🏛️ Jatprole (Jataprolu) Temples: Madana Gopala Swamy & Agasthyeswara Swamy
16th Century Krishna Temple | Group of 25 Shiva Temples | Shifted from Submerged Villages | Nagarkurnool, Telangana
A unique cluster of relocated heritage. When the Srisailam dam was built across the Krishna River, several ancient villages were submerged. To preserve the region's religious heritage, temples from Malleswaram and Manchalakota were dismantled and rebuilt at Jatprole in 1989. Today, Jatprole is home to over 25 Shiva temples (including the 10th‑century Agasthyeswara Swamy) plus the magnificent Madana Gopala Swamy temple.
The Madana Gopala Swamy temple (16th century) is dedicated to Lord Krishna as Madana Gopala – depicted with his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama. The temple has four entrances, a huge gopuram with large wooden gates, a spacious Sabhamandapa with beautifully carved Vijayanagara‑style pillars, and several sub‑shrines. It is also known as Jatayuvu Kshetra in Puranic tales, mentioned in the Madanagopala Mahathmyam of the Bhavishyothara Purana.
🕉️ Madana Gopala Swamy Temple (Venu Gopala Swamy)
History & Legend: The temple was built by the Rajas of Jetprole in the 16th century. According to history, Mallanaidu (Kumara Madanaidu) of the 14th generation of Jataprole Sansthan received the region from Anegondi Ramarayalu in 1527 AD and constructed the temple. The temple is mentioned in the Bhavishyothara Purana as Jatayuvu Kshetra. Lord Krishna is worshipped here as Madana Gopala (with Rukmini and Satyabhama) – a rare form.
Architecture: The temple features a huge gopuram with large wooden gates, a spacious Sabhamandapa, antarala, and the sanctum. The pillars in the mandapa are exquisitely carved in the Vijayanagara style. The temple has four entrances and several sub‑shrines within the complex. Beautiful stone sculptures adorn the top of the gopuram. The temple was shifted to its current location on 15 February 1989 and reconstructed on the banks of the Krishna River.
Festivals: Madana Gopala Swamy Jatara (Brahmotsavam) is celebrated with great fervour. The temple has over 400 years of glorious history.
🛕 Group of Shiva Temples – Agasthyeswara Swamy & 25+ Shrines
Adjacent to Madana Gopala Swamy temple, there is a group of 5 Shiva temples, and about 300 metres away, another group of 20 Shiva temples. All these temples were originally built between the 10th and 16th centuries and were shifted from nearby submerged villages to Jatprole. The most prominent among them is the Agasthyeswara Swamy Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), named after Sage Agastya who is believed to have worshipped here.
Architecture: Many of these temples have wonderfully built mandapas, carved pillars, and gopurams. The Agasthyeswara temple, in particular, showcases fine stone craftsmanship from the medieval period.
Festivals: Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Pournami, Masa Shivaratri, and Toli Ekadasi are celebrated with great devotion.
📜 Puranic & Historical Significance
Jataprole is referred to as Jatayuvu Kshetra in Puranic tales, mentioned in the Madanagopala Mahathmyam of the Vishnu Rahasya Khandam of Bhavishyothara Purana. A stone inscription from the 12th century AD mentions the village. Mallanaidu (son of Recharla Bethi Reddy and Eurka Sanamma) made it the capital of Paragana. The Vijayanagara kings gave the region to the Surabhi kings in the 16th century. Madhavarayalu of the Vijayanagara kingdom constructed mantapas and gopuras for the Jataprole and Manchala Katta temples.
Other famous Krishna temples in Nagarkurnool district include Kalki Gopala Swamy of Kalwakurthy and Sri Venu Gopala Swamy of Kesampet.
⏰ Visitor Information
📍 Address
Jatprole (Jataprolu) Temples
Kollapur Mandal, Nagarkurnool District,
Telangana – 509102
Distance: 16 km from Kollapur, 36 km from Pebber (NH‑7).
📞 Contact
Temple office (no official number listed) – enquire at Kollapur town or at the temple during visit.
🌐 Official Info
Nagarkurnool District Tourism – Jatprole Temples
Ghat Roads – Krishna Left Bank Temples
🕐 Timings & Best Time
Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM (daily)
Best Season: October – March (pleasant weather)
Major Festivals: Brahmotsavam (15 days in Magha masam), Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Pournami.
💰 Entry Fee
Entry: Free
Parking: Limited space near the temple complex.
🛣️ How to Reach Jatprole Temples
By Road: Jatprole is accessible via NH‑7 (Hyderabad–Kurnool). From Pebber (NH‑7), it is about 36 km via Kollapur. From Kollapur town, it is 16 km. From Mahabubnagar, about 158 km. From Kurnool, about 85 km. Private vehicles or local buses/taxis are recommended.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Gadwal (≈50 km). From Gadwal, take a taxi or bus to Kollapur and then to Jatprole.
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (≈180 km via NH‑7 to Pebber then to Jatprole).
🏨 Where to Stay & Eat
🏨 Accommodation
- Kollapur town (16 km): Budget lodges and guesthouses.
- Gadwal (50 km): More options, including hotels near the bus stand.
- Mahabubnagar (158 km): Full range of hotels.
- No accommodation at the temple complex.
🍽️ Food
- Limited eateries near the temple – carry snacks and water.
- Meals available in Kollapur town.
- During festivals, food stalls and prasadam are available.
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
📝 Travel Tips & Temple Etiquette
⭐ Note on relocation: The temples were carefully dismantled and reconstructed with their original stones and architectural elements. This is a unique example of heritage preservation. You can see both old and newer construction elements – a fascinating sight for history enthusiasts.
🙏 Conclusion – A Unique Cluster of Relocated Heritage
Jatprole offers a rare opportunity to see over 25 ancient temples – spanning 10th to 16th centuries – all moved to a single site to save them from the rising waters of Srisailam dam. The majestic Madana Gopala Swamy temple with its Vijayanagara pillars and the serene Agasthyeswara Swamy temple are the highlights. Whether you are a devotee, a history buff, or a traveller exploring the Krishna River belt, Jatprole is a fascinating and peaceful destination.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why were the temples shifted to Jatprole?
A: The original temples were in Malleswaram and Manchalakota villages, which were submerged after the construction of the Srisailam dam. They were relocated in 1989 to preserve the heritage.
Q: What is special about Madana Gopala Swamy?
A: Lord Krishna is represented with his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama – a rare form. The temple has four entrances and exquisite Vijayanagara carvings.
Q: How many Shiva temples are there?
A: There are over 25 Shiva temples in two clusters – one group of 5 adjacent to Madana Gopala temple, and another group of about 20 temples 300 metres away.
Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: October to March. The annual Brahmotsavam (15 days in Magha masam – January/February) is the most festive time.
Q: Is there accommodation at the temple?
A: No. Stay in Kollapur (16 km) or Gadwal (50 km).
Q: How far is Jatprole from Hyderabad?
A: Approximately 180 km via NH‑7 (≈4 hours).
📚 References & More Information
- Nagarkurnool District Tourism – Jatprole Temples
- Ghat Roads – Krishna Left Bank Temples
- Telangana Tourism – Nagarkurnool District
- History of Mahabubnagar by B.N. Sastry (reference for Mallanaidu and 1527 AD inscription)
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