JaganMohini Keshava Swami Temple

JaganMohini Keshava Swami Temple is located in Ryali in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple has been built by the Chola king, Sri Raja Vikrama Deva during 11th Century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu engraved on a monolithic, five-foot-high stone. On the opposite side of the idol, the image of Mohini is carved. The idol is splendidly engraved on both sides. The image of Mahavishnu is surrounded by the images of Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Adi Sesha, Lord Krishna as Govardhanadhaari and sage Narada.

One of the unique characteristics of JaganMohini Keshava Swami Temple is that the sacred river Ganga flows from the feet of Lord Vishnu, thus witnessing the truth that Akasa Ganga originates from Lords feet. In front of the Vishnu temple there is a temple enshrining Lord Shiva as Uma Kamandaleshwara, which is said to be installed by Lord Brahma.

The legend behind JaganMohini Keshava Swami Temple is that to taste the Divine nectar both Devatas and Rakshas were quarrelling among themselves. So Sree Maha Vishnu in the guise of an exquisitely beautiful lady Mohini distributed it among the Devatas for the sake of universal peace and welfare. Lord Shiva was enticed by the beauty of Mohini and he chased her. A flower fell down from the hair of Mohini which was smelled by Lord Shiva, so the place is called Ryali, which means 'fall' in Telugu. One of the unique features of the temple is that Vishnu and Lord Siva Temples are placed opposite to each other in East, West direction.