Sthala Puranam

Swayambhu Lingam of Mogili

Sri Mogileeswara Swamy is worshipped here in the form of a swayambhu lingam — a lingam not installed by human hands, but said to have revealed itself among the mogili groves that once surrounded the village. The village of Mogili, in Bangarupalem mandal of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, takes its name from those same groves.

Elders of the village recount that the lingam was found by cowherds whose cattle would empty their milk over one particular stone in the grove each evening. When the stone was uncovered it was recognised as Lord Shiva himself, and a shrine was raised on the spot. The lingam is worshipped with a silver naga hood behind it, and adorned every day with bilva leaves and fresh flower garlands.

Generations of families from Mogili and the neighbouring villages have offered the first harvest, the first milk and the first prayers of every occasion at these steps — before a wedding, before a new house, before a journey.

The temple today

The temple is cared for by the village devasthanam committee. Daily poojas follow the traditional Saiva agama, and every devotee — from the village or from far away — is welcomed for darshanam without any fee. The white rajagopuram over the entrance is lit through the night during utsavams, and the annual rathotsavam draws devotees from across the mandal.

This account is drawn from the oral tradition of the village. If any detail needs correction, please inform the temple office.