Mana Vaibhavam

Temples of Alampuram, Palamooru/Cholawadi

2014-01-10T05:32:00.000-08:00

Alampur ( Telangana ) is home to the very ancient Navabhramma temples dating back to the 7th century CE. Alampur is located at a distance of 200 km from Hyderabad. Alampur is considered to be the western gateway of Sree Sailam, the revered Jyotirlinga Shivastalam in Andhra Pradesh. The southern, eastern, and northern gateways are Siddhavattam, Tripurantakam and Umamaheswaram respectively.

The Tungabhadra and Krishna are in confluence near Alampur, which is also known as Dakshina Kailasam (as is Sree Kalahasti in Southern Andhra Pradesh). Nine temples here referred to as the Nava Bhramma temples are dedicated to Shiva.

The Nava Bhramma temples were built by the Badami Chalukyas, who ruled for about 200 years from the middle of the sixth century onwards. The Badami Chalukyas built several temples in Karnataka, and the Alampur temples in Andhra Pradesh.The Alampur site preserves archeological remains in the form of temples exhibiting a hybrid style of architecture - dating back to the 6th-7th centuries CE. Some of the images from this site are also housed in a museum nearby.

The Nava Bhramma temples are Taraka Bhramma, Swarga Bhramma, Padma Bhramma, Bala Bhramma, Garuda Bhramma, Kumara Bhramma, Arka Bhramma, Vira Bhramma and the Vishwa Bhramma. These temples are all enclosed in a courtyard on the left bank of the river Tungabhadra.

The Bala Bhramma temple is the principal shrine of worship. It dates back to the year 702 CE - per the inscriptions seen here. Shivaratri is celebrated in great splendor here.
The Taraka Bhramma temple is partly in ruins, and it has no image in the sanctum. It bears telugu inscriptions from the 6th-7th century CE. The Swarga Bhramma temple with an imposing tower is considered to be among the finest in Alampur, and is an excellent specimen of Chalukya architecture and sculpture. It contains several sculptures in bas relief, and it dates back to the end of the 8th century.

The Padma Bhramma temple partly in ruins, contains a Shivalingam of clear stone with mirror like finish. The Viswa Bhramma temple is among the most artistic of the Nava Bhramma temples. The sculptural work here depicts scenes from the epics.

Also in the enclosed courtyard is located the Suryanarayana temple, dating back to the 9th century. This temple has bas reliefs representing the incarnations of Vishnu.
There is a Narasimha temple with inscriptions from the period of Krishna Deva Raya of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Near Alampur, is Papanasam with a cluster of over 20 temples of varying sizes and styles. The most important of these is the Papanaseswara temple.

Previously Known As: Halampuram, Hamalapuram And Alampuram.
Architecture: Chalukya sculpture
Also Known As: Navabrahmeshwara Theertha

The following are the main temples to see in Alampur:

1. Swarga Brahma temple

2. Padma Brahma temple

3. Garuda Brahma temple
4. Bala Brahma temple

5.Arka Brahma temple

6.Kumara Brahma temple

7. Vira Brahma temple

8. Vishva Brahma temple

9. Taraka Brahma temple

Location: 200 KM from Hyderabad, 90 KM from Mahabubnagar and 27-km From Kurnool

వెంకటగిరి పోలేరమ్మ Venkatagiri Poleramma ( Venkatagiri, Nellore )

2013-09-23T00:37:00.002-07:00

వెంకటగిరి పోలేరమ్మ Venkatagiri Poleramma (Venkatagiri, Nellore)

Please find information at Eenadu site. thanks for their preservation of all these valuable information/documents.

http://archives.eenadu.net/09-15-2013/Magzines/SundaySpecialInner.aspx?qry=features2

గంగా గౌరీశ్వర ఆలయం Ganga Gouriswara temple ( Chodavaram, Visakhapatnam)

2013-09-20T03:13:00.000-07:00

గంగా గౌరీశ్వర ఆలయం Ganga Gouriswara temple ( Chodavaram, Visakhapatnam)

Please find information at Eenadu site. thanks for their preservation of all these valuable information/documents.

http://archives.eenadu.net/08-04-2013/Magzines/SundaySpecialInner.aspx?qry=features3

కంచి కామాక్షమ్మ రాజలింగేశ్వర స్వామి ఆలయం Kanchi Kamakshamma Rajalingeswara Swamy Temple ( PalaKonda, SriKakulam )

2013-09-20T03:05:00.003-07:00

కంచి కామాక్షమ్మ రాజలింగేశ్వర స్వామి ఆలయం Kanchi Kamakshamma Rajalingeswara Swamy Temple.

Please find information at Eenadu site. thanks for their preservation of all these valuable information/documents.

http://archives.eenadu.net/08-04-2013/Magzines/SundaySpecialInner.aspx?qry=features3

Shilparamam - arts and crafts village, Ranga reddy

2013-04-15T05:08:00.000-07:00

"Shilparamam is an arts and crafts village located in Madhapur, Ranga Reddy dist.

The village was conceived with an idea to create an environment for the preservation of traditional crafts. There are ethnic festivals round the year."

Shilparaamam is a village like environment cum good relaxation center next to Hi-tech City, Hyderabad.

There is a shopping section for Handicrafts, Dress materials and other village made products.

Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL) has a permanent stall here.

You'll also find food stalls, artists specializing in Mehandi, drawing etc.

Amphitheater: Lot of cultural activities keep happening here during weekends.

Lake: Small lake with boating facility (2 and 4 seaters, self peddle)

Rock Garden: Natural rocks which represent various shapes-such as lord Ganesha, fish, frog, mother feeding a baby etc are on display

Heritage Village-You can see villagers (clay made models) in action-blacksmith, potter, etc.

The village environment have been carefully replicated here.

Gangi reddhu on Sankranthi festival which used to be the ancient and continuing scene in present Telugu village places.

Araku valley, Vishaka pattanam

2013-04-12T22:29:00.002-07:00

Araku is a famous hill station of AP. It is located at a distance of 120 KM from Visakhapatnam ( Vizag )is famous for its scenic beauty. Located on the eastern ghats , it has valley, water falls and streams flowing by the side of the train track and roads . The journey to Araku Valley is the most enjoying as the rail passes through tunnels, hill sides and streams. . It is better to go to Araku by train and return by road. You can see the local tribal dance if you are on APTDC package tour. If you are at Araku then you must see Borra Caves.
Padmapuram Gardens

One of the main attraction is tree top cottages located in the middle of green surroundings of Araku valley. These tree huts ( hanging cottages ) are ten feet above the ground level and one can experience rare swing along with trees. Huts are attached with toilet and continuous water supply.

For bookings contact Manager Padmapuram gardens Phone No:08936.49615 There is a toy train in the Padmapuram garden for the tourists. There is a tribal museum on tribal heritage, living system and culture. Anantagiri water fall is 30 KM from Araku. There is one more picnic spot called Dumbriguda Waterfalls (Chaapari ). This spot is only 15 Kms from Araku.

Tribal welfare department has one Horticulture nursery cum training center at Padmapuram . It is open from 8 AM to 12.30 PM and again on 2.00 PM to 5.00 PM

There is an AP tourism valley resort PUNAMI available at Araku valley.
Accommodation at Araku valley

Araku valley is an excellent place to spend some time within the nature. The locals are mostly tribal are quite friendly and their villages around green valleys offer excellent opportunity for trekkers and holiday seekers. There are some good hotels and resorts available at Araku but the best accommodation is provided by APTDC under the name Punnami, Punnami Hill Resort. This resort has got most of the facilities including swimming pool and AC Conference Hall.

Rooms starting from Rs 800 to Rs 1600 A/c Suite Room. If you are coming to then this resort will come first at right side just after entering Araku. From railway station it is 2 to 3 KM distance. Autos and local cabs are available to reach this Resort.

here is another resort of same APTDC under the name Punnami, Punnami Hill Resort, Araku Vallery. Here the rate varies from Rs 400 to Rs 600. This Resort is located very close to railway station and near Tribal Museum.
There are some other private lodges are available one of the best one is Rajadhani hotel.

If you want to enjoy tribal life then there are some cottages available designed in the ethnic tribal style with attached toilet for Rs 350 /- in peak seasons and Rs 250/- in other time.

In Punnami Valley resort Dhimsa dance is organized in some scheduled dates. Tourists enjoy the dance and many join the dance which is very easy to perform.

How to Reach:
Araku By road From Visakhapatnam From Vizag Arraku valley is 4 hours journey by road and is located at a distance of 106 KM from Kotha road Junction on NH5 ( Visakhapatnam ) .
On the plain area the road passes through Pendurthi junction, Kothavalasa, S- Kota and few other small villages . The first glimpse of hill road of eastern ghat starts after 1 hour and 45 minutes of drive from Visakhapatnam.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Visakhapatnam

2013-04-12T11:15:00.003-07:00

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is one of the largest zoological parks in Andhra Pradesh. It covers an area of around 625 acres and is surrounded by the Eastern Ghats on three sides and the Bay of Bengal on the fourth side. Park is located amidst Kambalakonda Reserve Forest in Visakhapatnam. Kambalakonda Reserve Forest is inhabited by various species of birds and animals. There are more than 80 species of fauna and avifauna in the park.

Animals such as Rhesus monkey, mandrill, tiger, puma, olive and sacred baboon can be seen here. Other animals living in the park are
panther, lion, jaguar, wolf, hyena and jackal.

The park shelters python, tortoise, monitor lizard, snake, elephant, bison, spotted deer and sambar. The prominent avifauna seen here include pied hornbill, love birds, painted stork, peacock, duck, cocktail and macaw.

A special mini train runs within the park premises. Tourists can reach the park through buses that are operated by both Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and the Tourism Department.

http://www.vizaginfo.com/tour/zoo.htm

Kakatiyula KOTA (Warangal Fort)

2013-04-06T23:53:00.001-07:00

"The Kakatiya period was rightly called the brightest period of the Telugu history. The entire Telugu speaking area was under the kings who spoke Telugu and encouraged Telugu. They established order throughout the strife torn land and the forts built by them played a dominant role in the defence of the realm."

"Ganapati was the greatest of the Kakatiyas and the first after the Satavahanas to bring the entire Telugu area under one rule. "

"Prataparudra fought bravely. ......thus ended the Kakatiya rule, opening the gates of the Telugu land to anarchy and confusion yielding place to an alien ruler. "

History:

http://wikimapia.org/94753/Warangal-Fort-Kakatiya-Fort

19KM stretch - total fort

Ethipothala Waterfalls, Just about 11 kms from Nagarjuna Sagar

2013-03-25T10:22:00.001-07:00

Just about 11 kms from Nagarjuna Sagar, Ethipothala Waterfalls are formed from the combination of three streams Chandravanka Vagu, Nakkala Vagu and Tummala Vagu, all tributaries of River Krishna. The water at this point falls from a height of about 21 metres (about 70 feet) forming a small lake at its foot. This lake has a crocodile-breeding centre managed by the Forest Department of Andhra Pradesh where you can see these water beasts from very close.

You can see the water fall from a table land on the other side. You can even go on the hill from where the water flows down. After flowing for about 3 kms, this stream again joins River Krishna. There are two temples at the foot of the waterfall, dedicated to Ranganadha Swami and Dattatreya Swami. As these temples are situated in the beautiful valley, you have to get down a few steps to visit these temples. You can also see some small caves besides the waterfall. People say and believe that these caves lead the way to Srisailam, the abode of Bhramarambika Mallikarjuna Swami. The tranquil atmosphere in which the waterfall is situated gives you a pleasant experience of your visit.

Towards sunset, these waterfalls are illuminated with colourful lights, adding marvel to the already existing beauty of Ethipothala Waterfalls. This beautiful scene is worth seeing.

సూర్యదేవాలయము(బూదగవి) LORD SUN Temple ( Budagavi, near Uravakonda, Ananthapuram )

2013-03-20T00:16:00.003-07:00

Post temporarily available at (editing as of now currently)

http://mana-raayalaseema.blogspot.in/2013/03/lord-surya-sun-temple-budagavi-near.html

Thotadri Mangalagiri, Guntur

2012-12-27T01:46:00.000-08:00

This place is one of the eight important Mahakshetrams (sacred places) in India. The eight places where Lord Vishnu manifested himself are (1) Sri Rangam (2) Srimushnam (3) Naimisam (4) Pushkaram (5) Salagamdri (6) Thothadri (7) Narayanasramam (8) Venkatadri. According to sayings, Thotadri is the present Mangalagiri.

The temple of Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy is situated on the hill. Here, jaggery water is offered to the lord by devotees.

In the down hill there is Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy vaari temple. The temple has a very tall Raja Gopuram with beautiful sculpture which has 11 stairs. It was constructed by Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu, during the years 1807-09.

Tourist places around Mangalagiri are,
--- Chinna Jeeyar ashram in Seeta Nagaram, Vundavalli Caves, Bhavani Island, Kanakadurga temple in Vijayawada direction
--- Jain Temple, Uppalapadu Birds sanctuary, Amaravati in Guntur direction.

Amaravathi, Guntur

2012-05-03T10:58:00.002-07:00

Amaravathi (అమరావతి) is a small town situated on the banks of the River Krishna in the Guntur District of AndhraPradesh.

It is famous for its Amareswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The temple is one of the famous Pancharamas.

Amaravati, also known as Dhanyakataka/Dharanikota was the site of a great Buddhist Stupa built in pre-Mauryan times.

It was also the capital of Satavahanas, the first great Andhra kings who ruled from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE, after the downfall of Maurya empire.

Visit Below

Sri Rameswaram (also known as Mukthi Rameswaram and Ramalingeswaram, Proddatur, Kadapa Dist.

2012-02-13T22:55:00.000-08:00