Location:
Moolapet, Nellore City
Historical Significance:
This ancient temple, believed to have been established around the 11th century, is a significant Shaiva kshetra (holy place). The legend associated with the temple recounts that the Trinethrudu (Three-Eyed) Mukkanti Reddy kings observed a miraculous event involving a cow. One day, they noticed a cow drawing milk towards a specific spot. When the cow stopped giving milk, the king’s guards punished the cowherd. In his anger, the cowherd struck the cow at a place where a Shiva lingam was hidden, causing blood to flow from it. That night, the king dreamt of Lord Shiva, who instructed him to construct a temple at that location. Following this divine revelation, the Mukkanti Reddy kings built the temple.
This temple has been further developed during the reign of the Chola dynasty, as evidenced by various historical structures. Since the deity is associated with the "Nellie" tree, the town is named Nellore, and because the deity is worshipped as Moolasthaneshwara, the place is referred to as Moolapet.
Many devotees come here seeking blessings and fulfillment of their wishes from Sri Moolasthaneshwara Swamy and Sri Bhuvaneshwari.
7th Century: During this period, the Pallava Emperors, ruling the Nellore region (Simhapuri), installed the deity.
12th Century: Sri Rajendra Ubhaya Kulothunga Cholan, who ruled the region between the Kaveri and Godavari rivers, visited the temple and constructed the Garbhalaya (sanctum) and Mandapam (hall).
13th Century: Sri Jatavarma Sundara Pandyan conquered this region from Manuma Sidhi. He celebrated his victory at this temple and gifted the Lord with several Manyams (land grants) and other lands.
1849: Sri Yeragudipati Venkatachalam Panthulu constructed the magnificent 7-storied Raja Gopuram (main temple tower) on the eastern side of the temple and Chitrakuta Bhavanam on the southern side, next to Sri Ranganayaki Ammavari Temple. He also dedicated several properties to the temple.
Around 90 years ago: Sriman Muppirala Narasimhacharyulu gifted several properties and diamond-studded jewelry. He also donated the famous gold Garuda Vahanam, Addala Mandapam, and the unique gold zari Vishnu Sahasranamavali to Swamy Varu. Additionally, Sriman Muppirala Narasimhacharyulu dedicated an Astothara Sathanamavali saree to Ammavaru.
Deities in the Temple:
The temple houses several deities, including:
Sri Vinayaka Swamy
Sri Valli Devasena
Sri Subrahmanya Swamy
Sri Kala Bhairava Swamy
Sri Varabadhra Swamy
Sri Sahasra Lingeshwara Swamy
Sri Saraswati Ammavaru
Sri Durga Devi Ammavaru
Sri Dakshina Murthy Swamy
Navagrahas (Nine Celestial Bodies)
Sri Nataraja Swamy
Sri Satya Bama along with Sri Venugopala Swamy
Sri Surya Narayana Swamy
Temple Timings and Daily Rituals:
Morning (6:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
6:00 AM: Go Pradakshina (circumambulation of the cow), Stavanam, Go Pooja (worship of cows).
6:30 AM: Ushakala Poojas, Abhishekam (ritual bathing) for the deity.
9:00 AM Kalasandhi Naivedyam (offering).
11:30 AMUcchi Kalasandhi Naivedyam.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
7:30 PM: Sai Raksha Naivedyam.
8:00 PM: Panchaharatulu (five aartis) for the deities.
8:45 PM: Shayanam (bedtime ritual), Ekanta Seva, and Oonjal Seva (swing worship).
Annual Festivals:
Magha Month: Brahmotsavam from the Magha Bahula Navami to the Purnima (full moon).
Vaishakha Month: Vasantotsavam from the Vaishakha Shuddha Panchami to the Chaturdashi.
Shravana Month: Oonjal Seva from Shravana Shuddha Padyami to Navami on Shravana Fridays.
Ashwayuja Month: Devi Sharad Navaratri from Ashwayuja Shuddha Padyami to Navami.
Kartika Month: Kartika Utsavam from Kartika Shuddha Padyami to Amavasya (new moon).
Mukkoti Ekadashi: Special festival for Sri Swamy at Koneru.
Arudra Nakshatram: Special Abhishekam and Utsavam for Sri Nataraja Swamy
How to Reach:
By Road:Nellore – Sri Mulastaneswara Swamy Vari Devasthanam(1.6 KM)
By Rail:Nearest Railway station: Nellore Railway station (4.2 KM)
By Air:Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (119 KM)and Chennai International Airport (186 KM)