Nandikandi Sri Ramalingeswara Temple, Karnataka

Address

Nandikandi Sri Ramalingeswara Temple, Karnataka

Telangana 502291

Moolavar

Sri Ramalingeswara

Introduction

Ramalingeswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Nandikandi, which is a village in the Sangareddy district, Telangana, India. 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.

Puranic Significance

The temple is constructed in the 11^th century under the 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 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 should be in the list of ancient temples of Telangana because of rich historical importance and exquisite carvings.