Utukuru Nagalingeswarar Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Utukuru, Kadapa District,

Andhra Pradesh 516126

Moolavar

Nagalingeswarar

Amman

Kamakshi

Introduction

The Nagalingeswarar Temple is a significant temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Utukuru Village near Rajampet in the Kadapa District of Tamil Nadu, India. The Nagalingeswarar Temple is situated in Utukuru Village, which is located near Rajampet in the Kadapa District of Tamil Nadu, India. It is approximately 3.5 kilometers from the old bus stand in Rajampet.

Puranic Significance

Presiding Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, specifically as Nagalingeswarar, and the mother goddess is referred to as Kamakshi.

Historical Significance: This temple is considered an Avathara Sthalam of Kannappa Nayanar, a devout devotee of Lord Shiva. Kannappa Nayanar, also known as Bhakta Kannappa, is a revered figure in Hindu mythology and is closely associated with his profound devotion to Shiva.

Kannappa Nayanar: Kannappa Nayanar was a hunter by profession and is famous for his unwavering and selfless devotion to Lord Shiva. He is known for his act of offering his own eyes to the Shiva Linga to stop the bleeding from the deity’s eyes. His devotion and selfless act of devotion made him one of the 63 Nayanars, who were holy Saivite saints and ardent devotees of Shiva. Kannappa Nayanar is considered a valiant and devoted follower of Lord Shiva.

Legend of Kannappa Nayanar: Kannappa Nayanar was a pure-hearted devotee of Lord Shiva, even though he was not well-versed in the proper rituals and worship of the deity. He offered whatever he could, including animal flesh from his hunting, to Lord Shiva. When Lord Shiva tested his devotion by causing a tremor in the temple, Kannappa Nayanar’s unwavering faith led him to protect the Shiva Linga with his body.

Sacrifice of His Eyes: When Kannappa Nayanar noticed that the Shiva Linga’s eyes were bleeding, he plucked out his own eyes with his arrows and offered them to the deity. In response to his extreme devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Kannappa Nayanar and restored his vision, recognizing him as a true devotee.

Kannappa Nayanar’s Liberation: Kannappa Nayanar’s story teaches the lesson of devotion and sacrifice. In his previous life, he was believed to be Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers. In his quest for divine knowledge and powers, he underwent trials and tests in different lifetimes. His final life as Kannappa Nayanar led to his liberation and eternal devotion to Lord Shiva.

Guru Pooja: The temple conducts Guru Pooja in honor of Kannappa Nayanar on the Thai Mrigashirsha Day to commemorate his devotion and sacrifice.

The Nagalingeswarar Temple is not only a place of worship but also serves as a place of historical and spiritual significance, attracting devotees who wish to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and learn from the devotion of Kannappa Nayanar.