About Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple
The Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple lies at the foot of the Erramala hills, about 14 km from Banaganapalle in Nandyal district (formerly Kurnool district), Andhra Pradesh. Here Shiva and Parvati are worshipped together as Uma Maheswara in a single stone image, rather than in the usual form of a linga. The temple sits in a quiet valley of red rock cliffs, with natural caves above it and a spring-fed tank in front, and it draws pilgrims from across Andhra Pradesh, especially on Maha Shivaratri.
Tradition says that the sage Agastya wished to build a temple to Lord Venkateswara here, but the image he made was found to have a broken toe and could not be installed. After his penance, Shiva appeared and told him the place resembled Kailasa and was better suited for himself, and at Agastya's request granted the form of Uma Maheswara. Another story tells of a devotee named Chitteppa who saw Shiva in the form of a tiger. The present temple was built in the 15th century under the Sangama kings of Vijayanagara. Local belief holds that the large stone Nandi in front of the temple has been slowly growing over the years, and that crows do not come to the site because of an old curse.
The temple complex has a gopuram, pillared halls and the main shrine, with the Pushkarini in front fed all year by water flowing from the hill through the mouth of a carved Nandi. Pilgrims bathe here before darshan. Steep steps lead up to caves associated with Agastya, Venkateswara and the saint Veerabrahmendra Swami, who is said to have written part of his Kalagnanam here.
Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning abhishekam and puja | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening harathi | At sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple
By air
Kurnool (Orvakal) Airport is about 60 km away; Hyderabad Airport is about 260 km away.
By train
Nandyal and Bethamcherla are the nearest useful railway stations, each roughly 40–55 km away; Kurnool City is about 90 km away.
By road
Buses and taxis run from Banaganapalle (about 14 km) and Nandyal to Yaganti.
Festivals at Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- UgadiMar/Apr
- Kartika monthNov/Dec
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional or modest clothing is recommended; carry a change of clothes if you plan to bathe in the pushkarini.
- Entry
- Free entry.
- The cave steps are steep and uneven; wear good footwear and take your time.
- Bathing in the pushkarini is customary; there are basic changing areas.
- Watch out for monkeys and keep food out of sight.
- Combine the trip with Belum Caves, which are within easy driving distance.
- Carry water, as facilities are limited.
Places to visit near Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple
- BanaganapalleTown famous for its mangoes, about 14 km away
- Belum CavesLong natural limestone caves, about 50 km away
- Mahanandi TempleShiva temple with clear spring-fed tanks, about 70 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yaganti Nandi really growing?
Local belief holds that the stone Nandi is slowly growing, and many devotees regard it as a sign of the Lord's grace.
Which deity is worshipped at Yaganti?
Shiva and Parvati are worshipped together as Uma Maheswara, carved in a single stone.
How to reach Yaganti temple?
Yaganti is about 14 km from Banaganapalle in Nandyal district. Buses and taxis run from Banaganapalle and Nandyal.
What caves are there at Yaganti?
The Agastya, Venkateswara and Veerabrahmam caves are in the hill above the temple, reached by steep steps.
What is the aarti time at Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple?
Morning abhishekam and puja: Early morning (approx.); Evening harathi: At sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple timings?
Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple?
Traditional or modest clothing is recommended; carry a change of clothes if you plan to bathe in the pushkarini.
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