Madavaraya Temple, Gorantla, Andhra Pradesh

Madavaraya Temple, Gorantla, Andhra Pradesh

Madavaraya Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located at Gorantla Town in Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the banks of Chitravathi River. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The temple was built by King Narasimha of the Saluva dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1354 A.D. The temple was brimmed with festivities in its ancient past as per the inscription dated to 1610 A.D. However, the nose of the presiding deity was broken in later period which had made the idol ineligible for puja.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an unfinished Rajagopuram. There is a large stepped well on the left side immediately after the Rajagopuram. Garuda can be seen in front of Mukha Mandapa facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapa and pillared Mukha Mandapa. The pillars of Mukha Mandapa are decorated with sculptures representing mythological animals, celestial beings, Dasavathara, scenes from Ramayana & Mahabharata and Puranas. The central pillars the Mukha Mandapa have sculptures of Yali. The Sanctum houses an idol of Madavaraya.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 metres from Gorantla Bus Stand, 25 Kms from Rangepalli Railway Station, 25 Kms from Puttaparthi Railway Station, 28 Kms from Puttaparthi Sathya Sai Airport, 29 Kms from Penukonda, 36 Kms from Lepakshi, 39 Kms from Hindupur, 104 Kms from Bengaluru Airport and 126 Kms from Bengaluru. The temple is situated on Hindupur to Kadiri route.

Location | Photos