WEAVER'S WORLD / NARAYANPET / PLACES TO VISIT -3

WEAVER'S WORLD / NARAYANPET / PLACES TO VISIT -3

Located around 10-15 kms drive from Kurnool, the rock gardens are for trekking/rock climbing enthusiasts, the area is pure bliss as one can climb to the top of various rocks and enjoy breathtaking views. It is a great picnic spot as well with lots of area to run around. There is a cemented hiking trail for those who find difficulty in climbing rocks as well.

Mahanandi or the Great Bull is a very sacred place located beyond the towns of Kurnool and Nandayala in Andhra Pradesh and is about seven hours' drive from Hyderabad. The Bull - "Nandi" located in a park outside the huge main temple complex is supposed to be the biggest ever seen anywhere in the country. Legend has it that the origin of the Bull is natural and it grows ever more, at the assumed rate of one inch in height every year. The Main Deity here is called "Sri Mahanandeeshwara” (Lord Siva of the Hindu Trinity) and His Divine Consort is Sri Kameshwari Devi (Universal Mother - Sri Parvati Devi). As one enters the main temple, there are two big water ponds on either side of the main pathway in which one is supposed to take three dips to purify the body before visiting the Deities and offering worship in the Sanctum Sanctoria.

Sakshi Ganapathi Temple is located at Srisailam in Kurnool district. This is on the way to the main Deity Shri Mallikarjuna Swamy, whose temple is one of the 12 jyothirlingas. Sakshi Ganapathi Temple stands as a witness for the pilgrims who pay a visit to the main deity. Hence pilgrims who come to Srisailam, first visit this temple, offer prayers and proceed to the main temple. Hence the name.

Ahobilam is divided in to upper and lower Ahobilam. Upper Ahobilam has 7 and Lower Ahobilam has 2 of the Nava Narasimha temples. 3 of them can be visited by a normal vehicle, 4 of them can be visited by an easy trek, 2 of them can be trekked (difficult) or do a 4 wheel drive (Jeeps can be hired). The temples are located in forest area and scenic. Other attractions are Ugra Sthambha and Prahalada Mettu.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple is a swayambu murti kshetra , the presiding diety is self manifested here . There are totally nine temples and all these temples are well maintained by the Ahobila Mutt .This temple is a divya desam . The seven hills start at Thirumala with the temple of Sri Venkateswara Swami and end at Ahobilam with the temple of Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswami .