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Ryali
etched its sacred name on the pages of legends for reasons more than
one. The Jaganmohini Kesavaswamy image receiving worship both in the
fore and rear has made it a unique temple, attracting all classes of
people. Another colourful feather, it wears in its cap comes from
the Umakamandaleswara Aalayam which does not lag behind either in
fantastic origin, or consequent to its popularity. This is the only
Siva temple in India where the Siva linga is seen without Somasutram,
deemed indispensable for every Siva temple. The sthalapurana
narrates that Siva followed Mohini, who distributed nectar that
emerged from Ksheerasagara. Mohini in fear ran off,but was followed
by the love-lorn Siva, and at this place, one of the flowers worn by
Mohini fell. When Siva took it and looked at her longingly, Mohini
transformed herself into Vishnu. Fearing humiliation at the hands of
Umadevi, Siva preferred staying here in lingarupa, when Brahma made
jalabhisheka from His kamandala water. So he is called Uma
Kamandaleswara swamy. This temple contains many inscriptions and
grand images. Its courtyards and minishrines, though modest are
grand and well-maintained.
It
lies 6 Km off Ravulapalem of West Godavari district of Andhra
Pradesh having bus and railway facilities upto Ravulapalem and then
cart or cycle rickshaw.
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