Dharmapuri

The earliest epigraphical mention appears in an inscription of Arikesari-II (930–955 CE) of the Chalukyas of Vemulavada, where the settlement is called Dhammanvura. A stone inscription of Vikramaditya IV (1076–1126 CE) in the Rameswara temple records gifts to the deity and names the place as Dharmapuri and Dharmapura. The great Telugu poet Bammera Potana (15th c.) glorified Dharmapuri in his Narayana Satakam. The Dharmapuri Kshetra Mahatyam (928 AD and 1767 AD) describes its sanctity. Literary works by Malki Singana, Korai Goparaju, Pingali Surana and the 19th century Rohilala pata further confirm its enduring importance.

Rashtrakuta period: An undated inscription of Aitavarmarasa of the Haihaya family, whose overlord was the Rashtrakuta king Krishna, refers to a land grant to mahajanas of Tumbula village and mentions Dharmyara (Dharmapuri) and Mallapura, strengthening the town’s political stature in 9th-10th century CE.

The main stupa is a majestic brick structure with a diameter of 30 metres and an original height exceeding 15 metres. It follows the design of a Sariraka stupa (containing sacred remains). According to tradition, Emperor Ashoka opened the original Buddha relics and distributed them across his empire; Dharmapuri is believed to have received one such relic. The stupa was enlarged during the Satavahana period (2nd c. BCE – 2nd c. CE) and further renovated under the Ikshvakus (3rd c. CE). A circumambulatory path (pradakshinapatha) paved with limestone slabs and fragments of carved stone railings (vedika) with lotus medallions, elephants, and triratna motifs have been found, echoing the art of Amaravati.

Discovered in the stupa’s drum (1990s excavations), a steatite (soapstone) casket (8 cm tall) contained a folded gold leaf bearing the Brahmi inscription “Siddham Buddhasa” – “Victory to the Buddha”. No bone fragments were found, yet the inscribed gold leaf is considered a dharmadhatu (spiritual relic), confirming this as a genuine relic stupa. Associated finds included carnelian beads, a terracotta seal with Buddhist formula, and miniature votive offerings.

Two large brick viharas (each ~20m x 20m) with rows of monastic cells (kutis), lime-plastered floors, and an apsidal chaitya hall (15m x 8m) indicate an active monastery housing 30–40 monks. A kitchen complex with hearths, a brick-lined well and drainage channels demonstrate advanced sanitary planning. The site yielded Satavahana punch-marked coins, lead coins with ship motif, and even a Roman copper coin (4th c. CE), proof of Dharmapuri’s connection to the Indo-Roman trade network via the Godavari river.

The main temple, built in Kakatiya-Chalukyan architectural style, enshrines Lord Narasimha (half-man half-lion incarnation of Vishnu) with his consort Lakshmi. The towering gopuram, intricately carved pillars and sculptures of Vishnu’s avatars are major attractions. The temple is referenced in the two Dharmapuri Kshetra Mahatyam texts. Devotees throng during Narasimha Jayanti and annual Brahmotsavams.

Dharmapuri boasts the only temple in the country dedicated to Lord Yama Dharmaraja. Pilgrims first offer prayers to Yama before visiting other deities, a unique tradition. The Yamaganda deepam (lamp) is lit with oil to alleviate sorrows and ward off untimely death. The festival of Yama Dwitheeya (second day after Deepavali) holds immense significance – it is believed that devotees who worship Yama on this day will never go to hell, and sisters who serve food to their brothers ensure longevity and liberation from sins. The temple priest performs Ayoosha Sooktham homam for health and long life. This unique cult draws thousands every year.

Near the Narasimha temple stands the Ramalingeswara Temple, a Shiva shrine dating back nearly 1000 years. Local tradition says that Lord Rama, during his exile and journey to Lanka in search of Sita, installed the Shiva Lingam here and worshipped it. The temple also features a remarkable single slab sculpted with Lord Siva, Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaka, and Sapitha Mathrukas (seven mothers), and a magnificent Mahishasuramardhani (Durga slaying Mahishasura). Other important temples include the sixty-pillared temple, Mahalakshmi temple, Akkapalle Rajanna, and the 500-year-old Sri Sita Rama Swami temple.

The Kurikyala inscription of Arikesari-II (Chalukyas of Vemulavada) mentions Dhammanvura. The stone inscription of Vikramaditya IV (1076-1126 CE) in the Rameswara temple records gifts to the deity and refers to Dharmapuri. The Rashtrakuta-era grant of Aitavarmarasa (Haihaya family) mentions Dharmyara along with land donations. These epigraphs illustrate Dharmapuri’s administrative and religious significance under successive dynasties.

Bammera Potana (1400-1470 AD) praised Dharmapuri in his Narayana Satakam. Pingali Surana (1560 AD) mentioned “Dharmapuri” in Kalapurnodayam. Korai Goparaju (1430-1490 AD) in Simhasanadwatrinshika, Malki Singana (1420 AD) in Padma Purana Uttara Khanda also extolled the site. In the 19th century, Sheshappa wrote a Satakam on Narasimha of Dharmapuri, and Narasimhadasu composed the mournful Rohilala pata (1858) describing Rohilla atrocities. The Dharmanagada Charitra (Pamupata) by Puri Narayana Raju celebrates the sacredness of Godavari at Dharmapuri.