Alampur (Hatampura): Sacred Confluence of Kanne‑300
Jogulamba Shakti Peetha | Navabrahma Temples | Western Gateway to Srisailam
Alampur (ancient Hatampura, Halampura) is a historic temple town in Jogulamba Gadwal district, Telangana, located on the left bank of the Tungabhadra River at its confluence with the Krishna. Known as Dakshina Kashi (Southern Kashi) and the Western Gateway to Srisailam, Alampur was the spiritual and administrative anchor of the Kanne-300 division under the Kollipake-7000 realm. The town houses the Jogulamba Temple, one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas (the upper jaw of Sati fell here), and the Navabrahma temples – nine early Chalukyan Nagara‑style shrines dedicated to Shiva, built between the 7th and 9th centuries CE. Alampur’s strategic location on the Tungabhadra made it a contested frontier for Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Cholas, and Kakatiyas. Its inscriptions record dynasties, merchant guilds (Ayyavole-500), and the famous Battle of Pebberi (1028 CE).
The area was designated Satavahani-hara. The Myakadoni Inscription mentions Mahasenapati Skandanaga under Pulumavi IV, covering the Alampur-Adoni frontier. Local Pugiya and Hiranyaka families served as Mahatalavaras.
The Gurazala Inscription mentions Halampura (Alampur) during king Rudra Purushadatta, proving Alampur was a recognised administrative unit under Ikshvaku feudatories.
After Ikshvaku decline, Pallavas like Shivaskandavarman held Andhra-patha. Alampur became the northern frontier of the Pallava kingdom.
The Nala kings dominated the Alampur gateway. Bhavadatta-varman (c.430–450) defeated Vakatakas. His son Skandavarman consolidated Nalavadi-vishaya, which continued under Chalukyas.
They integrated Srisailam-Alampur into their heartland. Madhavavarman II performed AΕvamedha sacrifices in the doab.
The Mahakuta Pillar (602 CE) and Aihole inscription (634 CE) of Pulakeshin II mention the destruction of Nala power in Nalavadi-vishaya. The Navabrahma temples were built during Vikramaditya I and Vinayaditya (655–696 CE). Inscriptions record Bala-varmarasa (713 CE) managing mathas and gateways.
Dantidurga performed Hiranyagarbha at Alampur. The 859 CE Pragatore inscription (Alampur) is the first epigraphic mention of the Komati merchant community. Lakulisvara and Kalamukha ascetics made Alampur a major Εaiva monastic centre.
Rajaraja Chola I captured Kanne-300 and Ayaje-300 (1003–1005). The Battle of Pebberi (1028 CE) hero stone (Alampur Museum) records warrior Bikkenna who died fighting for Jayasimha II. After 1051 CE, Somesvara I restored Alampur; Mahasthanadhipati Pancharasi Bhattaraka appears as pontiff of Brahmesvara temple.
1182 CE: Inscription at Suryanarayana temple records a gift from Ayyavole-500, nanadesis and mahanadu assembled at Dakshina-Varanasi (Alampur). 1299 CE (11 Sep): Pedamam Maldevaraju granted 5 martars of land to Brahmesvaradeva during Kakatiya Prataparudra’s reign.
The original temple was destroyed in 1390 CE by Bahamani rulers. After 615 years, the temple was relocated and reconstructed in 2005 near the original site. The new complex is built in a modern style while preserving the spiritual essence. The temple is administered by the Endowments Department. Deities: Goddess Jogulamba (Shakti) and Balabrahmeswara (Shiva). Timings: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
The temples follow a sandhara plan (circumambulatory path). The shikhara is Rekha Nagara – curvilinear beehive tower with miniature urushringas. Pillars are lathe‑turned (square‑octagonal‑circular), a Chalukyan signature. The Bala Brahma temple has a detached Nandi mandapa. The complex is arranged as a Vastu Purusha Mandala with nine shrines corresponding to the Navagraha. During equinoxes (March/September), the rising sun directly illuminates the sanctum of Bala Brahma and Surya Brahma – a deliberate astronomical alignment.
Outer walls feature devakoshthas with Nataraja, Lakulisa, Ardhanarishvara, Dakshinamurti. Doorjambs show Ganga‑Yamuna and Kirtimukha. The Vishwa Brahma temple depicts scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Inscriptions of Vikramaditya I and Vinayaditya record land grants and temple construction.
Sanskrit inscription recording the installation of a Linga by queen Mahadevi and a gift of 50 nivartanas of land in Vaddamanu to Pishti Sarma.
Records construction of the temple by Yuvaraja Lokaditya (Ela-Arasa), son of Vinayaditya and brother of Vijayaditya.
Construction of enclosure wall by Isanacharya, a pontiff of the Kalamukha sect.
Telugu‑Kannada and Siddhamatrika scripts; records the same teacher Isanacharya. One of the earliest uses of Siddhamatrika in the region.
Describes Vinayaditya’s triumph over the Lord of Uttarapatha, and defeat of Malva and Lata rulers.
Grant by ratti bhataralu (local lords) to god Lakulisvara. First epigraphic mention of Komati merchants.
Detailed toll list (“Vadda-ravula of the four nadus”) and describes Alampur as the Western Gateway (Dwara) of Sri Parvata (Srisailam).
Gift from Ayyavole‑500, nanadesis and mahanadu assembled at Dakshina-Varanasi (Alampur) to Sthanapati Kesavarasi.
Pedamam Maldevaraju and other mahasthanadhipatis grant 5 martars of land to Brahmesvaradeva.
Chronology of Alampur (Hatampura)
Key Archaeological & Temple Data
Jogulamba temple: 5th Shakti Peetha, fierce goddess iconography.
Coins: Punch‑marked, Satavahana, Roman contact implied by trade guilds.
⏰ Visitor Information – Alampur (Jogulamba & Navabrahma Temples)
π Address & Access
Alampur Temple Complex, Alampur, Jogulamba Gadwal District, Telangana – 509126.
On the Tungabhadra River bank.
Nearest town: Gadwal (20 km).
Distance: 220 km from Hyderabad (via NH 765).
π Enquiries
Jogulamba Temple office: +91-8542-123456 (representative)
ASI Alampur Circle: +91-40-2323 4333
π Official Info
π Timings & Entry
Jogulamba Temple: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM (daily).
Navabrahma Temples (ASI): 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free for all temples.
Best season: October – March (equinox sunrise viewing in March/September).
Time needed: 4–6 hours.
Dress code: Modest traditional attire; remove footwear before entering shrines.
π How to Reach Alampur
By Road: Well connected from Hyderabad (220 km, 4–5 hours) via Jadcherla, Wanaparthy, Gadwal. TSRTC buses from Hyderabad (MGBS) to Gadwal; local buses/autos to Alampur (20 km).
By Train: Nearest railway: Gadwal Junction (20 km) connected to Hyderabad, Kurnool, Guntur.
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (200 km).
π§ Suggested 1‑Day Itinerary (Heritage & Pilgrimage)
- 8:00 AM: Arrive Alampur. Visit Jogulamba Temple – morning darshan and aarti.
- 9:30 AM: Explore Bala Brahma and Swarga Brahma temples – finest architecture.
- 11:00 AM: Walk through the other Navabrahma shrines (Kumara, Arka, Vishwa, Vira, Garuda, Taraka, Surya Brahma).
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at local eatery (simple vegetarian thali).
- 2:00 PM: Visit the Alampur Museum (Pebberi hero stone, inscription replicas).
- 3:30 PM: Walk along the Tungabhadra river banks; view the submerged Sangameswaram temple site (now underwater).
- 5:00 PM: Attend evening aarti at Jogulamba Temple.
- 6:30 PM: Depart for Hyderabad or stay at Gadwal.
π️ Nearby Attractions
π¨ Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation
- Gadwal (20 km): Haritha Hotel (TSTDC), budget lodges.
- Srisailam (90 km): Punnami Hotel, Mrugavani Resort.
- Kurnool (70 km): Full range of hotels.
- Limited stay inside Alampur; day trip recommended.
Food & Tips
- Vegetarian meals available near the temple complex.
- Carry water and snacks – few packaged options.
- Gadwal town has more restaurant choices.
π Travel Tips & Temple Etiquette
⭐ Pro tip: The Pebberi hero stone (1028 CE) is displayed at the Alampur Museum – a rare record of a large‑scale battle between Cholas and Chalukyas. Ask the ASI staff to show you the Siddhamatrika inscription on the fort wall. The best photography light for the Navabrahma temples is early morning (8–10 AM). The Jogulamba temple is especially powerful on Tuesdays and Fridays.
❓ FAQ – Alampur
What is the significance of Alampur?
It is both a Shakti Peetha (Jogulamba) and a centre of early Chalukyan Nagara architecture (Navabrahma temples). Historically it was the capital of Kanne-300 and the Western Gateway to Srisailam.
Is there an entry fee for the temples?
No, all temples are free.
How far is Alampur from Srisailam?
Approximately 90 km (2 hours drive).
Can I see the original inscriptions at the site?
Yes – several inscribed pillars and slabs are in situ in the Navabrahma temples and on the fort wall.
- Cousens, Henry (1926). The Chalukyan Architecture of the Kanarese Districts. ASI.
- Venkataraman, K. R. (1987). Alampur: A Monograph. Govt of Andhra Pradesh.
- Epigraphia Indica, Vol. XLIII (2011). “Alampur Inscriptions”.
- Telangana State Archaeology (2016). Excavations and Surveys in Jogulamba Gadwal District.
- Krishna Sastry, V.V. (1994). Coin‑age of the Satavahanas and the Cultural Horizon of Kotalingala (refers to Alampur region).
- The Hindu (2015). “Alampur’s Navabrahma temples – a heritage at risk”.
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