Mukteswara Swamy Temple Mokshagundam is dedicated to Lord Siva. Temple is located in Mokshagundam Village, Besthavaripeta, Mandal, Prakasam District.
Shrine’s History
It is believed that Sage Vasista had installed the Siva Linga here and performed Puja. As per the Legends, Everyday, Renuka the wife of Sage Jamadagni used to bring water from river Tungabadhra in a new pot which she prepares from the clay of river Tungabadhra for the Pooja of her husband. This power of moulding clay and Sand into a pot was acquired by her due to the power of her great Pathi Bhakti. One day, while she was busy with her daily work, she chanced to glance at a king and queen who were bathing in the river. This caused a little amount of mental disturbance in Renuka so she was not able to prepare the pot. She, therefore, returned Ashram with the empty hands. Sage Jamadagni who was aware of the powers of his wife understood that she had deviated from her path and therefore ordered his sons to kill her at once.
All of them kept quite, but Parasurama alone was dutiful and carried out the cruel order of his father. Parasurama took bath here in this temple tanks and relieved from the committed Sin and performed Puja to the Lord. Hence, the place got the name Mukteswaram. During Tretayuga, by the time Rama reached Mokshagundam, it is one year after his father Dasarathi’s death. To perform rites, Rama shot an arrow and created a water pool.
By Road
The direct bus to Mokshagundama is available from Giddalur bus station.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Giddalur which is 21 km away.
By Air
The nearest airport is at Tirupati which is 242 km away.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Shivaratri