Andhra Pradesh is a land of deep-rooted culture and ardent faith that is manifested in the form of its gamut of pilgrimage places. Its plethora of temples, shrines, mosques, and cathedrals are epitome of the allegiance shown by devotees to their venerated devotees and saints. The natural tendency of man to look up to higher powers to seek divine blessings and seeking tutelage resulted in creation of numerable pilgrimage centers; since time immemorial, a plethora of such sacred sites were actualized.
As the state is inhabited by different religious sects like Hindus, Muslims, and Christians; the pilgrimages of Andhra Pradesh are associated with different communities. These holy sites are also renowned for their magnificent architecture and intricacy. Chennakesava temple is a nice example in this regard. A massive idol of the deity in black granite is the highlight of the shrine. Adorned with a splendid Vimana that rests atop it adds to the grandeur of the place. The consecrated site of Amravati is famous throughput India for its larger-than-life sculptures of Lord Shiva and other deities. An important center of Buddhism, a magnificent Buddhist stupa is the main highlight here.
The pilgrimages of Andhra Pradesh / Telangana are symbol of faith and devotion of teeming millions; apart from serving as a source of divinity; they also form nice tourist places.
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
- Location: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
- Locally Popular as: Malleswara Swami Temple
- God Worshiped: (Lord Shiva)Malleswara Swami
- Built by: Eldest of The Pandava Brothers – Yudhishthira
Mallikarjuna Swami Temple is places close to Kanakadurga temple which is on Indrakeeladri Hill. This holy place is devoted to Malleswara Swami or Mallikarjuna. It is said that the idol is installed by the elder brother of Pandavas, ‘Yudhishthira’ as a symbol of their victory of the south.
The Temple was constructed by the Western Chalukya King, Tribhuvana Malla of 10th century. After coming down from the steps on the hills one can see the beautiful and small images of the various deities from which some them are of Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali.
The Fable
To the origin of this temple have some interesting legends. It is to be said the before the ‘Kalyuga’, the sage ‘Agastya’ has named ‘Jayasena’ to Lord in Vijayawada. Malleswara name was given to the Lord by the Arjuna, the Mahabharata hero. Thus, the renowned Lord Shiva so goes the myth, blessings with his attendance the town Vijayawada on the banks of the holy Krishna River.
As it has been built by the Yudhisthira who was the eldest brother of Pandava, number of people come here to view this temple. This is one of the famous temples and people worship Lord Shiva by offering flowers and sweets and milk. The special leaf is also offered which is said to be liked by Lord Shiv.
Padmavathi Temple
- Location: 5-km away From Tirupati, in Tiruchanur, Chittoor District
- Also Popularly called as: Alamelumangapuram
- God Worshiped: Padmavati Devi
- Important Festival: Brahmotsavam
Padmavati Temple is placed in Tirupati and is at a distance of 5 kms. This is one of the largest temples that are devoted to the Padmavati Goddess, the companion of Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji).
It is also prevalently called as “Alamelumangapuram”. The people here consider that Tirumala is only benefited if one visits the Sri Padmavati Devi Temple. The major festival celebrated here is Brahmotsavam where thousands of people come every year from far and distance places.
Sri Padmavati Devi – the deity is seated in ‘Padmasana’ carrying a lotus in her both of the above hands. The lowers hands of the goddess are in the position of fearless ‘Abhaya’ and benediction ‘Varada’. The temple also houses deities like ‘Surya-Narayana Swami’, ‘Sundararaja Swami’, Balarama and Sri Krishna. There is traditional here which is followed that one will worship the Lord Sri Krishna first then will worship Sri Padmavati. The people of Hindu religion are only permitted in this temple.
The Fable
Sri Padmavati Devi’s even if being spouse of Lord Venkateshwara her temple is away from Lord Sri Venkateswara’s, as according to the myth, the Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, who later took on the embodiment of Sri Venkateswara, showed his admiration towards the wise, ‘Bhrigu Maharishi’, even however the sage had affronted Vishnu by kicking him on the upper body.
This made Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi angry who is the wife of Lord Vishnu and she went to “Patala Loka’ and there she heard a heavenly voice telling that a ‘Pushkarini’ was dug in the banks of ‘Swarnamukhi’ river and on the same place she engrossed here self in forfeit for 12 years. And from a golden lotus Sri Padmavati egressed on the 13th year. It is believed by many people that Goddess Maha Lakshmi herself came forth as Goddess Sri Padmavati.
Festivals
There is a big festival celebrated once a year that is the marriage of Lord Venkateswara to Goddess Padmavati Devi. The Goddess comes at Tirumala behind an impressive elephant ornamented with solid gold ‘Tilaka’ as Lord Venkateswara comes out to meet the goddess. The main festival is ‘Brahmotsavam’ that occurs in the month between November to December. It is believed that on the ninth day of this festival is the day when goddess Sri Padmavati appears.
Ramalingeshwara Temple
- Situated: Tadipatri (Anantapur District), Andhra Pradesh, India
- Named Behind: Pemmasani Ramalinga Naidu
- Acknowledged For: ‘Swayambhu’ (automatically formed Linga)
- Major Festivity: (Car Fiesta On the eve of Shivratri)
The Legends
Situated in Tadipatri, district of Anantapur, Temple of Ramalingeshwara is named behind “Pemmasani Ramalinga Naidu”. Localites mythology states that by the side of very similar place where the sacred temple stands, sagacious ‘Parashurama’ subsisted and carried out reparation.
In this very temple you can spot a perpetual subversive stream, from which pure water always leaches into the (Sanctum Sanctorum) Garbha Gruha precisely at the same place where the idol (‘Lingam’) is sanctified. At the sacred temple, the complete ‘Shiva Purana’ carved in marble on the parapet with delicate ability and in convoluted detail.
The sacred Linga(idol) is believed to be real(self-formed) ‘Swayambhu’. ‘Tadipatri Kaifiyat’ accounts that a statue maker ‘Yellanchari’ was passed on as of Benaras to build the huge temple. It encloses sculptures, descriptive of period from Mahabharata and ‘Ramayana’.
The car fiesta is fêted every year on the sanctified eve of Shivratri, in the month of (February to March).
Shiva Temple At Keesaragutta
- Location: 30-km away from Hyderabad City, Keesaragutta
- God Worshiped: Lord Shiva
- Major Festival: Shivratri
Shiva Temple is placed in Keesaragutta which is around 30 kms away from Hyderabad city. This is one of the famous temples where people come to worship Lord Shiva with great respect. This temple is also popularly called as “Ramalingeswara temple” There are some ruined shrines nearby which are from the 5th century AD and are said to be the design of Northern Gupta. The festival of Shivratri is celebrated with lot of delight and cheerfulness.
The surroundings of the rocky granite dome of Keesara ahs high stone Lingas which are about a meter high. The phallic symbol or the Linga is an antique conceptual symbol of fertility and life. It is consistently placed in the bottom suggesting the womb or the ‘Yoni’.
The Celebrations
The main temple has a long queue at the entrance during the festival of Shivratri to enter the temple. There are various pujas performed on this day to one of the large lingams found among all over the place. The carnival atmosphere prevails at the foot of the hill. The dark moonless night gears up the scene.
Umakamandeleshwara Temple
- Location: 24-km away from Rajamundry, Ryali, East Godavari District
- God Worshiped: Lord Shiva (Umakamandeleshwara)
Umakamandeleshwara Temple is sited in Ryali that is in Rajahmundry and is at a distance of around 24 kms. There are number of names for Lord Shiva among which one of the names is Umakamandeleshwara, which is the deity in this shrine.
The Fable
After listening about the appealing beauty of Jaganmohini, Lord Shiva met Lord Vishnu and spoken his wish to see Jaganmohini. Lord Vishnu recognized the suggestion. When Lord Shiva was coming back to Kailash, Lord Vishnu came before him in the appearance of Jaganmohini, a damosel with arresting prettiness. Lord Shiva fell in love and chased her.
The beautiful damosel stopped for a while to take some respite at Ryali and at that time a beautiful flower fell from her plaits on the ground. The flower was then lifted by Lord Shiva and inhaled the fragrance of the flower. The damosel twisted into Maha Vishnu as soon as he inhaled the flower. Lord Vishnu was smiling naughtily and Lord Shiva was felling mortified. Bhagwan Shiva decided to stay at this place everlastingly because of the terror that Lord Vishnu might taunt him.
Lord Brahma came on Earth after some time and gave a bath to Lingam with the water of his Kamandalam and then named this place as Uma Kamalandeswara. From that time this is one of the famous places and Lord Shiva is offered prayers in the name of Umakamandeleshwara in Ryali. There are number of people who visit this place with lot of offerings like flowers and special leafs and sweets and take blessings in return.
Basara Temple
- Region: District Adilabad, from Nizamabad about thirty kilometers, Telangana
- Attractive Characteristic: One of the shrines committed to Saraswati
- Dedicated To: Gnana Saraswati Devi
- Known As: Vyasapuri
This village is very small and undeveloped, which is located within the region of Telangana, from the Nizamabad it is about thirty kilometers. This is located over the Godavari River’s banks. Form the city of Hyderabad, the distance is around 220 kilometers via road and via rail it is bout 260 kilometers. Here you will get to see the historical shrine, which is committed to the Saraswati goddess. The shrine situated at Basar village is too a residing place of Kali and Lakshmi goddess. The structure of the temple indicates the Chalukya period. There is tiny dirty road, goes towards shrine. This shrine does not have decorative carving as per rest of the shrines contain. After walking some steps further, you will go inside the sanctum sanctorum; here you will feel really pleasant, which can’t explain. The ambience of brightness, peace and joy you will experience in this temple.
The idol of the Gnana Saraswati Devi is in sitting shape, he is having Veena in her hand and decked by the turmeric. Adjoining to the Maha Lakshmi Goddess, from this temple after going ahead for small distance, you will visit the Maha Kali shrine, on the east side. As per the legends, the writer of Mahabharata Maharshi Vyasa visited Dandakaranya forest, where he did meditation. He started meditation over the Godavari River’s banks, he founded this spot with full of peace. through his meditation, the mother Goddess were manifested in front of the saint and Goddess mother ordered him and told him to construct the shrine for her Shakti such as Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi. This place got the name after the Maharshi Vyasa and it was started to known as Vyasapuri. After some time, it was changed and became Vasara and later on Basar or Basara.
After exploring the entire temple, travel for hundred meters to see the cave. At this cave, the pious Narahari Maluka had been considered to practice stringent reparation. Here you will get to see the monolith rock which is known as Vedavathi. This creates the various sounds, when it bangs on every side. As per the belief, this place contains the Sita Devi’s ornaments. About 8 Pushkarnis are widened over the town called as Surya Teertham, Vishnu Teertham, Indra Teertham, Pitru Theertham, Vyasa Teertham, Shiva Teertham, Ganesh Teertham and Valmiki Teertham. The major festival, which celebrated here with huge enthusiasm are Devi Navaratrulu in the months of September & months of October, Shivaratri in the months of February & March. On these both the festivals about 10,000 people come to this pilgrimage, from almost every corner of the Marathwada and Telangana.
Birla Mandir Hyderabad
- Location: On Kala Pahad, Hyderabad
- Built in Respect of: Lord Venkateswara or Venkateshwara
- Constructed by: Birla Foundation
- Timings: On any day of the week from 7.00 am to 12.00 am and 3.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
Birla Mandir is a dazzling modern temple overlooking the south end of Hussain Sagar. From this point visitors enjoy the quaint view of the city. The whole temple is constructed from the marble stone, specially brought from Rajasthan. This temple was made by Birla Foundation around a decade ago which was made in admiration of Lord Venkateshwara.
An attractive combination of South Indian & Orissan Temple Art
The Style of South India is used in a Rajagopuram that welcomes visitors. The “Jagadananda Vimanam” tower is over the main shrine is built in Orissan style and the towers over the temple of the companion are constructed using South Indian style. Thus the Birla temple showcases the blend of architectural styles.
The granite icon of the presiding divinity is about 11ft tall and an engraved lotus forms an umbrella for this figure. There are numerous carvings in marble, in the bordering ‘Mukha Mandapam’ – reflecting scenes from Indian myths. The brass pole rises to a height of 42ft. The companions of Venkateswara, ‘Andal’ and ‘Padmavati’ are housed in different temples.
Many People are attracted towards this temple and immensely enjoy the view when the shrine is lighted up in the evening. Tourists can visit the Birla temple on any day of the week from 7.00 am to 12.00 am and from 3.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
- Must Read: Top 10 Things to Do in Hyderabad
Chennakesavaswami Temple
- Location: Pushpagiri city in Cuddapah District
- God Worshiped: Chennakesavaswami
- Popular for: Artistic Sculptures
Chennakesavaswami Temple stands in Pushpagiri city in the Cuddapah district. The Cuddapah is famed for many temple situated there. The divinity presiding here is Chennakesavaswami for which numerous people come to this temple from near and far places. This temple is admired for its artistic sculptures.
There are some temples that are antique and some have beautiful architecture. There are number of shrines fall along a hill are on a hill which is full of vegetation, going upwards downwards from all the borders of the Penneru, which has quite deep banks in this stretch. This is the hill which is also called among the local people as ‘Sumagiri’ or Pushpagiri.
There were around 28 temple were seen in around the first decade of this century. The temples found were al most all in ruins. The popular and biggest from them are located mostly on the lower slopes of the hill. It is also called as ‘Chennakesava’ or ‘Chennakeshwara’.
The Miraculous Sculptural Art
The opening of this temple has a beautiful, lofty five storied gopuram. There is a main temple in the backyard within, has some other temples on both sides. The walls on the outer side have sculptures that are made of limestone. The sculptures are off Lord Shiva four and eight hands, Arjuna and Lord Shiva fighting, Arjuna’s penance, Arjuna getting rewarded by ‘Pashupatastra’ from Lord Shiva, images from Mahabharata and Ramayana, Seshasayana, rows of warriors, dancers and many other carvings with different animals and the pillars beautifully carved.
Festival Celebration
There is a festival celebrated annually which starts from Chaitra Bahula Thrayodasi and lasts for 10 days. To participate in this festival number of people visit this shrine. For all these ten days the shrine is full of people, flowers, sweets and many things. Some of the pilgrims make sure that they take a walk from the long hills of Pushpagiri.
There are number some hotels available in Cuddapah that gives some basic facilities at affordable prices. People should not expect luxurious rooms and hotels in this place.
Ghanpur Temples
- Location: Tirupati, District Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
- God Worshiped: Sri Govindaraja Swami
- Built by: Saint Ramanujacharya
- Important Festival: The annual Float Festival
Ghanpur Temples are situated in Ghanpur Mandal headquarters that is at a distance of 62 kms from Warangal. There are around 209 temples that built of various sizes and designs. This place is prevalently known among the local people as “Kota Gullu” which is a compound of absolute museum of the Kakatiya temple architecture constructed around 13 century AD.
The temples are built inside a double walled stone area. Among the collection of temples, the most important temple devoted to Lord Shiva is the most gorgeous. The main magnetism is of the ‘Sabhamandapa’ entrances. Two ‘Madanikas’ or ‘ Shalabhanjika’ are on northern side of entrance. Other than these, legendary figure brackets such as Gaja-Kesari, Half human-Lion form riding on elephant, Horse-head Lion back on elephant are also set under the eves in eastern and southern side of entrance.
Towards the north from the important temple there is another temple devoted to Lord Shiva which is exactly same to the important temple. From the main temple towards the south there is a pillared of which the central ceiling is designed with various kinds of ‘Patma’ motives.
The information of the builders is not available of the theses beautiful temples but by comparing the features of architecture and stylistic ground it can presumed that these may be constructed in 13th century during the period of Ganpati Maharaj. These glorious groups of temples are situated amidst giant and elevated Palmyra trees and this abundant flora serves as attractive scenery making visit to these temples an incredible view and an unforgettable one.
These temples are now in little decayed condition but then too many people love to visit to these shrines and they worship the gods over here and offers flowers and sweets whenever they come here to visit.
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple
- Location: Kadiri, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh
- God Worshiped: Lord Vishnu (Narasimhaswamy)
Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple, having its situation to the western part of the town, here is a illustrious Shrine that attracts devotees as of neighbouring zones. There is a description in the epic that ‘ Narasimha Swami’ is among the ten avatars of Vishnu. This temple of Vishnu is believed to be built by ‘Ranganayudu’, a Palegar of Patharlapattanam.
There are number of scenes on the upper limit of Rangmantapa from ‘Ramayana’ that are painted and on Lakshmi mantapa there are numbers of paintings rendering scenes from ‘Bhagvata’. Unluckily the freshness of the murals has been disappeared and is withering. The temple has many dedications mostly reveals the offerings given to the temple by the kings.
This temple is famous among the people and is visited by number of people coming from different places. This temple keeps lot of importance for local people and they come regularly to worship the god here.
The Fable
The historical importance of this consecrated place takes rear to Treta Yuga and through views of some local people, the Narasimhaswami – the presiding divinity, in his terrifying aspect of ‘Vugararupa’ preferred to resolve down at this place after slaughtering Hiranyakasipu.
Ranganatha Temple
- Location: 24-km From Wanaparthy, Srirangapuram, Mahabubnagar District (Telangana)
- God Worshiped: Lord Vishnu (Ranganathaswami)
- Important Festival: In February-March for Ten Days Brahmotsava is celebrated
Ranganatha Temple stands in Srirangapuram which is 24 kms away from Wanaparthy in the District of Mahabubnagar. The people who live here, value the deity of this temple a lot which is Lord Vishnu (Ranganathaswami).
The Shrine of Ranganatha is the most important place in the village for worship. It is placed on the furlong at a distance from the village at a height and is water spread practically on most of the sides by Rangasamudram Tank. The people of this village say that it is the most important temple as one at Srirangam in the South.
People here celebrated Brahmotsavam widely the annual festival which is celebrated for continuous ten day and it occurs in the month of February – March. To celebrate this event more than 25,000 people participate in this festival which comes from all over the Telangana region and also from Kurnool. This is among the important pilgrim centers in the district. These people mostly come with their family to take the blessings of the Lord by offering flowers and sweets to the Lord.
Saneeshwara Temple
- Location: Mandapalli, East Godavari District
- God Worshiped: Saturn (Saneeshwara)
Saneeswaran Temple is sited in Rajahmundry which is around 38 kms away in a little village called Mandapalli. There is the renowned temple located which is Sri Madeswara Swami Temple, it is also commonly known as “Someshwar temple”. The god worshiped in this temple is Lord Shiva and the Linga is sanctified by Someshwar. The presiding divinities here are ‘Nageswara’ ‘Bhrameswara’, ‘Saneeswara’, and they appear in the form of black stone Shiv lingams. This is a tiny temple but attracts thousands of devotees from near and far places.
The Fable
Another story says that the sage ‘Dadhichi’ made a supreme sacrifice in donating his valuable spinal cord for the most powerful weapon of Lord Indra which was known as the “Vajrayudha” that killed number pf ghostly demons. The demons son in retaliation to the death of their father ‘Kartabha’ called ‘Pippala’ and ‘Aswartha’ founded the places of Mandapalli and brought innumerable miseries to the people living there. Saturn was approached by the Sage Agastya with all the other sages after looking at the miseries of people. The God Surya’s son was doing penance to set free them from ruination in the hands of the two demon brothers.
Saturn did not went ahead to kill the demons and wanted to wait till he finishes his prayers to gain maximum strength for the demolition, but went ahead to kill the demons when he was given ‘Tapas-Shakti’ by the sages who approached him. He then killed Pippala and Aswartha relieving the other people and sages from the oppression of demons engulfed from a long time.
People triumphant over the obliteration of these demons and praised Saturn in many words and many boons were showered on him by sage Agastya and others. As a spot of his magnificent conquest over the demons Saturn placed a “Shiva Linga” which is identified as “Mandeshwara” or “Sameswara”.
Thousand Pillar Temple
- Location: 4-km away from Hanumakonda Crossroad, Warangal District, Telangana
- Architecture style: Kakatiya Style
- Constructed by: Rudra Devi
- Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Surya
Thousand Pillar Temple is one of the famed temples cherished by thousands of people every year. It is sited in Hanamkonda crossroad and is at a distance of 4 kms from there. It lies in Warangal District. This stunning and incredible architecture is designed by Kakatiya style of Architecture that is constructed by Rudra Devi in 1163 AD. This temple has Lord Shiva, Surya and Vishnu and is worshipped by many people.
The temple is in the form of a star with the three shrines that are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Surya. The temple is constructed on a platform which is 1 m high on the slopes of Hanumakonda hill and has a royal colossal Nandi. The Black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a beautiful elegant finish.
There are number of small lingam shrines all over the gardens. The temple is popular for its richly carved pillars, detailed sculptures and screens. The atmosphere is calm and tranquil with the resonant of the puja bells, calming cool breeze and the mild tweeting of the birds. Tourists who visit this place fells blessed, refreshed and relaxed with this ambience.
Venkata Ramana Temple
- Location: Tadipatri, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh
- Dates from: 16th Century
- God Worshiped: Lord Vishnu
Venkata Ramana Temple is one of the temples that are significant in Tadipatri. It is known for both architectural importance and their sacredness. It is sited in Tadipatri in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. The god worshiped in this shrine is of Lord Vishnu.
It was constructed in around mid of 16th century and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has an impressive ‘Gopuram’ and beautiful sculptures of the by gone era of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna.
Govindaraja Swami Temple
- Location: Tirupati, District Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
- God Worshiped: Sri Govindaraja Swami
- Built by: Saint Ramanujacharya
- Important Festival: The annual Float Festival
Govindaraja Swami Temple is one of the beautiful and important temples of Tirupati. It was constructed in around 1130 AD by Saint Ramanujacharya. It is situated in the center of Tirupati in Chittor District of Andhra Pradesh. The deity worshiped in the temple is Sri Govindaraja Swami. There are many people attracted during the Float festival which is celebrated every year.
The Important Shrines
There are two important shrines in this temple. ‘Sri Govindaraja’ is in the northern shrine that is Lord Vishnu lying on ‘Ananta’. He is believed to be the Lord Venkateswara’s brother. The other important shrine consists of the deities of Arjuna and Krishna as the Charioteer (Sri Parthasarathi), ‘Satyabhama’ and ‘Rukmini (Krishna’s wife). Some of the parts inside the shrine are from 9th and 10th centuries. The main altar had Sri Parthasarathi in the original temple. The other deities were installed in around 1130 AD.
The Opening of the Temple
In 1628 there was an imposing seven stored ‘Gopuram’ (gate) built which is viewed from a distance. The first Gopuram is on the left of the entrance that is dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi. The goddess is seen to be seated on lotus, in the pose of four arms and each of the upper hands has a lotus and other two hands are in the pose of benediction (Varada) and fearlessness (Abhaya).
There is other shrine nearby which is devoted to Sri Ramanuja and ‘Kurma’ deity, Lord Vishnu in the form of tortoise is on the left side of the second entrance. These all shrines are worshiped by number of people and attract thousand of people every year. This is one of the famous temples of Andhra Pradesh.
There is annual float festival celebrated where there are numerous people taking participation. The functions and festivals are almost same to those that happen in the Sri Venkateswara temple.
Gunupudi Someshwara Temple
- Location: Bhimavaram, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh
- God Worshiped: Lord Shiva
- Importance: It is said that Shiva Lingam is Self-Manifested (Swayambhu)
Gunupudi Someshwara Temple is placed in Bhimavaram in the West Godavari of Andhra Pradesh. The Somesvara and Bhimesvara temples of Andhra Pradesh are of the most importance. In Bhimesvara, there is a Shiva Lingam which is said to be self-manifested (Swayambhu).
The ‘Pali’ language is inscribed on one of the pillars of the Mandapam. In Gunupudi, the Shiva Lingam in Somesvara temple is of 5ft and is also said to be self-manifested (Swayambhu). The Shivratri is an annual festival which is celebrated here and to enjoy this festival more than 50,000 people come from distance place. This festival is celebrated with lot of joy.
On this day people offers sweets, milk and flowers on the Shiva lingam. The food is also distributed on some place to everyone. People love to come here as they feel blessed after coming here.
Joginatha Temple
- Location: Warangal, Telangana
- God Worshiped: Mahaveer
- Temple Dated from: 2000 years
Joginatha Temple is set in Jogipet that is at a distance of around 38 kms from Medak. From so many temples in Andhra Pradesh this is one of the most worshiped temples. The crotchet of this temple is that the Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati are placed side by side in the form of symbols of Shiva (Lingams) and is without pedestal (Panivattam).
The people are pulled towards the Joginatha festival that is celebrated with lot of joy and happiness. This festival occurs in the month between March-April and it continues for 11 days. This festival pulls thousands of devotees from different parts of the state. These 11 days festival is full of people all over and is enjoyed with lot of happiness.
Manthani Temple
- Location: At a distance of 7.2 kms from Karimnagar, Manthani, Andhra Pradesh
- God Worshiped: Gauthameswara
- Similar to: Thousand Pillar temple of Warangal.
Manthani Temple is sited in Manthani city which is in Karimnagar on the banks of Godavari. It is approximately 72-km from Karimnagar. Gauthameswara is the worshiping God of the city and it is also the main temple.
The olden times and source of the temple is not known but the monuments around the temple looks alike to the thousand pillar temple of Hanamkonda in Warangal District. Kakatiya rulers may be having reconstructed the old temple at the time of their rule. The sculptures here are worth a glance.
There is a Shiva Lingam made up of black stone with an height of 1m to 1.25 m placed in the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagudi) on a beautifully carved platform on which the phallicemblem is installed (Panawatika) as in the ‘Somasutra’. Between the Garbhagudi and entrance room there is a small room in which on the inner right corner there is the idol of Lord Vigneswara installed.
In the entrance room there is a huge idol of ‘Nandi’ which is in length of 1.5 m to 2 m and height of 1 m with carved beautifully in black stone. It is been said that the Muslim invaders destroyed the ears and nose of Nandi. The celebration on the day of Shivratri is done by more than thousand people who come to worship Lord Shiva on that important day. There are three teerthams close to the temple, the ‘Rudrateertha’, the ‘Brahmateertha’ and the ‘Vishnuteertha’ which are the holy places where people take a plunge in the Godavari River. It is given lot of importance and many people who visit this place make sure to take a dip in the holy water.
Rudreshwara Temple
- Location: Warangal, Andhra Pradesh
- Constructed in: 1213 AD
- Constructed by: Kakatiya Dynasty
- Exclusive Feature: In India it is the only temple called by the Name of Sculptor who constructed it.
Rudreshwara Temple (Ramappa Temple) was constructed in 1213 AD in Warangal, Andhra Pradesh. It is a temple with stunning architecture and is constructed by Kakatiya Dynasty. The exclusive feature of this shrine is that it is the only temple recognized by the name of the Sculptor who built it. The monument inside the temple is been built by general ‘Recherla Rudra’ at the time of ‘Ganpati Deva’.
An Exclusive Feature
The exclusive feature off this temple is that in India it is the only temple which is called by the sculptor’s name who constructed it. Ramappa was the head sculptor after whom the shrine is called today and not by the deity inside the temple.
For around 200 years, Andhra Pradesh was ruled by Kakatiya Kings who were great patrons and builders of art. An eminent ruler of Kakatiya dynasty, Kakati Ganapati Deva was a great patron of learning and art and one of his best contributions is Ramappa temple to the South Indian temple architecture.
An Excellent Example of Kakatiya Architecture
This is one more excellent example of Kakatiya architecture that talks of the grandeur and splendor of the Kakatiya Kingdom. The temple is sited in a valley and is constructed with bricks which are so light that they can float on water. After numerous wars yet, the temple is so burly that it is still unbroken, incursions and natural calamities. It has several carved pillars.
The inscriptions say that there were three temples earlier named ‘Rudreshwara’ ‘Kameshwara’ and Kateshwara that are all dedicated to Lord Shiva. Now the only temple which is intact is the Rudreshwara temple. The temple is placed royally on a six feet elevated star-shaped podium that mixes marvelously with all the above structure.
The other two shrines of Shiva mentioned in the inscription side this main structure that is now in ruins. The temple is very spacious which is surrounded by a compound wall and around it there are paddy crops spread widely with dotted with toddy palms, which provide an extraordinary magnetism to the monument.
Encouraged by Hindu Mythology
The temple is beautifully sculpted from the bottom to the pillars, wall panels and ceilings where one can see the figures from Hindu mythology. Number of episodes from the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, picture of celestial is carrying several musical instruments, rows of dancers, rows of elephants and battle scenes, etc that are richly decorated, scrupulously carved and extremely polished.
Attractions Nearby
Ramappa Cheruvu Lake
There is an idyllic lake Ramappa Cheruvu is located at a distance of 1.5 kms from this temple. The lake is placed amidst the pleasing wooded hills. The landscape looks pleasant, natural, alluring and fascinating. The lake is spread over an area of around 24 sq kms.
Veeranarayana Temple
- Location: Warangal
- Architecture Style: Chalukyan style
- Built in: Around 11104 AD
Veeranarayana Temple is an attractive temple with the style of Chalukyan architecture. It is said to be built in around 1104 AD. It is located in Warangal District.
Considering the details of the architecture it is said that initially it was a Jain temple which was later converted into a Vaishnava place of worship. The beauty of temple looks more beautiful with the stunning architecture.
Anjaneya Swamy Temple
- Location: Kasapuram in Gooty Taluka of Anantapur District.
- Unique Element: People from Muslim religion also visit this place.
- God Worshiped here: Nettikanti Anjaneya Swamy.
Anjaneya Swami Temple is situated in Kasapuram, Gooty Taluk of Anantapur district. The temple is many pilgrims coming from different parts of Kurnool, Anantapur and Bellary districts. On Saturdays people usually come to worship this god.
In this place of pilgrimage, in frontal of the god there are tonsure and marriage ceremonies executed. This temple is very famous here and the most amazing part of this temple is that people of Muslim religion also visit here with lot of respect. This has been the unique feature of this place and has attracted many people.
This temple is luxuriantly gifted with landed possessions. The local ritual connected the fixing of the god in the shrine with ‘Sri Vyasaraja Swami’ of Seshahali in Mysore. The unusual part of this place is that even people of Muslim religion visit this place with lot of offerings. There is a festival celebrated every year on the next day of Ugadi where a big parade is taken out. Many people participate in this parade and is celebrated with lot of joy and people give sweets and many things as offerings.
Thimmamma Marrimanu
- Region: Andhra Pradesh district Anantapur, from the Kadiri about thirty five kilometers.
- Got Name: Thimmamma
- Popular For: Highest Banyan tree
Thimmamma Marrimanu pilgrimage is another popular religious place of Andhra Pradesh; from the Kadiri village the distance of this pilgrimage is about thirty five kilometers. This place is also popular because of the banyan tree. Locally this tree is known as Thimmamma Marrimanu. This tree is highest tree in the South India. This Banyan tree’s branches are very large; they are spread till the five acres area. This got the name from the pilgrimage, because it is an identity of this village in front numbers of people. This tree is a pride of this country, because as per the record Marrimanu is a highest tree, this world record which has been recorded in the 1989 into Guinness book of World Record.
This tiny shrine is committed to the Thimmamma, comes below the tree. As per the legends, this shrine is prove, which showcases the Setti Balijia, she was a daughter of Mangamma & Sennakka Venkatappa. In the year of 1394, she was born. To the Bala Veerayya she got married. In 1434, her husband was died and she did suicide and became Sati. People say that the place where Banyan tree is located, that spot is funeral pyre of that great woman. There is belief that if any lady does not have child, if she worship the Thimmamma, she will get the kid in the coming year. On the day of the Shivaratri, the huge Jatara held at this place, around 1000 pilgrims do visit to this pilgrimage.
How to Visit
You reach here by traveling from the Puttaparthi or Anantapur, and you will reach at Kadiri village. There is bus facility from the Kadiri village to Gutibayalu.
Ashta Lakshmi Temple
- Location: Outlying area of Hyderabad
- Unique Element: Goddess Lakshmi can be seen in all her Eight Incredible forms.
- Architect: Ganapati Sthapathi
Ashta Lakshmi Temple is a stunning temple built in admiration of Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. This temple is placed on the outskirts of the city of Hyderabad. This temple has number of devotees worshiping the goddess as she brings contentment, prosperity and relief.
The most vital part of this temple is the devotees can view all the eight incredible forms of Goddess Lakshmi. Ganapati Sthapathi is the person who has done beautiful architecture of this building which was consecrated in around April 1996.
The cost to build this temple was more than Rs.10 million to make the way it looks now and it took around five year to complete this remarkable building. If one looks this temple from a distance then it seems to be made up of marble.
The architecture and design of this temple is to be influenced from one of the temples in Chennai. The beautiful idols of ‘Sriman Narayan’, ‘Ashta Lakshmi’ ‘Sri Garuda’ and ‘Sri Ganpati’ was designed by Subbiah Sthapathi.
Eight Incredible Forms
Devotees come here specially to view the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi placed in the temple. The eight forms of the Goddess are ‘Aishwarya Lakshmi’, ‘Adi Lakshmi’, ‘Santana Lakshmi’, ‘Dhanya Lakshmi’, ‘Dhana Lakshmi’, ‘Vijaya Lakshmi’, ‘Gaja Lakshmi’, and ‘Vara Lakshmi’. These idols are always decorated with the gold and necklace and other gold necklaces.
Bhadrakali Temple
- Location: Between Warangal and Hanamkonda
- God Worshiped: Goddess Kali
- Popular for: The stone picture of the Goddess Kali
Bhadrakali Temple is one of the beautiful temples situated between Warangal and Hanamkonda. The people here worship the Goddess Kali. The main attraction of this temple is the amazing stone image of the Goddess Kali.
The temple sited on a hill top, Bhadrakali temple is known for the stone picture of Goddess Kali. People are blessed by viewing the image of Goddess Kali with the eight arms and weapons carried in each hand.
Chennakesava Temple
- Location: Pattikonda, District Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh
- Popular for: Superb Architecture
- Architectural Style: Vesara
Chennakesava Temple is an ancient temple popular for its amazing architecture. It is situated in a little village of Pattikonda Taluka of district Anantapur. The architectural style used to built this beautiful building is ‘Vesara’ and it other parts like ‘Antarala’, ‘Garbhagriha’, ‘Pradakshinapatha’ and ‘Mukhamandap’ are huge and has a powerful ‘Mahdwara’ and ‘Pakara’ surmounting an splendid tower.
There is tremendously gorgeous picture of ‘Mulavirat Channakesavaswami’ that is made up of black granite. The Parivara Devatas ‘ placed in corners too are best illustrations of fine carving. It exposes an architectural wonder that is unique and most applaudable as attested by the contemplation of the image of ‘Vimana’ on the base of the hall, when light is allowed in through a hole of the master door, on closing all the doors. The people who are miracle-lovers and art-lovers come to this temple to view this unusual feature.
The festival that occurs periodically attracts number of devotees from near and far places.
Gudimallam
- Region: District Chittoor, Tirupati’s eastern side about thirty kilometers
- Architecture: Pallava
- Dedicated to: Parasurameswara
This pilgrimage of Andhra Pradesh state is located over the Swarnamukhi River’s south bank, it is close to Papanaidupet. This pilgrimage is situated about thirty kilometers on the eastern side of the Tirupati. Your journey would be very much pleasant and beautiful, while passing the road via greenery fields and small villages. This pilgrimage village is very historical but still it is having delightful Parasurameswara temple. There is believed that this temple has been constructed by the Pallavas. Gudimallam temple contains the attractive and holy lingam, the height of this lingam is about 1.5 high.
It also has idol of Lord Shiva, which has been carved into the ray. Within the major field, you will get to see the tiny temple, this temple contains Surya Deva idol, which is very beautiful and attractive. Reaching at this pilgrimage is very much easy. The closest railway station of Gudimallam is Tirupati. From Tirupati to Gudimallam the distance is about thirty kilometers. You can use bus service for local journey. You will get the accommodation facility at Tirupati.
- Also Read: Popular Fair & Festivals of Andhra Pradesh
