Manthani Temple is situated at
Manthani, in
Karimnagar District,
Andhra Pradesh. The presiding deity here is Gauthameswara (
Lord Shiva). The temple has resemblance with the
Thousand Pillar Temple in
Warangal.
A big Shivling of about 1.25 m, made of black stone is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum on a beautifully carved 'Panawatika' (platform or pedestal) according to 'Somasutra'.
Lord Ganesh is installed in the inner right corner in between the entrance room and sanctum sanctorum. A big Nandi idol, beautifully carved in black stone, can be seen in the entrance room. The ears and nose of the Nandi are said to have been destroyed by Muslim invaders.
Shivratri, celebrated here amidst much pomp and splendor, draws thousands of devotees from far and near.
The temple is crowded by a large number of devotees on Shivratri day.
Adjoining the temple there are 3 teerths, the Brahma Teerth, Rudra Teerth and Vishnu Teerth.
