Khajaguda Hills

Khajaguda Hills located in Khajaguda also known as Khojaguda is a Village in Serlingampally Mandal, Rangareddy district, Telangana State, India. It is part of the old city of Hyderabad. The site is a popular spot for outdoor activities, such as hiking and bouldering.

Khajaguda hills is one of the most popular weekend spots near Hyderabad. It is known for its magnificent viewpoint of Golconda and Durgam Cheruvu, peacocks, and naturally formed rocks and boulders that facilitate thrilling activities like rappelling.

The hilltop offers a breathtaking view of the city below with its lush green surroundings. It is a perfect place to spend some quality time with your friends or family away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The area also has several other attractions such as temples and caves that make it an ideal spot for nature lovers. With its pristine beauty and adventure activities, Khajaguda hills has become one of the most sought-after weekend spots in Hyderabad.

Hidden away from all the hustle and bustle of city life, these majestic hills offer breathtaking views and a chance to explore a fascinating part of history. Get up close and personal with nature while you learn about its ancient origins!

One of the finest prehistoric heritage sites, the Khajaguda Rock Formation is spread across 180 acres in Nanakramguda in Hyderabad, Telangana

The Fakhruddin Gutta granite rock formations, popularly known as the Khajaguda Hills, are a geological marvel that are estimated to be around 2.5 billion years old! It is a part of the Deccan Plateau and is also one of the oldest rock formations in India.

Telangana's Khajaguda Rock Formation is as old as the Earth's crust!

Around 4.4 billion years ago, the formation of Earth’s crust took place and soon after that, the formation of what we know today as the Khajaguda Rock Formation started. One of the oldest forms of rocks, these are formed of gneissic granite, one of the hardest forms of rocks on earth.

Usually, newer rocks form over these tough base rocks over a period of time. But, in Khajaguda, this didn’t happen and the billion years old rocks stand exposed till date, albeit in a poor condition.

As per the geologists researching the area, there are boulders, castle koppies, nubbins, inselberg, peneplains, kluftkarren, corestones, pans, fracture valley, runnels, balancing rocks, pseudobedding, pits, tafoni, plinths, rock doughnuts, caves, splits and wedges, and chaos – all these are different kinds of rock formations. What a field day it would be to get a chance to explore the site with researchers!. While we can’t say much about exploring the area with geologists, what you can certainly do is hike the area and take in the moment as you stand in the presence of something that is as old as our planet!

Khajaguda Lake, also known as Bhagirathamma Cheruvu was built during the reign of 6th Nizam Nawab Mahboob Ali Khan in 1897 and is spread over an impressive 618-acre. Surrounded by lush greenery and open skies, it provides a serene setting for visitors to sit back, relax and take in the natural beauty. Not only that, it also supplied water to 900 acres of Ayakattu in Kamareddy, Sarampally and Narsampally areas!

The tomb of Saint Hazrat Baba Fakhruddin Aulia — spiritual mentor of Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah (founder of the Bahmani Kingdom) who was buried here in 1353 AD

800-year-old Annatha Padmanabha Swamy Temple and a cave where the revered saint, Meher Baba had meditated are situated on Khajaguda Hills.

The caves in the area are another interesting thing to explore. Remember how we said earlier that these rocks are the hardest forms of granite? Cave formation would be the last thing to expect of these hard rocks. But they are there, much to the surprise of geologists. Something rare, is what they say about these Khajaguda caves.

The forest patch at Khajaguda is home to several species of plants, that just like the rock formations, are difficult to find near Hyderabad. The Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, popularly known as the parijata or the night-flowering jasmine, is found in abundance at Khajaguda (there are three national parks around Hyderabad and the Parijata cannot be found in any of these three parks).

The other important plant species at Khajaguda is the Helicteres isora, also known as the Indian Screw Tree. These trees have not been recorded by the Botanical Survey of India in any areas around Hyderabad. Khajaguda is the only place where these can be found.

Best Time to visit

Sunrise and Sunset. Sunrise as you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the sun rising above the hills with the rays piercing through the morning clouds Relish Sunset at the summit . Sunset point for photoshoot in Hyderabad

Monsoons are the time when nature is at its best. Mercury levels having dropped a few notches and the lush greenery make it the best time to visit any tourist destination. One such place, whose beauty is heightened in the monsoon, is the Khajaguda Hills in Hyderabad. 

How to get there

There are two ways to reach this place: take the ORR and drive to the bottom of the hill or reach Khajaguda village and follow the path that leads to the hills. The trek to the top of the hills is easy and does not require professional hiking gear.

Use Google Maps, not Apple. Map directly to Delhi Public School. If you map to the exact location, you may be brought in the back way, which is not a way at all. Take Old Mumbai Highway or Outer Ring Road to Khajaguda Road. Follow it to Lanco Hills Road (large silver structures on this intersection). Turn onto Lanco Hills Road. When the divided road ends, take the second right (the first is immediately at the ending of the division). After taking this right, take the first left. The road turns dirt here and heads up the hill. The road is rough but passable. If you wish to walk from here, it is maybe a 10-20 minute approach up hill. If you follow the road (by car or foot) stay right at the fork. You'll reach the top and there is an open area. Park here. The approach from here varies, but should be no more than 10 minutes (to the farthest rocks).

Improvements
In October 2023, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) started work to fence the 2.5 billion-year-old Khajaguda rock formations and limiting access to motorists, visitors, an effort to keep the encroachers at bay.

Outer Ring Road -Lanco Hills link road is under construction as part of Corridor 39B. This 3.89 km long link road is constructed alongside the Khajaguda Heritage Rock Formation.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/telanganas-khajaguda-rock-formation-is-as-old-as-the-earths-crust/articleshow/95272121.cms

Read More

Chennur Agastheeswara Swamy Temple

Chennur Shivalyam or Agastheswara Alayam is located in chennur village, Mancherial district, Telangana State, India on the banks of Godavari river around 30 kms from Mancherial town. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva.

Chennur Sri Agastheeswara Swamy Temple is the ancient shivalayam in this area with very old inscriptions in Dravida language. it is said that Agasthya Mahamuni himself performed puja in this temple, was visited by Srikrishna Devaraya.

Maha Shivaratri is the major annual festival, celebrated with religious gaiety and pomp in Agastheeswara Swamy Temple.

Sage Agasthya Maharshi installed this lingam and did poojas to the Shivalinga’s on his journey from Kasi to Dakshina yatra and named it Agasteshwaram. Hence it was named as Agastheeswara Temple.

Public from different communities come from far places to immerse the remnant of the dead bodies in the form of ashes, in holy river Godavari which is called Ash Visarjan and have darshan of lord shiva.

Akhanda Jyothi is continuously glowing from almost 410 years. It was first lightened by a brahmin priest named as jakkepalli Sadashivayya. He used to offer prayers regularly in this temple. Later his sons and grandsons took the responsibilities of Akhanda Jyothi and present, his fourth generations grandson name Himakar sharma took the responsibility of Akanda Jyothi

Construction

In 1289 AD during Kakatiya reign King Pratap Rudra had reconstructed this temple and then after 20 years in the time of Alauddin Khilji Senani Malik kafur had destroyed the pyramidal tower of the temple. Later Sri Krishan Deva rayalu visited this place and he again reconstructed the temple. All these had been written in front of the temple in Telugu and Kannada languages

Panchkosha Uttara Wahini

Generally Godavari flows from west to east but the Godavari river in Chennur flows towards the north for 5 Kosa (15 km) hence it is known as "Panchkosha Uttara Wahini".

Temple Timings : 6.00 AM to 8.00 PM

Godavari Pushkaralu takes place once every 12 years, when the Jupiter is in the Leo sign. The Maha Pushkaram ("Great Pushkaram") takes place once every 144 years.

The last pushkaram is from July 14 - 25, 2015. This year it marks the ‘Maha Pushkaram’, which comes once in 144 years. Astrologically, Brihaspati (Jupiter) enters Simha rasi (Leo). It is called Maha Pushkaram as it is the 12th time, the 12-year Pushkaram cycle is being held starting with Ashadha month on Chaturdashi. The next Godavari Pushkaram is in 2027 and Maha Pushkaram will be celebrated in 2159.

Pushkaras are celebrated at 12 rivers, 1 river per year, according to which rasi Jupiter enters that year. Though the festival is theoretically ongoing throughout the year, only the first 12 days of Jupiter entering the rasi are celebrated. The last 12 days of Jupiter leaving the rasi are also considered auspicious.

The 12 rivers are: Ganga, Narmada, Saraswati, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Bhima (tributary of Krishna), Tapti, Tungabhadra, Sindhu, Pranhita (tributary of Godavari)

Pranahita Pushkaralu is a festival of River Pranahita normally occurs once in 12 years. The Pushkaram is observed for a period of 12 days from the time of entry of Jupiter into Pisces (Meena rasi).Pranahita Pushkaralu was celebrated from April 13 - 24, 2022

Read More

Zaffergadh Fort and Velpugonda Narasimha Swamy Temple

Zaffergadh Fort is located in Zaffergadh village and a mandal in Jangaon district of Telangana state in India. The original name of Zaffargadh was Velpugonda. 

Zaffergadh got its name from a Muslim ruler Zaffarudhaula who made this place capital of his dynasty.

The village of Zaffargadh is situated in the valley between the hills on eastern and western sides. The hills are known as Chinnagutta and Peddagutta. There is a self manifested Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple on Peddagutta. 

The village and the hills are surrounded by a rampart, 5 km in circumference. Around the rampart there is a deep moat. Three darwazas (inlets) were constructed to regularize the incoming and outgoing traffic. The darwazas are namely the Khammam darwaza Patnam darwaza and Hanamkonda darwaza. The doors of the darwazas are 10 feet wide and 20 feet in height. The bastions and gates are mounted with huge iron cannons.

According to a Rashtrakuta inscription carved on the rock wall of the tank of the Lakshminarasimha Swamy hillock (Peddagutta) here, Sankaraganda of Rashtrakuta line of chiefs is believed to have constructed the tank on the hillock. On the back side of the hillock a Trikuta Temple, Garuda pillar and a Vishnu temple of Kakatiya period and a mosque are located. This area was occupied by Muslim rulers in the medieval times after the fall of Kakatiyas of Warangal in 1323 CE. 

Zaffruddoula, a Subedar of Golconda Nawabs (1760 AD) was the ruler of this area. With the aim of becoming an independent ruler of this area he had constructed an impregnable fort. Before his designs could be fructified, the Nawabs of the Golconda reportedly came to know about his plans and put him to death.

Trekking

Historical Zaffergadh Twin Forts an ideal Spot for Trekking with great atmosphere. The climb up the hill presents you with panoramic views of nature.

Swayambhu Sri Velpugonda Narasimha Swamy Temple 

Historic Swayambhu Sri Velpugonda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple on Top of the Hill with a Beautiful Small Pond.

This temple has a sacred story associated with it. According to a legend there was a pandit in this town of Zaffargadh who in his dream saw Narashimha Swamy who telling him that Lord manifested himself on this hill. Pandit was given the detailed position of manifestation by Narshimha Swamy himself and was asked to spread this to people to this town. Pandit then followed his dream and went to the location on this hill where he located Narashimha Swamy's idol at the location of manifestation. After this, people in this town constructed a temple where they found Sawmy's idol. There is a water sources on this hill where exactly at noon Narashimha Sawmy takes dip in the water and does Surya namaskara by standing at the same place every day. You can see Swamy's footprints at this location. You can actually hear the sound of Swamy taking the dip at noon every day and thereafter you can notice that these foot prints are wet. There is no proper steps/way to get to this temple and that is one of the reason why it did not become popular and not lot of people know about this temple outside of people around this area. You have to literally climb through this hill to get to this temple. No one is supposed to be staying on the hill after dark.

Renovation

Develop Zaffargadh Fort into a tourist destination: Villagers

Built in the 17th century, the Zaffargadh Fort in Jangaon district lies in a dilapidated condition. Cracks have begun to appear in the stone structure of the fortification bastions. Residents have asked the State government to start renovation works at the fort and develop it into a tourist spot. The Zaffargadh Fort was built by Zaffarudhaula, a subedar of the Golconda Nawabs, who was planning to become an independent ruler of the area. He constructed the impregnable fort to fortify his stance. However, he was killed before the entire fort could be completed. 

Cracks have also appeared on the gateways and a portion of the walls, which connects the fort to another structure, has gaping holes. The Zaffargadh village is situated in the valley between the hills on the eastern and western sides. The villagers call the hills Chinnagutta and Peddagutta. The fort was constructed with stones having massive bastions and gateways at four corners of the fortifications with mounted iron cannons.

Three darwaza (inlets) — Khammam darwaza, Patnam darwaza and Hanamkonda darwaza — were constructed. A Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is situated on Peddagutta. The State Archaeology Department has declared Zaffargadh Fort as an ancient monument and notified it as a protected structure under Section 30(1) of the State Archaeological and Remain Act, 1960. No efforts have been made to either protect or renovate the monument.

History

996 AD - 1052 AD : Recherla Brahma or Bamma
Founder : General of Beta I (996 AD - 1052 AD)
Defeated a Choda King and carried away as a trophy of war the doors of kanchi.

1052 AD - 1076 AD : Recherla Muccha
General of Prola I (1052 AD - 1076 AD)

1076 AD - 1108 AD : Recherla Kata I / Kataya

Sura senani killed Kataya nayaka ( Kata I / Kataya Recherla General of Beta II :1076 AD - 1108 AD) and made a person called Rawanrupa  or Ravva Nripa as the ruler of Velpugonda.

1108 A.D : Rawanrupa  or Ravva Nripa

This Viriyala Sura was the son of Erra and Kāmasāni . Sura senani had become famous after Erra Narendra. According to the Gudur inscription, Sura senani killed Kataya nayaka ( Kata I / Kataya Recherla General of Beta II :1076 AD - 1108 AD) and made a person called Rawanrupa  or Ravva Nripa as the ruler of Velpugonda.

1124 AD : Viriyala Malla

Records the endowment of village Bammera in the Velupugonda 24 division by Malla of this family who was the son of Beta and grand son of Sura

1116 AD - 1157 AD : Kama Chamupati
General of Prola II (1116 AD - 1157 AD)

1760 AD : Zaffarudhaula

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2021/Aug/23/develop-zaffargadh-fort-intoa-tourist-destination-villagers-2348449.html

Read More

Penjerla Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple

Penjerla Swayambhu Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy is a Hindu Temple is located in Penjerla village, Kothur Mandal, Ranaga Reddy district, Telangana State, India.

Svayambhu or Swayambhu is a Sanskrit word that means "self-born", "self-manifested", "self-existing", or "that that is created by its own accord". 

Timings : 7 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 7 P

Address
4836+VJG, Penjerla, Shamshabad, Hyderabad

Contact
+91 90106 14354
penjerlasriananthapadmanabha@gmail.com

Read More

Aggalayya Gutta Jain Temple

Aggalayya gutta is located in Hanamakonda, Padmakshi temple road, Hanumakonda district,Telangana state, India. It was also a jain ayurvedic medicine center around 11th century

This Jain site on the Aggalayya gutta has a 30-feet-tall engraved statue of the 16th Jain Tirthankar Shantinatha and a 13-feet-tall statue of 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanatha on a huge boulderstone on a hillock.

The Shantinatha statue is the second tallest Tirthankaras statue in South India after Karnataka’s Bahubali Tirthankara, and the plan is to make it a Jain Vanam. Statue of the Mahavira is also there in a cave on the hillock.

The hillocok was named after, Aggalayya, who constructed a ‘Jinalaya’ that served as a research centre for teaching doctrines of religion, medicine, and surgery.

Aggalayya who was an ayurvedic doctor and researcher of 11th century taught Ayurveda to students at this center. He worked extensively on teaching and propagation of doctrines of religion, medicine, surgery, etc. The Sirur inscription of Medak mentions Aggaalaih as the Chalukya King Jagadekas physician.

Though its is popular as Jain site, none could discover the fact that the hillock was a hub of ayurvedic treatment during 11th century. Some parts of the Gokarnam which is used to store ayurvedic potions and pour into the mouth of the patient, were also found at the site. The hillock was a place of medicinal plants. “I have seen may mortars at various locations, but mortars made on the rock on the Aggalayya Gutta are unique amon them” said Ratnakar Reddy.

Aggalayya gutta also has a lot trees and plants which makes the place breathable

Near Hanumakonda bus station and Chowrastha. Around half Kms. Around 600 steps are there to reach top of the hill . Opens at 9 A.M and closes at 6 P.M

This site is developed under National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme by KUDA (Kakatiya Urban Development Authority) in 2017.

Read More

Aggalayya

Name : Aggalayya (1034 AD - 1074 AD)
Spouse : Vallikambe

Born : c. 1000 AD 

Died : c. 1080 AD

Profession : Royal Physician (Ayurveda), Mahasamantha 

Titles : Vaidyaratnakara Pranacharya, Mahasamanta and Vaidyasikhamani 

Religion : Jainism

Inscriptions : Yadadri Bhuvanagiri (Saidapur or Saidapuram), Sangareddy (Sirur, Singuru in Narayankhed Mandal) from 1034 AD to 1074 AD

Aggalayya who is stated to have been specialist in Sastra (surgery) and Sastra (Science) and was capable of curing even the severe diseases that cannot be cured by other physicians.

The records describe the proficiency of Aggalayya in Ayurveda with particular reference to his skill in Sastra-vaidya or treatment of diseases by surgical methods.
 
It is interesting to note that surgery in the system of Ayurveda was practised with efficiency in those days. Aggalayya is stated to be the royal physician.

Aggalayya has not only been praised as an efficient physician or surgeon but has also been mentioned as a religious person, a devout Jaina who was always helpful to good people and he looked after the healthy well being of all. He always stood for the welfare of his friends and for the satisfaction of gurus . The inscription mentions that he was devoted to teach (the art of Surgery or Ayurveda to) the Jainas and was always ready for clearing the doubts of other physicians.

The inscription mentions that if any treatment by surgery was done anywhere and life was saved, i.e. it refers to critical cases, then, it was surely a good deed of Naravaidya Aggalayya and king Jagadekamalla.

It is interesting to note that the merit of the saving the life of a critical patient by treating him with surgical expertise, was shared between the physician and his employer or patron in whose service Aggalayya
was employed. 

The inscription further eulogizes Aggalayya by saying that he could even cure the diseases in their advanced stage or serious stage {prakarsa) declared by other physicians as incurable. For this reason his fame had spread in all regions. 

The inscription mentions Aggalayya as verily the god Brahma himself or Brahma personified. Aggalayya being a devout Jaina and surgeon by profession, his association and assimilation with Brahma
shows the process of integration or appropriation of the Brahma cult in the Jaina religious tradition. 

Brahma being the deity par excellence for surgery mentioned in the pro-brahrhanical Ayurvedic texts like the Susruta Samhita his incorporation into the Jaina tradition to glorify a surgeon is explicable as the basic knowledge was taken from the common texts like the Susruta Samhita which again claims the Atharva
Veda as its principal source. 

These texts were not restricted to the followers of the bratimanical religion alone but were universally used. But the question that arises here is that why did the Jainas require a different system of medicine and surgery and why this Jaina medical school had its own texts on medicine and surgery which were highly
modified versions of the well known medical texts.

Chalukyan king Jayasimha II, this stone inscription records the gift of the village Muppanappali in Kollipaka 7000 for the maintenance of two Jaina Basatis built by certain Aggalayya who bears the titles Vaidya- ratnakara, Pranacharyya and Naravaidya. 

The inscription registers the gift of garden lands and house plots for residence and feeding the students and (rishis) by maha samanta Aggalayya, at the instance of his brother. In this, Aggalarasa is praised for his proficiency in medicine. The said gift was placed in the custody of Dharmasagara Siddhanta Deva of Sri Yapaniya samgha and Maduvagana. The donor himself was an ardent worshipper of Jaina Sasanadevi and Bahubali. The verses extol the heroic qualities of Aggalarasa and philanthropic qualities of Vallikambe, his wife.

While the king Someswara II (1068 - 1076 AD) was camping at Vankapura, his subordinate chief mahasamanta and Vaidyasikhamani Aggalarasa (Aggalayya) made gifts of grandson lands for the maintenance of the feeding house (dnasala). The gift was entrusted to a jaina preceptor Dharmasagara Siddhantadeva at the request of one Bahubali.

Saidapur Jaina Inscription of Jagadekamalla I, Saka 956 by Dr. G. Jawaharlal
The inscription contains the Chalukya prasasti of the king Jagadeka Malla I (i.e., Jayasimha II) and records the gift of lands in the gramas of Mucchnapalli, Tenkanamaddi and Juvvipakavādi and cash (drammas) for the daily rites and repairs (11.19,20) of the two basadis namely, the Buddhasena Jinalaya in Baliya Mucchanapalli and Vaidyaratnakara jinalaya in lkkuriki by Aggalayya, the Naravaidyaratnakara and Pranacharya who is also the Gavunda of Mucchanapalli.

Evidently the Vaidyaratnakara Jinalaya under reference is named after the physician Aggalayya himself, as he bore the title Vaidyaratnakara.

We are further told that the above forms part of the gift for the daily rites of the Jakabbeya and Rekabbeya basadis situated in Juvvipakavadi.

The third side of the inscription extols the greatness of the royal physician Aggalayya who is said to have been the wizard of Ayurveda Sastra and sastra (surgery). 

He is praised as the specialist in curing the diseases, pronounced as incurable ones by other physicians of the day (cf. asakya byadhepi pariah=bhishagbhir vyudhi prabhedhe tadupakamechatim Agglaram punaruhadaksham kathayamti chitrant||11.72-75). 

The king, stunned with the expertise of Aggalayya in the field of Ayurveda and Sastra chikista, is pleased to pronounce him as Aggalamge Gaggalah. The pointed reference made to the sastra chikitsa (surgery) in the Ayurveda methods reveals that the use of sastra by then was in a well developed stage and practised by the experts in Ayurveda.

The most interesting aspect about this inscription is that it brings to light (for the first- time perhaps) the use of sasta chikitsa (surgery) as a branch of the Ayurveda sastra (ayurveda vidam) being practised during the 11th century A.D.

No epigraphic source of the period sheds light either on the proficiency or practice of surgery in the Ayurvedic methods of treatment. Hitherto, several instances of general praise of the learning of Jaina teachers in some of the branches of knowledge are found in the inscriptions, but no specific reference to the Ayurvedic form of practice.

For instance, a record of the Saka year 1024 from Marol describes the learning of the Jaina teacher Ananta viramuni as having composed all Vyakarana (Grammar), Nighantu (Lexicon), Ganita (Mathematics). Vatsyayana (Erotics), Jyothisha (Astrology), Sakuna(Augury), Chhandas (Prosody), Manu (Law), Gandharva (Music), Alamkara (Rhetoric), Mahakavyanaka (Poetic/drama), Adhyamika (Philosophy), Arthasastra, Siddhanta and Pramanas. Secondly in one inscription of 11th century A.D. from Sudi, we are told that the world renowned Saiva teacher and scholar Somesvarapanditadeva was great not only in Tapas- charitra but also in learning which included mastery of Vaisesika, Nyaya, Samkhya, Sabdajnana and Mimamsa. Further, an inscription of the 11th century A.D. from Mulgund mentions the two Jaina grammarians, Narendrasena and his pupil Nyayasena who are said to have been proficient in many systems like Chandra, Katantra, Jainendra, Sabdanusasana of Saktayana, Paniniya, Aindra and Kaumara. Thus, it becomes clear that no recorded evidence so far makes a reference to the Ayurvedic sastra and sastra as a branch of learning.

Unfortunately this inscription sheds no light about Aggalavya's native place, his parentage, family and also the habitat of his ancestors. It is the first Jinakasana of the king Jagadekamalla I (the sole wrestler of the world) found in these parts of the Chalukyan empire.

It is also interesting to note that the king Jayasimha II after knowing the proficiency of the royal physician Aggalayya in the Ayurvedic 'sastra and 'sastra (surgery) conferred on him the pratipatti of Mahasamanta and made him the Gavunda of the grama Mucchanapalli. By this, it is known that persons of eminence are entrusted with positions of importance in the administration of the kingdom by the king.

The places mentioned in the record are Pottalakere, Kollipake-7000, Aleru-40, Ikkuriki, Mucchanapalli, Juvvipakevadi and Tenkanamaddi.

Of these Pottalakere may be identified with the modern Patancheru located at a distance of 26 Kms. away towards West of Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana.

The place is mentioned as the capital of Jayasimha i.e. Jagadekamalla I, Kollipaka-7000 is the administrative division and the headquarters Kollipaka may be identified with the modern Kulpak in the Nalgonda district of Telangana. It is at this very Kulpak, several Jaina records big and small, pertaining to different dynasties have been found. Even today this place is being considered as a Jaina pilgrim centre. Aleru-40 is the numerical unit within the division of Kollipaka-7000. The headquarter of this unit namely Aleru is the same modern place Aleru situated a few miles away from Kolanpak.

Ikkuriki, the grama where Vaidhyaratnakara Jinalaya is situated, may be identified with the modern village Ikkuriki in the Motakondur circle of the Bhongir. Other places are not identifiable satisfactorily.

Jaina philosopher and medical practioner Samantabhadra is said to have founded a new school of medicine or his own lineage known as Samantabhadra sampradaya. This tradition was further developed by Pujyapada with his contributions to every branch of medical science.

Pujyapada authored texts like Nidanaratnavali, Vaidyakagrantha, Madanakamaratna, Ratnakaradyutasadha and Yogagrantha. Another work of Pujyapada is the text Vaidyamrita which is again not yet discovered. 

This is also known through a secondary source i.e. the work of another Jaina physician Gomatadeva. 

Pujyapada might have flourished around the 5th or 6th century CE. Pujyapada's medical

literature has been often praised in the works of both contemporary and later physicians and is often credited for driving away ill health by his teachings. 

Ugraditya another Jaina physician composed the work Kalyanakaraka in two parts containing 20 and 5 chapters respectively, consisting of 8000 verses. 

This was mainly a compilation of the previously known texts of the Jaina Vaidya sastra and to this text was added by Ugraditya two more new chapters as annexure named Rista and Hitahita . 

Scholars or adherents of this Jaina Vaidya shastra were against the use of animal substances and practice complete non-violence. They not only abstained from animal substances for any kind of cure but also condemned non-vegetarian diet. 

Ugraditya had given at the court of Amoghavarsa long discourse on the uselessness of flesh diet in an assembly where many learned men and doctors had assembled.

Ugraditya was a staunch Jaina and believed in complete abstinence so much so that he even did not prescribe honey which is one of the most frequently used elements in Ayurvedic system of medcine, instead he prescribed the use of jaggery which according to him gave the same results.

The inscription further mentions that centres for preparation of medicine both herbal and chemical-mineral or herbal-mercurial were there. These were Jakabbe and Marakabbeya basadis and for their maintenance lands were separately granted in Buddhipaka along with Muppanapalli as devabhoga by the king. 

The inscription is quite corroded yet the legible portions reveal that a flower garden, a residential place, certain measurement of black soil and along with these a water wheel were donated to the Kajali(ka)sthana attached to the two basadis mentioned above. These were functioning under the
Vaidyaratnakara Jinalaya. 

A sculpture of Aggalayya has been found at Hanumankonda the old capital city of the Kakatiyas. Like the Buddhist monasteries had arogyasala for the monks and also extended their services for the people staying in the locality similarly Jaina medical practitioner also extended their welfare services to the society at large.

Aggalayya gutta Jain Temple and Caves

Aggalayya gutta is located in Hanamakonda, Padmakshi temple road, Hanumakonda district,Telangana state, India. It was also a jain ayurvedic medicine center around 11th century

This Jain site on the Aggalayya gutta has a 30-feet-tall engraved statue of the 16th Jain Tirthankar Shantinatha and a 13-feet-tall statue of 23rd Tirthankar Parshvanatha on a huge boulderstone on a hillock.

The Shantinatha statue is the second tallest Tirthankaras statue in South India after Karnataka’s Bahubali Tirthankara, and the plan is to make it a Jain Vanam. Statue of the Mahavira is also there in a cave on the hillock.

The hillocok was named after, Aggalayya, who constructed a ‘Jinalaya’ that served as a research centre for teaching doctrines of religion, medicine, and surgery.

Aggalayya gutta also has a lot trees and plants which makes the place breathable

Near Hanumakonda bus station and Chowrastha. Around half Kms. Around 600 steps are there to reach top of the hill . Opens at 9 A.M and closes at 6 P.M

This site is developed under National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme by KUDA (Kakatiya Urban Development Authority) in 2017.

References
Epigraphia Telanganica Volume1 Pre-Kakatiya Telangana
Majumdar, Susmita Basu. “AGGALYYA- A 11 th CENTURY JAIN SURGEON.” Proceedings of the Indian History Congress, vol. 73, 2012, pp. 175–79. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44156204. Accessed 3 Jan. 2024.

Read More

Lodhi Mallayya Temple and Waterfall

Loddi Mallana or Loddi Mallayya Temple is a place of pilgrimage inside the Mannanur range. Lodhi Mallana is a cave situated in front of a lake, with a Shivalinga present inside the cave. 

Lodhi or Loddi means valley in local laguage and Mallana or Mallaya or Mallaiah are the names of Lord Siva, so its named Lodhi Mallaiah.

The area is open to public only 1 day annually during Tholi Ekadashi in the month of July is an awesome place to catch up with a good trekking experience and worship Lord mallanna or shiva

Lodhi Mallayya cave is called Telangana amarnath cave. The cave can be reached after a trek through a very beautiful Nallamalla forest. 

It is located at about 10kms from Mannanur check post, Srisailam Road, from there (your journey starts from 65 km stone,right side) & 4 km by treking into valley there we can see near by 6 water falls and beautiful locations and shiva lingam of mallaiah swamy

This place was referred to as Guptha Mallikarjuna in olden days. Historically during medieval times, several Saivaite sects had performed their secret rituals at this place because it was highly inaccessible to normal people.

https://www.meraevents.com/event/lodhi-mallanna-waterfall-and-forest-trek-22july18

Read More

Kadalivanam Caves

Kadalivanam Caves are Located in the dense Nallamalla Forest (Amrabad Tiger Reserve) in Nagarkurnool District, Telangana state. Kadalivan or kardaliwan is another kshetra of Sri Datta Guru. This place is located in the interior of dense forestcalled Nallamala at the foot of Srisaila hill on the bank of Pathala Ganga. 

To reach Kadalivanam Caves, you have to trek from Akka Mahadevi Caves. The most easy and appropriate way to reach the beautiful caves is first to take the rope way journey from Nallamala Hill top beside the Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple to Pathala Ganga. From Pathala Ganga you can take a motor boat on Krishna River to reach the nearest spot to the caves. From the spot it is a 10 minute trek to Akka Mahadevi Caves

Kadali Vanam is a great Tapo sthanam in Srisaila kshetram. Its importance was described in Skhanda Puranam, Shiva Bhakta vijayam and many more Shaiva texts. Sree Nrisimha saraswati Swamy, the second incarnation of Guru Dattatreya swamy, ends his avatara here by disappearing.

Before reaching Kadalivanam SRI GURU’S CAVE one has to cross AKKA MAHADEVI’S CAVES.After crossing the plain area we will reach Kadali Vanam from there we have to climb down about 30 steps to see Kadali Vanam cave.

 

This is a huge cave like natural rock shelter which can accommodate nearly 500 persons comfortably. Near the rock shelter flows a perennial stream close to which evidences of prehistoric man in the form of stone tools were discovered. The place derived its name dell to wild plantain grooves. This excellent spot is considered to be extremely sacred by devotees. 

At a distance of 22 Kms from Srisailam and 12 Kms from Akka Mahadevi Caves, Kadalivanam Caves are natural caves with lot of history attached to it.

Read More

Akka Mahadevi Caves or Swayambhu Shiva Mandir

Akka Mahadevi Caves is Located in the dense Nallamalla Forest (Amrabad Tiger Reserve) in Nagarkurnool District, Telangana state. It is located on the northern side of the river in Telangana about 18 km in Srisailam Dam back waters.These caves to be reached by boat. Another name of the cave is Swayambhu Shiva Mandir.

The Akkamahadevi caves, primarily offer an adventurous thrill for the adventure tourist in you. The entrance of the cave of Akkamahadevi, to which there is an approximate of 150 meter trek into the cave to visit the sanctum. Murtis of Kapala Bhairava, Veerabhadra, Mahishasura Mardini and many other of medieval period are found at the entrance of Akka Mahadevi caves.

Akka Mahadevi Caves are reached by a 1-hour-long boat ride on the river, and is located on the northern side of the river in Telangana are naturally formed caves and are located very near to the upstream of the river Krishna.

Named after the famous philosopher Akka Mahadevi, these rock-cut caves are located on the banks of River Krishna amidst the picturesque environs of Nallamala Hills. 

Akkamahadevi was a prominent figure of the Veerashaiva Bhakti movement of 12th century Karnataka.

Her vachanas in Kannada are considered her greatest contribution to Kannada Bhakti literature.During the 12th century A.D, it is believed that Akkamahadevi did penance in this cave and worshipped the sivalinga that naturally existed in the deep and dark end of the cave.

A visit to Akkamahadevi caves is considered an unforgettable experience, in the backdrop of the backwaters of the Srisailam reservoir.

 

This naturally formed cave, just above the flow of river Krishna upstreams is about at a distance of 10 Kms from Srisailam. 

The most easy and appropriate way to reach the beautiful caves is first to take the rope way journey from Nallamala Hill top beside the Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple to Pathala Ganga. From Pathala Ganga you can take a motor boat on Krishna River to reach the nearest spot to the caves. From the spot it is a 10 minute trek. Boating will take minimum 40-60 mins. Tickets will be provided at entrance of pathalaganga. Tickets provided from 9AM-11AM. Inside private boats are also available. 

It takes about 5 hours to go and return back from the cave.

You need to carry dry fruits, food items and drinking water.
You need to carry torch or candles as the Shivling is located inside the pitch dark cave.
The cost per person is around Rs 400/-

Best Time to Visit

November to March is the best time to be here.

Located at a distance of 18 km from Srisailam

https://www.hindu-blog.com/2019/07/akka-mahadevi-caves-in-srisailam.html#google_vignette

Read More

Kamaldham Temple in Chevella

Kamaldham Temple or Lotus Temple is is also called as Smay Narayan Temple because it is in Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Internatioal School on the highway near Himayath Nagar junction, Chevella, Rangareddy district, Telangana State, India.

Kamaldham Mandir, is a white structure surrounded by a huge pink lotus base. Standing atop a pond, this Hindu temple is home to six deities. 

At a distance of 21 km from Nampally Railway Station, 15 km from Golconda Fort & 3 km from Chilkur Balaji Temple, Kamaldham Mandir is also called as Lotus Temple. It is located in Sri Swaminarayan Gurukul on the highway near Himayath Nagar junction 3 Kms before Chilkur Balaji Temple.

The temple has wonderful architecture with lush green surroundings. The temple is built on a pond with lotus-shaped base. The presiding deities are Lord Sri Swaminarayan, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganapati, Goddess Parvati and Lord Surya.

Timings: 6.30 AM - 7.30 PM.

Read More

Kolanupaka Sri Someswara Temple

Kolanupaka Sri Someswara Temple or Sri Chandikamba Sametha Someshwaraswami temple as called by locals is a Shiva Templelocated in kolanupaka village (also called as Kulpak), Alair or Aler Mandal, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district in Telangana State, India.

The main deity of the temple is lord Shiva in the form of Swayambu or Someshwara Swamy, and his consort is Shakti or devi Chandika. There is a huge Saharsalinga inside one of the temple sanctums, which gives it the name of Veyi Lingala gudi, meaning the temple of the thousand lingas. 

The temples in the complex include those of Sri Renukacharya, Sri Mallikarjunaswami, Chandeshwari, Kundamamba, Kotilingeswaraswami, Kala Bhairaviswami, Anjaneya, Rudranidraswami, Veerabhadraswami, Kumaraswami and the Ekadasharudrula temple.

The temple has Ganapathi and Nataraja idols and Mahavir in yoga posture of the Chalukya period in the 12th century.

This Shiva temple is situated around 82 km from Warangal and located near Kulpak ji, a famous Jain temple. 

Construction

Adorned with beautiful carvings and sculptures the temple is believed to have been originally built in Chalukyan style. 

Inscriptions found here place the temple at around 1070-1126 CE as evidenced from the different narrations found in them detailing how the Chalukyan kings patronised the temple by donating land, gold, cows, etc. Historical evidence states Kolanupaka was the second capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas during the 11th century.

According to Jagdev Hiremath, president, Rashtra Veerashaiva Dharma Prachara Sangham, who organises the Renukacharya jayanti at the temple premises annually, the temple is much older than 11th century going by puranas and was developed in phases by various rulers. "Above all, the temple is a role model for harmony of various communities," Mr Hiremath said.

It is said that Lord Rama, and the saints Narada and Agastya worshipped at this temple.

The temple as it stands now however shows a great deal of Kakatiyan workmanship, possibly owing to the additions/modifications/renovations made by them, as evident from the typical Kakatiyan era mandapa pillars that show square blocks with circular discs in many parts. The huge entrance gate is also built in the Kakatiyan style. 

Renukacharya

Renukacharya was not only the founder of the Veerashaiva sect, he fought for emancipation of women and provided them equal rights in all spheres of life including entry into temples.

It is also believed that this is the birth place of ‘Renukacharya’, the great ‘Veera Saiva’ saint, who was born from the ‘Swayambu Linga’ found in this village, and was later absorbed into it after he finished preaching Veera Saivam. A statue of Renukacharya is present in the sanctum along with the Swayambu Linga. In front of the temple there is a four pillared nandi mandapa with a Kakatiyan nandi sitting inside. 

Veerashaiva Lingayats from Telangana state, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and other states visit the temple in large numbers and celebrate Renukacharya jayanti annually.

Nyaya Lingam

The Nyaya Lingam in the Pramana Mandapam, located in front of the ancient Sri Chandikamba Sametha Someshwaraswami temple at Kolanupaka in Aler mandal of Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district, was once a venue for settling disputes among the people, apart from fulfilling their wishes.

Trilinga Desam

The Sri Chandikamba Sametha Someshwaraswami temple is part of ancient Trilinga Desam comprising famous Shiva temples the others being the Sri Kolanupaka Swayambhu Someshwaraswami Lingam, Srisaila Mallikarjunaswami lingam in Kurnool district and the Draksharamam (Bheemanath) lingam in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.

The temple complex also houses an Archaeological Museum in the front pillared corridor area, and this museum gallery holds many wonderful sculptures ranging from 10th to 14th c. CE that were found in this region.

From the 13th century Kalyani Chalukya period are the Virangal (elopement) statue, the idols of Mahishasuramardani and Kosthapanjara with Uma Maheswara. The village houses the idols of Chamundi and Govinda of the Kakatiya period from the 13th century, as also statues of Nandi and Vajrapani. Artifacts from the Chalukya and Kakatiya eras are displayed at the museum which is considered a great site for researchers with more than 100 images.

Festivals of Sri Someswara Temple

Being a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mahashivratri is the biggest festival celebrated here. Mahashivratri occurs in the months of February or March every year and celebrated at a huge level throughout india. All of the devotees of Lord Shiva offer their praying to the God on this auspicious day. Most of the people have fast and visit to the temples. 

Besides the temples, the Kolanupaka also houses the mutts of 18 castes, which is unheard in other temples. They are Pedda Matam, Gaundla Matam, Kurva Matam, Medari Matam, Golla Matam, Padmashali Matam, Komati Matam, Kapula Matam, Madiga Matam, Mala Matam, Ganiga Matam, Meru Matam, Sangari Matam, Sakali Matam, Nakasha Matam, Vadrangi Matam, Mamaya Matam, and Dwala Matam. Some more matams were subsequently established and there was division of labour.

Some of the famed sculptures of Hindus and Jains at Kolanupaka include the manasthambha (victory pillar) of Tribhuvanamalla with an inscription mentioning the date 1076-1127 AD, and a Kodanda Rama statue of the 12th Century Vijayanagara period.
 
Temple Timings - 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM (All days including weekends and public holidays)
Distance from Warangal – 82 Km
Nearest Airport – Hyderabad International Airport
Nearest Railway Station – Warangal Railway Station

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/150718/nyaya-lingam-is-a-role-model-for-harmony.html

https://monidipa.net/2019/12/30/sri-someswara-temple-in-kolanupaka-near-warangal-telengana/

Read More

Gangapuram Chenna Keshava Swamy Temple

Gangapuram Chenna Keshava Swamy Temple is located in Gangapuram Village, Jadcherla Mandal, Mahabubnagar district, Telangana State, India.

Built in 1042 AD is one of the important temples existing in South India and it is mentioned in Skandha Purana. This place is located about 5 Kms from Jadcherla towards Kalwakurthy in Mahabubnagar District. 

The place became very famous during the reign of Chalukya kings of Badami. The Chalukya king of Kalyani Sri Thrailokya Malla Somwswarudu (1042 A.D. to 1063 A.D.) built Kesava Swamy Temple. 

From then this place was known as Kesavapuram. Earlier it was called as Mayapuram, Mathsyapuram and dhurithapuram etc. the main deity of this temple is Sri Kesava Swmay and the sculpture here is very attractive. There is an evidence of Jaina Kalamukha and shiva religions spread here. Every year festival of this temple will be celebrated on the day of Radhasapthami and people participate in this event on a large scale.

Sri Chenna Kesava Swamy is the presiding deity in this temple along with his consort Sri Lakshmi Devi. The Lord sports a mustache and holds the Chakra in his left hand and the Shankham in his right hand. The Sri Lakshmi Chenna Kesava Temple sculpture of this temple exhibits the glory of Hindavadharma and is built in the Indian style of architecture. The idol is made of black granite and the Prabhavali is usually made of brass. There is a beautiful mandapam in the middle of the modern structure whose base has almost been covered over leaving only a group of elephants in different poses running through it. The outer sanctuary has 20 ancient pillars with 12 facing the sanctum sanctorum. Around these pillars are kept the five beautiful and fairly new bronze Vahanas of Hamsa, Sesha, Garuda, Hanumantha and Ashwa.

Chenna Kesava Swamy, Anjaneya Swamy, Lakshmi Devi and Chaturbuja Ganapathi are the deities in the temple. Rathasapthami, Brahmotsavam, Kalyanotsavam on Maghashudha Chavithi, Ganga Thirunalla (every 2 years) and Ganga Jathara (every 2 Years) are the important festivals celebrated.

Temple Timings
Morning: 5:30 am to 12:30 pm
Evening: 4:00 am to 7:30 pm

Read More

Alvanpalli Gollatha Temple or Gullu

Gollatha Temple is a holy shrine for Jains located near Alvanpalli village, Jadcherla Mandal of Mahabubnagar District, Telangana State, India.

Alvanpalli (Gollathagudi) village is located about 10 km from Jadcherlatown and nearly 30 km from the district headquarters of Mahabubnagar. It is well accessible by road. 

According to the department of archaeology and museums, there are only two ancient structures in the country built of bricks.

While one lies in total ruin at Gollatha Gullu in Alwanpally in Jadcherla, the other is the oldest Hindu temple built during the Gupta period located at Bhitargaon, Kanpur district in Uttar Pradesh.

The Gollatha Gullu, near the is a unique temple and stands amid an empty space with a wall around it and a locked gate. Built entirely of bricks, this temple stands as a model for brick technology of the time, according to ancient texts.

A familiar blue board lets us know that it is under the protection of the archaeology department, but it is obviously not on the tourist track because there is no way to enter.


There were four vertical storeys, where the bricks were made of burnt clay. This Jaina temple was built between 7th and 8th century and has been exposed to the vagaries of nature.

Large size bricks have been used to build the temple in old style, plastered with limestone. Since the bricks were glazed, it could not be held together.

The principal deity of this temple was Lord Mahavira. Some sculptures of Mahavira, Parsvanatha and a few other statues of historical importance are kept at a local museum in Pillalamarri and some at a museum in Hyderabad. This is apart from the headless statue of Lord Mahavira at this temple.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/300918/the-last-of-the-2-brick-temples.html

Read More

Akkanna Madanna Temple

Akkanna Madanna Temple is located in Shalibanda, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India. The presiding deity in this temple is Lord Mahankali. The temple is at a distance of 1 kilometer from Charminar

It is popular during the festival of Bonalu that is celebrated in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The temple is famous for the Ghatam procession during the Bonalu festival which is majorly celebrated in the holy place. As per the records, nearly 1 lakh devotees visit the temple during Ghatam. During the festival, the devotees present an offering to Devi Mahakali.

Architecture

The beautiful temple is built in blush and coral shades of red, with pillars and ceilings of carvings and inscriptions of Hindu God and Goddess. The pillars and ceiling of this temple has carving and inscription of hindu Gods and Goddess and their related stories and tales. The temple premise is a walled complex and houses several small temples within it. The main tower has images of Gods and Goddesses in it.

History

This temple was believed to be constructed by two brothers 'Akkanna' and 'Madanna' during the rule of Abul Hasan Qutb Shah (1672 to 1686), also known as Abul Hasan Tana Shahwas the eighth and last ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, sovereign of the Kingdom of Golconda in South India. 

Madanna and Akkanna both served as the Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister, respectively. These two brothers were one of the favorite ministers of the king and stayed in a house near his own, where the temple of Mahankali existed. Being the true disciples of Goddess Mahankali, Akkanna and Madanna performed pooja every day at the holy temple before they left for the court of Golconda for their day's work. Soon after the killing of these two brothers, the temple was closed.

Madanna started as a clerk with the Golconda Sultanate and moved higher up through talent. At some point Madanna and Akkanna came into the service of Sayyid Muzaffar a nobleman of Persian descent. After sometime Sayyid Muzaffar had brought bul Hasan Qutb Shah  to the throne. He made them responsible for collecting jizya taxes from the Hindus predominant part of the Sultanate's population. Then official Madanna and brother locked him up in his house and took over the charge of the treasury. As a treasurer Madanna became more and more powerful until he practically ruled the Sultanate in all but name till his death assisted by his brother Akkanna and his nephew Rustam Rao. Akkanna was appointed General of the Army not so much to conduct military operations, but more to keep it from waging war.

By the 1680s, according to the colonial era Dutch India archives, they controlled all the tax collection and the exchequer of the Golkonda Sultanate. According to Gijs Kruijtzer – a historian specializing in Deccan Sultanates, the Madanna and Akkanna brothers can be viewed as early "nationalists" seeking the welfare of their people and the general public. They can also be viewed as "communalists" who criticized the Muslim elites as exploitative who do not care about non-Muslims, who serve the interest of their holy land in Arabia, and seek personal gain. The two brothers spent the taxes they collected in Golconda on the "welfare of the public", states Kruijtzer, which included furthering trade with the colonial Dutch, building public sarai (resting place for travelers), as well as restoring and building temples. Their remarkable rise to power and public priorities in the Golconda Sultanate, whose elite predominantly were Muslims, became a folklore among the Hindus. Muslims reached out to Aurangzeb, who in 1683 sent his army to attack Golconda Sultanate. The brothers attempted for peace with a deal to pay a large annual tribute to the Mughal empire. 

In 1685, Aurangzeb sent a regiment led by his son to end Golconda Sultanate, absorb it into the Mughal empire. This time the Mughal army captured and beheaded Madanna and Akkanna. The two brothers remain popular among the Hindus in the modern era Telangana, with many monuments named after them. They were also the maternal uncles of the popular Bhakti saint Bhadrachala Ramadasu.

It is believed that in 1948, Devi Kali appeared in the dream of an old lady, and asked her to find the hidden temple and re-open it. Later some people from Arya samaj were able to find the temple and revived from the debris of Hari Bowl at Shalibanda.

In the year 1998, the temple was attacked by a group of anti-social elements and partly destroyed the idol and temple belongings

Read More

Khazana Building Museum

Khazana Building Museum is located Near Golconda Fort in Khair Complex, Toli Chowki, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008, India. It has a collection of relics from Qutb Shahi, Bahmani and Kakatiya dynasties.

 Khazana Building, As the name suggests, Khazana Building was the place where the kingdoms Khazana or treasure was stored. It was the treasury of Ibrahim Qutb Shahi. Khazana Building is located close to the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad. Located on the main road, on the way from Fateh Darwaza to Bala Hissar road.

The museum houses cannons from the Qutb Shahi period, stone sculptures from neighbouring regions of Chalukya and Kakatiya period as well as Qutb shahi and Bahmani dynasties, rare coins to centuries old relics unearthed during various excavations etc, 3,500 arms and weapons of Qutb Shahi period among others.

As is with most Islamic buildings, there are religious centres inside the complex. Ashrafi Mosque in the eastern quarters of the building, Chani mosque (built during Ibrahim Qutb Shahi time 1550-1580 AD), the smaller mosque of the two.

After the police action in 1948, Indian Army used this building as treasury office for distribution of salaries to their staff. It was handed over to the Department of Archaeology and Museums in 1951.

During the reign of Qutb Shahi dynasty, Golconda was the capital. This was the period during which Sultan Zam Sheed, Ibrahim Qutb Shahi and IVth Sultan, Mohammed Quli, who was also the founder of Hyderabad, ascended the throne. At that time, during the reign of the Sultans, the capital came to be known as Mohammed Nagar. Being the capital city, all the major religious, military, administrative offices and important buildings were built here.

When tourists enter the Khazana Building Museum, they can first notice the guard rooms of the royal treasury of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. As with most Islamic buildings, there are religious centres inside the complex- Ashrafi Mosque in the eastern quarters of the building and Chani Mosque (built during Ibrahim Qutb Shahi time, 1550 AD – 1580 AD), the smaller mosque of the two. Located opposite to the Khazana Building Museum is Sham Sheer Kota. During the reign of Ibrahim Qutb Shah, royal arms and weaponry were stored in this building.

Khazana Building has a majestic central arch, on the sides of which are two halls. The arch supports the roofs of these halls. The halls had a special purpose too, these were storehouses of the royal treasury of the army and government of Qutb Shahi. The central arch leads to the Courtyard and the gardens. Today, there are Canons from the Qutb Shahi Period on display, here. Also, stone sculptures from neighboring regions, of the Chalukya and Kakatiya period as well as Qutb Shahi and Bahmani dynasties are on exhibition. From rare coins to centuries-old relics unearthed during various excavations, the region’s treasure of history and heritage are displayed at the Khazana Building Museum.

When the Nizams were replaced by the democratic government, in 1948, the ownership of Khazana Buildings was passed on to the Indian Government. It was then allocated to the Indian Military to use this building to distribute the salary to its staff. At that time, an addition was made to the complex, a gabled section was constructed in the courtyard. During 1951-1952, the Khazana Building Museum was passed to the Department of Heritage Telangana. This was when the Khazana Building had become a Heritage Building with a changed shape and became a monument, as we see it today. The artefacts exhibited in the building today were added by the Department of Heritage Telangana.

Visitor Facilities
Clean drinking water and rest rooms are available. Seating arrangements are provided in the garden. Low price booklets and brochures are available.

Timings 10:30am AM to 5:00pm PM
closed on Fridays and Public Holidays

Restoration

May 16, 2016: Khazana building in Hyderabad turns into museum

The age-old Khazana building, once a treasury and royal arms of Qutb Shahi kings near Golconda and converted into a museum, finally gets a facelift.
The structures, which were in a dilapidated condition, have been restored to a large extent by Telangana State Archaeology and Museums Department after a six-month repair work.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/170516/khazana-building-in-hyderabad-turns-into-museum.html

https://heritage.telangana.gov.in/museums/khazana-building-museum-hyderabad/

Read More

Shaikpet Mosque and Sarai

Shaikpet Mosque and Sarai are located at distance of nearly 11 km from the centre of Hyderabad in Shaikpet, Hyderabad district, Telangana State, India.

The Sarai was built on the way to Bidar, capital of Barid Shahis, for the traders to halt at night, before obtaining permission to enter into the fort from Quiladar of Golconda Fort.

The Sarai complex was initiated by Ibrahim Qutb Shah (1550 – 1580 CE). The Sarai gradually came to provide amenities like sarai blocks, mosques, a tomb, stables for horses and camels and other minor structures. It is a typical, large caravan Sarai constructed in Qutub Shahi style of architecture consisting of a two storied building exclusively meant for traveller’s rest.

An inscription indicates that a larger part of the Sarai complex was built by Abdullah Qutb Shah in 1633 – 34 CE. Shelter for horses and camels was also added to the Sarai towards southern side.

The sarai had 30 rooms, stables for horses and camels, a mosque and a tomb of an unknown Sufi saint. It could accommodate 500 people.

The terrain around Golconda and its traverse formed the basis of an important trade route from Ahmednagar. It passed Bidar, Patancheru, Golconda and on- wards to Machilipattnam on the east coast. By its side lay the dargah of Hazrat Syed Hussain Shah Wali - a revered Sufi saint during the reign of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and descendant of Khwaja Banda Nawaz (Gesu Daraz) - the most influential Sufi saint of the Chisti order in South India. Hazrat Syed Hus- sain Shah Wali is credited with building the Hussain Sagar Tank at Hyderabad (1562), which served as a water reservoir for the city till the 1920s.

Renovation

October 26, 2017: Crumbling Shaikpet Sarai & mosque crave attention

April 28, 2018: Broken and cracked: Shaikpet mosque, a protected mosque now in shambles

March 25, 2021 : One of the oldest mosques of Qutub Shahi era and an archaeological grandeur is slowly giving away to the sands of time in Hyderabad. 

The centuries-old mosque, which once housed hundreds of worshipers, has been neglected by authorities.

Recent conservation works by Government of Telangana included structural restoration and protection from encroachments.

Read More

Premamati Mosque

The Premamati Mosque stands on a hillock overlooking the Taramati Baradari is located in Mohammad Nagar, Golconda (Mandal), Hyderabad district, Telanagan State, India.

The mosque was built around 1625 CE and it was attributed to Prema mati a famed courtesan during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah and Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah.

According to department deputy director Mohd Raheem Shah Ali, the mosque was presumably built for the courtesan and others to offer namaaz during a break from song-and-dance sessions at the Taramati Baradari.

The mosque with intricate work has five arches and does not have minarets.

Bilgrami, in his book ‘Landmarks of the Deccan’, associated the Baradari and the mosque with both Taramati and Premamati. Tombs of both the courtesans are seen near the Qutb Shahi Tombs.

The arches are supported by piers, which have a band of mouldings at the top. This is reminiscent of Hindu temples, such as the Ramappa Temple. The elaborately carved chajjas above the arches also display Hindu influences.

The facade is flanked by two semi-decagonal minarets, which are incomplete.The roof consists of ten flat domes which are not visible from below.

The mosque is incomplete as there is no parapet wall and no kiosks above the minarets.

Restoration

Premamati masjid, a deserted mosque on a hillock overlooking the Taramati Baradari on the way to Gandipet, it is getting a facelift from the Telangana department of archaeology and museums.

Read More

Mian Mishk Masjid

Mian Mishk Masjid is located on Karvan Road Puranapul, Charminar (Mandal), Hyderabad district, Telangana State, India.

1678 : Mian Mishk Masjid was successfully built in 1678 A.D during the reign of Qutb Shahi period by Mian Mishk who is a noble of sixth King of Golconda named Abdullah Qutb Shah.

It is just 3.3 km from Nampally Railyway Station. It is one of the most sought-after and interesting mosques in this area. This particular mosque is situated at the end of a large courtyard which is lined up with chambers that are used to wholeheartedly provide better accommodation for travelers to a great extent. A large crowd of Islamic people gather at this particular mosque on all Fridays and festive days to a great extent. This mosque is known for its architectural and historical significance in India.

It is actually named after its unique builder who was an Abyssinian slave of Abul Hasan Tana Shah. The special inscriptions over the West and East gates are demonstrated with the unique styles of calligraphy of several periods. Moreover, it is a good example of the Qutab Shahi style and pattern. It is to be remembered that this mosque has a garam hamam that offers a hot bath, which largely complying with the Islamic principle of purification and hygiene with a lot of perfection. It is to be highly noted that this mosque is listed among the special 137 heritage monuments of Hyderabad Urban Development Authority. On the other hand, it isn't listed in the Archeological Survey of India. The architectural significance of this mosque is really a wonder to be personally witnessed and experienced. It is unique in different manner from other leading mosque of this region. Mian Mishk Masjid is visited by domestic and international tourists throughout the year because of its special historical and architectural significance. Even local people regard this mosque with great respect.

Islamic special festivals are marked with festivity and special prayer in Mian Mishk Masjid are Day of Ashura, Arba'een, Islamic New Year or Muharram, Mawlid an-Nabi., Birthday of Aliibn AbiTalib, Laylat al-Mi'raj, Rabi' al-Awwal, First day of Ramadan, Chaand Raat, Laylat al-Bara'at, Birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi, Dhu al-Haji, Laylat al-Qadr, Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Ghadeer. Muslim people from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh visit this particular mosque on festive and important days with different types of wishes to be immediately fulfilled through prayers of much dedication and commitment. Most of the Islamic people are given religious significance in this mosque by the local Islamic communities of this region. Basic facilities and special arrangement are made in this mosque in order to manage the crowd.

On the right of the main masjid is the tomb of Mian Mishk, which is well kept. An inscription on Mian Mishk’s tomb mentions that he was secretary to the king, holding charge of the royal key and of the Carnatic troops. There is a suggestion that he might have been of African origin.

Stone pillars, brackets, and sajjas typical of the time and region abound. On the left of the main tomb are many minor tombs surrounded by the serai which is now in a dilapidated condition.

Each of the inscription tablets fixed on the entrances have farmans (edicts). A copy of the firman of Sultan Abul Hasan Qutb Shah reads:

"Trusted servant of the Imperial Court, Malik Mishk, the Commander of the Carnatic troops, has been granted the honour of laying this request before those standing in the resplendent court that the income of the bazaar attached to the mosque of Malik Mishk, besides the annual grant of 80 huns (gold coin of the Deccan about 50 grams in weight, often called pagoda), as detailed in the firman...shops and stalls on both sides of the bazaar of the masjid...be graciously awarded and endowed for the expenses to be incurred in connection with the feeding of the poor, the religious ceremonies of the first ten days of Muharram and the maintenance of alawa (where incense is burnt and rites performed) and abdar khana (water closet where cold drinks are distributed to the thirsty). And the lights and carpets of the above mosque as also for similar expenses."

On the eastern gateway there is another inscription which records the erection of a building in 1035 AH (1625 AD) during the reign of Muhammad Qutb Shah.

The masjid is among the 137 heritage list of Hyderabad Urban Development Authority, and now there is a board which says that it is under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Need of Renovation

May 19, 2018: Mian Mishk Masjid left to decay by caretakers

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/200518/mian-mishk-masjid-left-to-decay-by-caretakers.html

Read More

Kulsum Begum Masjid

Kulsum Begum Masjid locally known as Badi Masjid (also known as Kulsumpura Masjid or Jama Masjid Karwan) is located in Kulsumpura, Asifnagar (Mandal), Hyderabad, Telangana State, India. Kulsumpura is situated at a distance of nearly 4 km from Charminar via Karwan road

It was built in the 17th century by Kulsum Begum, daughter of Sultan Mohammad Qutb Shah during his reign from 1612 – 1626 CE  with the Mehr (money or gift given as a mark of respect to the wife at the time of marriage)

The mosque has been constructed on a raised square platform. Its beautiful minarets are a fine example of Qutb Shani style of architecture. The facade of the mosque is exuberantly decorated with stucco ornamentation. The main entrance is styled in the pillar and lintel style accompanied with heavy wooden doors. There is an inscription seen at the top of the gate reading ‘Allah, Mohammed Ali, in Arabic script.

The arched gateway is flanked by two rooms, meant for guards, on either side. There is a fountain in the courtyard. The mosque complex consists of an elevated sarcophagus, a well (Hamaam), and several graves and is surrounded by a Caravan Sarai and main gate.

Need Restoration
March 11, 2018: Kulsum Begum’s memory erodes with masjid cracks 

Dec 1, 2020: 400-year-old Kulsumpura mosque lies in neglect

October 11, 2022: College to be built in Kulsumpura Serai

October 12, 2022: Telangana: Officials vow to block MIM’s plans of college on heritage masjid site
“If they want to build an educational institution for Muslim students, they should seek land from the State government. But destroying a heritage monument is a violation and is punishable,” said Sajjad Shahid, heritage activist.'

https://heritage.telangana.gov.in/monuments/kulsum-begum-mosque/

Read More

Spanish Mosque, Hyderabad

The Spanish Mosque also known as Begumpet Mosque or Masjid Iqbal Ud Daula or Jam e Masjid "Aiwan-E-Begumpet" is located in S.P Road, Indian Airlines Colony, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India is one of the most beautiful mosques in Hyderabad, located within the premises of Paigah Palace. The unique architecture and its glorious history make it one of the most alluring heritage monuments of the city that you must visit.

Masjid

1900 - 1906

The construction of the mosque was started by the fifth Paigah Nawab Viqar-ul-Umra Iqbal-ud-Doula, was the maternal grandson of the third Nizam. Among his contributions to Hyderabad’s Paigah legacy are the Paigah Palace, Vikhar Manzil and the iconic Falaknuma Palace. He commissioned the Spanish Mosque in the year 1900. Sadly, he died within a couple of years, and its completion in 1906 had to be overseen by his son Paigah Nawab Viqar-ul-Umra Iqbal-ud-Doula after a trip to Spain, where he is said to have been very impressed by the architecture he saw. The mosque is also called Jama Masjid Iqbal-ud-Doula after him.

The mosque stands on one end of a sprawling courtyard. What strikes the visitor first is that instead of the bulbous domes seen in other mosques, the roof and the minarets of this mosque end in slender octogonal spires plastered in lime.

Another unusual feature is the lack of an ablution tank. Inside the mosque, the prayer hall is decorated with beautiful Moorish arches and delicate calligraphy. The mosque is painted a pale mint green now, but until a few years ago, it was cream, with the roof and minarets glinting in gold.

The design and architecture of the Spanish Mosque is inspired from the grand Cathedral–Mosque of Córdoba in Spain and the Jama Masjid of Gulbarga. The pointed arches, minimal geometric design and octagonal spires are some of the striking features of this mosque. The elements of Moorish, European and Islamic architecture beautifully blend in this spectacular mosque.

Thought to have been modelled by a Moorish architect, It is also known as the Mosque of the Moors, due to its unique Hispanic (Moorish) style of architecture and is said to be one-of-its-kind in India. The stand-out feature is the spires instead of the usual minarets or domes; they give this mosque a church-like appearance. 

Moorish architecture is a kind of Islamic architecture that originated in the Iberian Peninsula, of which Spain is a part. With heavy Roman influences, the style is characterized by horseshoe arches, intricate calligraphy and mosaic work.

The Paigahs were an aristocratic family of the princely state of Hyderabad, founded by a soldier named Abul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung Bahadur. Appointed to protect the second Nizam of Hyderabad, he was given the hereditary title Paigah, because he commanded an army, called a Paigah. Paigah also means "right hand man", so it was no surprise that the Nizam called him that.

"Shams-ul-Umra" or "the sun among the nobles" was another of his titles. Sons of the Paigah family traditionally married princesses from the Nizam’s family, so they were the most powerful nobles in Hyderabad. They were passionate builders too, leaving their stamp on the city in the form of beautiful palaces and mansions.

Hyderabad has its share of magnificent mosques - the colossal Mecca Masjid that was completed about seven decades after its construction began, the sublime Toli Masjid, the huge Kulsumpura Masjid named after a princess, the Miya Mishk Masjid built by an Abyssinian guard in the Golconda army, the Hayathnagar mosque built by an inspirational royal lady, and so many more. While these are all special in their own ways, the most offbeat mosque in the city is undoubtedly the Spanish Mosque.

The Spanish Mosque is a declared heritage site by ASI and is under discussion for the consideration of UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit

https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/spanish-mosque-moorish-architecture-heart-hyderabad-50366

Read More