Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, Tadipatri, Ananthapuramu District, Andhra Pradesh, India - Bramhotsavam 2024

The Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, situated on the southern bank of the Penna River in Tadipatri, Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. As per the Tadipatri Kaifiyat collected by Colin Mackenzie in 1802, The temple was built between 1490 and 1509 by Ramalinga Nayudu, a chieftain of the Gutti-Gandikota region during the reign of the illustrious Vijayanagara Empire, the temple stands as a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Ramalingeswara Swamy, the temple exudes architectural splendor with its unique blend of Chalukyan, Chola, and Vijayanagar art styles. One of its distinctive features is the presence of unfinished gopurams, which, despite being incomplete, boast intricate sculptures and carvings that leave visitors in awe. As devotees enter the temple premises, they are greeted by the sight of the Shiva Purana and scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata adorning the walls in exquisite miniature carvings. The main sanctum houses the swayambhu linga, a naturally occurring symbol of Lord Shiva, which continuously emits holy water, believed to bestow ine blessings upon those who partake in it. Adjacent to the temple, on the banks of the Penna River, stands a statue of a goddess. Legend has it that when the water level of the river reaches the navel point of the goddess statue, it foretells the submergence of the entire town of Tadipatri—a belief steeped in local folklore and spirituality. The temple hosts an annual celebration known as Bramhotsavam, which is a testament to the enduring devotion of the devotees. Scheduled to take place from March 3rd to March 13th in 2024, the Bramhotsavam promises a spiritual extravaganza filled with elaborate rituals and colourful processions.