Nandi Kandi is yet another old fashioned village with traditions and rituals taking the forefront that has become popular in the tourism map due to the existence of Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple. This village is about 60 kms from Medak. The point for reaching this village which is also commonly called Nandi is through Sangareddy which is just about 15 kms away.
The Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple had been constructed in the shape of a star in the 11th century. The Chalukyas are said to be the founders and designers of the temple. Apart from the unique shape and structure, the temple also displays exquisite sculpture in every corner of the temple. The pillars and the crevices also inherit the artistic sculptures. The four pillars in the Central Hall or the Navranga act as the object of study for the students of arts and crafts. The pillars are ornamented with the figures and forms from the Hindu pantheon, like those of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Narasimha Swamy, Varaha Swamy, Nataraja Swamy, Devi Mahishasur Mardini, Devi Saraswati Mata and Gaja Lakshmi. These pillars happen to interest the visitors more from the fact that these are carved out of single blocks of stone itself. The star shaped skylight in the temple also amuses the visitors. This provides natural light to the temple during the day time.
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Rameshwara Swamy. The idol of the Lord is placed in the Garba Griha of the temple. The idols of the Lord and His Consort are made in beautiful black stone. Sculpture of Apsaras, dikpalakas, rakshasas, matrumurti and Darpan warriors also accompany the Lord inside the temple. The other attractive feature of the temple is the huge Nandi Bull that is placed in the temple interiors. The Nandi, made out of black stone is also worshipped by the devotees and is given equal importance as the presiding deity in the temple.
The Sri Ramalingeshwara Temple as such displays great architectural skills and is studied by the students of Engineering as well as Arts to understand the mechanism and skills involved in the construction many centuries back. It speaks of the importance given by the Chalukyas to the culture and heritage as well as to craftsmanship.
Special attractions of SriRamalingeswara Temple at Nandikandi:
The four ornamental pillars in the Central hall or Navaranga that display exquisite carvings
Nandi with carved ornaments placed in the temple interiors
The unique star shape of the Temple
Location: The Ramalingeshwara temple is located in a small village Nandikandi which is 15 Kms from Sangareddy Town. It is 60 km away from Medak.
How to reach:
One can reach Nandi Kandi by bus from Hyderabad to either Zaheerabad or Sadasivapet or Bidar or Patanchervu. Buses to these places go via Nandi Kandi.
Sri Ramalingeswara Temple is 3 kms far from Nandi Kandi Bus Stop and can be reached by the auto rickshaw from the Bus Stop.
Where to stay:
Pilgrims and devotees stay in Sangareddy, the closest town and visit the temple. One of the good accommodations at Sangareddy is the Chandra Farms & Resorts. The other options could be New Grand Hotel besides the various lodges available at reasonable rates.
The visitors also have the option to stay back at Hyderabad and visit the place.
Temple Timing: 5:30 am to 7:00 pm
Sri Ramalingeswara Temple Distance:
From Hyderabad 72 Kms
From Sangareddy Town 15 Kms
From Patancheru 31 Kms
Sri Ramalingeswara Temple Address:
Sri Ramalingeswara Temple,
Nandikandi,
Near Sangareddy,
Medak District,
Telangana.
Contact Numbers:
Pujari Sri J. Venkata Rao on 9908392917 / 9989174257.