Sri Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple: History, Festivals, and Travel Guide

 

Location

• Address: Pothapi Road, Nandalur, Annamayya District, Andhra Pradesh – 516150
• Geography: Located on the banks of the Bahuda River, about 40 km from Kadapa and 10 km from Rajampet, on the Kadapa–Tirupati highway.
• Accessibility: Easily reachable by road and rail; just a 10-minute walk from Nandalur bus stand.

Deities and Sub-Shrines

Main Deity

• Sri Soumyanatha Swamy – a serene and majestic form of Lord Vishnu, depicted in Abhaya Hastham (gesture of protection).
• The idol is 7 feet tall, resembling Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala, but with a distinct mudra.

Sub-Shrines

• Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy at the entrance
• Prayoga Narasimha Swamy
• Vinayaka Swamy
• Anjaneya Swamy (Veeranjaneya) – believed to protect from planetary afflictions

History and Architecture

Historical Timeline

• Built in the 11th century by the Chola dynasty
• Renovated by Pandyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagara, and Patiraja dynasties
• Inscriptions date from the 10th to 17th centuries, including Tamil epigraphy

Architectural Highlights

• Dravidian style with four Raja Gopurams in cardinal directions
• Gali Gopuram built by Someswara III (12th century)
• Mandapam with 108 intricately carved pillars, some depicting Bhagavatam stories
• Constructed with red stone, featuring lion-head motifs and a unique fish carving on the ceiling (linked to a local legend)

Significance and Legends

Temple Legend

• Sage Narada requested Lord Vishnu to descend to earth. Vishnu, enchanted by the Bahuda riverbank, manifested here as Soumyanatha Swamy.
• Narada is believed to have consecrated the deity himself.

Festivals and Rituals

Major Celebrations

• Vaikunta Ekadasi
• Brahmotsavam
• Garuda Seva
• Rathotsavam
• Pushpa Yagam
• Arjitha Kalyanam (performed in June–July)
• Chakrasnanam

Ritual Practices

• Abhishekam every Friday
• Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Beliefs

• Devotees believe that performing 9 pradakshinas (circumambulations) around the temple sanctum can fulfill heartfelt desires.
• Once their wishes are granted, many return to complete 108 pradakshinas as a gesture of gratitude.

• Worshipping this form of Vishnu is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.

• According to legend, Sage Narada requested Lord Vishnu to descend to Earth. Enchanted by the serenity of the Bahuda riverbank, Vishnu manifested here as Soumyanatha Swamy.
• It is believed that Narada himself consecrated the idol, making this a spiritually potent site.

• A large fish carving on the temple ceiling is tied to a local belief: one day, the fish will come alive and swim to the ocean—a symbol of divine mystery and cosmic connection.

• The shrine of Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy (Anjaneya) is believed to protect devotees from Navagraha doshas and other planetary influences.

• The great saint-poet Annamacharya composed 16 sankeertanas in praise of Sri Soumyanatha Swamy, highlighting the temple’s devotional importance in the Bhakti movement.

Getting Here

By Road

• From Kadapa: 45 km via Kadapa–Rajampet–Nandalur route
• From Rajampet: Just 10 km; takes about 10 minutes by road
• From Tirupati: 98 km; frequent buses available to Kadapa and Rajampet

Bus Services:

• APSRTC buses run frequently from Tirupati, Kadapa, and Rajampet
• Local autos and taxis are available from Rajampet to the temple

By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Nandalur Railway Station
• Trains from Tirupati, Kadapa, and Chennai stop here
• The temple is about 2 minutes by walk from the station

 By Air

• Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (approx. 110 km)
• From the airport, take a cab or bus to Rajampet or Kadapa, then proceed to Nandalur

Tips

• Arrive early in the morning (temple opens at 6:00 AM) for a peaceful darshan.
• Perform 9 pradakshinas if you’re making a wish; return for 108 pradakshinas once fulfilled.
• Visit during Brahmotsavam (early July) for vibrant rituals and vahana sevas.
• Explore nearby temples like:
• Sri Parvati Sametha Ullangeswara Swamy Temple (Chola-era Shiva temple)
• Ganapathi, Anjaneya, and Prayoga Narasimha Swamy shrines within the complex
• Carry water and snacks, especially during festival days when crowds are high.

• Avoid visiting during midday heat (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, when the temple is closed).
• Don’t wear shorts or sleeveless attire—modest dress is expected.
• Avoid loud conversations or photography inside the sanctum.

Accommodation

While Nandalur itself has limited stay options, nearby Rajampet (10 km) and Kadapa (45 km) offer comfortable hotels.