File:Mahanadi Temple, Mahanandi, Andhra Pradesh India - 1.jpg

English: There are many active Hindu historic and pilgrimage site in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. These include monuments and scenic natural springs linked to Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakti tradition legends. The villages and town near Nandyal, set near the western side of the Nallamala hills and forest, feature many groups of these sites. Nandyal itself is a historic location, its name derived from Nandi + alayam, one shortened over time.

• About 6 miles east of Nandyal, close to the rise of Nallamala forested hills, is the site of the Mahanandi temple. It is located in Thimmapuram village popular referred to as Mahanandi village. The main temple itself is about 9 miles to the east of Nandyal (State Highway 403).
• This is a major historic Shiva temple. It can be traced to the early Western Chalukya dynasty (7th century), expanded in the 10th century, damaged and destroyed in the Hindu-Muslim conflict between the 13th and 15th century, repaired and restored by Hindu kingdoms several times. Much of the surviving structure reflects the arts and architecture after the 13th-century. In the 1950s, the regional Hindu community added a temple to the north of Mahanandi temple, dedicated to Rama, Lakshmana and Sita of the Ramayana fame.
• The Mahanandi temple features a very large Nandi statue facing the main sanctum, believed to be one fo the largest in India. Inside the temple premises, there are many more Nandi sculptures. The temple is also known after it, as Mahanandesvara temple.
• The lingam is svayambhu type, self-manifested. It is a natural rock formation shaped in the form of a Shiva linga, and has natural marks that appear to be hoof marks. Below this spot is the source of a cool natural spring that feeds the three sacred water tanks (pushkarani) of the temple.
• The water tanks are square (60x60 feet). The primary one close to the sanctum and with the natural spring water is called Rudragundam. Its water overflows into the Vishnugundam and Brahmagundam, from where the stream proceeds to flow into the plains to irrigate and quench over 2000 acres of nearby horticulture valley. The Hindus consider the waters of these water tanks as holy for dips during festivals, particularly Shivaratri. In the middle of the tank, at its center are historic mandapams dedicated to Vedic deities (e.g. Varuna).
• The main temple is dedicated to Shiva and faces west. It follows the square and circle principle of Hindu architecture. Next to the main sanctum is a small temple on its south dedicated to Parvati.