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Showing posts with the label Religious Tourism

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...

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 continu...

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 Lakshm...

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

Lodhi Mallayya Temple and Waterfall

Loddi Mallana Temple is located deep inside the Nallamala Forest within the Mannanur Range of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana State, India. It lies about 10 km from the Mannanur Forest Checkpost on the Hyderabad–Srisailam Road (NH 765), and requires a 4 km trek into a scenic forest valley to reach the cave shrine. Loddi Mallana (also called Loddi Mallayya or Lodhi Mallana) is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The shrine is situated in front of a serene natural lake, with a Shivalinga enshrined inside the cave. The term “Loddi” or “Lodhi” means valley in the local dialect. “Mallana” or “Mallayya” refers to Lord Shiva, making the name mean “Valley of Lord Mallanna.”  Because of its cave setting and the natural Shiva Linga, it is often called the “Telangana Amarnath.” Significance and History This sacred site is open to devotees only once a year — during Tholi Ekadashi (the first Ekadashi in the month of Ashadha / July). Thousands of devote...

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.

Kolanupaka Sri Someswara Temple – Ancient Chalukyan Shiva Shrine & Travel Guide (Telangana)

Introduction Nestled in the sacred village of Kolanupaka (Kulpak) in Aler Mandal, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri District , Telangana, the Sri Chandikamba Sametha Someswaraswami Temple —popularly known as Kolanupaka Sri Someswara Temple —is one of the oldest Shaiva temples in South India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva (Someshwara Swamy) and Goddess Chandika , the temple is revered for its Sahasralinga (Veyi Lingala Gudi) , meaning "temple of a thousand lingas." Just a short distance away lies the ancient Kulpakji Jain Temple , making Kolanupaka a living testament to India’s spiritual harmony. History and Architecture Believed to date back to the Chalukyan period (1070–1126 CE) , inscriptions reveal that Kolanupaka was once the second capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas . The temple received generous patronage from rulers who donated land, gold, and cattle. Over time, the Kakatiyas expanded and renovated the structure, leaving behind their signature architectural elements— square man...

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 pr...

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 obviousl...

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 i...

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 Q...

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 sa...

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 al...

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 sty...

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 fount...

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 arc...

Rock Cut Cave Temples of Adavi Somanapalli

Rock Cut Cave Temples of Adavi Somanapalli locally known as Nainag Gullu located in a forest and one needs to walk 4km from Thadicherla on the hillock of Adavi Somanapalli, Malhar Rao Mandal, located 22km away from Manthani in Bhupalapally district, Telangana State, India. Dates back to 5th - 6th century AD. To reach the caves, one has to trek through a jungle path from the Kataram–Manthani highway. These are a group of four rock-cut cave temples facing west on the banks of Manair river. Locally, these shivalayas are called Naina Gullu. Unfortunately, it is partially in ruins owing to the inferior quality of the rock stone and natural calamities. These rock-cut temples resemble the famous cave temples of Moghalrajpuram near Vijayawada constructed by the Vishnukundins. They were initially jain caves that were later converted into a Lord Shiva temple. The first two temples have an ‘Ardhamandapa’, the ornate gateway or open hall that leads into the ‘Garbhagriha’ or sanctum sanctorum. ...

Toli Masjid

Toli Masjid is located in Ramsingh Pura of the Karwan area of the Old City, on the road which connects Golconda Fort to Purana Pul, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India. It is popularly known as Damri Masjid among the local communities of this region. It is situated on the way to Charminar and just 2km from the Golconda Fort. It is the finest example of Qutub Shahi architecture. On ranks of architecture, this mosque scales next after Mecca Masjid of old city of Hyderabad. The Archeological Survey of India has declared this mosque as heritage site. It received the INTACH award. In 1671 AD, Toli Masjid or Damri Masjid was built during the region of Abdullah Qutb Shah by Mir Musa Khan Mahaldar. He used the assistance of the royal architect of Sultan Abdullah Qutub Shah and the architect Mecca Masjid of old city of Hyderabad for building this particular mosque. According to the historians and local legends, in the royal records known as "Gulzar-e-Asafia", there is a special cha...

Badshahi Ashoorkhana

Badshahi Ashurkhana or Asurkhana or Ashoorkhana is located near Charminar in Hyderabad, Telangana State, India.  An asoorkhana is a public space for Shia Muslims to gather on Muharram and mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammed, in the battle of Karbala. 1591: This ashoorkhana, used to be hospital called  Dar-ul-Shifa  built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1591, constructed at the same time as the Charminar and Macca Masjid. For many years, the elaborate and imposing building that originally overlooked the Musi River was used as a hospital. However, the Nizam later moved the building for expansion purposes, and this location became Alawa -E-Sartouq. In Arabic, and derived from it in Urdu, Turkish and Persian, dar al-shifa means "house of health", i.e. "hospital". In 1594, Quli Qutb Shah later ordered that the relic (tauq) be incorporated into an Alam and install it at the old Darulshifa Hospital, now Ashoorkhana-E-Alawa-E- Sartouq Mubara...

Qutb Shahi Heritage Park

Qutb Shahi Heritage Park in Hyderabad spread over 106-acres is located in the Ibrahim Bagh, close to the famous Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, Telangana State, India. There are a total of 80 monuments, including 40 mausoleums of rulers of the Quli Qutb Shahi dynasty (1518-1687) , 23 mosques, seven baolis (step-wells), a hamam, pavilions, tanks, wells, garden structures and enclosure walls. Qutub Shahi tombs were planned and built by Qutub Shahis. These were renovated by Salar Jung III, Mir Yousuf Ali Khan in the 19th century. Constructed on an elevated platform, these tombs are made up of grey granite. These are dome-structured and have quadrangular shape. Each tomb is surrounded by pointed arches and is of 9-15 meters in height from the platform. These pointed arches also add on to the beauty of these structures. Each tomb is also decorated with beautiful ornamentation.  The most important yet the most modest tomb is considered to be of Sultan Quli Qutub-ul-Mulk, who is the founder o...