The story of Nandisailavasa

A little to the west of Sri kalahasthi temple, there lived a great pundit named Nandinatha in a place called Nandisaila. He was a devout Virasaiva (worshippers of Siva in the form of Linga). A Japala (woman belonging to the coweherd community) was leding her life by tending goats. She married him and as a devotee of Lord Siva led a chaste and devout life. On his deathbed, his wife sought permission to give her life up following his death. He however instructed to serve the devotees of Lord Siva and as he did not have progeny, asked her to distribute all his wealth to the devotees of Lord Siva. On his death, she did as instructed by her husband. Lord Siva wishing to test her devotion took the form of a Sannyasi and came to her door seeking alms. Pleased with her devotion and service, Lord Siva granted her liberation.