This temple of Shiva is widely known for its giant Nandi (Bull), carved out of a single stone, of the largest single carvings in the world, about 200 meters away from the temple.
No one knows the exact construction date of the Giant Nandi and the sanctum sanctorum, however most of the temple buildings were built in 1530 AD by two brothers who’re Vijayanagara governors: Virupanna Nayaka and Veeranna.
According to Skhanda Purana, the temple is one of the divyakshetras, an important pilgrimage site of Lord Shiva. The ceiling of the hall is fully covered with mural paintings depicting the scenes from the epics, the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Puranas along with the life sketches of the benefactors of the temple. There is also a gigantic beautiful sculpture of Naga shading the Lingam along with a giant stone throne. It is at the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum and has a profusion of sculptures and paintings over every inch of space on the columns and ceiling. While another attraction in this temple is the Giant foot near the sanctum sanctorum, is said to be of Lord Hanuman.
– Viswanath Venkat Dasari
