Andhra Pradesh

Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple

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January

13.3 - 34.5 °C

February

14.9 - 37.7 °C

March

18.0 - 40.8 °C

April

21.2 - 42.2 °C

May

21.7 - 42.3 °C

June

22.5 - 39.4 °C

July

22.2 - 37.0 °C

August

22.2 - 36.2 °C

September

21.4 - 36.2 °C

October

19.5 - 35.1 °C

November

15.5 - 33.5 °C

December

13.3 - 32.5 °C


Major Airports :

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

Nearest Railway Station :

Anantapur Railway Station (ATP)

Major Airports :

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

A shrine of divinity nestled in nature

In the small town of Tadipatri, Anantapur, near the banks of the river Penna, you can find a remarkable example of architectural excellence and spirituality: the Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple. This temple was built as a testament to the might of the Vijayanagara Empire, constructed between 1490 and 1509 by Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayudu I. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses a naturally occurring 'swayambhu' linga, offering a unique spiritual experience to devotees. Unlike most Shivalingas, this one is constantly bathed in a stream of water from a natural spring, which never stops flowing. This is evident from the word "Bugga," which translates to "spring" in Telugu, giving the temple its distinctive name. The water is collected in a pond near the temple, and it is believed that the River Musi, which flows through Hyderabad, originated from this location.

A sanctuary carved in stone 

The temple is located merely 4 km from the Tadipatri railway station. As you approach, the unfinished gopurams stand as silent sentinels to history and welcome you to the premises. The temple complex is a beautiful display of stone architecture, with the sanctum, ardhmandapa (half-open hall), and mukhamandapa (front porch) perfectly aligned. Intricate bas-relief sculptures on the temple walls depict scenes from the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Additionally, the west-facing Shiva linga deviates from the traditional east-facing orientation of deities, giving the temple a unique and charming character. The temple's most enchanting feature is the 'saptaswara' pillars. It contains seven small independent pillars that, when struck, produce the seven notes of the musical scale. The temple's unfinished gopurams, described as 'wonders' by architectural historian James Anderson, stand as a reminder of the artistic ambition of the Vijayanagara Empire. 



Timings

Morning: 06:AM - 11:30 PM

Evening: 05:PM - 7:30 PM

Beyond the sacred walls 

The temple's allure extends to its vicinity, where other historical and natural sites beckon. The Belum Caves, with their stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, offer an underground adventure for the ones seeking an adrenaline rush. The Mylavaram Dam presents a serene getaway for the ones interested in sightseeing. Nearby, the Chintala Venkataramana Swamy Temple and the Kadiri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, with their rich inscriptions and grand gopurams, echo the region's deep-rooted spirituality. 

In this serene corner of Andhra Pradesh, the Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple stands not just as a stone and mortar structure, but as a living chronicle of faith, art, and history. Don't skip it, we would love it if you spend a few moments here. 

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple is from October to February.