The newly-constructed Jogulamba temple at Alampur.
ALAMPUR, FEB. 27. Jogulamba Devi temple at Alampur, one of the 18 Sakti peethams in Indian sub-continent, including Sankari Devi temple in Sri Lanka, has been reconstructed after 615 years. According to historical sources, the temple was razed to the ground during Muslim invasion in 1390 AD. The local people put up a fierce resistance and killed the invaders and moved the main idol to the nearby Balabrahmeswara temple. Since then, the idol had been worshipped in the secluded place in the temple.
Alampur, 20 km from Kurnool, which is known as `Dakshin Kasi' flourished as spiritual and education centre in ancient times.
The Chalukyas of Badami, mainly by the initiative of Pulakesin-II put up a number of temples in and around Alampur in the 7th and 8th centuries. At Alampur alone, Chalukyas built nine temples devoted to Navabrahmeswara and Jogulamba.
Of them, eight magnificent temples of Navabrahmeswara survived but the temple of Tarakabrahma could not be traced.
The Jogulamba temple was reconstructed at the same place where it stood. The temple was rebuilt in the same way it was described in the `Rasaratnakaram' of Nityanatha Sidha of 12th century AD. Sankaracharya was believed to have installed `Sri Chakra' at Jogulamba temple, which is not available now.
Since the Alampur temple complex was declared a heritage site, the supporters of Jogulamba temple had a difficult time to convince the Archaeological Survey of India and the State Government to revive the temple.
Fund mobilisation
The temple was designed to match the Chalukyan architecture so that the new temple would fit into the group of temples.
The Endowments Department, led by the former Commissioner, Ajay Kallam, took initiative to raise funds for reconstruction of the temple. The temples across the country donated money for the temple while Srisailam Devastanam adopted it to ensure uninterrupted rituals.
Giving the reasons for failure to revive the temple in the last 600 years, Sanskrit scholar, historian and epigraphist, Gadiyaram Ramakrishna Sarma, has analysed that political uncertainty prevailed during the medieval age delayed the reconstruction of the temple.
ALAMPUR --- JOGULAMBA
Alampur that has etched its name in letters of gold in the temple history of India, offers many unique which the kalachakra cannot stamp out with all her might, try however, much. The Navabrahma temples, bathing ghats, numerous shrines for almost all gods of the Hindu Pantheon together With temples for Yellamma and Bhudevi are only a few standing as testimony of its former glory. Among them, the Jogulamba temple merits first mention since Rasasiddheswar of kasi was bidden by his mother to trek down to south and begin building of temples with the blessings of Brahma and Jogulamba. He did. And raised the glory of this kshetra to its summit.
This shrine is deemed one of the eighteen Sakti-peethas consecrated by the Mother Sati's organ on being cut by Sudarsan Chakra of Lord Mahavishnu, when her corpse was carried on shoulder by Maheswar to avert annihilation of the whole worlds. According to sthalapurana, her august icon was originally installed in the Balabrahmeswar shrine. This temple has several exquisite pieces of superb sculpture signifying the royal bounty it received in the past. The saptamatruka deities sculptured on one single stone is a standing specimen of the sculptors' fine artistry. And there are many others too. During its heyday, it lured a steady influx of devout bhaktas and lifted them to their contentment. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this holy shrinee and offered prayers.
It is accessible by bus and train from Kurnool, the district headquarter town of Andhra Pradesh.
HARAPPA
Harappa Environment
During this period, the climate of the region was moist with humid land; dense forests grew where animals like tiger, elephants and rhinoceros roamed. The forests provided timber for brick kilns, which supplied bricks to the cities.
Date of Harappan Culture
This civilization belonged to the Chalcolithic period. In this age, a new metal called bronze by mixing tin and copper came to be produced. It was harder and better suited to meet the needs of the people. The better tools led to intensive cultivation. Iron was not known to the Indus Valley people. According to Sir John Marshall, the Hindus Valley Civilization may be dated between 3250 B.C. arid 2750 B.C.
Extent
The Harappan culture spread to Sindh, Gujarat. Undivided Punjab (including Harayana), Jammu, Western parts of Uttar Pradesh and Northern parts of Rajasthan (Kalibangan). The remains found in these places are similar to those found in Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
Contacts with other civilizations in Harappa
The indus Vafley people had overseas trade contacts with Sumeria, Babylonia and Egypt, Thus India ranks with the ancient Western cultures of Burner, Akkad, Babylon, Egypt and Assyria.
Planned Cities in Harappa
Mohenjo and Harappa were the planned cities. They were the two biggest cities, 600 km apart. They had similar planning, layout and technique in construction. They were probably the twin capitals. Mohenjo-daro, means ‘the mound of the dead’. The city of Mohenjo-dato could be divided into three parts-the Citadel, the lower town arid the small huts on the outer limits of the city.
The Citadel in Harappa
It was the raised part of the city. It has often been described as a fort or administrative block. People might have lived here. The ruling classes included priests and wealthy merchants. The citadel had massive walls. Those walls provided protection against the floods of the Indus river. The citadel consisted of important buildings like the Granary and the Assembly or Town Halls, We also come across the Great Bath here.
The Great Bath
it was situated in the citadel, it measures 1.88 meters X 7.01 meters and is 2.43 meters deep. It had two flights or steps on oTher side, It was made of burnt bricks and mortar, it was provided with two openings one at the top (to let in water) and the other a the bottom (used as an outlet), The idea was to clean the Bath periodically. 1”here were small rooms around tile Bath. They were probably used as dress changing rooms. One of the rooms contained a big well.
The Granary in harappa
In Mohenjo-daro the arqost building is the Granary. It s 45,71 meters long and 15.23 meters wide. In Harappa there were 6 granaries. To the sooth of the granaries, there were circular brick platforms. They were meant for threshing grain.
Town Hall in Harappa
The Town Hall is an imposing structure with 69 meters long arid 23.4 meters wide. The thickness of the walls varied from 1.2 to 1.5 meters. lt might have been used as an administrative block, an assembly hall, a prayer hall, or as a hall for cultural shows.
Lower Town in Harappa
Below the citadel laid a lower town. It was inhabited by petty merchants and craftsmen. This town was divided into rectangular blocks by wide roads. The roads run from north to south and east to west. These roads cut each other at right angles. Here, the remains of brick houses can be seen. The drainage system is praiseworthy. Provision was made for street lighting.
Harappan Houses
The houses were one or two storey high. All the houses were made of baked bricks of uniform size. Every house had two or more rooms, a bath-room, a kitchen and a courtyard. The houses were also provided with doors and small windows The grinding stones were found close to the hearth
Drainage System in Harappa
The kitchen and the bathroom had drains leading out. The main drain was running alongside the main roads. The drains were lined with bricks. Most of them were covered. There were flights of steps leading to drains. The drains were cleaned periodically.
Occupations of the people in Harappa
The Indus people were farmers, weavers, potters, metal workers, toy makers, jewelers, stone cutters and traders Agriculture was the most important occupation In the fertile soils, farmers cultivated two crops a year They were the first who had grown paddy They knew different methods of irrigation. They used ploughs and sickles Pottery was a popular industry. They were skilled in the use of potter’s wheel.
Animal Husbandry in Harappa
The Indus people had domesticated a number of animals such as oxen, buffaloes, goats, sheep, pigs, asses and camels.
Spinning and Weaving in Harappa
The Indus people were skilled in the art of spinning and weaving. They manufactured woollen cloth from sheep and goats’ hair.
Toy-making and sculptures in Harappa
Manufacture of terracotta (burnt clay) was a major industry of the people. The figures of toys, animals and figurines were manufactured. A miniature toy-cart with a driver pulled by oxen is praiseworthy. Figures of animals such as sacred bull and dove were discovered. The figures of Mother Goddesses were used for religious purposes
Seal-making in Harappa
A large number of seals numbering more than 2000 have been discovered. They carry short inscriptions with carved pictures of animals. The seals were made of terracotta or satellite. They were used for trade. They have provided lot of information about the daily life of the people, their religion, occupations, customs and trade.
Building Industry in Harappa
In building industry, large number of people were employed Manufacture of bricks was an important industry. The bricks were more or less of an uniform size.
Trade in Harappa
The lndus people had engaged themselves in internal and foreign trade The Mesopotamian seals were found in Indus cities and the Indus seals were found in Mesopotamia. Remains of dockyard have been discovered at Lethal in Gujarat. In this dockyard, the ships might have been loaded and unloaded. Thus, the Hindus people were familiar with ships. The merchants were prosperous and lived lavishly. They used sticks with marks to measure articles. They also used various kinds of weights and measures.
Political Organization in Harappa
The city was well administered by a class of wealthy merchants and priests. There was some kind of municipal organization It took care of sanitation and regulated trade. It collected taxes in the form of grains and also maintained law and order in the city
Social Life in Harappa
There were three social groups. The first group or the ruling class lived in the citadel It comprised of wealthy merchants and the high priests. They second group consisted of petty merchants, artisans arid craftsmen. The laborers belonged to the third group and lived in small huts. Generally speaking, the social organization was more definite
Life of the People in Harappa
The Indus people led prosperous life. They had more time for leisure. There was a very big improvement in their food habits, dress and amusements.
Food in Harappa
Wheat and barley were the staple food of the people. Besides these, they consumed milk, meat, fish, fruits and dates.
Dress and Ornaments in Harappa
The women wore a short skirt. It. was held at the waist with a girdle. The men wore a long, loose unstitched garment Women wore necklaces bangles, bracelets, earrings and waist bands. These were made of gold and silver, bone, stone, ivory and she! Men had also adorned themselves with ornaments like armlets. The rich wore gold and silver jewelry. The poor used shell, copper and silver ornaments. The women combed their hair.
Indus Script in Harappa
Indus Script Most of the inscriptions were engraved on seals They contain only a few words They developed picture writing (Pictographs,,). Altogether about 250 to 400 pictographs were discovered. It is interesting to note that the Indus script has not yet been deciphered.
Religious Life in Harappa
The Papal tree was used as a religious symbol. They worshipped Pasupathi (Siva) and Mother Goddess Mother Goddess represented fertility. There are no temple structures among the remains. The Indus people believed in life after death. They buried their dead in huge earthen pots along with food and ornaments. The articles used by them in then’ daily life were also kept in those pots.
Decline of the Indus Civilization
The Indus Civilization was at its peak for about 500 years They lived in the same kind of houses, used the same tools and ate the same food. The city (Mohenjo-daro) was destroyed for a number of times and it was built again and again. The exact causes for the destruction of this great civilization are not known. The cities might have been destroyed by natural disasters like earthquakes, floods or a change in the course of the Indus. The cities declined owing to Aryan invasions also. Deforestation was another cause for the destruction of this civilization
HORSLEY HILLES
Hill Stations in India
Introduction (Horsley Hills)
Horsley HillsHorsley Hills , the famous hill Station in Andhra Pradesh is 144 km from Tirupati. It is named after W.D. Horsley, the Collector of Cuddapah district, who chose this spot for his summer residence. Situated at an altitude of 1,265 m. The shady slopes are wooded with luxurious vegetation.The journey to Horsley Hills is exciting as one gets to see thick verdure of various species of plants and wild animals. Covering the entire stretch of narrow road are dense growth of Eucalyptus, Jacaranda, Allamanda, Gulmohar and many other species. The natural beauty of the Horsley Hills is indeed irresistible. The Horsley Hills have been a popular refuge for the sun-scorched souls since long. The Chenchu tribes largely inhabit the Horsley Hills that are so rich in flora and fauna.
Sightseeing
In Horsley Hills one can experienced the Fragrance spread through Sampangi flower on the slopes of Horsely Hills. In forest area one can witness a wide variety of flower like Reeta, Shikakai, Amla, Beedi leaves, Bay leaves, Sandalwood, Red sanders, Blue gum, Mahogany to Bamboo. there are aminals like bears ,wild dogs , jungle fowl etc.
Rishi Valley School is also a touristic spot at horsely Hills, this school is run by Jiddu Krishnamurthy foundation.The Mallamma temple is another major tourist attraction at Horsley Hills that is worth visiting. The Chenchu tribes who inhabit the Horsley Hills keep the renowned Pungannur cows. The Pungannur cows are known for their milk yielding capacity and low appetite.
Excursions
Kaundinya wild life sanctuary
Kaundinya Kaundinya wildlife sanctuary is 87 km from Horsley Hills one may plan an excursion to the Kaundinya wild life sanctuary. At the Kaundiya Wild life sanctuary one may spot the Cheetal, Four horned Antelope, Sambhar, Mouse Deer, Hare, Porcupine, Wild boar, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Panther, Jungle Fowl, Pea Fowls and Elephants. The Sanctuary is rich in flora too and boasts of Albizia Amara, Ficus Religiosa, Ficus Tomentosa, Ficus Bengalensis and Bamboo, Santalum Album etc.
Horsley Hills (Best Seasons)
The Horsley Hills have a delightful cool climate. The hills abound with rich flora and fauna. It is a charming little hill station at an altitude of 1,265 metres above sea level and forms the most elevated table land in the south of Andhra Pradesh. This is the coolest place and is a summer resort.
Location
The hill resort of Horsley Hills stands at an altitude of 1,265 meters above sea level on the southwest border of Andhra Pradesh.
How to get There
By Air
The airports at Tirupati and Bangalore at a distance of 160 km and 165 km respectively cater to the air travel to Horsley Hills.
By Rail
The railhead at Madanapalle Road is the nearest to the Horsley Hills. From the Madanapalle Road station Madanapalle is at a distance of 13 km and Horsley Hills 43-km.
By Road
State transport buses of Andhra Pradesh and taxis ply to the hill resort of Horsley Hills. There are daily buses to Horsley Hills from Madanapalle and Tirupati.
Accommodation
Accommodation is easily available in Horsley Hills at the A.P. Tourism's Governors' Bungalow, and in Chittoor Cooperative Society guest house.
Introduction (Horsley Hills)
Horsley HillsHorsley Hills , the famous hill Station in Andhra Pradesh is 144 km from Tirupati. It is named after W.D. Horsley, the Collector of Cuddapah district, who chose this spot for his summer residence. Situated at an altitude of 1,265 m. The shady slopes are wooded with luxurious vegetation.The journey to Horsley Hills is exciting as one gets to see thick verdure of various species of plants and wild animals. Covering the entire stretch of narrow road are dense growth of Eucalyptus, Jacaranda, Allamanda, Gulmohar and many other species. The natural beauty of the Horsley Hills is indeed irresistible. The Horsley Hills have been a popular refuge for the sun-scorched souls since long. The Chenchu tribes largely inhabit the Horsley Hills that are so rich in flora and fauna.
Sightseeing
In Horsley Hills one can experienced the Fragrance spread through Sampangi flower on the slopes of Horsely Hills. In forest area one can witness a wide variety of flower like Reeta, Shikakai, Amla, Beedi leaves, Bay leaves, Sandalwood, Red sanders, Blue gum, Mahogany to Bamboo. there are aminals like bears ,wild dogs , jungle fowl etc.
Rishi Valley School is also a touristic spot at horsely Hills, this school is run by Jiddu Krishnamurthy foundation.The Mallamma temple is another major tourist attraction at Horsley Hills that is worth visiting. The Chenchu tribes who inhabit the Horsley Hills keep the renowned Pungannur cows. The Pungannur cows are known for their milk yielding capacity and low appetite.
Excursions
Kaundinya wild life sanctuary
Kaundinya Kaundinya wildlife sanctuary is 87 km from Horsley Hills one may plan an excursion to the Kaundinya wild life sanctuary. At the Kaundiya Wild life sanctuary one may spot the Cheetal, Four horned Antelope, Sambhar, Mouse Deer, Hare, Porcupine, Wild boar, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Panther, Jungle Fowl, Pea Fowls and Elephants. The Sanctuary is rich in flora too and boasts of Albizia Amara, Ficus Religiosa, Ficus Tomentosa, Ficus Bengalensis and Bamboo, Santalum Album etc.
Horsley Hills (Best Seasons)
The Horsley Hills have a delightful cool climate. The hills abound with rich flora and fauna. It is a charming little hill station at an altitude of 1,265 metres above sea level and forms the most elevated table land in the south of Andhra Pradesh. This is the coolest place and is a summer resort.
Location
The hill resort of Horsley Hills stands at an altitude of 1,265 meters above sea level on the southwest border of Andhra Pradesh.
How to get There
By Air
The airports at Tirupati and Bangalore at a distance of 160 km and 165 km respectively cater to the air travel to Horsley Hills.
By Rail
The railhead at Madanapalle Road is the nearest to the Horsley Hills. From the Madanapalle Road station Madanapalle is at a distance of 13 km and Horsley Hills 43-km.
By Road
State transport buses of Andhra Pradesh and taxis ply to the hill resort of Horsley Hills. There are daily buses to Horsley Hills from Madanapalle and Tirupati.
Accommodation
Accommodation is easily available in Horsley Hills at the A.P. Tourism's Governors' Bungalow, and in Chittoor Cooperative Society guest house.
ANNAVARAM TRAVEL INFORMATION
Annavaram Temple, East Godavar TourismSituated 32 Kms from Pithapuram, 51 Kms from Kakinada and 72 Kms from Rajahmundry, Annavaram is famous for Lord Veera Venkata Satya Narayana Swamy temple, situated atop the Ratnagiri Hills on the banks of the river Pampa.
One of the most popular temples in Andhra Pradesh, a unique Yantra based on Tripad Vibhuti Narayan Upanishad exists here. The shrine is constructed in two storey, the lower one containing the Yantra and upper one housing vigrahas of the Lord.
One of the most popular temples in Andhra Pradesh, a unique Yantra based on Tripad Vibhuti Narayan Upanishad exists here. The shrine is constructed in two storey, the lower one containing the Yantra and upper one housing vigrahas of the Lord.
ANNAVARAM
The temple of Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy is the main temple on the Ratnagiri hill. There is also a temple of Sri Rama and the shrines of Vanadurga and Kanaka Durga nearby. The temple of gramadevatha (village deity) is in the village at the foot of the hill.
It is said that Raja I.V.Ramanarayanam,the then zamindar of Gorsa and Kirlampudi estates, having been ordained by the Lord in his dream, traced the idol on the hill, worshipped it and installed it at the present spot on sravana suddha vidhiya of the telugu year Khara, 1891. The hillock it self is about 300ft above sea level, green fields all-round the hills and the pampa river encircling Ratnagiri. About 460 well laid stone steps leads to the top of it.
“The main temple constructed in the form of a chariot with the four wheels at each of the four corners. In front of the main temple is the kalyana mantapa, constructed and decorated with modern pieces of architecture. As we go down the way, we come across Ramalaya and then the shrines of Vana Durga and Kanaka Durga.
The Akriti of any temple is, according to the Agni Purana, merely a manifestation of the Prakriti. According to this the chariot of the temple is intended as a symbol of the Seven Lokas and the seven Lokhas above with, the garbhalaya of the Lord, at the heart’s center ruling over the entire Universe.
The temple at Annavaram has been constructed to depict this idea concretely. The front side of the temple depicts the chariot. The Meru on the floor with the pillar at the center, and the idols at the top are intended to bring forth the idea that the Lord not only remains at the heart’s center but also permeates the entire universe. The wheels depicting the Sun and the Moon serve to remind us that this Juggernaut moves on the wheels of time, and goes on for ever and ever, Thus the Annavaram temple satisfies both the ritualistic values and the spiritual aspirations of the devotees.
It is said that Raja I.V.Ramanarayanam,the then zamindar of Gorsa and Kirlampudi estates, having been ordained by the Lord in his dream, traced the idol on the hill, worshipped it and installed it at the present spot on sravana suddha vidhiya of the telugu year Khara, 1891. The hillock it self is about 300ft above sea level, green fields all-round the hills and the pampa river encircling Ratnagiri. About 460 well laid stone steps leads to the top of it.
“The main temple constructed in the form of a chariot with the four wheels at each of the four corners. In front of the main temple is the kalyana mantapa, constructed and decorated with modern pieces of architecture. As we go down the way, we come across Ramalaya and then the shrines of Vana Durga and Kanaka Durga.
The Akriti of any temple is, according to the Agni Purana, merely a manifestation of the Prakriti. According to this the chariot of the temple is intended as a symbol of the Seven Lokas and the seven Lokhas above with, the garbhalaya of the Lord, at the heart’s center ruling over the entire Universe.
The temple at Annavaram has been constructed to depict this idea concretely. The front side of the temple depicts the chariot. The Meru on the floor with the pillar at the center, and the idols at the top are intended to bring forth the idea that the Lord not only remains at the heart’s center but also permeates the entire universe. The wheels depicting the Sun and the Moon serve to remind us that this Juggernaut moves on the wheels of time, and goes on for ever and ever, Thus the Annavaram temple satisfies both the ritualistic values and the spiritual aspirations of the devotees.
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SIMHACHALAM
Simhachalam temple is a Hindu temple located in Andhra Pradesh, South India, and is dedicated to the incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu known as Narasimha (the man-lion).
1 Origin of the name
2 Significance
3 Legend
4 Temple History
5 Recent Developments
5.1 Trivia
Origin of the name
SIMHA: Lion
Achala: hill (one which cannot be moved, viz. hill)
Atop the hill is a famous temple said to be the abode of narasimha swami, and hence the hill itself is called (nara)simhachalam. The temple is situated in the city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
Significance
It is one of the eighteen "Naarasimhakshetras" ie shrines of Lord Narasimha in India. Simhachalam temple is known as the second richest temple in India(after Tirupati) earning a revenue of Rs. 520 million. The statue of the deity gives "nijaroopa darshan" (holy appearance in true form) for only 12 hours in a year i.e on Akshaya Tritiya day, the rest of the time the statue is covered with sandalwood paste. The darshan described as chandana yatra or chandanotsavam falls every year in Vaisakha masa (May).
Legend
Hiranyakasipu was a Rakshasa king. He was in fact one of Vishnu's Dwarapalakas or gate keepers in Vaikuntha, Jaya and Vijaya. They had to take birth in the mortal world thrice because of a curse given by Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanathana and Sanathkumara, who were not allowed to take darshan of Mahavishnu by them. The other palaka was born as his brother Hiranyaaksha.
Hiranyakasipu wanted to become immortal and hence performed austerities (tapasya) to propitiate Lord Brahma. However, Lord Brahma said that was not possible so Hiranyakasipu asked Lord Brahma to grant him a boon so that he could not be killed by any animal or a man neither in the morning nor in the night, by any weapons, neither in sky nor on the earth.
Hiranyakasipu wanted the entire world to worship him. But, Prahalada, his son, was a devotee of Lord Narayana and always expressed his bhakti towards Him. In spite of warning him several times, Hiranyakasipu could not alter Prahlada's devotion.
This made Hiranyakasipu angry and he made numerous attempts to get Prahlada killed. One of them was to throw him off the top of a mountain. However, Vishnu rescued him by moving the mountain and made a small path for Prahaladha. It is said that in the place where the Lord stood to protect Prahaladha is the place where the temple is built.
Temple History
It has Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy as the presiding deity.
Giripradhikshana [cirum ambulation] around the hill range [~40 km]from Hanumantha vaka / MVP colony to Simhachalam is done by piligrims during the auspicious days. Crowds of elderly people / youth / children are observed walking the 40 km stretch over night. They visit the temple after the long journey and give their offerings to the deity.
The deity at Simhachalam, the lion-man incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu is usually covered with sandalwood paste. The original shape of the deity in the tribhanga posture has two hands with the head of a lion on a human torso. An inscription dated as far back as 1098 AD of the Chola king Kuloththunga provides some clue as to its antiquity. Another inscription shows a Queen of the Eastern Ganga of Kalinga(ancient Orissa) (1137-56 AD) covering the image with gold while a third inscription says the eastern Ganga King of Orissa Narasimha Deva built the main/central shrine in 1267 A.D. With more than 252 inscriptions in Oriya and Telugu describing the antecedents of the temple, it is a historically important monument.
Sri Krishna Deva Raya after defeating the Gajapati ruler of Orissa Gajapati Prataparudra Dev visited the shrine twice in 1516 AD and 1519 AD and offered numerous villages for maintenance of bhogam (worship) along with valuable jewellery of which an emerald necklace is still in the temple. For the last three centuries the Royal family of Vizianagaram, " The Pusapati Gajapathi's" have been the temple's trustees.
Recent Developments
In October 2007, the Government of Andhra Pradesh approved a master plan for the development of the region into Divyakshetram on similar lines of Tirumala.
Trivia
The Simhachalam temple faces West unlike so many others which face East. An east-facing entrance, according to religious belief, brings prosperity while a west-facing one brings victory.
The hill top road, as well as the location of the eastern ghat ranges are beautiful and pictersque. The hills are densely populated with trees of various types like Cashew, shrubs, mango groves etc., The forestry is protected and well conserved. The greenary is really good and attracts tourists as well as nature lovers for spending their leisure in prasing the nature.
The localities near the piligrame include Srinivasanagar, Prahladapuram,Sainagar colony, Simhapuri colony and many other housing areas.
1 Origin of the name
2 Significance
3 Legend
4 Temple History
5 Recent Developments
5.1 Trivia
Origin of the name
SIMHA: Lion
Achala: hill (one which cannot be moved, viz. hill)
Atop the hill is a famous temple said to be the abode of narasimha swami, and hence the hill itself is called (nara)simhachalam. The temple is situated in the city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
Significance
It is one of the eighteen "Naarasimhakshetras" ie shrines of Lord Narasimha in India. Simhachalam temple is known as the second richest temple in India(after Tirupati) earning a revenue of Rs. 520 million. The statue of the deity gives "nijaroopa darshan" (holy appearance in true form) for only 12 hours in a year i.e on Akshaya Tritiya day, the rest of the time the statue is covered with sandalwood paste. The darshan described as chandana yatra or chandanotsavam falls every year in Vaisakha masa (May).
Legend
Hiranyakasipu was a Rakshasa king. He was in fact one of Vishnu's Dwarapalakas or gate keepers in Vaikuntha, Jaya and Vijaya. They had to take birth in the mortal world thrice because of a curse given by Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanathana and Sanathkumara, who were not allowed to take darshan of Mahavishnu by them. The other palaka was born as his brother Hiranyaaksha.
Hiranyakasipu wanted to become immortal and hence performed austerities (tapasya) to propitiate Lord Brahma. However, Lord Brahma said that was not possible so Hiranyakasipu asked Lord Brahma to grant him a boon so that he could not be killed by any animal or a man neither in the morning nor in the night, by any weapons, neither in sky nor on the earth.
Hiranyakasipu wanted the entire world to worship him. But, Prahalada, his son, was a devotee of Lord Narayana and always expressed his bhakti towards Him. In spite of warning him several times, Hiranyakasipu could not alter Prahlada's devotion.
This made Hiranyakasipu angry and he made numerous attempts to get Prahlada killed. One of them was to throw him off the top of a mountain. However, Vishnu rescued him by moving the mountain and made a small path for Prahaladha. It is said that in the place where the Lord stood to protect Prahaladha is the place where the temple is built.
Temple History
It has Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy as the presiding deity.
Giripradhikshana [cirum ambulation] around the hill range [~40 km]from Hanumantha vaka / MVP colony to Simhachalam is done by piligrims during the auspicious days. Crowds of elderly people / youth / children are observed walking the 40 km stretch over night. They visit the temple after the long journey and give their offerings to the deity.
The deity at Simhachalam, the lion-man incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu is usually covered with sandalwood paste. The original shape of the deity in the tribhanga posture has two hands with the head of a lion on a human torso. An inscription dated as far back as 1098 AD of the Chola king Kuloththunga provides some clue as to its antiquity. Another inscription shows a Queen of the Eastern Ganga of Kalinga(ancient Orissa) (1137-56 AD) covering the image with gold while a third inscription says the eastern Ganga King of Orissa Narasimha Deva built the main/central shrine in 1267 A.D. With more than 252 inscriptions in Oriya and Telugu describing the antecedents of the temple, it is a historically important monument.
Sri Krishna Deva Raya after defeating the Gajapati ruler of Orissa Gajapati Prataparudra Dev visited the shrine twice in 1516 AD and 1519 AD and offered numerous villages for maintenance of bhogam (worship) along with valuable jewellery of which an emerald necklace is still in the temple. For the last three centuries the Royal family of Vizianagaram, " The Pusapati Gajapathi's" have been the temple's trustees.
Recent Developments
In October 2007, the Government of Andhra Pradesh approved a master plan for the development of the region into Divyakshetram on similar lines of Tirumala.
Trivia
The Simhachalam temple faces West unlike so many others which face East. An east-facing entrance, according to religious belief, brings prosperity while a west-facing one brings victory.
The hill top road, as well as the location of the eastern ghat ranges are beautiful and pictersque. The hills are densely populated with trees of various types like Cashew, shrubs, mango groves etc., The forestry is protected and well conserved. The greenary is really good and attracts tourists as well as nature lovers for spending their leisure in prasing the nature.
The localities near the piligrame include Srinivasanagar, Prahladapuram,Sainagar colony, Simhapuri colony and many other housing areas.
Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples were believed to be constructed by the mighty Chandela rulers in 9th to 10 the century AD and are the perfect example of Indian art and culture. The sculptures are highly sensuous and erotic. These sculptures showcases the unique posture of Kamsutra. Out of total 85 temples, only 20 temples have survived.If we focus on lay out, Khajuraho temples are aligned east and west. The temples are followed by a three or five part floor plan. The larger temples premises have ardhamandapa (porch), then a mandapa (hall) leading to a mahamandapa (main hall) from where an aunterale (vestibule) leads to the Garbha Griha (sanctum) containing the devta (god) or devi (goddess).
Major Temples Group in Khajuraho
Western Group
Discover Western Group of Khajuraho Temples on your tour to Madhya Pradesh. Accredited as World Heritage Site, Western Group of temples lures tourist with their exquisite craftsmanship. The temples here are in beautifully kept park with paths leading easily from one place to another.
Eastern Group
Entice yourself in Eastern group of temples. Situated on the eastern side, Khajuraho temple comprises of Brahma temple, Vamana Temple and Javari Temple.
Southern Group
Set against the backdrop of the Vindhyas - has a magic of its own!Enter into the world of Khajuraho temples through Southern group of temples. Though less in number, Southern Group of Khajuraho temples It is among the latest built temples at Khajuraho, more accurate, finer and equally graceful, with figures of women in various moods.
Khajuraho Temples were believed to be constructed by the mighty Chandela rulers in 9th to 10 the century AD and are the perfect example of Indian art and culture. The sculptures are highly sensuous and erotic. These sculptures showcases the unique posture of Kamsutra. Out of total 85 temples, only 20 temples have survived.If we focus on lay out, Khajuraho temples are aligned east and west. The temples are followed by a three or five part floor plan. The larger temples premises have ardhamandapa (porch), then a mandapa (hall) leading to a mahamandapa (main hall) from where an aunterale (vestibule) leads to the Garbha Griha (sanctum) containing the devta (god) or devi (goddess).
Major Temples Group in Khajuraho
Western Group
Discover Western Group of Khajuraho Temples on your tour to Madhya Pradesh. Accredited as World Heritage Site, Western Group of temples lures tourist with their exquisite craftsmanship. The temples here are in beautifully kept park with paths leading easily from one place to another.
Eastern Group
Entice yourself in Eastern group of temples. Situated on the eastern side, Khajuraho temple comprises of Brahma temple, Vamana Temple and Javari Temple.
Southern Group
Set against the backdrop of the Vindhyas - has a magic of its own!Enter into the world of Khajuraho temples through Southern group of temples. Though less in number, Southern Group of Khajuraho temples It is among the latest built temples at Khajuraho, more accurate, finer and equally graceful, with figures of women in various moods.
Kandariya Mahadev Historical Temple in Khajuraho
Travel to westwards from the Lakshmana Temple, along the garden path one comes to the largest and most handsome monument at Khajuraho, the Historical Kandariya Mahadev Temple.Built in around 1025–1050 AD, this historical sandstone structure (like all the other temples built entirely without the use of cement and mortar) stands almost 30m above ground level and is as long as it is tall.The temple is dedicated to Shiva (the destroyer of the Hindu Trinity of Gods), with a linga (phallic representation of Lord Shiva) at the centre of the garbha griha (the womb or innermost chamber of the temple).
The Historical Temple Sculptures
The temple stairs lead to a platform decorated with rich sculpted figures of women in a variety of poses. There are women playing with a ball, some engaged in writing a letter, others applying make-up and absorbed in a multitude of other activities. On the southern and northern sides, between the balconies are the large-scale erotic panels. In fact the mithuna (sensuously carved erotic figures) on the Kandariya Mahadev include some of the most energetic eroticism to be seen at Khajuraho.Below the bands of the main body of the temple are smaller, narrower friezes depicting court life, the army, and processions of elephants and horses. This Khajuraho temple is can be approached by the eastern stairway that has the most fantastically ornate toran (frieze) of the entire group of temples. The floral toran is carved out of a single block of stone.
HISTORY OF LAKSHMINARASIMHA SWAMY
Malleswaram, one of the most active areas of present day Bangalore is a Divya Kshethra by its own right. This old locality of Bangalore, a mix of commercial and residential areas was originally known as ‘Maderaningahalli’.
According to the inscription found in and around the temple: Ekkoji Rao, the elder brother of Chathrapathi Shivaji, had a divine dream wherein Lord Shiva wished him to build a temple. Upon surveying a small hillock he came upon a Udbhava Murthy of Lord Shiva. At that place came into existence a temple, known today as the Kaadu Malleswara Temple.
It is from this temple that the name of the present day locality, Malleswaram, is derived. There exists another small hillock next to Kaadu Malleswara whereupon a small Udbhava Murthy of Lord Sri Narasimha Swamy was discovered. In 1982, the denizens of Malleswaram led by Sriyutha Lakshman Rao Sawant, Shreemathi Ellu Bai, Sriyuths Narasimhaiah, BK Hariprasad, Narasaraju and others came together to build a temple dedicated to Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.
Initially a small sanctum sanctorum was built and gradually expanded to its present day size and layout.
ABOUT TIRUMALA SRI VENKATESWARA
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Telugu: తిరుమల వేంకటేశ్వర దేవాలయం) also known as Tirupati Venkateswara Temple is a famous Hindu Temple of Lord Venkateswara located in the hill town Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is located on the Venkatachalam hill that forms part of the seven hills of Tirumala, and hence the temple is also known as the Temple of Seven Hills (Saptagiri in Sanskrit, Edukondalu in Telugu and Ezhumalai in Tamil). The presiding deity of the temple, Lord Venkateswara, is also known by other names - Balaji or Srinivasa or Perumal.
The temple is the richest and the most visited place of worship in the world. The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily, while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it one of the most visited holy place in the world.
According to the legend, the temple has a self-manifested idol murti of Lord Vishnu, with the Lord believed to have resided here for the entire Kali Yuga. In Sri Vaishnava tradition, the temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desam sites.
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