Long ago, in the Treta Yuga, during Lord Rama’s return journey to Ayodhya
after defeating Ravana, he visited many sacred places to consecrate Shiva
Lingams and seek blessings for absolution from the sin of killing Ravana,
who though a demon, was also a Brahmana by birth.
When Lord Rama reached the region now known as Tadipatri, he found a serene
and sacred spot by the banks of the Penna River. Desiring to offer his
devotion, he installed a Shiva Lingam here. However, he found no water
nearby to perform the ritual abhishekam (ritual bathing). Moved by his pure
devotion, Lord Shiva caused a spring (bugga) of sacred water to emerge right
next to the Lingam. This miraculous spring flows continuously to this day,
beneath the main Shiva Lingam in the sanctum sanctorum.
Thus, the temple came to be known as Sri Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple,
with “Bugga” referring to the sacred spring, and “Ramalingeswara”
symbolizing the Lingam consecrated by Lord Rama.
🏛️ Architectural and
Historical Context
The temple, as it stands today, was built and expanded during the reign
of the Vijayanagara Empire, particularly by a local chieftain Pemmasani
Ramalinga Nayudu, a feudal lord under Krishnadevaraya. The temple is a
masterpiece of Vijayanagara architecture, adorned with intricate
carvings, tall gopurams (towers), and elegantly sculpted pillars
depicting various episodes from Hindu epics.
🔱Spiritual
Significance
Shiva as Ramalingeswara: Worshipped as the one who
absolves sins and grants spiritual liberation.
Perennial Spring (Bugga): Considered highly sacred; the
water is believed to have healing and purifying properties.
Nitya Abhishekam: Daily rituals involve using the water
from the spring for Lord Shiva's abhishekam.
Conclusion
The Sri Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple is more than just a
monument—it is a living symbol of divine grace, sacred history, and
architectural brilliance. The sthala puranam reinforces the belief that
wherever true devotion exists, divinity manifests—even by creating
sacred springs to fulfill a devotee’s need.