Lord Shiva resides in Rajahmundry in the form of Uma Markandeyeswara Swami. It is said that the temple got its name after the “Markandeya”, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Though the temple is not great in terms of architecture, it draws many pilgrims because of its sanctity and prominence.
Shrine’s History
The famous lord Shiva temple Markandeya Temple is located in the town of Rajahmundry. The temple was a mosque in ancient times later it was declared as Shiva temple after the archaeological surveys done by Indian Archeological survey. It was reconstructed in 1818 by Gundu Sobhanadriswara Rao. The reconstruction of the temple was done with the addition of a gate at Gunduvari Street.
Sobhanadriswara Rao resided on this street. The story narrated behind the temple was Muni Mrukhanada prayed to Lord Shiva for a child here and Lord Shiva appeared and granted her the wish with an option of choosing between a child with a life of 11years and husband. Muni Mrukhanada chose the child who lived happily praying to lord Shiva for 11years. Later the death god came to take his life but was granted long life by lord Shiva.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The nearest bus stop is Rajahmundry.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Rajahmundry.
By Air
The nearest airport is Rajahmundry.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Annual Kalyanam, Akanda Deeparadhana, Dhoopa Prakarasevas, Mahasivarathri, Kalyanam, Sadaysam, Pushposthavams.
