Kotappakonda (Telugu: కోటప్పకొండ) is a holy town, situated in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The town is close to Narasaraopet and Chilakaluripet. It is famous for temple dedicated to Lord Siva which was constructed on a hill of about 1000 steps. The hill appears with 3 peaks in any direction so also called Trikutadri. It has 4 temples, one at the base, the other at an elevation of 600 feet (180 m). The main temple is at a height of 1,500 feet (460 m).
One interesting story is that in the temple surroundings you won't find crows flying around. Once a lady used to worship Lord Shiva with fruit, flowers etc. One day when she was on the way to temple, one crow disturbed the lady's offerings. She got angry and cursed them, saying that crows cannot enter this temple premises. You cannot find a crow there today.
There was one legend about temple that was famous and told by priests here. Main diety used to reside at a height of 1500 feet, people used to worship this idol for a long time. A lady from the neighbouring town used to worship the idol for a long time, and lord shiva got impressed by her and started to follow her one day. After some time, the lady realized someone following her and turned back to inspect and because of this Lord shiva turned himself into an idol. The fact, we have another idol 600 feet reflects this story.
Kotappakonda town can be reached by bus from Guntur or Narasaraopet or Chilakaluripet. After reaching the town, temple can be reached by footsteps or by bus.
Celebration on Maha Shivaratri.
A very big fair is held on the eve of Maha Shivaratri every year and more than 7 lakh people throng this temple. This is called Kotayya thirunalla or Kotappakonda thirunalla.
Devotees from surrounding villages and towns like Kuvuru, Ameenasahebpalem, Narasarao Pet, Appapuram, Yallamanda, Kammavari Palem, Purushothapatnam, Yadavalli, Chavitipalem, etc. build bamboo frames decorated with colour papers and lights called prabhas. The surrounding village's people always worship Lord Shiva.
It is 12 kilometers from Chilkaluripet and Narasaraopet, from Narasaraopet via Yallamanda village.
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