Ammapalli Sita Rama Temple

Ammapalli Sita Ramachandraswamy Devasthanam is located in Ammapalli Village near Shamshabad, Rangaredddy District, Telangana, India.

The temple is unique in more ways, it is a Ram temple but there is no Hanuman inside the sanctum

sanctorum, instead there is a Hanuman at the base of the dhwaja stambh (flag post) looking towards the temple. It is believed that Hanuman is looking towards Lord Rama to wait for instructions from him to fulfil the desires of the devotees. There is another Hanuman idol that looks directly outside at the bottom of the second flag post. This was a unique thing for me was the presence of two dhawaja Stambhs in the temple courtyard one seems to be old and other recently added (recent here could mean 100+ years). The 3 idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshaman are made from a single stone and not made from separate rocks.

The Rama temple was built by Vengi kings in 13th century but the idol was 1000 years old. The temple is adorned with a large seven-story tower which is quite famous among Telugu movie fans. There is a large image of Lord Vishnu is sleeping posture above the gateway of the tower.

“There are no inscriptions of this temple but legend has it that it was built during the time of Kalyani Chalukyas,” says Anvesh Sharma, the temple priest. 

There is a large temple pond which is very ancient. The pond is surrounded by porticos and once it provided shelter to the pilgrims. The surroundings of the pond are filled with coconut trees. There is a mandapa opposite to the temple.

Tollywood film industry loves Ammapalli Temple and they believe that movies recorded here would become hits with the blessings of Sri Sita Rama Swamy.

Sri Rama Navami is celebrated with great passion at this temple every year (Apr).

The gali gopuram is a magnificient work of art that rises some 80 feet into the air. Though it is similar to other gali gopurams in South India like Hampi and Tirupati, the one at Ammapalli is leaner and is a combination of limestone plaster, baked bricks and stucco giving it a more dramatic appearance. Surprisingly, the multi-storied gopuram also incorporates elements of Rajasthani architecture such as the flared chajjas that curve upwards. “The gali gopuram and the walking path around the temple are later day additions. They were built in the 17th century while the inner sanctum sanctorum is the earliest structure,” says the priest.

It is the sanctum sanctorum with the three idols of Sita, Rama and Lakshmana that the story of the temple unravels. “This is carved out of a single stone. Even the deities of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana have makarathorana (the arch above the idol) carved out of the single piece of rock. The unique aspect of this Rama’s idol is that the makarathorana has small idols which are representative of Dasavataram,” informs the priest. The gopuram over the idols is a smaller structure but with greater detailing of the temple iconography which is intact despite its age.

While most villages have Rama temples with Hanuman kneeling in front in an act of prayer, the Ammapalli temple has an idol of Kodandarama where Rama holds the arrow in his right hand and a bow in the left. “There are very few Kodandarama temples as they are built only in places where Sri Rama travelled or stayed during his 14 years of exile. That is also the reason the temple doesn’t have Hanuman sitting near the three as he didn’t join them till the end of exile,” says Sharma.

Spread over nine acres, the temple and its ancillary structures hark back to a time when land was not at a premium. It has a step well that sprawls over an acre of land and has a walkway around it. Unfortunately, the well is dry as a rock. “Earlier the well used to be full of water through the year. But now due to a lot of construction activity, the natural pathways of water have been disturbed and the well dries up on a regular basis,” says Anuradha Reddy of Intach who has a family ties to the trustees of the temple belonging to Rajapet Samasthan.

How to reach Shri Rama Chandra Swamy Temple Ammapalli Village: If you are coming from ORR take exit 17 and travel on service road till you meet the underpass that takes you on Rallaguda Road towards Narkhoda, Ammapalli village will be on the way and you will see a big Arch on the main road informing about the temple.

If you are coming from Banjara Hill/Mehdipattnam side come from the PV Narsimha Rao Expresswayand then follow this map to join the same route after you reach the Shamshabad village. Here is a Google map to reach the Ammapalley temple from Shilparamam you can expand it and change your starting point.

http://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/serish-heritage-ammapalli-sita-ramachandraswamy-devasthanam/article18304930.ece

http://desitraveler.com/sri-rama-chandra-swamy-temple-ammapalli-village/

https://www.trawell.in/telangana/hyderabad/sri-rama-chandra-temple-ammapalli

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Alvanpalli Jain Temple

Alvanpalli Jain Temple is located in Alvanpalli, (Gollathagudi) village, Jadcherla Mandal, Mahabub Nagar District, Telangana, India.

It is a rare brick temple belonging to 7th – 8th Century A.D. It is the only brick temple of Jainism

faith which retained architectural features and stucco decorations. The stucco figurines discovered in the excavations exhibit the continuation of the lime plastic Art of Amaravathi School. The temple has been a subject of study, due to its unique architectural elements, which is not that prominent in other Jain sites.

The excavations nearby the settlement at Gollathagudiby the Archaeology team has brought to light many Jainism vestiges besides the remnants of a Hindu Temple, belonging to early medieval times. Jainism sculptures like Mahaveera, Parsvanatha and other objects found here, have been shifted to the District Museum, Pillalamarri, Mahabubnagar as well as the State Museum in Public Gardens, Hyderabad for preservation.

The oldest Jain temple built with bricks and in terracotta style lies in shambles.

According to the officials of Department of Archaeology and Museums, there are only two such structures now in the country. One is the oldest Hindu Temple built during Gupta period is located at Bhitargaon under Kanpur district in Uttar Pradesh. The second one is located in Telangana which was built between 7th and 8th century.

There are similarities between the two; while the one located in UP is the only remaining oldest Hindu temple and the other one is at Alvanpalli in Mahbubnagar district is the only remaining Jain temple built with bricks and in terracotta style, the sources added.

The temple, which was damaged around 18th century, has been remained exposed to vagaries of the nature. “This had resulted in the only remaining Jain brick temple suffering major damage as no efforts were being made to conserve it, besides it was left with no maintenance to protect it from further deterioration,” the sources pointed out.

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.

http://tsdamblog.com/ancient-jain-temple-alvanpalli/

http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2017-04-30/Unique-Jain-temple-in-Telangana-lies-in-ruins/296815

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Jagdevpur Varadaraju Swamy Temple

Jagdevpur Varadaraju Swamy Temple is located in Vardarajpur, Jagdevpur Mandal, Siddipet District,

Telangana, India.

On the name of the god varadaraj swamy the village is designated. To the village premises hanuman temple is located.

Every year in the month of may a famous festive ''jatara'' in the name of god varadaraj swamy will be taken place.on day of vyshaka pouranami" celebration are carried in huge way.

According to sources temple was built in 1356a.d, four fathers of present chairaman family developed this historic place, they were carring varadaraja swamy idol from vishnu kanchi(kanchipurm,T.N) to their native raygadh. at that they were resting for night, in dreams lord vardaraja swamy told them built temple here only but he thought this place is not suitable hence vardaraja swamy is their homeidol, he wanted place it their own place(raygadh). next morning their journey started but axle of thier cart was broken it took whole day to repair ,once again lord appear in dreams , he informed to all villager and his follwers but all of them refused to built temple thier itself, they startd journey again sam scene was repeated hence he decided to built temple here itself,

He went nawab of medak for permssion of temple and land for it. he gave a permsion he will the land to temple how many acres that he can run with a burnig coal bowl on his head, succesfully he ranned nearly 1400acres.temple construction was carried for 10 years for every vyshaka pournami yatra is conducted similar to vishnu kanchi(garuda seva) in kanchi (T.N ), from past 6centuris thier heirs were looking after the tmeple needs. recently endowments dept took temple left it to god itself due lack of revenue,

we can see golden lizard and silver iguana's, well was closed recently , inscription of past glorious on walls of temple.presnt temple has 70acres only ,they were occupied by land lord's .

God vardarajswamy will be going throug the village by ratham to hanuman temple located in the premises of village.

Temple Timings :6:30 am to 7:00 pm

Source

http://manatemples.blogspot.com/2015/07/sri-varadaraja-swamy.html

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Deval Masjid

Deval Masjid located in Buswatarag Nagar, Bodhan, Nizamabad, as its name signifies  is a

a Jain temple built during the 9th and 10th century by the Rashtrakuta king Indra III.

It was later modified by the Kalyani Chalukya king Someswara. It was he, who named the temple as Indranarayana Swamy Temple.

During the invasion by Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq in the Deccan, this temple was converted into a mosque.  This is a star-shaped building which has undergone no alteration at the hands of conquerors except removal of star chamber and setting up of a pulpit.

The roof has been embellished with domes which are a salient feature of Muslim architecture. Some inscriptions by Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq can also be seen here.

Confluence of cultures

A new mosque is built adjacent to the old mosque, which is now used for prayers.

Though it was great to see the place, the first look was rather disappointing as it was heavily littered and not well kept.

Now that the new mosque has been built, this building has been abandoned and is used by people to sleep peacefully or finish some office work. It would be great if the tourism department takes measures to uplift the condition of the temple as it has good tourism potential.

https://telanganatoday.com/confluence-two-cultures by Saurabh Chatterjee

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Koyyur Jain Caves Nayanagulllu

The monolithic caves of Jain pantheon near Koyyur Village, Malharrao Mandal in the Jayashankar Bhupalpally district are set to hog the limelight with theForest Department making efforts to incorporate the structure into its ongoing eco-tourism programme.

Situated on a hillock among scenic surroundings on the banks of river Manair, the caves stand out as an example of Indian rock-cut architecture.

Hewn in solid sandstone precipice the caves testify the prevalence of Jainism in these parts during ancient times. Though the caves were found long ago, they remained uncared for. With an intention to draw public attention to these caves, Bhupalpally Forest Department officials are planning to lay pathways to ensure better connectivity to the caves called locally as ‘Nayanagulllu’.

At a distance of two km there is a Nagulamma Temple which is frequented by devotees on weekends and on auspicious occasions. It is proposed to lay a pathway from the temple and from Mainar bridge near Adavi Somanapally to the caves.

The works will be started during winter season, Suman added. “We wish to organise trekking trips to the caves so that those interested in history can visit and appreciate their historic significance.

The Jain caves will be included in the itinerary of recently released a calendar of events of eco-tourism” District Forest Officer T Ravi Kiran informed.

He hoped that the in the days to come, the caves would emerge as an important tourist destination. According to a local school teacher and history enthusiast Ch Srinivas, Jainism was prevalent in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh during the times of 12th Tirthankara Vasupujya as mentioned in the 12th century classic Dharmamrita.

There are six chambers at the caves. A verandah, an antharala (ante-chamber) and garbhalaya (sanctum sanctorum) are part of the cave structure.

There is a colourful mural painting on the ceiling of a cave, probably a depiction of Jataka tale. A carved image on the frontal portion of the cave is said to be of a Thirtankara.

In side sanctum sanctorum there is a Siva Lingam and damaged figurine of a female deity, believed to be Mahisasura Mardini, Srinivas explained.

Above the entrance of the main cave, there an epigraphy hewn in the rock.“The archeological authorities and historians must try to decipher the inscriptions to comprehend to which period the caves belong and who carved out these caves” Srinivas noted.

http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Warangal-Tab/2017-09-29/Koyyur-may-turn-a-major-eco-tourism-hub-in-Telangana/330043

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Devuni Gutta Temple

Devuni Gutta temple is located 2.5 km away from Kothur village, near Jangalapalli of Mulugu mandal in Mulugu district.

It is only when one chats up with the villagers of Kothur that the temple is mentioned. The journey to reach this temple is as interesting as the temple itself.

The temple is on a densely forested hill locally called ‘Devuni Gutta’. One has to walk from the village through a forest. About halfway up, the path becomes a water path — a stream or a rivulet that one can walk through. The watery path runs for a kilometre at least. Even as you enjoy the walk, you also get to see beautiful waterfalls at several places.

Upon reaching the top of the hill, one comes upon this absolutely stunning temple with carvings on all four walls sitting snug within a lush green environ. It looks like it is made of bricks but up close one can see that the blocks are a mixture of sand and stone. Lime mortar was used for plastering. The carvings were made on these square and rectangle shaped blocks. Sages, Buddhist monks, dancers, even some animals can be identified though on the sculpted stone, but a lot of has eroded over time. The sanctum sanctorum also has several such carvings. Historians estimate the age of the temple to be more than 2000 years.

Locals say there used to be a Shiv Linga inside the temple but it was stolen by treasure hunters about 50 years ago. Close to the temple is a pond. “The water in this pond seeps underground and flows down as a stream. This water is useful for us to irrigate our crops. What is not used flows into the Laknavaram Lake. Other-wise, if there’s no rain for 15 days, the pond dries up,” said a villager, Veeram-aneni Ravinder Rao.

If the district administration takes the required steps, this place could be another tourist spot for trekkers and adventurers, feel local tourists. But yes, a little more research would lead to more interesting details about the temple that would also enhance its touristy charm.

Dr Corinna Wessels-Mevissen, a senior art historian from Germany, who saw pictures of the temple, termed it as extremely interesting and said that it could turn out to be a discovery like no other.

"The style that may date to the late Gupta/post-Gupta periods is unknown to me. It may be linked to the early Odishan style of temple art or that of Rajim and Sirpur in Chhattisgarh. The presence of Amaravati-style spoils is of course interesting," she said.

Local historian Sriramoju Haragopal said the work on the temple suggests it could belong to the sixth or seventh century.
 

Source

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/310817/hidden-treasures-of-kothur-await-attention.html

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/040917/telangana-ancient-mulugu-temple-soon-to-become-tourist-attraction.html

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Birla Mandir

Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Khairatabad, Hyderabad, Telangana India is built on a 280 feet (85 m) high hillock called Naubath Pahad on a 13 acres (53,000 m2) plot. The construction took 10 years and was opened in 1976 by Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mission. The temple was constructed by Birla Foundation, which has also constructed several similar temples across India, all of which are known as Birla Mandir.

The temple manifests a blend of Dravidian, Rajasthani and Utkala architectures. It is constructed of 2000 tons of pure white marble. The granite idol of presiding deity Lord Venkateswara is about 11 ft (3.4 m) tall and a carved lotus forms an umbrella on the top. There is a brass flagstaff in the temple premises which rises to a height of 42 ft (13 m). The temple does not have traditional bells, as Swami Ranganathananda wished that the temple atmosphere should be conducive for meditation.

Apart from the main shrine, the consorts of Lord Venkateswara, Padmavati and Andal are housed in separate shrines. The temple also has separate shrines for various Hindu gods and goddess including Shiva, Shakti, Ganesh, Hanuman, Brahma, Saraswati, Lakshmi and Saibaba. Selected teachings of holy men and Gurbani are engraved on temple walls. Birla temples are open to all, as identified by Mahatma Gandhi and other Hindu leaders.

Address: Hill Fort Rd, Ambedkar Colony, Khairatabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, India

Source

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birla_Mandir,_Hyderabad

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Vikarabad Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple

Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the beautiful hilly region of the Ananthagiri hills in Vikarabad district in Telangana dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu.

According to Hindu Mythology, Skanda Purana, it is believed that this Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple was constructed by the rishi Markandeya in the dwapara yuga on Ananthagiri hills. 

The rishi Markandeya came here for yoga sadhana every day because the splendid and pleasant atmosphere of Ananthagiri hills attracted him. After his Yoga and meditation, Rishi Markandeya used to go to Kasi to take a holy bath in the river Ganges through a cave. During the dwadasi season, Markandeya couldn't make it to Kasi in the early hours of the day. He was very upset with this and after seeing the rishi's concerns, Lord Vishnu himself appeared in Markandeya's dreams and arranged water from the river Ganges for the rishi's bath. Markandeya was blessed to take a permanent place in the world as a river by lord Krishna who disguised himself as Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy. 

This river which is now popularly known as the river Moosi flows through Hyderabad. Markandeya initially took dharshanam of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy and converted a charka into Swamy. It is said that for the past four hundred years the Nizam Nawabs visited Ananthagiri hills for its peaceful atmosphere and would rest there.

The main temple of Lord Padmanabha Swamy was built by the Hyderabad Nawab as Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy appeared in his dreams and asked him to build a temple for him. This temple is situated in the village of Ananthagiri at a distance of seventy-five kilometers from Hyderabad and five kilometers from Vikarabad. There are regular private transport operators and frequent buses between Vikarabad and Ananthagiri hills.

Located nearly 85 km away from Hyderabad, Ananthagiri hills is well accessible by road transport.

Source

http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/divine-destinations/rangareddy/ananthagiri-hills-anantha-padmanabha-swamy-temple.html

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Karmanghat Hanuman Temple

The Karmanghat Hanuman Temple is a very popular temple located at Karmanghat, Saroornagar, Rangareddy district, Telangana India on the way to Sagar road. 

This temple, dedicated to the Pawan Putra Hanuman, the greatest devotee of Lord Shri Ram is one of the oldest temples in the state capital, Hyderabad. 

This famous temple in Karmanghat was constructed in the 12th century A.D. according to the legend, when a Kakatiya ruler who was hunting after some time in the forest, felt tired and sat down to take rest under a tree. While resting, the king heard someone chanting the name of Lord Rama, the king got interested and went around trying to find who it was and as he walked further deep into the forest, he discovered an idol of Lord Hanuman. The stone idol was in a sitting posture and the voice was coming from within the vigraham. Having paid his respects, the humble king returned to his capital, and that very night, Lord Hanuman appeared in his dream and asked the king to construct a temple.

The Karmanghat Temple was constructed immediately and the succeeding kings of the Kakatiya dynasty ruled it well. Some 400 years later, Aurangzeb had ordered his armies to each and every corner of the country to destroy all Hindus temples. At this temple, Aurangazeb's mighty armies could not even enter near the compound wall. After learning this, Aurangzeb, himself went there to wipe out the temple with a with a crow bar in his hand. When he reached the temple premises, he heard a deafening roar rumbling and the instrument slipped from his hands as fear overwhelmed him. Then he heard a thundering voice from the heavens saying Mandir todna hai raja, to kar maan ghat" which means, oh king, if you want to destroy this temple, then make your heart strong. The place got its name kar-man-ghat, after the voice from the heavens. And to this day, the main deity Lord Anjaneya sits in the temple peacefully meditating and bestows his blessing to his devotees, as Dhyana Anjaneya Swamy.

It is located at a distance of nearly 12 kms from Mahatma Gandhi bus terminal of Hyderabad and well accessible by road.

All Days of the Week
Monday-Sunday 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 04:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Tuesday 05:30 AM - 01:00PM, 04:30 PM - 09:00PM

Source

http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/divine-destinations/rangareddy/karmanghat-hanuman-temple.html#parentHorizontalTab2

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Sanghi Temple

This enchanting temple is located in Sanghi Nagar, approximately 25 kilometers from Hyderabad. It takes its position on a hillock known as the Paramananda Giri. The Raja Gopuram is 15 feet tall, and can be seen from several kilometers away.

The Sanghi temple is one of the most famous temples in Hyderabad. It is a very beautiful temple done in marble and the management has given a lot of importance to the environment. You can see this first hand as there are many trees and vegetation in and around the temple. Many Telugu films have been shot in this temple.

The stretch of the road to reach the temple is quiet good with a neatly laid two lane black tar road along the way with trees paving the path. The road to Sanghi gives an impression of a ghat road. And when you go further, a Hanuman Temple welcomes you. After the darshan, you can look on to a beautiful view of the city from the hilltop. The main deity here is Venkateshwara Swamy. The temple also houses Padmavati Devi. There are Navagrahas in the temple premises.

This enchanting Temple is located in Sanghi Nagar, some 25 kilometers from Hyderabad. It takes its position on a hillock known as the Paramananda Giri. The Raja Gopuram is 15 feet tall, and can be seen from several kilometers away. A little further in the premises, a long flight of carpet covered steps leads to the entrance of the temple. The first thing that catches your eye is the heavy, beautifully carved door that forms the main entrance. The majestic temple is built in the flawless Chola-Chalukya style of architecture. You can find three Gopurams at the foot of the hillock, which stand tall as if entering into the heavens.

The temple is located 35 km from Hyderabad, near Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway and well accessible by road.

All Days of the Week
08:30 AM - 10:30 AM
04:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Source

http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/divine-destinations/rangareddy/sanghi-temple.html

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Chilkur Balaji Temple

Chilkur Balaji Temple, is an ancient Hindu temple of Lord Balaji on the banks of Osman Sagar in Rangareddy District in Telangana, Twenty Five kilometers from Hyderabad off the Vikarabad road is the picturesque village of Chikur with its hoary temple dedicated to Sri Balaji Venkateshwara is definitely an epicenter of a great deal of spiritual energy and an abode of Lord Venkateshwara, also called as Visa God. Even the popular Wall Street Journal, amused with the belief, has written a full article on this temple. People from all sects visit this temple in hope of getting their wishes fulfilled. The management believes that the only fee the lord asks the devotees to make pradakshanas around the temple. It is a matter of sheer pride that our nation holds such rich heritage where beliefs and faiths in good are passed on from one generation to the other with or without any scriptures.

This temple has no hundi and neither accepts any money from devotees. VAK Books also known as the Voice of Temples with religious news is available here. This is one of the special Temples in India with no green channel or privileges for VIP’s. The only other such temple is the Jalaram temple in Virpur (Rajkot), Gujarat. This temple fought and won the right to stay out of government control. The only another such temple is “Ramanuj Kot”, a temple in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

From the style, structure and appearance, it can be inferred that the temple was built half a millennium ago. Set in sylvan surroundings, the temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year and is an ideal place for sequestered retreat and meditation. It enjoyed in the past, great days of pomp and glory.

The temple is one of the oldest in Telengana, having been built during the time of Akkanna and Madanna, the uncles of Bhakta Ramdas. According to tradition, a devotee who used to visit Tirupati every year could not do so on one occasion owing to serious ill-health. Lord Venkateshwara appeared in his dream and said, "I am right here in the jungle nearby. You don't have to worry." The devotee at once moved to the place indicated by the Lord in the dream and saw a mole- hill there, which he dug up. Accidentally, the axe struck Lord Balaji's idol covered by the mole-hill below the chin and on the chest, and surprisingly blood started flowing profusely from the "wounds", flooding the ground and turning it scarlet. The devotee could not believe his eyes when he saw this. Suddenly he could not believe his ears also when he heard a voice from the air which said,"Flood the mole-hill with cow's milk. "When the devotee did so, a Swayambhu idol of Lord Balaji accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi(a rare combination) was found, and this idol was installed with the due rites and a temple built for it.

Sri Balaji venkateshwara, the Pratyaksha Daiva in kaliyuga, is thus available at Chilkur to shower blessings on His devotees who for any reason are unable to go to Tirupati. Many devout worshippers flock to the temple, to receive the blessings of the Lord and his consorts throughout the year particularly during the Poolangi, Annakota and Brahmothsavams

With the earnest desire to revive the former glory and importance of the temple, the idol of Ammavaru was installed in 1963 the year following the Chinese aggression, and when the aggression was unilaterally vacated, Ammavaru was given the name of Rajya Lakshmi, signifying this welcome event. The unique feature of this idol is that lotus flowers are held in three hands and the fourth hand is in such a position towards the lotus feet which signifies the doctrine of Saranagathi. 

The temple has been visited by great Acharyas from time to time. A visit to the temple is a must for the Jeer of Sri Ahobila Mutt every time he visits the twin cities, and in the temple is installed the idol of the first Jeer. The Tilakayaths of Sri Vallabhacharya Sampradaya have been regularly visiting the shrine. Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya of Sringeri Mutt and his disciple graced the efforts of the trustees in improving the temple.

A 1000-year-old temple built of stone in Rashtrakuta style architecture has been found in a state of neglect near the famous Chilkur Balaji temple in Moinabad mandal of Rangareddy district. Archaeologist and CEO of Pleach India Foundation E Sivanagi Reddy during his explorations conducted in and around Chilkur village, as part of the awareness programme ‘ Preserve Heritage for Posterity ‘ launched by Pleach India Foundation, noticed many sculptures scattered at the entrance of the village and a dilapidated structure inside the tank bund datable to the period between 9th and 10th centuries CE.

According to Sivanagi Reddy, at the entrance of the Chilkur village, there was a two pillared mandapam built along the tank bund which was in deteriorating condition. There were beautiful sculptures of a seated lady devotee with folded hands and Bhairava in standing posture representing the Kalyani Chalukyan style of art (11th century CE), Nagadevathas, and two stones near the Pochamma temple, and an attractive sculpture of Surya broken into two pieces lying at the rear side of the Siva temple located inside the village, he said.

He said the small single storey Siva temple raised on an Adhisthana ( basement) had sunken into the ground, and was in alarming situation with crevices on the walls. The Sikhara ( Vimana ) portion on the roof had collapsed and the frontage covered with an altogether modern structure that had not only camouflaged the temple but also spoiled its antiquarian look resulting in putting the monument of archaeological significance in oblivion, he informed.

Chilkur Balaji Temple is 33 Kms away from Mehedipatnam. Approximately 75,000 to 1,00,000 devotees visit in a week. Generally temple gets heavy rush on Fridays and Sundays.
Monday-Sunday : 05:00am - 8:00pm

Source

http://www.chilkurbalaji.com/history.html

http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/divine-destinations/rangareddy/chilkur-balaji-temple.html

https://telanganatoday.com/hyderabad-1000-year-old-temple-found-neglected-near-chilkur

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Nacharam Temple

The Nacharam Gutta houses a revered Lakshmi Narshima Swamy temple, in the Wargal Mandal, Siddipet district of Telangana, India. This place is about 50 kilometers from the state capital. The temple is believed to be 600 years old. The Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy temple is a cave temple, situated on a beautiful hillock.

Inside the sanctum (Gharba Gudi), we can see Swayambu Narashima Swamy along with his consort Lakshmi thayar beautifully carved inthe rock. The temple also has some more idols. According to the Hindu Mythology, Naradha forfeited here. The place got its name Nacharam gutta after a devotee by the name Nacharam. As we go round the temple, we can find a flight of stairs to the left side, these stairs lead us to the darshanam of Lord Shri Soorya Narayana.

The temple has a beautiful rajagopuram with images of Gods and Goddesses carved on it in multi-colours. A gold coated Dhwajastambha which made up of a metal is installed opposite Garbhagudi.

There are sub-shrines in the temple for Sun-god, Lord Dattatreya, Lord Shiva in the form of Linga, Lord Rama and a Navagraha mandapam.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located in Nacharam, 47 km from Hyderabad and accessible by road.

This temple Opening & Closing times is 5.00 AM and 8.00 PM. During this period major part of the Lord Lakshmi Narasmiha Swami rituals are performed. Archana, Aarti and Abhisekham are the daily pujas performed.

By Road: Buses are available from all places in Telangana to reach the temple in Nacharam Gutta which is 50 km away from Hyderabad. You could also drive or rent a cab to get to Nacharam Narasimha Swamy temple.

Source

https://www.templepurohit.com/hindu-temple/sri-lakshmi-narasimha-swamy-temple-medak/

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Wargal Saraswati Temple

Wargal Saraswati Temple, or Sri Vidya Saraswati Temple, is a Hindu temple located in Siddipet
district in Telangana, India. The deity of education in Hinduism is Goddess Saraswati. It is among the few temples of Saraswati in Telangana. It is maintained by the Kanchi Shanker Mutt. Construction of the temple complex was due to the efforts of Yayavaram Chandrashekhara Sharma, a scholar and adherent of Goddess Saraswati.

This temple is located on a hillock near Wargal village. On the same hillock are the temples of various other deities, such as:

Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi Temple
Sri Vidya Saraswati Temple
Lord Shanishchara Temple
Lord Shiva Temple
a few Vaishnava temples, now completely damaged and without mola vigrahas

Many families visit the temple for their children's akshara abyasam ("learning ceremony"). Meals are provided for free to all devotees at the temple premises, a practice referred to as nitya annadanam.

Vasant Panchami and Sharad Navratri festivals are celebrated at the temple every year.[1] The Navratri mula nakshatram("birth star of Goddess Saraswati") is the most auspicious day for worshiping Saraswati devi. During this day, special rituals are performed at the temple.

The temple has a Veda paathashaala (a school specializing in the tradition of Vedic recitation) on its premises where many students learn the Vedas.

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Palakurthy Someshwara Temple

Palakurthy Someshwara Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located in Palakurthy Mandal, Jangoan District, Telangana State India .

Jangaon is the nearest town from this village. To reach Palakurthi from Hyderabad it is around 110 kilometers, via Jangaon towards Suryapet road. 

There is Sri Someshwara Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple on the hill inside a cave. 

Bommara Pothanna birth place is very close to Palakurthy.

Sri Palkuriki Somanathudu was born and brought up here who developed Veera Shaivam. He is the first writer to do gadhya rachana in Telugu. He lived in 12th century. Places of interest in and around this village include Sri Someshwara Laxmi Narsimha Swamy Temple, Bommara Pothana native place and temple, Valmidi Sri Rama temple, and Visnoor Deshmukh fort.

All religious peoples live here, most of them are Hindhus. It is a part of Telangana. For the people visiting Palakurthy, there is a lodge available from the endowment department. Also there is nice lodge and free food for Arya Vysyas developed by Sri Rapaka Sudhakar and other members of the Arya Vysya Sangam.Located at a distance of 50 Kms from Warangal on a hillock in the out skirts of Palakurthy Mandal head quarters. It is also the birth place of famous poet palakurthy Somanadha Kavi of 12 the century.
His samadhi can be seen here.

This historic temple is dedicated to Lord Siva and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy who incarnated in two adjacent caves at a height of 120 meters on the hillock.

The 'Pradakshina Path' encircling the two caves is quite natural. There is a dillapidated 'Surya' Temple and Koneru can also be witnessed at this place. This place once flourished which the adherents of 'Veera Saiva' sect of Hiduism has lost prominence in cource of time presently it is a famous pilgrimage centre in warangal district. Pilgrims mostly from Karnataka and Maharashtra. Mainly the Veera Saivas will certainly make a visit once in year to have the blessings of presiding deities and Somanadhakan.

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Komuravelli Mallanna Temple

Komuravelli Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple popularly known as Komuravelli Mallanna Temple is a Hindu temple located on a hill in Komuravelli village of Siddipet district in Telangana state.

 It is located near Siddipet on SH–1.

This temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Mallikarjuna swamy a fierce looking diety along with Kethamma and Medalamma on the both sides of the main diety.

The temple is located in a cave on a small hillock at a distance of 110 Kms from warangal. Lakhs of piligrims congregate on the eve of Makara Sankranthi as Brahmotsavam starts.

The Mallanna deity with Golla Kethamma and Medalamma is at the main temple. The temple is specially popular with the devotees belonging to the Kuruma and Yadava communities. The Oggu Katha singers sing the tale of Mallanna here.

The temple is visited during Shivarathri day when Pedda Patnam is celebrated.

Another temple, Konda Pochamma temple is nearby which is visited by the devotees who visit Mallanna temple.

Lakhs of piligrims congregate on the eve of Makara Sankranthi as Brahmotsavam starts.

The clay moulded diety of Lord Mallikarjuna swamy is believed to be made 500 years ago. The temple is renovated and mandapamas and choultries etc., are constructed by Endowments Department. The 'pedda patnam' celebrated on Maha Sivaratri day attract pilgrims in lakhs.

The primary deity is Mallanna or Mallikarjuna Swamy who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The deity is also called as Khandoba by the Maharashtrian people. The temple is located about 85 kilometers from Hyderabad.

Mallanna along with his consorts Golla Kethamma, Goddess Ganga and Medalamma, Goddess Parvati are at the main temple. The Oggu Katha singers sing the tale of Mallanna here. Devotees offer prayers to Mallanna with the help of Oggu Pujaris who draw a rangoli called as Patnam ( A form of offering prayers to Lord ) in front of Lord Mallanna inside temple and also in temple's verandah.

Large number of devotees visit the Mallanna temple during Maha Shivaratri when the Pedda Patnam is celebrated and also during the Agni Gundaalu which is celebrated on the sunday falling before the Ugadi. The festive season, called as Jatara begins from Sankranti and lasts till Ugadi. Large number of devotees offer prayers to the deity on all sundays which falls in between Sankranti and Ugadi.

Another temple, Konda Pochamma temple is nearby which is visited by the devotees who visit Mallanna temple.

There is no written script for the Lord Mallanna story. The story of Mallanna is sung in "Oggu Katha". In this Oggu katha, Swamy Mallanna married goddess Medallamma by facing conditions which are put up by her brothers. Goddess Medallamma is also called as Bramarambika, who is consort of Lord Shiva.

Also, in a recent offering from "Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev" mythological daily show on LifeOk TV channel, it has been shown that, Mallanna resembles to Marthand/Khandoba, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Source

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komrelly_Mallanna_Temple

http://srikomuravellimallanna.com/temple.html

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Jamalapuram Temple

Jamalapuram is a small village situated close to Yerrupalem town of Khammam district, Telangana,

India. 

Located about 85 km from Khammam town and 6 km from Yerrupalem railway station in serene atmosphere near the Pedda Cheruvu tank, the historical shrine attracts devotees from various parts of  Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The village has an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. Here Lord Venkateswara is manifested in the form of swayambhu. The temple also boasts of Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Sivalayam, Ganesh Temple, Anjaneya Swamy temple, Sri Alivelu Amma vari Temple and Ayyappa Swamy Temple. 

The temple’s location amidst pleasant weather surrounded by lush green hills is an added attraction.
The shrine in Khammam district, said to be over 800 years old, attracts devotees in droves. The ancient Swayambhu Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Jamalapuram is believed to be more than 850 years old, says Uppala Srinivasa Sarma, main priest of the shrine.

The historical Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, popularly known as ‘Telangana Tirupati,’ at Jamalapuram in Yerrupalem mandal, visited by Kakatiya ruler Prataparudra and Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya in the bygone era, holds promising potential for promotion of temple tourism in the new State.

An impressive statue of Sri Krishnadevaraya was installed in front of the Pongali Mandapam near the temple as part of the celebrations of 500th anniversary of the Vijayanagara emperor’s coronation organised by the then government in 2010.Choultries in bad shape

The shrine, said to be more than eight centuries old, was taken over by the Endowments Department way back in 1969. However, most of the development works at the shrine were taken up with the support of the donors.

Although Pedda Cheruvu, the major tank situated about half a km from the shrine, was developed during the previous regime, a grand plan drawn up by the Tourism Department to develop a tank bund park at the site remains on paper.

The ancient Swayambhu Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Jamalapuram is believed to be more than 850 years old, says Uppala Srinivasa Sarma, main priest of the shrine.

It received the patronage of emperors of various kingdoms. Kakatiya Prataparudra worshipped the presiding deity of the shrine on his way to Tiruvuru in the bygone era, he says citing some historical references.

Sri Krishnadevaraya offered prayers at the historical temple en route the Kondapalli fort during his “Jaitra Yatra” several centuries ago, he adds.

Jamalapuram flourished as a famous gurukulam under the aegis of Maharshi Jabaali, he recalls.

The historical temple town will emerge a major centre of temple tourism in the entire Telangana State if developed comprehensively, says M. Srinivasa Rao, vice-sarpanch of Jamalapuram.

The Tourism Department should take the initiative to develop a tank bund park abutting Pedda Cheruvu, construct a tourism guest house, set up a food court and introduce boating services at the tank, he suggests.


Source
http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/regions/khammam.html
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/telangana-tirupati-needs-a-makeover/article6725264.ece

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Sthambadri Temple

The temple of Sri Narashima Swamy is located in the heart of the Town, which is popularly known to

local people as guha gudi. The ancient temple is believed t be existing from Tretha Yuga.

According to legends, the Narsimha Swami or Narsimhadri temple, situated on a hill called Stambhadri, is said to have existed since 1.6 million years.

The town is located on the banks of the River Munneru, which is tributary to River Krishna.

During Tretha Yugam Mouthgalya Maharishi with his disciples penance here in a cave and he was blessed by Lord Vishnu. Mothgalya Maharishi requested Lord Vishnu to stay back in this place along with Lakshmi. Lord came out of the pillar as Sri Lakshmi Narashima Swamy. Hence the place was known as Sthambadri.

The temple is on a vertical rock which is known as Khamba which means Pillar. The temple is on khamba so it was originally known as Sthamba Sikari which later turned into Sthambadri. At present the place is known as Khammam, which was derived from the word Khammam Mettu.

Sthala Purana says in16th century, King Pratapa Rudra, who was ruling the place was blessed by Lord here. King developed the temple and pooja was arranged according to Vaikasana Agama Sthara. Panaka Abishekam on Sundays is important here. Public believe that all their wishes are fulfilled when they worship here the Lord for 40 days.

Source

http://shamalak.blogspot.com/2013/02/sthambadri-sri-lakshmi-narashima-swamy.html

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Kusumanchi Temples

Kusumanchi is a town and Mandal in Khammam district, Telangana, India, which was popularly
known as Krupamani during the Kakatiya period. The Shivalingam in this shrine is one of the largest in Telangana. There is a 15 ft high idol of Lord Venu Gopala Swamy on the southern side of the temple.

Jakkepalli, Kistapuram, Kokya Thanda, Lokya Thanda, Mallaigudem, Munigepalli, Naikangudem, Narasimhulagudem and Palair are some of the tribal villages located in the vicinity of Kusumanchi which can be visited.

Kakatiya rulers built Ganapeshwaralayam, Mukkanteswaralayam in Kusumanchi

After being neglected for decades, the historical Siva temples of Kakatiya era in Kusumanchi mandal headquarters are set to undergo renovation.

Sri Ganapeshwaralayam and Mukkanteswaralayam, the two Siva temples built by Kakatiya rulers during 12th and 3th centuries in Kusumanchi stand testimony to the architectural acumen of the great Kakatiya kings.

The historical shrines resemble the famous Ghanpur and Ramappa temples of Kakatiya period in Bhupalpalli district. Although declared as protected monuments by the Department of Archaeology several decades ago, the Mukkanteswaralayam situated near Ganapeshwaralayam continue to lie in utter neglect.

Thanks to the patronage of some devotees and heritage conscious persons, the daily rituals are being held without any interruption at Ganapeshwaralayam. This particular temple attracts devotees from far off places in Warangal, Nalgonda and other neighbouring districts during Sivaratri festivities every year.

A group of philanthropists including Venkatapratap Reddy, a retired police officer, initiated several development works at Ganapeshwara temple in the last couple of years.

Scores of devotees throng the temple during Sravanamasam and other auspicious occasions more particularly during the Sivaratri jatara here, says Devulapalli Seshagiri Sarma, the priest of Ganapeshwara shrine. There is a dire necessity for a kalyana mandapam on the premises of the temple to perform special rituals and also provide seating arrangements for devotees during celebration of festivities, says Mr Sarma.

The government has released Rs. 30 lakh each for Ganapeshwaralayam and Mukkanteshwaralayam for renovation and development more than a month ago, says Rangacharyulu, consultant, Department of Archaeology.

 A detailed project report has been finalised to lay a pathway between the two historical shrines and take up renovation works such as strengthening the foundations including platform and other structures of the temples, he says.

Sources
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/historical-siva-temples-in-kusumanchi-to-get-a-facelift/article5806358.ece

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Gandhari Fort, Temple & Jatara

Gandhari Fort / Gandhari Khilla (Gandhari Kota) is a hill fort located near Bokkalagutta, in Mandamarri Mandal in Mancherial district, Telangana, India.

The Gandhari Fort is believed to have been built by tribal kings who ruled over this region, by taking assistance from Kakatiya rulers, some 1,000 years ago. It houses the ancient temple of Maisamma. Similarly, it contains idols of Kala Bhairava Swamy, Lord Siva, Lord Ganesh and Hanuman, idols carved out of rocks.

Archaeological work suggests that construction of the fort was begun early as the Rastrakuta era (prior to 1200 A.D.) and continued until 16th century.

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Molangur Fort

Molangur Fort is located in Mulanguru village (also known as Molangur), Shankarapatnam Mandal, Karimnagar district, Telangana India is another invincible bastion belonging to the Kakatiyan era.

The Molangur fort was constructed on a hillock by Voragiri Moggaraju, one of the chief officers of Prathapa Rudra of Kakatiya dynasty. It was constructed as a transit halt for Kakatiyas while travelling from Warangal fort to Elgandal Fort in Karimnagar. The Molangur fort is listed as protected site by the Archaeological Department.

The fort is constructed on a huge granite hill that made it difficult for anybody to climb it from any side. On the way to the top of the hill, an inscription carved on a boulder mentions that there are two ways to the fort. At the entrance of the fort there is a Dargah of Molang Shah Wali, a muslim saint. It is reported that the original name of the village was Mudugar. It appears to have been renamed as Molangur after the name of the Muslim saint Molang Shah Wali.

In addition to the Dargah, the fort also houses two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a beautiful tank on the fort and also on its foothills along with a well called Doodh Bowli (milky well)

The ramparts of the fort still bear the remnants of garrisons, stables that remind it's glorious past. The ruined walls, gates, bastions, moatsculptures and several other remains in the fort still attract the attention of the visitors.

At a distance of 1.2 km from Molangur Bus Station, 31 km from Karimnagar and 169 km from Hyderabad.

Molangur Fort under threat
Rampant granite quarry operations in the vicinity of historic Molangur Fort constructed by Kakatiya Kings in Shankarpatnam mandal is taking a heavy toll on the structure.

Listed as protected site by the Archaeological Department, the fort was constructed on a hillock by Voragiri Moggaraju, one of the chief officers of Prathapa Rudra of Kakatiya dynasty. It was constructed as a transit halt for Kakatiyas while travelling from Orugallu fort in Warangal to Elgandal fort in Karimnagar.

The fort is constructed on a huge granite that made it difficult for anybody to climb it from any side. There is a beautiful tank on the fort and also on its foothills. A special well called ‘Doodh Bowli’ (well as pure as milk). Time has taken a heavy toll on the fort which is damaged and polluted by granite quarrying. Several megalithic burials inside the fort have been destroyed.

Molangur sarpanch Tirupathaiah said blasting undertaken for quarrying granite damaged the fort. There was severe sound pollution due to rampant granite quarrying. Locals were also falling ill due to the dust raised by the quarrying. He lamented that despite several representations to the district administration, no action has been initiated so far.

Telangana Bhoomi Rakshana Sangham convenor S. Sujatha said that hoisting of national flag on Golkonda fort alone would not solve the purpose of protection of ancient history and heritage of Telangana. The government should also protect other ancient structures.

Demanding that the government stop quarrying, she urged the government to declare all hillocks as tourist spots so that revenue could be generated from the heritage structures. Retired principal of Government Degree College Jagtial and historian. Dr Jaikishan said that there was no check on quarry operations, he said and added that the fort would collapse if frequent blasting and quarrying went on unchecked.

Doodhbowli, a well at foot of the Molangur Fort 

It is said locally that the milk-like water of the Doodh Bowli has great medicinal value and it cured several diseases.

This well at the foot of the Molangur Fort springs milk and not water. Though it is not milk in the strict sense of the term, the water smells and looks just like that and the villagers believe that it has nutritional value. The well, known as Doodhbowli in local parlance, is located about 30 km from Karimnagar. People treasure the water as if it is milk and use it for drinking and other regular chores.

The interesting feature of the well is that even in mid-summer it does not dry up. The “milk” keeps regenerating and it is always seen touching the brim. Even though Mission Bhagirtha water is available, people prefer the water from Doodhbowli. Locals say that during the Nizam era, water used to be transported from this well to Hyderabad on horse-drawn carts for use by the Nizams.

A villager Mallesham says in astonishment: “It is always a mystery that the milky water is very pure, more purified than the so-called purified water sold to us in cans.” For the last 20 years, his family has been using Doodhbowli water for drinking purposes. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, people used to come to this well from far-off villages to draw water and take it back as they believed it had not only nutrients but also has therapeutic value.”

As the “milk” from this well has become popular, officials with the Municipal Corporation of Karimnagar (MCK) officials have collected samples and sent it for analysis to understand its magic.The District Groundwater Board deputy director Ch Shailasree Mallika Devi says: “We are trying to find out what minerals are there in the water from this well. At the moment, samples have been sent for analysis. Once we get the report, we would know for sure what the “milk” is all about.”

The fort is 13 kilometres away from Huzurabad and 16 kilometres away from Jammikunta railway station. Thus, it is very convenient to reach this marvellous historical fort by road or by rail.

Qutb-ul-mulk Dakhani

1494 AD - 1518 AD : Kawas Kahn or Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk Governor

1494 AD : In 1493-1494 Bahadur Gilani rose in rebellion at Goa and attacked ships belonging to the Sultan of Gujarat, Mahmud Sah Begada. The Sultan now ordered the provincial governors to send forces to suppress the rebellion of Bahadur Gilani. In one of the actions fought near Jamkhindi, Qutb-ul-mulk Dakhani, the governor of Telangana was killed. His title along with the fiefs enjoyed by him were conferred on Sultan Quli, alias, Khavas Khan. Sultan Qulb was the founder of the Qutb Sahi dynasty of Golconda.

Qawam ul Mulk in Elgandal and Mulungoor or Molangur Fort in Karimnagar

During the absence of Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah in his late campaign, his northern districts had been attacked and laid waste by Kowam-ool—Moolk Toork, an officer of the Bahmuny Government, who, during the late convulsions, had rendered himself master of the forts of Elgundel, Mulungoor, and some other districts, and collecting a force of six thousand horse and about ten thousand infantry, invaded the countries of his neighbours. 

On the return of Sooltan Koolly, he received accounts of Kowam-ool-Moolk's incursions. He accordingly addressed letters of advice to him, and demanded restitution of the property he had plundered in the Kootb Shahy territories. The ambassadors who waited on Kowam-ool-Moolk were directed to inform him, that their master was sorry to hear what had happened ; and that it Was his wish to be on terms of friendship with all his Mahomedan neighbours, since it is written in the Koran, that " all the faithful are brethren ". Kowam-ool-Moolk, elated with his success in declaring his independence, and despising the power of Sooltan Koolly, shortly afterwards sent his troops again into his territories to plunder. Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah could no longer restrain his rage, and immediately ordered his army into the field, and marched towards Elgundel. He was met by Kowamool-Moolk at the distance of one day's march from that place at the head of his army. On the following day an action ensued, which lasted from dawn till noon, when the King charged in person, at the head of two thousand cavalry, and defeated Kowam-ool-Moolk, who fled in confusion, and threw himself into the fort of Elgundel. To this place the King proceeded, and invested it; but Kowam-ool-Moolk, finding himself unable to contend with his enemy, fled to Berar, and solicited assistance from Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah. Elgundel, shortly after, fell into the hands of the King, and many of the Mahomedan troops of Kowam-ool-Moolk entered his service. Having now occupied the forts of Elgundel and Mulungoor with his own soldiers, the King returned to his capital.

1518 AD - 1687 AD : Qutb Shahi dynasty or Golconda or Golkonda Sultanate

1518 AD - 1543 AD : Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk

Sources

https://www.newindianexpress.com/good-news/2022/Jun/19/doodhbowli-a-well-at-foot-of-the-molangur-fort-that-gives-milk-and-not-water-2467275.html
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/molangur-fort-under-threat/article6301492.ece

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