Thondavada Agastheeswarar Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Tirupati Rd, Thondavada,

Andhra Pradesh 517505

Moolavar

Agastheeswarar

Amman

Maragathavalli / Vallimata

Introduction

The Thondavada Agastheeshwara Swamy Temple, also known as Sri Maragadhavalli Sameetha Shri Agastheeswara Swamy Temple or Mukkoti Temple, is a sacred Shiva temple located at the confluence of the Swarnamukhi, Bhima, and Kalyani rivers in Chandragiri Mandal, near Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is situated approximately 11.2 km from Tirupati RTC Bus Stand and 11.3 km from Tirupati Railway Station. It is believed that the Shiva Lingam in this temple was installed by Sage Agastya, and as such, it is known as Agastheeswara Lingam.

Puranic Significance

The Shiva Linga at this temple is believed to have been installed by the great sage Agastya. According to legend, the sage performed intense penance here, and Lord Shiva manifested in the form of a Lingam to bless him.
The temple features an inscription on its walls, dated to the 31st year of Kulothunga Chola’s reign (circa 1100-01 AD). While the inscription is not a foundation record, it is a valuable historical marker, helping establish the temple’s timeline.
The village surrounding the temple, Tondavada, derives its name from the Chandragiri kings, who used the area as a rest house for travelers and a place for keeping elephants.

Temple Architecture and Features

The temple complex is enclosed by a grand compound wall and has three entrances. The entrance to the sanctum sanctorum is adorned with beautifully sculpted Dwarapalakas (guardians of the temple), which add grandeur to the structure.
Inside the second prakara (outer courtyard), there is a separate shrine for Mother Parvati, known here as Vallimata.
A tank is situated outside the temple compound, offering a place for pilgrims to bathe and cleanse before entering the temple.

References

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2019/01/agastheeswarar-temple-thondavada-tirupati-andhra-pradesh.html