Sri Gowthameeshwara Temple, Manthani

Address

Sri Gowthameeshwara Temple Ganga Rd, Manthani, Peddapalli district Telangana 505184

Diety

Gowthameeshwar (shiva)

Introduction

Manthani is popularly believed to house a thousand Brahmin families Its is completely in ruins. The old people here say that “Manthani” refers to a pot of buttermilk. Just like butter-milk gets churned into a pot so were the Vedic Mantras that used to churn in this village. So Manthani got its name from Mantra-Mathana, meaning churning of the Mantras.The Manthani village is surrounded by the sacred Godavari river in the northern side, BokkalaVaagu in the south, a lush green reserve forest in the east and RavulaCheruvu – a small lake in the Western side. The temple is quite fragile at this point of time, but the idol of Lord Shiva and his bull is quite prominent even now. The temples have sunk into the ground, ceiling and walls have collapsed, the sculpture has faded, creepers and overgrowth have taken over.

Puranic Significance

The idol of Lord Shiva is more or less similar to the Thousands Pillar Temple, which is located in Warangal. It is also stated that the Kakatiya rulers might have renovated the old temple in order to create a new look.This temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is also stated as Gautameswar. A big Shiva linga of about 1.25 m, made of black stone is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum on a beautifully carved ‘Panawatika’ (platform or pedestal) according to ‘Somasutra’. Lord Ganesh is installed in the inner right corner in between the entrance room and sanctum sanctorum. A big Nandi idol, beautifully carved in black stone, can be seen in the entrance room. The ears and nose of the Nandi are said to have been destroyed by Muslim invaders.It is said that AadiShankaracharya (A.D.788-820), who visited Manthani, was pleased to see the ceaseless recitation of Vedic Mantras in the village and recognized it as a Dharma-Pitham. The subjects like Vedas, Logic, Grammar, Astrology, Chandassu and Mimamasa are said to have been taught here by the scholars in Sanskrit.Even today Manthani is famous for Vedic Ghanapathis and the scholars well-versed in Agama Sastras and Dharma-sutras.