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This
reputed Sivaalaya owes its existence to the sage Agasthya. The
Sivalinga has an exotic legend. The story runs - a certain priest of
this Aalaya was very famous as pious man for his high learning, but
was notorious for his uncontrollable passion for flesh - he is a
Vesyalola, and was worshipping the Lord regularly with garlands worn
first by his lady love. The King suspected it, , when a garland
given to him was found containing a hair of that lady. The king
insisted on truth, but the priest tried to hood-wink the King,
saying that the Sivalinga has a braid and it was from that only the
hair came. The King left desiring to see it on the next day before
floral decoration to the Lord. The Priest wailed and laid his heart
open to the Lord, soon after the exit of the King. Pleased with his
devotional activities and sincere services, the Lord gave darsan to
the King with braid, when came to test the priest on the next day.
Gratified immensely, the King bestowed on the priest many valuables,
besides lands. They are enjoyed by his successors even today. Ah
what a reward for devotion! The temple houses all the deities
adorable and conduct pujas and festivals as laid down in agamas.
It
lies 3 Km off Kothapet of West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh,
commanding all transport facilities.
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