As per beliefs, the Pandavas of the Mahabharata came to Srisailam, near Kurnool during their exile and decided to install a Shiva linga in this region after visiting the Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple (Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple). Dharmaraja Yudhishthira ordered his younger brother Bhima to bring a Shiva linga from the holy place of Kashi.
As Bhima failed to fetch the idol, a rectangular neem log was installed at the confluence of Krishna and Tungabhadra with other tributaries. The Shiva linga was named Sangameshwara as the word Sangama denotes the place where the rivers meet. The idol brought by Bhima later found a place a kilometre away.
The temple was submerged after the construction of Srisallam Dam in 1980. This temple was not relocated like many other temples in this place. So the temple was submerged by the water of Srisailam Dam. It remained submerged for twenty years and resurfaced only in 2003.
Devotees are allowed to visit the places where the temple remains open for 40 to 50 days every year. Since the temple is surrounded by water, the devotees are brought to the temple by boats. Many devotional programs and poojas are conducted for the Shiva Linga in the temple.
Here are some facts about the famous Sangameshwara Temple
– The Sangaeshwara Temple was constructed in 740 AD by a ruler from the Chalukya family named Pulakesi II at this place.
– The temple has 12 large pillars in the hall followed by the sanctum. There is a cross-way for pradakshinas around the sanctum.
– There is a relief of the great Nagaraja on the ceiling as seen in other Chalukya temples.
– The pillars in the hall have beautifully carved images of Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Kumaraswamy.
– The outer walls of the front face have carvings of Ardhanariswara and Ganapathi. The door has images of Yamuna and Ganapathi.
– The outer walls of the sides are beautifully carved with Lord Shiva killing the demon Harihara, Manmadha, Yama and Shiva with 18 hands.
Sangameshwar Temple is located near the coast of Machummarri village in Kurnool district. This temple is built at a place where the tributaries Krishna, Tunga, Bhadra, Bhavanasi, Veni, Bheemarathi and Mahapharani rivers converge. Other Attractions Near Sangameshwara Temple Srisailam Dam and Reservoir constructed on the border of Mahabubnagar and Kurnool districts is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions near Sangameshwara Temple.
Sangameshwara Temple is open for 40 to 50 days in April and May. From the shore, one can visit the temple by boat. There are many buses operated by the government to reach Pagidyala. There are also many trains to Kurnool railway station from different cities. Folk have to stay in Guntur or Vijayawada as there are no hotels near the village of Machummari.
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