The Gundla Malleswara Swamy Temple, located in the dense forests of Nallamala, will be open for devotees’ darshan on February 14 and 15. Photo credit: ARRANGEMENT
The state forest department has granted a two-day (February 14 and 15) permit to devotees to visit the Gundla Malleswara Swamy temple, located in the thick forests of Nallamala.
The temple is located in the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), on the border of Nandyal and Markapuram districts. According to legend, the Swayambhu Shiva Lingam in the temple was consecrated by sage Ashwaddama and has been worshiped by devotees for centuries. As it is located in a dense tiger reserve area, devotees can visit the temple only for two days in a year during Maha Sivaratri with certain restrictions.
The forest department had earlier denied permission to devotees to visit the temple this year, citing the ongoing tiger census. However, after the intervention of Minority Welfare Minister N Md Farooq, the matter was referred to Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan, who oversees the portfolio of forests and environment.
Mr. Pawan Kalyan replied in the affirmative and directed the forest department to offer permission to the devotees to visit the temple. Following this, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, PV Chalapathi Rao issued orders allowing devotees to visit the temple for two days.
Mr. Farooq expressed his gratitude to Mr. Pawan Kalyan and urged the devotees to have darshan at the temple while strictly following the instructions and suggestions of the forest department.
Published – 14 Feb 2026 19:23 IST