumyanatha Swamy.

Legend of the Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple

There is a huge fish carved on the ceiling of the temple. A local legend says the fish will come to life one day and disappear into the ocean.

The History of Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple

Chola kings built the Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple in the 11th century. The Chola king Kulottunga I is said to have initiated the temple's construction.

The temple underwent several renovations during the reigns of the Pandyas, Kakatiyas, and Vijayanagar dynasties. Pottapi Kings, Nellore Cholas, and Matli Kings also contributed to the temple's development. As per the temple's inscription, the temple holds 120 acres of agricultural land, which is meant for the maintenance and development of the temple.

The Architecture of the Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple

Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple was entirely built using red stones. The temple sprawls over 10 acres. Several inscriptions are written in Tamil on the walls of the Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple. It features the Dravidian style of architecture.

The Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple has four Raja Gopurams in all four directions. Someswara III built the Gali Gopuram in the 12th century, while Vijayanagara rulers built the south-facing Gopuram.

The main Gopuram or Maha Dwara is on the eastern side of the Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple, while other Gopurams are on the west, north, and southern directions. There is a Deepa Sthambham with four sculpted lion heads before the temple.

There is also a 20-foot Dhwaja Sthambham covered with a brass coated plate, a Bali Peetam, a Koneru (water tank), and a huge Yagna Shala in the Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple. The temple has two ponds; one is inside, opposite Gali Gopuram, and the other is outside. The 108 pillars with lions' heads form a unique attraction of the temple. They are found at the bottom instead of the top. Visitors can see some inscriptions on the pillars.

The presiding deity is Sri Soumyanatha Swamy, an incarnation of Vishnu. His idol is seven feet high, facing east. The deity is Salagramadhara, who has four arms; one holds a Sudarshana Chakra (disc), and the other has a Panchajanya Shankha (conch). He looks exactly like Venkateshwara in Tirupati. Balaji stands in the 'Kati Hastham' posture (the deity's left-hand rests on his waist) in every temple, including Tirumala, while in Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple, he shows 'Abhaya hastham' posture (holding his right hand in an assuring posture).

His consort, Sri Mahalakshmi Ammavaru, holds two lotuses, and she is seen on the chest of the presiding deity.

There are separate shrines for Prayoga Narasimha Swamy, Vinayaka Swamy, Garuda, and Anjaneya Swamy.

As the sun's rays directly fall on the presiding deity, Sri Soumyanatha Swamy, no artificial light is required to see his idol. During Uttarayanam, the sun's rays directly fall on the feet of the deity. The Archeological Survey of India maintains this 1000-year-old temple.

Festivals in the Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple

The Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple performs Sri Soumyanatha Swamy Kalyanotsavam in July. The State Government sends pears to the deity during Kalyanotsavam. Tholi Ekadashi, Ugadi, and other Hindu festivals are celebrated in the Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple

Devotees believe that circumambulating nine times around the sanctum of Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple can bring the blessings of Sri Soumyanatha Swamy and fulfill their wishes. Once the wishes are fulfilled, they circumambulate 108 times as an act of thanksgiving to the deity.