Sri Golingeswara Swamy Temple Nidadavolu – History, Rituals & Travel Guide

Location

• Address: Nidadavolu, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh

Deities

• Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva as Sri Golingeswara Swamy (Swayambhu Maha Linga).
• Other shrines: Parvati Devi and associated Shaivite deities.

Temple Significance

• One of the ancient Shaivite temples in Andhra Pradesh, dating back to the 7th century.
• Known for its Swayambhu Shiva Linga, believed to have manifested naturally.
• A sculpture of a cow atop the mandapam symbolizes the divine origin of the linga.

History & Legends

• Constructed between 696–733 AD by King Vijayaditya of the Chalukya dynasty, father of King Vikramaditya.
• The town was historically called Niravadyapuram.
• Legend: A cowherd noticed his cow pouring milk at a spot daily; upon digging, a Shiva Linga was found. The king later built the temple at this sacred site.

Rituals & Festivals

• Daily Pujas: Abhishekam, Archana, Deeparadhana.
• Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with grandeur, night-long prayers, and special abhishekams.
• Karthika Masam: Devotees light lamps and perform rituals.
• Pradosham: Bi-monthly observance dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Mondays are considered auspicious for Shiva worship.

Beliefs

• Worshipping Sri Golingeswara Swamy is believed to remove obstacles and grant peace.
• The Swayambhu linga is considered especially powerful.
• The cow sculpture reinforces the belief in divine intervention in the temple’s origin.

Getting Here

• Nearest Town: Nidadavolu.
• By Train: Nidadavolu Junction (major railway station nearby).
• By Road: Well connected from Rajahmundry (~25 km) and Eluru (~60 km).
• By Air: Rajahmundry Airport (~30 km).

Tips

• Visit during Shivaratri or Karthika Masam for a vibrant spiritual experience.
• Carry essentials, as facilities may be limited.
• Respect customs: remove footwear, dress modestly.
• Early mornings are ideal for peaceful darshan.