AGASTHYA CAVE / ROKALLA GUHA

This cave is often reached by climb steep steps. There is a Shivalinga at the highest of the cave that was believed to be put in by Sage Agasthya for his meditation. The path to the cave also provides a panoramic view of the temple complex and surrounding hills. The steps are very steep and kids and elders have to be very careful, especially, while climbing down the cave. There is a story famous within locals about this place, regarding how this place came into existence. As per this story, while traveling in South India, Sage Agastya came across this place and he wanted to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara. However, the sculpture that was created couldn’t be put in because the toenail of the supernatural being got broken. Sage Agastya was upset over this and he performed a penance for Lord Shiva. When Lord Shiva appeared, he asked the Lord the reason why he could not install Lord Venkateswara statue. Lord Shiva replied that the place suits Shiva higher because the hills match Kailasha. Agastya then requested Lord Shiva to grant the darshan to devotees along with side divinity Parvathi as Uma Maheswara in a very single stone, that Lord Shiva obligated.