Sri Nandalur Soumyanatha Swamy Temple: History, Festivals, and Travel Guide

Location

Address: Pothapi Road, Nandalur, Annamayya District, Andhra Pradesh – 516150
Geography: Located on the banks of the Bahuda River, about 40 km from Kadapa and 10 km from Rajampet, on the Kadapa–Tirupati highway.
Accessibility: Easily reachable by road and rail; just a 10-minute walk from Nandalur bus stand.

Deities and Sub-Shrines

Main Deity

Sri Soumyanatha Swamy – a serene and majestic form of Lord Vishnu, depicted in Abhaya Hastham (gesture of protection).
The idol is 7 feet tall, resembling Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala, but with a distinct mudra.

Sub-Shrines

Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy at the entrance
Prayoga Narasimha Swamy
Vinayaka Swamy
Anjaneya Swamy (Veeranjaneya) – believed to protect from planetary afflictions

History and Architecture

Historical Timeline

Built in the 11th century by the Chola dynasty
Renovated by Pandyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagara, and Patiraja dynasties
Inscriptions date from the 10th to 17th centuries, including Tamil epigraphy

Architectural Highlights

Dravidian style with four Raja Gopurams in cardinal directions
Gali Gopuram built by Someswara III (12th century)
Mandapam with 108 intricately carved pillars, some depicting Bhagavatam stories
Constructed with red stone, featuring lion-head motifs and a unique fish carving on the ceiling (linked to a local legend)

Significance and Legends

Temple Legend

Sage Narada requested Lord Vishnu to descend to earth. Vishnu, enchanted by the Bahuda riverbank, manifested here as Soumyanatha Swamy.
Narada is believed to have consecrated the deity himself.

Festivals and Rituals

Major Celebrations

Ritual Practices

Beliefs

Devotees believe that performing 9 pradakshinas (circumambulations) around the temple sanctum can fulfill heartfelt desires.
Once their wishes are granted, many return to complete 108 pradakshinas as a gesture of gratitude.

Worshipping this form of Vishnu is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.

According to legend, Sage Narada requested Lord Vishnu to descend to Earth. Enchanted by the serenity of the Bahuda riverbank, Vishnu manifested here as Soumyanatha Swamy.
It is believed that Narada himself consecrated the idol, making this a spiritually potent site.

A large fish carving on the temple ceiling is tied to a local belief: one day, the fish will come alive and swim to the ocean—a symbol of divine mystery and cosmic connection.

The shrine of Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy (Anjaneya) is believed to protect devotees from Navagraha doshas and other planetary influences.

The great saint-poet Annamacharya composed 16 sankeertanas in praise of Sri Soumyanatha Swamy, highlighting the temple’s devotional importance in the Bhakti movement.

Getting Here

By Road

From Kadapa: 45 km via Kadapa–Rajampet–Nandalur route
From Rajampet: Just 10 km; takes about 10 minutes by road
From Tirupati: 98 km; frequent buses available to Kadapa and Rajampet

Bus Services:

By Train

By Air

Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (approx. 110 km)
From the airport, take a cab or bus to Rajampet or Kadapa, then proceed to Nandalur

Tips

Arrive early in the morning (temple opens at 6:00 AM) for a peaceful darshan.
Perform 9 pradakshinas if you’re making a wish; return for 108 pradakshinas once fulfilled.
Visit during Brahmotsavam (early July) for vibrant rituals and vahana sevas.
Explore nearby temples like:

Carry water and snacks, especially during festival days when crowds are high.

Avoid visiting during midday heat (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, when the temple is closed).
Don’t wear shorts or sleeveless attire—modest dress is expected.
Avoid loud conversations or photography inside the sanctum.

Accommodation

While Nandalur itself has limited stay options, nearby Rajampet (10 km) and Kadapa (45 km) offer comfortable hotels.