Sri Moolastaneswara Swamy Temple – Nellore’s Ancient Shaiva Kshetra

Location Overview

Presiding Deities & Subshrines

Temple Significance

Historical Depth: Believed to be over 1400 years old, with architectural influences from the Kakatiya and Chola dynasties
Sacred Origin: Legend tells of a cow anointing a Shiva lingam with milk at an anthill. When struck accidentally, the lingam bled—prompting King Mukanti Reddy to build the temple following a divine dream
Cultural Importance:

Tikkana Somayaji, the famed Telugu poet, began his translation of the Mahabharata only after offering prayers here
The temple is considered the oldest Shaiva Kshetra in Nellore

Daily & Weekly Rituals

Suprabhata Seva: Early morning awakening of the deity with Vedic chants
Abhishekam: Ritual bathing of the Shiva Lingam with milk, curd, honey, and sacred water
Alankaram: Decoration of the deities with flowers, sandal paste, and traditional attire
Archana & Harathi: Regular offerings and waving of camphor lamps
Prasadam Distribution: Devotees receive sacred offerings after puja

On Mondays, special Shiva pujas are performed, drawing larger crowds due to the day's auspiciousness for Lord Shiva.

Major Festivals Celebrated

1. Maha Shivaratri

The most significant festival here
Includes Jagaran (night vigil), Rudra Homam, and special Abhishekams
Devotees fast and chant “Om Namah Shivaya” throughout the night

2. Karthika Masam (October–November)

3. Sravana Masam (July–August)

4. Navaratri & Dasara

5. Vinayaka Chaturthi

6. Subrahmanya Shashti

Devotees offer prayers to Sri Subrahmanyaswara Swamy with kavadi and milk abhishekam

Temple Timings – Sri Moolastaneswara Swamy Temple, Nellore

The Nelli Tree Connection

It is believed that Lord Shiva manifested under a Nelli tree (Phyllanthus emblica).
The town’s name “Nellore” is derived from this sacred tree: Nelli + Uru (village).

Devotee Beliefs

Wish Fulfillment: Devotees believe that sincere prayers here lead to the fulfillment of desires, especially related to health, family harmony, and spiritual growth.
Powerful Shiva Kshetra: It is considered one of the oldest and most potent Shaiva temples in the region, drawing pilgrims from across Andhra Pradesh.
Protective Energy: Worship of subshrines like Kala Bhairava, Veerabhadra, and Sahasra Lingeswara is believed to ward off negative energies and grant inner strength.

How to Get There

Location: Mulapeta, Nellore City, Andhra Pradesh
Just 2 km from Nellore Bus Station, easily accessible by auto or cab

By Train

Nellore Railway Station (NLR) is a major stop on the Chennai–Kolkata line
Well-connected to cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Vijayawada

By Air

By Road

Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early morning (06:00–08:00 AM) or evening (05:30–07:30 PM) for peaceful darshan
Dress Code: Traditional attire preferred; modest clothing recommended
Language: Telugu is widely spoken; basic phrases can help with local interactions
Photography: Restricted inside sanctum; check with temple staff before clicking
Nearby Attractions: Visit Jonnawada Kamakshi Temple or Penchalakona Narasimha Swamy Temple if you have time