Lepakshi
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Lepakshi
is a small village, which lies 15-km east of Hindupur in Anantapur District of
Andhra Pradesh. It is the most important place in the district from the
historical and archaeological point of view. A trip to Lepakshi is revitalising
for those who believe in heritage sites, for those who marvel at the art of our
ancestors, and those willing to get away from the routine multiple-destination
tourist routes. The place is renowned as the repository of the best mural
paintings of the Vijayanagar Kings. Lepakshi consists of three shrines
dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and 'Virabhadra'. On one of the hillocks near the
place is known as "Kurma Saila" (tortoise shaped hill), are located the temples
of 'Papanatheswara', 'Raghunatha', 'Srirama', 'Veerabhadra' and 'Durga', of
which the Veerabharadra temple is the most important. |
Konda Reddy Buruju
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Located
in the heart of Kurnool & believed to be built by the Rajas of
Vijayanagaram, Konda Reddy Buruju was a part of Kurnool fort & was used as
a prison. One revolutionary Konda Reddy attained martyrdom in this prison.
Since then the place is known as Konda Reddy Buruju. Other interesting places
to see in & around Kurnool are the Gol Gumbaz, Church, Shirdi Sai Baba
temple and Jagannatha Gutta. |
Veerabhadra temple
Veerabhadra
temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagar style of architecture. A
reference is made in the 'Skandapurana' to Lepakshi as one of the hundred and
eight important 'Shaiva Kshetras' (shrines). Though the temple of Veerabhadra
is claimed to have been constructed by Saint 'Agastya' himself, it was
developed into the present exquisite shrine by 'Virupanna', the treasurer of
the Vijayanagar Kings.He conceived the idea as he found the image of
Veerabhadra He executed the plan in the absence of the king and used the
treasure when he was away at Vijayanagar. When the construction was almost
finished and it was being supervised the king returned and found the treasure
empty. The king ordered, as a punishment to this heinous crime, that he should
be blinded. The treasurer being a loyal person carried out the punishment spot
with his own bands. Even today one can see two dark stains upon the wall near
the 'Kalyana Mandapa', which are said to be the marks made by his eyes, which
he himself dashed against the wall. The builder did not survive for a long time
and the village is called "Lepa-akshi Lepakshi", i.e., a village of the blinded
eye. The temple is divided into three parts - the 'Mukha Mandapa', (also called
'Nitya Mandapa' or 'Ranga Mandapa'), the 'Artha Mandapa' and 'Garbha Griha',
and the 'Kalyana Mandapa', with 38 carved monolithic pillars in grey sandstone
is unfinished. These three form a triangle with a common Mandapam. As per local
legend Lord Shiva and Parvati were married on the spot where the Kalyana
Mandapa stands. The temple is surrounded on all sides by an outer enclosure. A
second inner enclosure contains the main portion of the temple. Its finest
parts are the 'Natya' (Dancing) and 'Ardha' (worship) Mandapas. The former is
decorated with superbly sculptured pillars on, which are carved life-size
representations of musicians and dancers in various poses displaying spirit and
vigour. The Kalyana Mandapam is a standing monument to the exuberance of
Vijayanagar art but it is left unfinished. The best specimens of the
Vijayanagar style of sculpture and mural paintings are found in the Natya and
Kalyana Mandapams (dance and wedding halls). These sculptures depict puranic
episodes like those of 'Ananthasayana', 'Dattatreya', 'Chaturmukha Bramha',
'Tumburu', 'Narada' and 'Rambha'.
Tadipatri
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It
is Located at a distance of 90kms, from Ananthapur Tadipatri has many religious
monuments of interest located in and around the town. In the heart of the town
is the Chintala Venkataramana Temple with its lofty gopura At a distance of
1km, from the town, overlooking the Pennar river is the Bugga Ramalingeshwara
Temple, remarkable for a lingam on a pedestal, constantly filled with water
from a small spring |
Penna Ahobilam
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It
is Located at a distance of 90kms, from Ananthapur Tadipatri has many religious
monuments of interest located in and around the town. In the heart of the town
is the Chintala Venkataramana Temple with its lofty gopura At a distance of
1km, from the town, overlooking the Pennar river is the Bugga Ramalingeshwara
Temple, remarkable for a lingam on a pedestal, constantly filled with water
from a small spring |
Thimmamma Marrimanu
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Located
about 35 kms from Kadiri, and 100 kms from Anantapur, it is famous as it has a
banyan tree, which is locally called as "Thimmamma Marrimanu''. It is regarded
as the biggest of its kind in South India. It's branches spreads over nearly 5
acres. It is named after 'Thimmamma' who was considered to be the
representative of the Almighty. To the pride of India, the "Marrimanu" was
recorded as the biggest tree in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989 A
small temple dedicated to Thimmamma lies under the tree. An account of this
lady in Telugu kept at the shrine reveals that she was the daughter of a Setti
Balija couple Sennakka Venkatappa and Mangamma, born in AD 1394. She was
married to a Bala Veerayya who died in 1434, and Thimmamma committed 'Sati' The
banyan tree is believed to have sprouted at the place where she ascended the
funeral pyre. The people of this area strongly believe that if a childless
couple worship "Thimmamma" they will have a child the very next year. A big
'Jatara' is conducted here on the day of "Shivaratri" when thousands and
thousands of people flock here to worship 'Thimmamma' on this occasion |
Horseley Hills
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Horseley Hills is one of the prestigious Tourist locales in Andhra Pradesh. It
offers relief from the humdrum of daily lives to the visitors by its rare and
exquisite beauty. The magnificent scene of the Horseley Hills is soothing to
the eye and relaxing to the mind. The name Horseley comes from the renowned
collector named W.D Horseley who used to stay in this region. Horseley Hills
had been his summer residence. The verdant Eucalyptus lines up the way to the Horseley Hills; the
natural beauty of this Hill Station is beyond compare. The sweet fragrances of
the Sampagni Flower entertain visitors all along their way to Horseley Hills.
This region is mostly inhabited by the Chenchu Tribes. They rear Pungannur Cows
for their high milk yielding capacity and milk yielded by these cows are
beneficial for their high protein content. Sightseeing (Kaundinya Wild Life
Sanctuary) in Horseley Hills in Andhra Pradesh. Kaundinya Wild Life Sanctuary
is located 87 kilometers from the Horseley Hills and animals like Wild Boar,
Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Panther, Jungle Fowl and Porcupine are the natural
inhabitants here. The main flora at the sanctuary includes Ficus Tomentosa,
Ficus Bengalensis and Bamboo. There are other types of animals like Mouse Deer,
Sambhar, Four Horned Antelope, Pea Fowls and Elephants are also found in the
Horseley Hill Sanctuary. These animals are rare and offer a natural view to the
one who had been long in a city pent. The Horseley Hills are located at a
distance of 1, 265 meters from the sea level. Situated 270 kilometers from Chennai, Horseley Hills can
also be accessed from Bangalore as well. The approximate time duration of the
tour is approximately 6 hours. The stopover at Madnapalli makes the ride to
Horseley Hills smooth and cool, offering relaxation to the visitor. The fuel
stations at Hoskote and Madnapalli ensure a good rest for vehicles. |
ArdhaGiri Veeranjaneya Swami
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Located
in Argonda (Meaning Half hill) village, Tavanam Palli Mandal of Chittor
District this temple has Veeranjaneya Swami as presiding deity. Lord Hanuman is
here believed to bless devotees with long life, health and prosperity. Sthala
Puranam In tretayuga when the war was going on between Rama and Ravana,
Lakshmana looses consciousness in the hands if Indrajeet. It is said that when
Hanuman was bringing Sanjeevani Hill for Lakshmana, Half of the hill fell down
here. so the place is called Arakonda or Half hill in telugu |
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Sanjeevaraya
Pushkarini (Lake), which is formed naturally here, is believed to posses
medicinal powers of the herbs of Sanjeevani mountain. Historical evidence
exists that Veeranjaneya Swami temple was constructed by Chola Kings. Devotees
strongly believe that if one comes here and prays to the Pavana Putra Hanuman
and drinks water from Sanjeevaraya pushkarini(lake) any kind of disease will be
cured. This temple is located 10kms from kanipakam and 20 kms from Chittoor. |
Sri Kadiri Laxmi Narayana Temple
Narashimha
Swami temple is located to the west of the town and is a popular place of
pilgrimage attracting devotees even from neighbouring districts. The epics say
that 'Narashimha Swami' is one of the ten avataras of Lord Vishnu. This Vishnu
temple appears to have been constructed by one 'Ranganayudu', a Palegar of
Patharlapattanam Several scenes from 'Ramayana' are painted on the ceiling of
the 'Rangamantapa' and several frescos on that of the Lakshmi mantapa depicting
scenes from the 'Bhagavata'. Unfortunately the murals have lost their freshness
and are fading. Many inscriptions on the temple mostly mention the gifts given
by kings to the temple The legendary significance of this sacred shrine dates
back to Trethayuga, and according to local version, the presiding deity -
Narasimhaswami in His terrific aspect - 'Vugrarupa' chose to settle down here
after killing Hiranyakasipu It is said that devotees who offer prayers here get
relieved of their sorrows, sufferings and sins. There are several sacred
thirthas connected to the temple that are a worth visiting. Special poojas are
performed during Dassera and Sankranti
Belum Caves
Located
125 Kms from Kurnool, it is well connected by road. Made known in 1982 by
a team of European speleologists led by Mr Gebaner, Belum Caves are the second
largest natural caves in Indian Sub-continent after Meghalaya Caves. These
underground caves are located on a flat agricultural field, have 3 well like
cavities with the central one being the main entrance to the caves. After a
descent of 20 meters at the entrance, the cave is horizontal & has a length
of 3229 meters. Longer than Borra Caves in Vishakapatnam district, Belum Caves
have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons. All
this makes Belum Caves a geological & archaeological attraction worldwide.
Yaganti
Located
90 Kms from Kurnool, it is well connected by frequently plying buses. It
is well-known for the temple of Uma Maheshwar, built in the 15 th century,
which has a magnificent Gopura at the entrance and a pond surrounded by
animated friezes of court and mythological scenes carved on stone. Other places
of interest include a huge Nandiswara; Agasthya Pushkarini; and scenic natural
caves. In the vicinity are the Garimi Reddy Gari Achchamma Mutt; Kasaiah Thota;
Kotturi Subramanya Swamy Temple; Nandavaram Chandeswari Devi Temple; and
Ravvalakonda.
Alampur
Located
15 Kms from Kurnool. Alampur, also known as the Dakshina Kailash, is
located on the banks of River Tungabhadra. The nine temples or 'Nava Brahma
Temples were built by Chalukyas of Badami. The main deity here is of Lord
Shiva. It is also famous for a Dargah of a peer, Shah Ali Pehelwan, located
within the temple complex. Both Hindus & Muslims offer their prayers at
this dargah. Yet another important temple is the Sangameshwara Temple built on
the confluence of Rivers Tungabhadra and Krishna.
Gadwal
Situated
150 Kms from Hyderabad and 40 kms from Kurnool, it is well connected by road
and regular bus service. Gadwal is internationally renowned for its
beautiful saries. While the body of these sarees is in cotton, the border and
pallu are in silk. Adorned with rich traditional designs, the sarees are
available in several colors. While in Gadwal do visit the Chenna Keshava
Temple. Legend has that 'Chenna Keshava' a Brahmin was offered as sacrifice by
the then ruler to build the fort. In recognition of this the temple was named
after the Brahmin as Chenna Keshava Temple.
Other Important Places
Doddeswara
Temple: Doddeswara temple is considered as
one of the fine examples of temple architecture of India. The pillars in the
temple are examples of clean base mouldings. At Tiruvadi one can see even now
the 44 pillars, which were taken away by the Chola monarch from Hemavati, to
decorate the temple
Sidhdheshwaraswami Temple:
This temple is located in the
northwest part of Hemavati village. It is famous as Lord Shiva in this temple
is not represented in the usual form of Linga, but his figure has been carved
out in a sitting posture as if engaged in penance. The temple exhibits carvings
of good workmanship
Chintalarayaswai Temple:
The shrine 'Chintala
Tiruvengalanathaswami' locally known as "Chintalarayaswami" was constructed
during the reign of Pemmasani Thimmanaidu and is named after the idol of
Vishnu, which is believed to have emerged from a tamarind tree. Erra Thimma
Naidu, another chief spent large sums of money in beautifying the ceiling of
the temple with paintings
Ramalingeswara temple:
Ramalingeswara temple is named after
Pemmasani Ramalinga Naidu. Local legends state that at the very same spot where
the temple stands, sage Parasurama lived and performed penance. The car
festival is celebrated annually over hereon Shivaratri day (February-March)
Rameswaraswami Temple:
This temple dates back to the 15th
century Vijayanagar Empire. The architecture of the temple shows a mixture of
Chalukyan, Chola and Vijayanagar art. The 'gopuram' although unfinished has the
most elaborate sculpture, cut with richness and sharpness
Ramaswami And Isvara Temples:
These temples are preserved under the
Ancient Monument Act. There are carvings of scenes from Ramayana and
Mahabharata on the walls of these temples mostly after the Vijayanagara style.
These temples attract large number of pilgrims during Srirama Navami and
Duserra (also spelt as Dusshera) festivals.
Atmakur:
It is located about 16 miles west of Anantapur on the Anantapur-Kalyandurg
road. Adjacent to the village on the hill is the temple dedicated to Sri
Narashimha locally known as Mala Obulesuswami whose car festival is held
annually and which is also famous locally. Atmakur is also known for its Sheep
and Wool Extension Centre where the Bikaner breed of sheep is bred
Bhyravani Thippa:
It is situated 28 miles from Kalyandurg and is named after Bhairava whose
temple lies on the hillock nearby. This village became significant because of
the Bhairavanitippa Project, which harnesses the waters of 'Hagari'
('Vedavati')
Chitrachedu: Chitrachedu lies at a distance of 9 miles from Pamadi on the northern bank of
Penneru. It has become famous, as there is a stone image of Hanuman, hewn out
of a rock more than 25 feet in height, carrying Rama, Lakshmana and Sita on his
shoulders with Inderjeet in between his feet. It is reputed to be the biggest
of the idols of Hanuman in the district. It is locally known as "Kotakonda
Hanumantharayadu"
Enumaladoddi: This is a village located 12 miles south of Kalyandurg and is well situated
amidst hills. Enumaladoddi is having an Ashram dedicated to a saint of the Sri
Radhaswamy faith. The 'Teppalamma Banda' (a stone), situated to the south of
the ashram is visited by devotees praying for progeny and also for performing
tonsure ceremonies. Another interesting feature of this small town is the
existence of a "floating island". It is a small irregular shaped island on
earth. Some ten yards across at its widest part, which lies in and nearly fills
up, a hollow in the rock of which the hillock consists.
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