Shakti Peetha · Navabrahma Temples · Western Gateway to Srisailam
Alampur is situated at the confluence of the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers, a site considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. Its position made it the Western entrance (Dwara) to Sri Parvata (Srisailam), as recorded in the 1076 CE inscription of Dandanayaka Naranayya.
Mahasenapati Skandanaga – Military commander under Satavahana king Pulumavi IV. The Myakadoni Inscription mentions him as the Mahasenapati in the Satavahani-hara region, which included the Alampur-Adoni frontier. He is the earliest known official associated with the Alampur region.
Rudra Purushadatta – Ikshvaku king of Vijayapuri. The Gurazala Inscription records Halampura (Alampur) as a recognised administrative unit under his feudatories. This is the first epigraphic mention of Alampur by name.
Bhavadatta-varman – Nala king who defeated the Vakatakas and consolidated the Nalavadi-vishaya, which later became the core administrative unit around Alampur under the Chalukyas. His conquests established the territorial framework that endured for centuries.
Vikramaditya I (c. 655–680 CE) – The Arkabrahma Temple Inscription records the installation of a Linga by his queen Mahadevi and a land grant of 50 nivartanas to Pishti Sarma – the earliest inscription in the Navabrahma complex.
Vinayaditya (c. 681–696 CE) – The Svarga Brahma Temple was constructed by his son, Yuvaraja Lokaditya (Ela-Arasa). This temple is considered the finest of the Navabrahma group.
Vijayaditya (c. 696–733 CE) – The Prakara Bandha Inscription (704 CE) records the construction of an enclosure wall by the Saivite teacher Isanacharya. The Fort Wall Biscriptal (c. 713–715 CE) is a Siddhamatrika and Telugu-Kannada record documenting the same teacher's activities.
Govinda II & Govinda III – Museum slabs record that the officer Srimara constructed Sun temples at the Uttaresvara complex during their reigns. The Pragatore Inscription (859 CE) provides the first epigraphic mention of Komati merchants.
Jayasimha II – The Pebberi Hero Stone (1028 CE) records the death of warrior Bikkenna in battle against Chola forces.
Irugana Chola Maharaja (1057 CE) – A grant of revenue from Nalkanadu to god Brahmesvara.
Chiddana Chola Maharaja (1067 CE) – Granted gold from every village in Ayaje-300 for repairs to the Brahmesvara temple.
Dandanayaka Naranayya (1076 CE) – Remitted perika taxes and described Alampur as the Western Gateway (Dwara) of Sri Parvata (Srisailam).
Ahavamalla (1182 CE) – Records a gift from the Ayyavole-500 guild assembled at Dakshina-Varanasi (Alampur) to Sthanapati Kesavarasi.
Rudramadevi (1286 CE) – Records a land grant to maintain a sattra (feeding house) at Alampur.
Prataparudra (1299 CE) – Records a land grant of 5 martars to Brahmesvaradeva by Pedamam Maldevaraju and other mahasthanadhipatis, with the consent of the merchant guild Samasta-Pekkandru.
Krishnadevaraya (1521 CE) – His subordinate, Gauradanayamkara Basavapayya (governor of Alampur-sime), granted several villages to God Yogananda Narasimha to celebrate the king's victory at Raichur.
Alampur administered the Kanne-300 and Ayaje-300 units under the Kollipake-7000 realm. Earlier, it was the heart of Nalavadi-vishaya (under Nalas and Chalukyas). The town was also the seat of the Mahasthanadhipatis (chief pontiffs) of the Brahmesvara temple. Inscriptions record detailed toll lists (Vadda-ravula of the four nadus) and taxes such as perika, singanadamu, and land revenue.
The region was supported by tank irrigation and the fertile Tungabhadra-Krishna doab. Land grants in villages like Jillepalli, Langanavavi, and Ballera indicate a thriving agricultural economy. The Ayyavole-500 (nanadesis) and local mahanadu assemblies were active at Alampur, as recorded in the 1182 CE inscription. The 859 CE Pragatore record is the first mention of Komati merchants. Controlling Alampur gave command over the Tungabhadra crossing and the route to Srisailam, linking the eastern Deccan to the western ports.
Alampur was a major centre for Saiva (Kalamukha and Pasupata sects) and Vaishnava traditions, with temples dedicated to Shiva (Navabrahma), Vishnu (Yogananda Narasimha), and Surya (Sun temples). The inscriptions mention Brahmana recipients of land grants, Komati merchants, and guild assemblies. The presence of Mahajanas (assemblies of learned Brahmins) indicates a self-governing urban elite.
The nine temples (Bala, Kumara, Arka, Vishwa, Surya, Vira, Garuda, Swarga, Taraka) follow a sandhara plan with Rekha Nagara shikharas. Pillars are lathe-turned (square-octagonal-circular). The complex is arranged as a Vastu Purusha Mandala with equinox sunrise alignment. Outer walls feature devakoshthas with Nataraja, Lakulisa, Ardhanarishvara, Dakshinamurti. Doorjambs show Ganga-Yamuna and Kirtimukha. The Vishwa Brahma temple depicts scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The Navabrahma temples are generally dated to the 7th–8th centuries CE, but the exact chronology of each temple is debated.
What is often omitted: While the temples are attributed to the Badami Chalukya period, the precise dating of each shrine is based on stylistic analysis rather than inscriptions. The lack of dated inscriptions for most of the temples makes it difficult to establish a definitive construction sequence.
The Jogulamba temple was destroyed in 1390 CE by Bahamani rulers, but the details of the destruction and the exact circumstances are not well documented.
What is often omitted: The date 1390 CE is based on later traditions rather than contemporary records. The identity of the specific Bahamani ruler and the extent of the destruction are not clearly recorded. The temple's reconstruction in 2005 was based on traditional knowledge and archaeological evidence.
An officer named Srimara constructed Sun temples at Alampur, but his identity and background are not fully known.
What is often omitted: Srimara's exact position, his relationship to the Rashtrakuta kings, and the reasons for his patronage of Surya worship are not documented. The lack of information makes it difficult to understand the full context of his contributions.
Despite these debates and controversies — the uncertain temple chronology, the poorly documented destruction, and the unclear identity of Srimara — Alampur's legacy remains undeniable.
It is a 5th Shakti Peetha, the Western Gateway to Srisailam, and the home of the Navabrahma temples – nine early Chalukyan Nagara-style shrines that represent the earliest structural temples in Telangana. Its over 30 inscriptions document nearly 900 years of continuous history (7th–16th c.), providing the first epigraphic mention of the Komati community (859 CE), detailed toll records, and the earliest reference to Kurnool (1107 CE).
Alampur remains one of the most enduring sacred landscapes of the Deccan – a place where religious devotion, architectural innovation, and political ambition converged for over a millennium. Its temples and inscriptions continue to reveal the layered history of a site that was both a spiritual beacon and a strategic frontier.
Chronology & Milestones
Places Associated with Alampur
Navabrahma Temples – Nine early Chalukyan Nagara-style shrines (Bala, Kumara, Arka, Vishwa, Surya, Vira, Garuda, Swarga, Taraka) built between the 7th and 9th centuries CE.
Jogulamba Temple – One of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas (the upper jaw of Sati fell here). Destroyed in 1390 CE and reconstructed in 2005.
Brahmesvara Temple – The main temple of the complex, receiving numerous land grants and endowments.
Yogananda Narasimha Temple – A Vaishnava temple patronised by Krishnadevaraya's subordinate in 1521 CE.
Alampur Museum – Houses numerous inscriptions and sculptures from the site, including the Uttaresvara Sun temple slabs and the Pebberi hero stone.
Visitor Information – Alampur
Address: Alampur, Jogulamba Gadwal District, Telangana.
Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (daily).
Entry Fee: Free for temples; museum may charge a nominal fee.
Best Season: October – March (pleasant weather).
Nearest Town: Gadwal (approx. 40 km); Hyderabad (approx. 220 km).
By road: Alampur is well-connected by road from Hyderabad (approx. 220 km), Kurnool, and Gadwal.
By rail: Nearest railway station – Gadwal (approx. 40 km) or Kurnool (approx. 80 km).
By air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (approx. 220 km).
Local transport: Autos and taxis available from Gadwal.
- The Navabrahma temples are spread across a small area; plan at least 2-3 hours for exploration.
- Visit the Alampur Museum to see the inscriptions and sculptures from the site.
- The confluence of the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers is a short distance away – a sacred spot for pilgrims.
- Wear comfortable footwear as the temple complex involves walking.
- Combine your visit with a trip to Srisailam (approx. 80 km) – the temple is the ultimate destination for pilgrims.
Summary – The Western Gateway to Srisailam
Alampur is a historic temple town on the left bank of the Tungabhadra River at its confluence with the Krishna. Known as Dakshina Kashi and the Western Gateway to Srisailam, it houses the Jogulamba Temple (5th Shakti Peetha) and the Navabrahma temples – nine early Chalukyan Nagara-style shrines built between the 7th and 9th centuries CE.
Despite the debates and controversies — the uncertain temple chronology, the poorly documented destruction of the Jogulamba temple, and the unclear identity of Srimara — Alampur's legacy remains undeniable. Its over 30 inscriptions document nearly 900 years of continuous history, providing the first epigraphic mention of the Komati community, detailed toll records, and the earliest reference to Kurnool.
Alampur remains one of the most enduring sacred landscapes of the Deccan – a place where religious devotion, architectural innovation, and political ambition converged for over a millennium. Its temples and inscriptions continue to reveal the layered history of a site that was both a spiritual beacon and a strategic frontier. The Navabrahma temples represent the earliest structural temples in Telangana and a landmark of Chalukyan Nagara style, while the Jogulamba temple continues to draw pilgrims as a living Shakti Peetha.
- Myakadoni Inscription – Satavahana Mahasenapati Skandanaga.
- Gurazala Inscription – Ikshvaku king Rudra Purushadatta mentions Halampura.
- Arkabrahma Temple Inscription (7th c.) – Queen Mahadevi's linga installation and land grant.
- Svarga Brahma Inscription (c. 681–696 CE) – Construction by Yuvaraja Lokaditya.
- Prakara Bandha Inscription (704 CE) – Enclosure wall by Isanacharya.
- Fort Wall Biscriptal (c. 713–715 CE) – Siddhamatrika and Telugu-Kannada record.
- Uttaresvara Sun Temple Inscriptions (c. 773–814 CE) – Srimara's constructions under Govinda II and Govinda III.
- Pragatore Inscription (859 CE) – First epigraphic mention of Komati merchants.
- Pebberi Hero Stone (1028 CE) – Records the battle and death of warrior Bikkenna.
- Irugana Chola Grant (1057 CE) – Revenue grant to Brahmesvara temple.
- Chiddana Chola Grant (1067 CE) – Temple repair fund from Ayaje-300.
- Dandanayaka Naranayya Inscription (1076 CE) – Toll records and Alampur as Western Gateway to Srisailam.
- Kalachuri Inscription (1182 CE) – Ayyavole-500 guild at Dakshina-Varanasi.
- Kakatiya Grant (1299 CE) – Land grant to Brahmesvaradeva under Prataparudra.
- Vijayanagara Grant (1521 CE) – Patronage by Krishnadevaraya's subordinate Basavapayya.
- Epigraphia Indica, Volumes on Alampur inscriptions.
- Cousens, Henry (1926). The Chalukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts. ASI.
- Telangana State Archaeology (2016). Excavations and Surveys in Jogulamba Gadwal District.
- Wikipedia – Alampur, Telangana
📌 Note: The exact chronology of the Navabrahma temples is debated. The destruction of the Jogulamba temple in 1390 CE is based on tradition rather than contemporary records. The identity of Srimara is not fully known.