Gorantla - Madhavarayaswamy Temple

Said to have been built by Salwa Narsinga Raya, an illustrious scion of great Vijayanagara emperors in 1354, this Madhavarayaswamy temple is luring the devout theists in large number, despite found in dilapidated condition. The archamurti is exceedingly benevolent in rescuing the saranarthis from unending series of worries. This kshetra, particularly with its well water, is exercising great hold on the theists.

Having enjoyed the imperial patronage, its dimensions and sculptural adornments are extremely superb, beckoning attention of theists and tourists in addition to connoisseurs of art. It has a high sturdy compound wall with broad mahadwar beautified with a tall tower. The courtyards, garbhagriha, antarala, mukhamandapa and mahamandapa are quite extensive and are embellished tastefully. The image of Garuda installed in a well-built mandap just opposite the archamurti has two holes that allow the Sun's rays pass through them and fall on the archamurti every morning. The sculptors feat is admirable and adorable too. Strangely enough the vimana over the garbhagiiha resembles Nagara type, whereas, the other parts conform to the Vijayanagar style of architecture. The Dwardpalakas set up at the entrance are big in size and grand in craftsmanship. The walls and ceilings are adorned with ace sculptural figures. The image of archamurti - Madhavarayaswamy is a standing specimen of fine artistry and the builder's taste. These are some more independent shrines for parivaradevatas. There is a belief current that water of the temple well cures all incurable diseases. The periodical festivals dear to Vaishnavate gods are celebrated with great éclat.

It lies 30 km off Hindupur, the taluq headquaters town of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, having all facilities.

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