Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple is an ancient and sacred shrine located in Nandyal, in the Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. It lies close to the Nallamala Hills and forms part of the spiritually rich Rayalaseema region. The temple stands near the picturesque Kundu River.
The presiding deity is Lord Veerabhadra Swamy, a fierce and powerful manifestation of Lord Shiva. In this temple, the deity appears in a majestic form holding weapons, symbolizing divine strength and protection. He is accompanied by Goddess Bhadrakali, representing the divine feminine energy. Devotees believe that Lord Veerabhadra protects His devotees from evil, grants courage, and removes negative energies.
The temple architecture follows the Dravidian style, featuring a tall Rajagopuram (gateway tower) adorned with sculptures of deities and celestial beings. The sanctum (garbhagriha) houses a striking idol of Lord Veerabhadra in a warrior’s stance, carved out of black granite. The inner walls display murals and carvings depicting scenes from Shaiva mythology. The temple complex includes shrines for Goddess Bhadrakali, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Subrahmanya.
The Veerabhadra Swamy Temple of Nandyal is believed to be over 1,000 years old. Local traditions say that it was established during the Vijayanagara period and received patronage from kings and local chieftains. The temple stands as a testimony to the region’s strong Shaivite traditions.
According to inscriptions and oral legends, the temple was built by local rulers and devotees of Lord Shiva to commemorate the divine energy that emerged when Lord Shiva created Veerabhadra after the self-immolation of Goddess Sati at Daksha’s Yagna. This makes the temple a symbol of Lord Shiva’s fury, turning into divine protection.
According to the Sthala Purana, after the Daksha Yagna incident, Lord Shiva, in extreme anger and sorrow, created Veerabhadra from a strand of his matted hair. Veerabhadra, along with Bhadrakali, destroyed the Yagna of Daksha and restored divine balance.
After completing his divine duty, Veerabhadra’s fierce energy was still radiating, and Lord Shiva commanded him to travel across the world to bless devotees and protect sacred regions. It is said that Veerabhadra arrived at Dibaguntla and chose to reside here in a peaceful yet powerful form.
Sages performing penance in the region requested him to remain permanently, and the Lord blessed the place, saying that those who worship him here with devotion would be freed from fear, planetary afflictions, and past karmic troubles. Since then, the temple has been a major spiritual center in the Rayalaseema region.
The main festival of the temple is Mahashivaratri, celebrated with great devotion and night-long poojas. The annual Veerabhadra Swamy Jatara draws large crowds from nearby villages with special abhishekams and cultural programs. Other important occasions include Karthika Deepotsavam, Navaratri, and Pradosha poojas, observed with traditional rituals and lighting of lamps, filling the temple with divine energy and festive spirit.
Devotees believe that performing Abhishekam with milk, curd, honey, and bilva leaves at this temple grants relief from fear, disease, and bad karma, and brings peace and prosperity to families.
