Temple was built by the King Pandya Bhupathi during 630 A.D. Later renovated by Chola rules during 10th and 11th centuries. The interesting part of the construction is Vasantha Mandapam, which was built in the form of a chariot drawn by a pair of horses. Temple Mandapam was built on 100 pillars rock-cut corridor, pillars are beautifully carved with sculptures from the epics The Ramayana, The Maha Bharath, The Bhagavatham and The Siva Purana. Temple is facing towards North direction.
Shrine’s History
Once King Kullothunga Pandya Bhupathi who went to the forest for hunting saw the bamboo sticks which were grown over the anthill and wished to make a palanquin out of these sticks. Anthill was grown over Subramanya Swamy who was doing penance there for many years. King who is not aware of the Subramanya Swamy’s penance, ordered his servants to collect the bamboo sticks. Servants while cutting the bamboo sticks, unknowingly chopped Subramanya Swamy’s both the hands and blood starts oozing out of the ant-hill. Later in this night, Subramanya Swamy appeared in the King’s dream and ordered him to construct the temple to get rid of the committed sin. From then on the King used to offers his first prayer to the Subramanya Swamy before starting their day.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
The King handed over the responsibility of the temple corridor construction to the entrusted craftsman. This famous craftsman had a son who was young with high professional skills. He was in a love with a girl and was about to visit her place. To impress her, he sculptured two stone horses along with wheels and used to turn the temple corridor with his power and skills. By this time his father came to know about his son’s act, the temple corridor already took 180-degree turn and about to ride away, so he broke the legs of the horses to stop the further movement. The father killed his son in anger for his son’s foolish act, then killed himself.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The nearest bus stop is Mallam village,
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Nellore
By Air
The nearest airport is Tirupati.
Shrine Timings
5 AM to 8 PM