Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/mkLgpPSg4m8
https://www.trawell.in/telangana/nalgonda/shambhu-lingeswara-temple-mellacheruvu
Location:
“Swayambu
Shambu Lingeshwara Temple, RW7H+QMR, Cement Factory - Mellacheruvu Rd, Mella
Chervu, Suryapet, Telangana 508246”
Situated at a distance of just around 1KM from Mella
chevuru railway station, Sri Shambhu Lingeswara Temple is one of the most
celebrated temples in Nalgonda district. The presiding deity of the temple is
swayambhu Lingeshwara swamy who is believed to be self manifested Shiva.
Considered to be atleast 1000 years old, the temple was constructed by the
Kakatiyas and is located around 91 KMs from Nalgonda, 52 KMs from Miryalaguda,
and 200 KMs from the capital city of Hyderabad.
One of the unique features about the temple is the
hole at the top of shivalingam (also known as swayam abhishekam linga or
self-purifying linga) around 2 inches from where the water keeps flowing in all
seasons. This
water never dries up, regardless of the season. The water is believed to be
sacred, and devotees collect it as teertham (holy water).
The water
in the depression remains constant, never overflowing or drying up. Even when
the water is removed, it quickly refills. This phenomenon amazes visitors and
adds to the temple’s mystique.
Along with this it is also claimed that the linga is
slowly growing in height, much like the Vinayaka idol at Kanipakam. It is said that it happens every 12 years, and is particularly
noticeable during the Pushkaram festival. Devotees and priests have observed
and marked these changes, which serve as physical evidence of the phenomenon.
Reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage is the
temple’s architecture and the rituals and festivals that are conducted here.
The shiva linga at Mella Cheruvu is connected to all
the 5 elements or pancha bhootas.
History
and construction:
The Yadava monarchs built the temple during the
kakatiya period in the 11th century and is dedicated to goddess
Ishwaryeswari and Swayambhu Lingeshwara Swamy. Kakatiya King Prataparudra later
expanded the temple.
Unique Rituals at Mella Cheruvu Temple:
1) Abhishekam
2) Rudrabhishekam
3) Pallaki
Seva
Legend:
The legend states that the sufferings due to drought,
of the residents of Mella Cheruvu, compelled Lord Shiva to Mellacheruvu forest
area from thousand pillar temple at Hanamakonda. The Yadava emperors came upon
the Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Linga when they observed that a cow from
their herd was bringing milk to a particular location in the forest. Even when
the Linga was taken off, it remained in place. As a result of a supernatural vision,
Yadava ruler Gangaboyin Mallanna constructed the temple in 1126 and named
Mellacheruvu the “Dakshina Kashi” (Southern Kashi).
Architecture:
The temple follows a typical Dravidian style with a
Gopuram in the front, a Prakharam and a big mandapam leading to the Garbagriha
beneath the Shikhara. There is a gopuram at the rear end also, but no side
Gopurams. A sub shrine is present on the right side of the main shikhara, which
is dedicated to goddess Ishwaryeswari.
The Shiva Linga at this temple is unique
because it sits on a base (pana vattam) made up of two plates. Typically, a
Shiva Linga is associated with a single base that is in contact with the
ground. The two-plate base structure at Mellacheruvu is considered highly unusual.
On the back of the Shiva Linga, some marks resemble the plaits of hair, which
are associated with the Ardhanarishvara form (representing composite form of
Shiva and Parvati: combination of male and female energies) of Lord Shiva. The
Shiva Linga at Mellacheruvu is distinctive white, which is rare and considered
highly auspicious by the devotees. This white hue adds to the divine and sacred
aura of the Linga.
There is a Nandi in front of the Shiva
linga. Along with these, idols of Hara parvati, Parvati, Subramanya
(Kartikeya), Navagrahas and Ganesha are also kept at the temple.
How to reach:
By Road: The temple is
around 66 KMs from Suryapet, 27 KMs from Kodad after taking right from National
Highway 65, in Surayapet district. Revuru is the nearest TSRTC bus stand. It’s
a busy town and lot of local transport is available for Malla Chervu.
By Rail: Mellacheruvu
Railway Station is the nearest railway station
By Air: Vijayawada
airport is the nearest airport around 136 KMs. Hyderabad airport is around 209
KMs
Parking and Photography:
There is space in front
of the temple for parking.
Photography is allowed
except at the Garbagriha. Drones can be used from outside the temple
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 6:00
am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Popular
Festivals:
1) Mahashivaratri:
the most significant
festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, sees the temple illuminated with lights and
resonating with chants and prayers. Devotees fast and offer special prayers,
seeking the blessings of Shambhu Lingeswara.
2) Navaratri
3) Diwali
4) Karthika Masam
5) Kalyanotsavam.
Nearby
Places to visit:
1) Ganeshparalayam,
Kusumanchi
2)
Adi Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Venugopala
Swamy Temple, Burugadda
3) Nelakondapally
Buddhist Stupa
Stay
Options:
Khammam is the nearest best stay option with lots of
hotels/residencies. If one is coming from Suryapet, then Suryapet also has good
stay option.