Sri Rishyasringa Temple

शान्तामानसहंसं कान्तारासक्त मुनिवरैस्सेव्यम् ।
शान्ताहंकृतिवेद्यं कान्तार्धं नौमि श्रृंगशिवम् ॥

Kigga, also called Marukalu is situated on the Nandini, a tributary of the Tunga, is renowned for its Sringeshwara temple, which stands on the site where Rishyasringa was absorbed in the celestial light. The antiquity of the place is attested by inscriptions of the seventh century which refer to the deity here as Kilganeshwara or Kilganadeva or the lord of Kilga. The linga in the sanctum is shaped like a rudraksha bead, with a horn-like projection on top. Its left side is believed to represent Santa. There is a common belief that if the linga is properly worshipped, famine will be averted in the land to a distance of twelve yojanas all round. This reminds us of the story in Ramayana that Sage Rishyasringa's advent removed the acute drought in Romapada's capital.

The navaranga is approached by three entrances and has four sculptured pillars, in one of which the graceful contours of the charming poses of fair danseuses are so arranged as to present the shape of a palanquin supported by antelopes and supposed to represent the vehicle in which Rushyasringa was borne to King Romapada's capital. Valamburi Ganesha and Mahishamardini adorn the shrines in the antarala ardha mandapa. The Rathotsavam will be conducted in Chaitra masa.