Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple

Description:

Kotappakonda is steeped in legend, most prominently associated with the story of Anandavalli, also known as Gollabhama.

According to mythology, Sundudu, a humble cattleman, and his wife Kundiri lived near the southern slopes of the Trikuta hills. They were blessed with a daughter, Anandavalli, who grew into a woman of extraordinary devotion to Lord Shiva. From a young age, she spent most of her time in worship at the Old Koteswara Temple on Rudra Shikharam, gradually renouncing worldly desires.

Her devotion was so intense that she would climb Rudra hill daily, braving scorching summers and monsoons, to offer prayers. Impressed by her penance, Jangama Devar (a form of Lord Shiva) appeared before her. To test her faith, he blessed her with pregnancy despite her being unmarried. Unfazed, Anandavalli continued her worship with complete surrender to the Lord’s will.

Moved by her unshakable devotion, Lord Shiva instructed her not to trouble herself with the steep climb; instead, he promised to follow her to her home. However, he cautioned her strictly not to look back while walking.

When Anandavalli reached Brahma hill, overcome by impatience, she turned back. In that instant, the Lord halted, entered a cave on the hill, and manifested as a lingam. This site became the present Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple on Brahma Shikharam. Realizing the divine play, Anandavalli accepted that her pregnancy was only a test of devotion, merging her spirit with the Lord. Since then, the Paatha Kotayya Temple on Rudra hill and the new Trikoteswara temple on Brahma hill together represent the unfolding of this sacred legend.