Located at a distance of 15 kms from Sangareddy and 60 kms from Medak, Nandi Kandi is a quaint little village. Also known as Nandi, the village is famous for the star shaped Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple.
Constructed in the 11th century under the valiant Chalukyas, the Ramalingeswara Temple at Nandikandi is well-known particularly for its unique shape. Also known as Rameshwara, the temple is adorned with exquisite sculpture inherent in every pillar and crevice.
The four ornamental pillars in the Central hall or Navaranga is one of its best specimens. Figures and forms from the Hindu pantheon, like those of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Narasimha, Varaha, Nataraja, Devi Mahishasur Mardini, Devi Saraswati and Gaja Lakshmi grace the façade and side walls of the pillars. The intricate carvings are made, a more interesting a watch, aided by the information that each pillar is carved out of single blocks of stone.
The Garba Griha house the presiding deity of the temple Rameshwara Swamy and his consort engraved on beautiful black stone. Some of the other sculptures include those of Apsaras, dikpalakas, rakshasas, matrumurti and Darpan warriors. The temple also provides a star shaped skylight provides a source of natural lighting.
One of the most attractive features of the temple is the huge ornamental Nandi Bull that adorns the temple interiors. It is made out of black stone and attracts as much attention as the presiding deity.
The Ramalingeshwara Temple is a unique specimen of architectural brilliance. Its exquisite sculpture speaks volumes about the craftsmanship of the Chalukyan era. The temple should not be missed if one wishes to experience the culture and heritage inherited from the Chalukyan kings.
The Ramalingeshwara Temple should be in the list of ancient temples of Telangana because of rich historical importance and exquisite carvings.
Special attractions of Ramalingeswara Temple at Nandikandi:
– The four ornamental pillars in the Central hall or Navaranga
– Nandi with carved ornaments
– Star shape of the Temple
Temple Timing:
– The temple timings are from 5:30 am to 7:00 pm
Location: Located in a small village Nandikandi which is 15 Kms from Sangareddy Town.
Distance:
– Distance from MGBS Hyderabad is 72 Kms (1.5 hours drive)
– Distance from Sangareddy Town is 15 Kms (20 min drive)
– Distance from Patancheru is 31 Kms (40 Min drive)
How to reach:
– Nandi Kandi can be reached from Hyderabad via Zaheerabad, Sadasivapet, Bidar or Patanchervu. One can catch a bus going to any of these places and get down at Nandi Kandi Bus Stop.
– Ramalingeswara Temple is 3 kms far from Nandi Kandi Bus Stop
Where to stay:
– Sangareddy, the closest town, offers some good accommodation options. The Sri Chandra Farms & Resorts and New Grand Hotel and Lodge are some popular choices.
– Moreover, being quite close to Hyderabad, tourists can also travel to Sangareddy on day trips from Hyderabad
Nearby attractions:
– Medak Fort
– Pocharam Dam Reservoir
– Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
– Kotilingeshwara Temple
– Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple
– Archaeological Museum, Kondapur
Useful Contact Numbers:
– For more information regarding the temple timings and Poojas (Prayers) contact temple Pujari Sri J. Venkata Rao on 9908392917 / 9989174257.