TELANGANA TOURISM

Kakatiya Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 10:19:00 +0000

Home | Festivals | Kakatiya Festival :

The historical celebrations of the KAKATIYA FESTIVAL will commence on 9th, 10th and 11th January-2015 in Warangal (capital of kakatiya).

The main aim of these celebrations is to educate about the history of Kakatiya Empire to the world. They are certain programs like cultural activities, Dramas and food festival would be held at Fort Warangal.

‘Telangana Tourism department would make special arrangements to transport the tourists during the upcoming Kakatiya Festival. Efforts would be made to connect tourists to Ramappa temple, 1000-pillars temple, Fort Warangal, Lakhnavaram and other popular destinations’.
Warangal railway station is a major railway station in the main railway line connecting Chennai , Bangalore , Mumbai and New Delhi. Warangal is well connected with all the major cities of India. All trains passing through Warangal will have a stop here.

There is around 140km from Hyderabad International Airport.

Shilparamam

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 17:19:00 +0000

Shilparamam, a crafts village,and it gives a scenic ambience of tradition and cultural heritage. the state government established this to motivate the artisans of the nation.

Enchanting the blend of arts and artifact, epitomizing the true legacy with the diverse natural beauty of rural India; Shilparamam is tribute to Andhra Pradesh. Exhibiting the rustic richness and creativity of Hyderabad, it has captivated the imagination of visitors.

The lush and serene environment of Shilparamam is sculpted with woodwork, jewellery, cloths and local crafts of each region of the country. Showcasing a plethora of artistic ethos, Shilparamam is set amidst gardens, cascading waterfalls and natural rock heights.

The Rural Museum:

The rural museum, surrounded by trees, is a miniature depiction of typical Indian village. Over 15 life-sized huts, authentically constructed out of baked clay and thatch, depict rural and tribal lifestyles and the life of various artisans. It provides a window to rural life for city dwellers and those who have never visited a village before. The museum houses sculptures and life size models depicting the day-to-day activities of the rural artisans.

Boating:

Shilparamam has a beautiful lake which also offers the delight of boating in it. Both rowing and paddle boats are available.

The Rock Museum:

Shantiniketan's Subroto Basu has fashioned a rock garden here by blending his own rock collections with the natural and picturesque rock formations found in the village. The natural formations stand unswayed in a scenic form in Rock Museum. This Rock Museum adds a fantastic ecological side to Shilparamam.

The Recreational Area:

Towards the entrance of Shilparamam there is a lush green lawn with beautiful landscaping surrounded by ethnic motifs and terracotta sculptures.

Shopping:

Shilparamam has hundreds of stalls. There are wide range of handicrafts available for shopping, right from toys to carpets. Here visitors can buy hand made sarees and textiles of different states. Textiles ranging from Tangail, Sambhalpur, Paithni, Kashmiri to Kanjeevaram, Dharmavaram, Tanjavur, Madurai, Peddapuram, Bandar, Guntur and other sarees. It also has salwaar kamiz, ghagras, kurta, carpets, etc. Here a special Artisan Bazar is also there providing the original art forms directly from the makers.

Sagara haram

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 11:10:00 +0000

The stage is once again set for a possible showdown between police and Telangana protesters in Hyderabad as the Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC) which has given a call for 'Telangana March' on September 30 demanding statehood for the region,The TJAC, which includes Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other groups fighting for separate Telangana state, has decided to hold the march of a million supporters to demand a bill in parliament for the creation of the state.

Protesters from all professionals like Students from all universities in Telangana region, Lawyers, Political leaders from all parties is goning to participate the Million March.

However police have already set up check posts in and around Hyderabad in order to prevent movement of agitators from different Telangana districts, he said adding that they have already identified trouble-makers, who are likely to be soon taken into preventive custody in Nizamabad, Warangal, Adilabad, Karimnagar, Medak and other districts have arrested scores of TJAC activists heading to Hyderabad to participate in the march.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:35:00 +0000

Home | Warangal |Sammakka Saralamma jathara

Sammakka Saralamma jathara :

Amid religious fervour, the symbolic form of the Adivasi goddess Saralamma was installed at the altar (gaddelu in local parlance) at 9.45 pm in the main Medaram temple complex on Wednesday night.

There were no untoward incidents despite the fact that an estimated 60 lakh pilgrims congregated at Medaram from different parts of the country on Wednesday.

This is in addition to the estimated 25 lakh pilgrims, who have already visited Medaram during the pre-Jatara period to avoid the heavy rush. Read more..

Falaknuma Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:27:00 +0000

Home | Hyderabad | Falaknuma Palace:

An Italian architect was designed this palace and the foundation for the construction was laid on 3rd March 1884. The palace took 9 years to complete the construction, totally made with Italian marble and it covers a total area of 9,39,712-sq-metre. It was purchased by Nizam VI in 1897 and was used as a royal guesthouse has a commanding view of the entire city. It was sure that the Falaknuma palace was gifted to the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, Mehboob Ali Khan by the generous Nawab. Falaknuma houses a large collection of rare treasures collected by the Nizam including paintings, statues, furniture, manuscripts and books. The Jade collection of the Palace is considered to be unique in the world.

One of the highlight's of the palace is the state reception room, whose ceiling is decorated with frescoes and gilded relief's. The ballroom contains a two-ton manually operated organ said to be the only one of its kind in the world. This apart the palace has as many as 220 lavishly decorated rooms and 22 spacious halls. The palace has some of the finest treasures collected by the Nizam.

The famed dining hall of the palace could seat 100 guests on a single table. The furniture is also very aesthetic. The chairs are carved rosewood with green leather upholstery. The tableware was made of gold and crystal to which fluted music was added. The ground floor of the palace houses the living quarters. The marbled staircase leads to the upper floor. It has carved balustrades which supports marble figures with candelabra at intervals. On the walls of the landing are excellent oil paintings of the Asaf Jahi family, past ministers and notable personages, the whole forming a very interesting historical picture gallery which adds greatly to the imposing effect of the staircase.

Since the palace was the private property of the Nizam family till very recently, visitors weren't allowed. Occasionally, however, the venue is opened for public view. The Taj group has taken over the palace now, and work is afoot to convert it to a 5-star hotel by the year 2001.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:52:00 +0000

Telangana is a region in the present state of Andhra Pradesh, India and formerly was part ofHyderabad state which was ruled by Nizam. It is bordered with the states of Maharashtra on the north and north-west, Karnataka on the west, Chattisgarh on the north-east and Orissa to the east. Andhra Pradesh State has three main cultural regions of which Telengana is one part and others include Coastal Andhra region on the east and Rayalaseema region on the south. The Telangana region comprise of 10 districts: Adilabad, Hyderabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Mahbubnagar, Medak, Nalgonda,Nizamabad, Rangareddy, and Warangal. The Musi River, Krishna and Godavari rivers flow through the region from west to east.

Telangana Movement - History :
A dying feudalism is only a part of the problem. After all, feudalism has been a national problem. But in Telangana, it received hammer blows at the hands of the Socialist and Communist struggles of the forties. It received a fillip at the hands of Andhra rulers in the fifties and sixties who pushed the Hyderabad Tenancy Act under the carpet. But now it is on its last legs slowly getting converted into elitist professions and an incipient capitalism. Caste too is a part of the problem, though the Arya Samaj Movement of the thirties and forties tried to resolve it in its own manner. The weakness of the movement was that it was largely an urban movement, failing to effectively penetrate the countryside. Communalism too is a part of the problem, albeit a small part, being basically an urban phenomenon bound up with history and race memory. The basic problem of the Deccan, of which Telangana is a part, was and is total denial of participation to local people in the affairs of the state. It was not always so. Tribal kingdoms and the Kakatiyas Empire were, to the extent possible then, participatory systems, based on the concept of the welfare of people.

The attack on the participatory system came during Bahmani rule which was basically a military and imperial system. Such a system which depended on foreign mercenaries for its survival had to be exploitative, cruel and anti-local. It depended on foreign recruits even though local soldiers were available. It had to because its aim was not the welfare of people but a luxurious style of life for the foreign ruling class. Locals, both Muslims and Hindus, revolted against this, resulting first in the massacre of foreigners, Iranians and Turks, followed by decimation of local soldiers and subjugation of the countryside. The valiant Yadava queen of Golkonda fought against the Bahamanis with a small force against overwhelming odds and died a martyr. The revolt of the locals in Bidar and the Golkonda battle can be described as the first stirrings for self-rule in the Deccan. Most Qutub Shahis, on the other hand, tried to reconcile their political interests with the well-being of people. The use of the Telangana language as a vehicle both in cultural and administrative matters brought about a sense of participation in the local population. The martyrdom of Akkanna and Madanna at the hands of traitors, the resistance of Abdul Razzak Laari and the arrest and detention of Abul Hasan Tanasha, the last Qutub Shahi king, by Aurangazeb, reversed the process. The system relapsed into imperialism and the militant mentality and people into sullen silence.

The Asafjahis were aliens and their support base was mainly the north Indian gentry. They brought thousands of north-Indians to man the administration. Though Mahbub Ali Pasha, the Sixth Nizam, was a folk king, the process continued till it was challenged during the reign of the Seventh Nizam, by local Muslims who launched what is described as the Mulki (local) movement. The movement was successful and the Nizam created Mulki rules to protect local interests. During the same period Gonds of Adilabad revolted against oppressive rule. The Nizam invited Hammendorf, a reputed German anthropologist, to report on the state of affairs in tribal areas and suggest reforms. His proposals were accepted and martyrdom of Bhim did not go in vain.

Though it was laudatory that Urdu, an Indian language, was used as the language of administration and education, other language like Telugu, Marathi and Kannada also should have been used. It did not happen. The Arya Samajis too taught Hindi in their night schools, avoiding local languages. Local people, both Hindus and Muslims, were ridiculed for not knowing proper Urdu which of course meant Urdu of Lucknow and Delhi and not the Dakhani language. The Dakhani language, a beautiful product of interaction between Iranian settlers and the people of the Deccan speaking Telugu, Marathi and Kannada was totally ignored.

Events before the police Action and after were traumatic. Five thousand socialists, communists and common people died fighting Nizam`s feudal system and the Razakars, a paramilitary organisation of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslameen. Policemen and Razakars also suffered heavy casualties. Then came the Police Action. While there was not much violence in Telangana after the Police Action, Hyderabad-Karnataka and Marathwada presented a different picture.

From 1948 to 1956 Telangana passed through several phases-Military rule, Velodis rule and the induction of a popular government after elections in 1952. with Burugul Ramakrishna Rao as Chief Minister. The Hyderabad Tenancy Act, one of the most progressive acts in the history of modern India, was passed and partly implemented. The period between 1952 to 1956 can be described as the happiest period for the people of Telangana for a long time. The Hyderabad State could have continued its happy existence but for the decision to form linguistic states. Nehru and Lohia, in fact, advocated its continuance. But, as on many occasions in the past the people of Telangana were betrayed by a section of its leadership. Ostensibly on caste grounds. Brahmins belonging to the Congress raised the bogey of Reddy rule. Thus was formed Andhra Pradesh, much against the recommendations of the Fazal Ali Commission and advice of Nehru and Lohia.

The Andhra leadership still smarting at the ill-treatment meted out to them by the Tamil ruling ruling class in the old Madras Presidency, transferred the injury to the people of Telangana. But it was not merely a collective psychological problem. What was important was the lust for power and money of the feudal classes of the Andhra area, Kammas, Reddys and Brahmins. While Brahminic influence was eliminated by kammas, Reddys their own lust for land, power and money increased. They agreed lusted for the river waters of Telangana. Kammas, for a long time had been lusting for power. Their anti-Brahminism had nothing to do with the elimination of the caste system. They only wanted to replace Brahminic rule with their own dispensation. But Reddys of Rayalaseema, in alliance with the frustrated feudal elements of Telangana, checkmated them. Thus, Telangana Reddys of Rayalaseema continued to hold on to their lands and despotic power inspite of land reforms. They subjected Telangana feudals to every type of humiliation imaginable. Yet a character from this class betrayed the great peoples` movement for Telangana of 1968-1972.

As early as 1952, people of Hyderabad had revolted against alien rule. Six students laid down their lives in the anti-non-Mulki agitation. This agitation too was betrayed as also the 1956 agitation against the merger of Telangana with the Andhra State. Such is the character of Telangana leadership. Let the people beware!

The Naxalite movement itself was a product of the betrayal of the 1968-1972 movement as also tardy implementation of land reforms by the Coastal area-Rayalaseema feudal coalition. It is absurd to say that there is no feudalism in Andhra area. It is in fact along with north Bihar, the most despotic feudal system of India. Like North Bihar, it is a totally castist system too. can anybody imagine anything like Karamchedu and Chundur happening in Telangana? While both the feudal system and the caste system in Telangana have become extremely weak, they have been strengthened in the Andhra area with the influence of film capital and misuse of Telangana resources for agricultural development. A marauding capitalism has been superimposed on a casteist and feudal society. The ill-gotten film wealth and colonial exploitation of Telangana water and power resources have created an insane society. This can be seen in the casteisation and feudalisation of the communist parties. The Congress and Telugu Desam of course are the official representatives of this insanity. An attempt is being made to paper over contradictions in the Andhra area by throwing some crumbs to other castes and turning them into a comprador class. All the contradictions of the Andhra area are sought to be resolved by involving oppressed sections into a wholesale exploitation of Telangana link what was done by the ruling classes of West Pakistan in the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Wholesale exploitation of Telangana resources for the benefit of the Andhra area is accompanied by attacks on the way of life of Telangana people. In fact, the insistence on the formation of Andhra Pradesh was itself with the intention of taking control of Telangana resources. A separate Hyderabad State or Telangana would have prevented such a take-over. But people can be totally enslaved only when their language and culture are destroyed. The Andhra burden is a continuation of the notion of white man’s burden. Those humiliated by the British and the Tamil ruling class have not learnt any lessons. They imagine that they can lord it over Telangana indefinitely. The British also thought so. The sun however has set on the British empire.

Telangana language is no Telugu, Telangana people are lazy, and they are also fools and criminals at the same time: Such are the officially sanctioned Andhra attitudes. While the entire country lauds Hyderabad and its way of life the Andhra rulers are never tired of saying that Telangana people are uncultured. Thus, the suicidal attempt to subjugate Telangana permanently continues. Even the recent outburst of kapu anger after the planned killing of Mohan Ranga has been forgotten. It is one of ironies of history that oppressors do not seem to learn anything from the searing experience of history.

What is described as the Telangana movement of 1969 actually commenced in December 1968 On 6th December1968, students took out a procession from Vivek Vardhini College in Hyderabad. The procession was attacked both by rowdies recruited by so-called integrationists and the police. In the melee that ensued along, several students were injured. Thus commenced the movement. Soon in Khammam and Warangal demonstrations were organised which later spread to Nizamabad and other parts of Telangana. Integrationists decided to organise a public meeting on 6th April 1969, at Buru Mahadev Hall, Secunderabad. Students gave a call for boycott of the meeting. The meeting to be addressed by a few Congressmen and Communists, was finally held but it was a very small gathering in a small hall. But thousands hand gathered outside the hall denouncing the holding of the meeting. Policemen opened fire on a totally peaceful crowd killing several young men. The martyrdom of young men was the spark that lit the fire all over Telangana. A little before this, at a meeting of intellectuals, it was decided to from an organisation called Tellangana Praja Samithi. Pratap Kishore and Raghuvee Rao were the prime movers behind this move. A.Madan, an advocate, was elected as President. Madan Mohan had no experience in politics and was chosen mainly because most others were employees in some organisation or the other. Under the banner of Telangana Praja Samithi, the movement spread to all corners of Telangana. A remarkable feature of this movement was its totally decentralised character. Praja Samithi and Students` Action Committees were formed everywhere without any direction from above. Whenever funds were required collections were made at the local level. By March 1969, the organisation was in shape to take on the Andhra Government.

After the police firing of 6th April the agitation began building up. Finally, the Praja Samithi decided to take out a rally to Raj Bhavan on 1st May 1969 which can be described as the golden day of the movement. The Government banned the rally. For about a kilometer on all sides of Charminar, movement of people was banned. Yet a night before hundreds had left their localities and taken shelter in Ghansi Bazar, Alijah Kotla, Kali kaman and Pathargatti areas around Charminar. Most of them were from the old city. The writer himself could reach Charminar after persuading armed policemen that he was going to offer pooja at the Charminar “Gudi’ (temple). For that purpose he carried coconut, arti karpoor and agarbattis. Of course, the pooja was performed, the only pooja he preformed in his life. Parikrama too was performed around Charminar and not merely around ‘Gudi’. By that time K.V.Ranga Reddy had arrived. He had become so weak that he could be taken to the Chabutra with the greatest difficulty. He was almost blinded and deaf. Yet when he spoken his voice was firm, not betraying old age. By the time he started speaking hundreds had gathered at the site defying thousands of armed policemen. He spoke very briefly. The last sentence of his speech will ever remain etched in my memory-”Ghulami Ki Zindagi se mouth acchi hai” (death is preferable to a life of slavery). Even before he could be escorted out of the place teargas cylinders were bursting all around.

The grand old man of Telangana had spoken and people spoken with their blood. More than a hundred teargas shells were fired at the procession. But there was no stopping the procession and by the time it reached Afzalgunj it had swelled to a few thousand. The police started firing at Siddiambar Bazar area which continued all along the procession route, till it reached Raj Bhavan. But even then firing continued intermittently and Umrender Rao, President of Secunderabad College Union (Evening), fell to a bullet near Raj Bhavan. It was said later that a section of Telangana policemen had refused to open fire in the Raj Bhavan area. Yet in spite of all the tear-gassing and firing the procession continued to swell and by the time it reached Raj Bhavan there were more then fifty thousand people. It was an amazing spectacle. Generally crowds disperse as soon as policemen open fire. But here was a procession which was swelling with every round of firing. By March itself Congressmen had started infiltrating the movement. Later they proved to be Trojan horses. They started propagating the pernicious thesis that the movement needed a `leader of stature` whatever it might mean. And they started canvassing for Channa Reddy, suggesting the resignation of Madan Mohan from Presidentship. Alternatively, they threatened to form a parallel samiti. At this critical juncture, courage and common sense were needed. White Madan Mohan proved to be totally spineless, B.Satyanarayana Reddy and Badri Vishaal Pittie supported Channa Reddy`s plans. Others followed him. On 21st May 1969, six months after the agitation was launched Channa Reddy who had nothing to do with the movement, became the President of Telangana Praja Samiti. The Trojan horse had entered the organisation. He started dismantling the organisation at every level, disbanding student, trade union, NGOs and women`s Committees. Centralised collection of funds started. Corruption seeped in. Yet the movement continued since it was still alive at the grassroots level. A call had been sent out to boycott examinations to be held from 1st June onwards. The NGOs` strike was continuing. The entire administration had been paralysed.

There was heavy police firing on 1st and 2nd June. Aruna a high school student, who was picketing an examination centre near Chandarghat was killed on 1st June, 1969. Several more student fell to police bullets all over Telangana. It was then that Indira Gandhi, healding a weak minority Government, paid a flying midnight visit to Hyderabad to pacify people, perhaps also to purchase some leaders. In the meantime a parallel Samiti was formed with M. Sridhar Reddy as Chairman who soon left for America. Channa Reddy announced the suspension of the movement even though Nagam Krishna Rao and Madan Mohan had been elected to the Assembly as people’s candidates. With the approach of 1971 midterm poll, the TPS decided to contest the election and won, inspite of Channa Reddy`s leadership. Channa Reddy in a volte-face announced the merger of TPS with the Congress. Students stormed the TPS office but Channa Reddy had escaped. The merger was a stunning blow to the people of Telangana and their aspirations. More than 370 had fallen to police bullets., hundreds more had been crippled. The people of Telangana were overcome with a sense of despair and hopelessness. They had made immense sacrifices even the movement was with drawn. What else were they expected to do ?

The Socialist Party, the Republican party and a few unattached intellectuals revived the agitation under the banner of TPS and gave a call for Telangana Bandh on 23rd November 1972, which was total. A young man was killed in police firing near Charminar. In the meantime, an agitation had been started for a separate Andhra State. Congressmen soon took over the reins of that movement also which was originally led by Tenneti Vishwanathan and Gouthu Lachanna. In fact. a joint committee to fight for two separate states of Andhra and Telangana was formed of which the writer was a member. Using the Channa Reddy model Congressmen took over the Jai Andhra movement, sabotaged it and demanded cancellation of all Telangana safeguards. Channa Reddy and his Congress followers collaborated with them and all the safeguards were taken away to be replaced later by the six Point Formula.

In the meantime 1972 Assembly elections had arrived and Sampurna Telangana Praja Samiti whose President was B.Satyanarayana Reddy and the writer, the Secretary, decided to contest 49 seats. Three candidates of STPS were victorious and a large number lost with narrow margins. All this without any resources. But the decline had started and by the end of 1972 the agitation petered out. It was the longest, most spontaneous, non-party, toughest, most-intense and the greatest movement of free India. It was a totally peaceful movement. Yet those who are never tired of calling themselves followers of Gandhi unleashed the most terrible violence on the movement. Telangana had been turned into a National Police Museum. Malabar Special Police, Maharashtra Armed Police, Uttar Pradesh Armed Constabulary, Jammu Kashmir Militia, Karnataka Armed Police, Tamil Nadu Armed Police, Bihar Armed Police companies were posted all over Telangana. The Gorkha Marhatta regiments of the army were also deployed. In fact officers of the Gorkha Regiment were amazed at the ability of Telangana people to improvise new forms of agitation. Gorkhas came face to face with a 8 feet high barricade in Hussaini Alam area and could not believe that it was erected by civilians !

Yet most horrible atrocities were inflicted on the citizens. Lakhs went to jail. Most school and college buildings in Telangana had been turned into prisons. With Telangana jails full, detainees were sent to Rajahmundry and Vizag jails. White no Andhra was touched in Telangana two Telangana citizens were burnt alive in the Andhra area. We were witnessing the unfolding of regional fascism of the worst kind.

I cannot forget a few incidents. In the 1952 agitation the shirt of a slain student had been turned into a flag-the red flag of anger, martyrdom and relentless battle was fluttering in the air and policemen were firing at the procession on the Abids Chowrasta. On women’s satyagraha in 1969 day I saw hundreds of women, from the age of 15 to 75 marching along the Puranapul-Hussaini Alam road towards Charminar and being lathicharged by policemen, On another day about twenty young men singing, an Urdu song “Telangana, Telangana Telangana ki Jai” were marching towards a police platoon posted near Charminar to stop processions. There are thousand of such stories. A leaderless agitation head emerged morally victorious even though politically betrayed. But the movement continued, undaunted by betrayals. Twice every year large numbers gathered at the Martyrs Memorials in Secunderabad and Hyderabad and paid tributes to martyrs. In January, 1986 some activists decided to form `Telangana Information Trust`. Soon “Ma Telangana” was launched, which was closed down after seven months due to financial troubles. More then a thousand people had gathered at its inaugural function at Basant Talkies, Kachiguda,. Around 1991 two organisations, Telangana Student Front and Telangana Liberation Students Organisation were launched in Osmania Universty. In 1992 the Kakatiya Unit of Telangana Students Front was formed. A national seminar on small state was held in Landscape Gardens and Tagore Auditorium in August 1993 . Surendera Mohan inaugurated the conference and Justice Madhav Reddy addressed the gathering. George Fernandes addressed the concluding session. Delegates from various parts of the country including Vilas Bhongade from Vidarbha and Laxman Dasti from Hyderabad-Karnatak attended the conference. Both TSF and TLSO organised demonstrations on and outside O.U.campus and forced Osmania University to sanction 15 per cent supernumerary seats to Telangana students.

Stirrings of a new movement could be clearly seen in Warangal on 1st November 1996 at the Telangana Praja Samiti convention attended by more than five thousand delegates from all parts of Telangana. The Hyderabad convention was held on 1st December 1996 and after that a series of conferences, group and public meetings have been held at Godavarikhani, Karimnagar, Siddipet,Jangaon, Aler, Ghanpur, Nizamabad, Khammam, Nalgonda, the old city of Hyderabad and Bhongir. The Bhongir conference and the public meeting proved to be a turning point. The Bhongir conference was addressed among other by Kaloji Narayan Rao, Dr. Jayashankar, Prof.P.L. Vishweshwer Rao, Dr.Srinivasulu, Sidda Reddy, Dr.Simhadri and many others who had come from all parts of Telangana. The public meeting presided over by shri Mallayya Gupta, a respected Communist leader and addressed by Gaddar among others was a huge gathering, much beyond the expectations of organisers. Gaddar called upon the people to launch a totally peaceful agitation for achievement of a separate state while the writer called for a new type of leadership from grassroots upwards, emphasizing total control over leaders by masses. A mong parties opposing the Telangana movement of 1969 were the Communist party, Jan Sangh and Majlis-Ittehadual-Muslimeen. While the first two represented upper-caste, upper-class section of the Andhra area, the Majlis represented upper-caste, upper-class, and non-Daccani section. However both Hindus and Muslims supported the movement and dealt a crushing blow to all the above mentioned parties in the 1971 Lok Sabha elections. The role of Daccani and Urdu in the Telangana movement cannot be ignored. While Telugisation is a historical and necessary process it would be a folly to ignore Urdu and Daccani. Such an act would be a repetition of Nizam`s mistake in ignoring Telugu, Marathi, Hindi and Kannada. Hindi and Urdu are based on Dahhani and Khadi Boli. They are a part of our heritage. Who can forget the part played by Maqdoom Mohiuddin, Ibrahim Jalles, Sulaiman Areeb, Raja Dube, Jeelani Bano, Om Prakash Nirmal and many others who have enriched the politics and culture of Telangana through their. writings. The Andhra elite in their linguistic chauvinism of regarding Guntur Telugu as the only Telugu have tried to rodeo roughshod over Telangana Telugu and Daccani as also Hindi, Urdu, Marathi, and Kannada, Similarly tribal language were sought to be destroyed. New Telangana will nurture all these languages which are a part of our cultural and literary heritage.

Telangana now stands on the verge of another movement for liberation from aliens and for participatory politics. What the people of Telangana do now and how colonialists react will decide the future course of Indian politics. The demand for small states is a demand for responsible and participatory politics. The Telangana movement of 1969 was the first Indian struggle for economic and cultural autonomy. The movement going on now has added a demand for social emancipation. This is as it should be. The whole world is moving towards liberation from racism, sexism and casteism. Telangana has stood in the vanguard of such movements for the last fifty years and awaits correct leadership. What then shall we do now? The job is not to liberate Telangana from a colonial system but also to liberate Andhras from their selfishness and greed which is increasing in leaps and bounds. The liberation of Andhras, however, can only commence with the formation of a separate state of Telangana. How do we visualise Telangana? Because people are asking us for whom Telangana is sought to be formed? What is the point in fighting for Telangana if nothing is to change? One thing that will change for sure is that we will have control over our resources, jobs and education. But, that has to be only the beginning. Other policies have to be visualized and projected

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:10:00 +0000

Home | Festivals | Diwali :

Diwal is one of the biggest festival of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days,The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year. The second day of the festival,Naraka Chaturdasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the third day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the Bali, and banished him to Patala. It is on the fourth day of Deepawali, Kartika Shudda Padyami, that Bali went to patala and took the reins of his new kingdom in there. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes. The festival od Diwali is never complete without exchange of gifts. People present diwali gifts to all near and dear ones.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 07:51:00 +0000

Home | Festivals | Dasserah :

Dasara (Dussehra) is one of the popular and enthralling festivals of India celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. This festival is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil and victory of gods over demons. Dusserah (Dasara) literally means the tenth day. It marks the end of the nine days of Navaratri. The first nine nights are spent in the worship of goddess Durga and hence these nights are known as Navaratri. This festival falls in the month of Ashwin (Sep - Oct) according to Hindu calendar. The tenth day of the Dusserah is celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga Devi. It is also known as "Vijayadashami".

VijayaDashami is considered to be an auspicious day for the Indian householder, on which he worships, protects and preserves 'Shakti' (power). According to Scriptures, by worshipping the 'Shakti' on these nine-days the householders attain the threefold power i.e. physical, mental and spiritual, which helps him to progress in life without any difficulty.

The 'Ramlila' - an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day (Dussehra or Vijay Dasami), larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and brother - Meghnadh and Kumbhakarna are set to fire.

The theatrical enactment of this dramatic encounter is held throughout the country in which every section of people participates enthusiastically.

In burning the effigies the people are asked to burn the evil within them, and thus follow the path of truth and goodness, bearing in mind the instance of Ravana, who despite all his might and majesty was destroyed for his evil ways.

If you ever get a chance to be in India during Dasara don't miss this fascinating festival.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 05:54:00 +0000

Home | Festivals | Bathukamma :

BATHUKAMMA is one of the most unique festivals of Telangana and one celebrated mainly by the women of this region. Celebrated during Navarathri (September/October) it honours the `life-giver’ Bathukamma, with women seeking her blessings for prosperity and a good year. Colours, flowers and water are all intrinsic to the festival; and the goddess herself is not one rooted in a shrine but made of flowers that signify both life and eternity in their colours as well as impermanence.

In the evenings, women gather different kinds of unique seasonal flowers, some coloured, some scented and arrange them on a wide plate called as tambalamu, in the shape of a conical mound.

Women then gather in large numbers along with their batukammas in their locality, place them in the middle and dance around them, synchronizing steps and claps in unison, and singing soul stirring batukamma folk songs.

After the singing and dancing, batukammalu are set afloat in a lake or river.

This festival goes on for seven days and concludes on Durgastami, the main festival day is calledSaddula Batukamma. On this day they celebrate into wee hours and later go to a nearby village lake to set their Batukamma afloat. Lakes with floating batukammas in the evenings is a treat to the eyes.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Telangana region has many Buddhist monasteries built. though it belonged to Dravidian family of languages. They have more affinity in customs, traditions and social institutions of marriage and the like with that of Sanskrit. There are many a number of historic places to visit. To name a few,Mecca Masjid, Birla mandir, Lumbini Park, Shilaparamam, Hussain sagar lake, Ocean park, Ramoji Film city, Nehru Zoological Park, Public gardens, Osman Sagar, Jama masjid and NTR gardens, Charminar, Golconda fort, Paigah palace, Ashurkhana, Qutub Shahi tombs, State legislative assembly, Falaknuma Palace, Asmangarh fort, Kingkoti palace , Keesaragutta,Chilukuru Balaji Temple,Chiran fort, Salarjung Museum, Birla Science Planetorium and Birla Archaeological museum. Ikat fabrics, Perfumes, Bidriware Metal crafts, Bangles and Pearls in Hyderabad. Warangal fort, 1000-pillar temple,Badrakali temple,Ramappa temple & lake,Laknavaram lake and Medaram in Warangal. Basara Saraswathi Temple,Adilabad.The only Saraswathi temple in south India, Pocheru and Kuntla water falls, Nirmal handicrafts in Adilabad.Elgandal Fort, Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple in Vemulawada,Karimnagar, silver filigree works, Nakasha Paintings, Ramadugu stone crafts in Karimnagar. Sri SitaRamachandra Swamy Temple in Badrachalam, Khammam, Alamur Temples of Mahaboobnagar, Medak Church, Jain Temple, Kolanpak and many more.. more..

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 14:56:00 +0000

Home | Warangal | Warangal history :

Warangal history :

The 12th and the 13th centuries saw the emergence of the Kakatiyas. They were at first the feudatories of the Western Chalukyas of Kalyana, ruling over a small territory near Warangal. A ruler of this dynasty, Prola II, who ruled from A.D.1110 to 1158, extended his sway to the south and declared his independence. His successor Rudra (A.D.1158--1195) pushed the kingdom to the north up to the Godavari delta. He built a fort at Warangal to serve as a second capital and faced the invasions of the Yadavas of Devagiri. The next ruler Mahadeva extended the kingdom to the coastal area. In A.D.1199, Ganapati succeeded him. He was the greatest of the Kakatiyas and the first after the Satavahanas to bring the entire Telugu area under one rule. He put an end to the rule of the Velanati Cholas in A.D.1210. He forced the Telugu Cholas of Vikramasimhapura to accept his suzerainty. He established order in his vast dominion and encouraged trade.

As Ganapati Deva had no sons, his daughter Rudramba succeeded him in A.D.1262 and carried on the administration. Some generals, who did not like to be ruled by her, rebelled. She could, however, suppress the internal rebellions and external invasions with the help of loyal subordinates. The Cholas and the Yadavas suffered such set backs at her hands that they did not think of troubling her for the rest of her rule.

Prataparudra succeeded his grandmother Rudramba in A.D.1295 and ruled till A.D.1323. He pushed the western border of his kingdom up to Raichur. He introduced many administrative reforms. He divided the kingdom into 75 Nayakships, which was later adopted and developed by the Rayas of Vijayanagara. In his time the territory constituting Andhra Pradesh had the first experience of a Muslim invasion. In A.D.1303, the Delhi Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji sent an army to plunder the kingdom. But Prataparudra defeated them at Upparapalli in Karimnagar district. In A.D. 1310, when another army under Malik Kafur invaded Warangal, Prataparudra yielded and agreed to pay a large tribute. In A.D.1318, when Ala-ud-din Khilji died, Prataparudra withheld the tribute. It provoked another invasion of the Muslims. In A.D.1321, Ghiaz-ud-din Tughlaq sent a large army under Ulugh Khan to conquer the Telugu country then called Tilling. He laid siege to Warangal, but owing to internal dissensions he called off the siege and returned to Delhi. Within a short period, he came back with a much bigger army. In spite of unpreparedness, Prataparudra fought bravely. For want of supplies, he surrendered to the enemy who sent him to Delhi as a prisoner, and he died on the way. Thus ended the Kakatiya rule, opening the gates of the Telugu land to anarchy and confusion yielding place to an alien ruler.

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. Anumakonda and Gandikota among the `giridurgas', Kandur and Narayanavanam among the `vanadurgas', Divi and Kolanu among the `jaladurgas', and Warangal and Dharanikota among the `sthaladurgas' were reckoned as the most famous strongholds in the Kakatiya period. The administration of the kingdom was organized with accent on the military.

Anjaneyaswamy temple

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 07:44:00 +0000

Home | Karimnagar | Anjaneyaswamy temple

The temple is about 35Kms from Karimnagar. Which is this breathtaking temple of Lord Anjaneya Swamy. Situated amidst hills, valleys & water springs Kondagattu is blessed by nature and very scenic. According to the folklore, the temple was constructed by a cowherd some 300 years ago. The present day temple has been built 160 years ago by Krishna Rao Deshmukh. It is believed that if a women offers puja for 40 days at this temple then she will be blessed with a child.
Bus Transport

1) Karimnagar Depot to Kondagattu 6 trips including one night halt

2) From Jagityal depot 4 trips

3) Sirsilla Depot via Vemulawada depot two trips in the morning and evening

Bhadrachalam Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:40:00 +0000

Home |Khammam | Bhadrachalam temple

Bhadrachalam Temple is an important pilgrimage for Hindus dedicated to Lord Sri Ramachandra and situated on the banks of the sacred river Godavari. This is the place where Lord Rama supposedly crossed the River Godavari to go southwards in search of Sita.The unique feature of this temple is an idol of Lord Rama, which is a blend of two avatars - Vishnu and Rama.
This piligrim town is having Rail and Road facilities, 120 Kms to district head quarters,Khammam. And 325 Kms from the state head quarters, Hyderabad. Nearest Railway station is at Kothagudem (Bhadrachalam - Road station ), 40 Kms from this piligrim town, and nearest Air link is at Rajahmundry (Domestic), Hyderabad Begumpet (International Airport )..

It is fascinating to look at India and its small towns, which combine the age-old traditions of India and also the modern manufacturing and way of life into the landscape. One such town is Bhadrachalam is located in Khammam District, at a distance of over 300 KM slightly northeast of Hyderabad. A famous pilgrimage shrine, the abode of Lord Rama, situated at the bank of holy river Godavari, and also the home of ITC PSPD which is one of the premier paper manufacturers in the world, while retaining the charm of a rural Indian town.

Mancherial

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:42:00 +0000

Home | Adilabad | Mancherial

A temple (from the Latin word templum) is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, or analogous rites. A ‘’templum’’ constituted a sacred precinct as defined by a priest, or augur. It has the same root as the word “ template,’’ a plan in preparation of the building that was marked out on the ground by the augur. Though a templum, technically speaking, is not a “house of the gods” but a diagram that for the Romans linked the geometries of heaven and earth, it was also indicative of a dwelling place of a god or gods. This tradition dates back to prehistoric times. For the ancient Egyptians, the word pr could refer not only to a house, but also to a sacred structure since it was believed that the gods resided in houses. The word ‘temple’ (which dates to about the 6th century BCE) despite the specific set of meanings associated with the religion of the ancient Rome, has now become quite widely used to describe a house of worship for any number of religions and is even used for time periods prior to the Romans.

External link: www.mancherialcity.com

TEMPLES IN MANCHERIAL:

Sri Vishwanath Alayam
Sri Laxmi Nrayana Swamy Temple
Sri Gouthameshwara Swamy Temple
Sri Sammakka Sarallamma Temple
Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple
Sri Sai Baba Temple

Kuntaala Waterfall

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:39:00 +0000

Home | Adilabad | Kuntaala waterfall

Kuntaala Waterfall is the highest waterfall in the Telangana region with a height of 45 meters. bout 32Km from the district centre and 12Km from the village NerediKonda nestled in dense forests is The Kuntaala Waterfall.

Kuntala Waterfall is the highest waterfall of Andhra pradesh. About 32Kms from the district centre and 12Kms from the village NerediKonda nestled in dense forests is The Kuntaala Waterfall.

River Kanda flowing through the dense forests; at this point comes gushing and falls from a height of 45metres.One has to experience the sight of water splashing down with such a force that water below turn into whirls.

The beauty of the waterfall is beyond words in monsoons when River Kanda comes with a gush splashing the hillock with heavy rainwater. Hitting the water below from a height of 45mts is sight to cherish. The air is covered with a white cloud of mist tickling you. The water below is covered with gentle foam as pure as love.

According to the popular and prevalent local belief Kuntaala Waterfall got its name after Shakuntala, the beloved wife of King Dushyanth; the pair fell in love with each other and were mesmerized by the scenic beauty of the surroundings. The locals also believe that Shakuntala used to bathe by the waterfall.

Thus giving a feast of ancient and ethnic culture of the tribals amalgamated with Mother Nature; to the eyes of the beholder. Among these Kuntaala and Pochera waterfalls are prominent.

According to the popular and prevalent local belief Kuntaala Waterfall got it’s name after Shakuntala, the beloved wife of King Dushyanth who fell in love with each other and were mesmerized by the scenic beauty of the surroundings. The locals also believe that Shakuntaala used to bathe by the waterfall.

The air around will be filled with mist of the splashing waters. The cool breeze surrounds you with the aroma of the dense flora. The ecstatic feeling ,one has to experience.

The beauty of the splashing waters and music of the gushing waters is sure to make the visitor spell bound.

Adjacent to Kuntaala Waterfall, We find the temple of Lord Someshwara Swami, the locals as well as the visitors offer this deity pujas. We reach this temple by passing through a hill slit into two, making a passage. This magnificent nature’s carving is very rare to see. On “Maha ShivaRathri” festival this temple is beautifully decorated and devotees throng the temple from various places of the district.

I invite you all for a journey to the waterfalls and let the magical beauty of Mother Nature mesmerize you.

Nirmal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:37:00 +0000

Home | Adilabad | Nirmal

Nirmal is popularly known for paintings and Wooden Handicrafts.There is a big community of craftsmen in Nirmal town known as “Nakkash” whose traditional art is to paint scenes from the Hindu epics such as Mahabharata and Ramayana

In medieval period Mughal rulers were so enthralled by the beauty and colorfulness of Nirmal paintings that they extended patronage towards this art form. Five century later Lady Hydri brought the craftsmen to Hydrabad and promoted this art for more growth and development.

The colors used in this painting are produced indigenously form minerals, gums and herbs. The familiar gold color of Nirmal Paintings is extracted from the herbal juices.Over the years Nirmal work has grown to meet new and growing needs.Moving further away from being mere painters of epics, the artisans today paint motif the style of the old Indian Schools. The concept and themes of Nirmal Paintings suggest influences from Indian schools like Kangra, Ajanta and from Moghul miniatures Artisans reproduce Mughal Miniatures beautifully on soft white wood.This soft white wood is called “Ponniki” and is strengthened with coatings of tamarind seed paste, fine muslin and pipe clay, before being painted.

The Nirmal painting was developed in Hyderabad in last few decades seasoned with teak, duco paint and varnish.

The ‘Nirmal Industry’ has been growing ever since its inception in 1951 at Hyderabad, which developed Nirmal paintings, and handicrafts command the international market.

Nirmal Toys Industrial Cooperative Society is situated on National Highway no - 7, which was established in 1955 housing 60 artisans is the main toy making unit while the Hyderabad branch manufactures furniture and miniature paintings.

Basara temple

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:31:00 +0000

Home | Adilabad | Basara temple

Basar is a village with wonderful gardens surrounded by the temple premises amidst the dry and barren patches of the north Telangana region, 30-km from Nizamabad. Basar is situated on the banks of River Godavari. It is located at a distance of about 220-km by road and 190-km by rail from Hyderabad.

This is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi. The temple at Basar is also the abode of Goddess Lakshmi and Kali.

Now a days there is heavy rush of pilgrims coming to Basara to perform “Akshara abhyasam” for the children. According to the legend Maharishi vyasa and his disciples and sage Suka decided to settle down in a cool and serene atmosphere after the kurukshetra war. In the quest for the peaceful abode, he came to Dandaka forest and pleased with serenity of the region selected this place. After his ablutions in the river Godavari Maharishi Vyasa used to bring three fistful of sand and place it in three small heaps and made images Sarada, Laxmi, Gowri with his mystic power and later conducted prayers. This idol made of sand has its face smeared with turmeric. Eating a little bit of this turmeric paste, it is believed, will enhance one’s wisdom and knowledge. Many people, in fact, take their kids to Basara for “Akshara abhyasam” before commencing formal school education. Special poojas and celebrations are held at the temple during Maha Sivarathri, beginning 15 days before (Vasantha Panchami) and continuing 3 days after the festival. Devi Navarathrulu is celebrated for ten days during Dasara. Since Maharishi Vyasa spent considerable time in prayers, the place was then called “Vasara” and turned into Basara due to the influence of the Marathi language in the region.

External link: www.basaratemple.org

Sanghi temple

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:19:00 +0000

Home | Rangareddy | Sanghi temple

Sanghi temple is located in Sanghi Nagar, 25 kms from Hyderabad. It is situated in a hillock called as Paramanand Giri, as one enters a huge Maha Dwaram or gateway welcomes the visitors. A little further away, a long flight of steps leads to the entrance of the temple complex. The presiding deity of the complex is Lord Venkateshwara , 9-½ ft tall. A heavy, beautifully carved door forms the main entrance of the temple complex. The majestic temple complex is built in the Chola-Chalukya style of architecture and hosts all important Hindu god idols.

If you stand at the foot of the hillock, one is awestruck to see the three Gopurams towering into the blue sky. And before ascending to the temple complex on top, one stops by at the shrine of Lord Anjaneya, son of the wind God, who is believed to guide the devotees to the abode of Gods. The red-faced Lord Anjaneya is the embodiment of death to the demons and his very name drives away all evils.

The exotic flowers for the Gods in the temple are grown in the Pavitra Vanam or "Holy Garden". Plots have been demarcated for each deity and special leaves and flowers are grown for performing poojas. The temple complex also houses a Kalyan Mandapam where marriages and other auspicious ceremonies are performed. The Mandapam is a raised platform with a decorated canopy over it. It is built in a style similar to the temples in the complex and blends perfectly into its surroundings. A well tended lawn in front provides plenty of open space for seating the spectators.Different poojas are performed each day. Besides, the temple at Sanghi offers special poojas during festivals.

The temple opens in the early morning at 5.00 am. For one hour, Suprabhatham is done followed by archana to the deities from 6 am to 8 am. General darshan for the devotees is allowed from 8.30 am to 10.30 am. and 4 pm to 6 pm. Poojas and sevas are held between 6 pm and 8 pm. The temple remains closed between 12 am and 4 pm and after 8 pm.

Weekly abhishekam is performed to the deities between 8 am and 9 am - Sri Ramalingeswara (Mondays), Sri Hanuman (Tuesdays), Sri Venkateswara, Ashtalakshmi, Parvathi, Padmavathi, and Rama (Fridays).

Durgam Cheruvu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:12:00 +0000

Home | Rangareddy | Durgam cheruvu

It was one of the best picnic spots of Hyderabad, its water flowing at a languid pace and the area surrounded by natural rock formations. The rocks are vanishing slowly and it now appears that so is the sanctity of the lake. Durgam Cheruvu, the picture perfect ‘Secret lake’, once known for its natural scenic beauty and a surprise tourist spot tucked between Jubilee Hills and Madhapur, is one of the most polluted water bodies in the city.

Chilkur Balaji Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:51:00 +0000

Home | Rangareddy | Chilkur Balaji temple

The Balaji Temple is located at Chilkur in the Hyderabad district. It is 33 Kms away from Mehedipatnam. Approximately 75,000 to 1,00,000 devotees visit in a week. Generally temple gets heavy rush on Fridays and Sundays.

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

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

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

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

External link : www.chilkurbalaji.org

Keesaragutta

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:47:00 +0000

Home | Rangareddy | Keesaragutta

Though Keesaragutta is today an attraction for the Ramalingeswara and Lakshminarasimha shrines located there, Keesara was originally called Kesari, after Hanuman
According to legend, Sri Rama was so enchanted with the beautiful surroundings of the Hill there that he asked Hanuman to bring a 'Sivalinga' from Varanasi so that it could be installed there. As the trusted one did not return in time for the consecration, Rama made one of sand and installed it on the hilltop. Hanuman, who came back with 101 Sivalingas, dejectedly threw them away. Even today, one can see a number of Sivalingas strewn all over the hillock. Keesara was once the capital of the great Vishnukundin dynasty that ruled all over peninsular India south of the Vindhyas between 4th and 6th centuries AD. Archaeological excavations have unearthed palaces amidst fortifications and temple complexes.

Anathaswamy Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:38:00 +0000

Home | Rangareddy | Anathaswamy temple

Anantagiri Kshetram, in Vikarabad of Rangareddy District, is a place of pilgrimage as well as a tiny hill resort, attracting both pilgrims seeking salvation and tourists exploring pleasures. It is the birthplace of river Muchkunda, popularly known as Musi, flowing through Hyderabad. At the behest of Lord Brahma, Markandeya once chose these peaceful and inspiring hills for his penance and hence it is also known as Markandeya Kshetram. The hilly terrain, the lush green forests with many medicinal plants and herbs, the salubrious climate and the silent and peaceful surroundings have made it an ideal place for both tourists and pilgrims

Mecca Masjid

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:16:00 +0000

Home | Hyderabad | Mecca masjid

Mecca masjid is one of the oldest masjids in the city and easily the biggest. Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah began building it in 1617 under the supervision of Mir Faizullah Baig and Rangiah Choudhary. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb completed the construction in 1694. It took 77 years to come up as the magnificent edifice we see today. Like many other ancient buildings in the city, the mosque is a granite giant with awe-inspiring innards. The main hall of the mosque is 75 feet high, 220 feet wide and 180 feet long, big enough to accommodate ten thousand worshippers at a time.

Mecca masjid is just a hundred yards southwest of the historic Charminar. Between Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah and Aurangzeb, Abul Hasan Tana Shah of Golconda also continued the task launched by the Qutub Shahi kings. It is believed that Muhammed Quli commissioned bricks to be made from earth brought from Mecca and inducted them into the construction of the central arch of the mosque, which explains the name of the mosque.

Birla Mandir

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:13:00 +0000

Home | Hyderabad | Birla Mandir

An enchanting temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the Birla Mandir of Hyderabad, India stands in its entire splendor on the hilltop of Kala Pahad. Made of pure white marble from Rajasthan, the Birla Mandir overlooks the serene and placid waters of the Hussain Sagar Lake. The famous Birla industrialist who had built a large number of temples all over India built the Birla temple of Hyderabad. They finished building the Birla Mandir of Hyderabad within a time span of ten years. The magnificent shrine offers a wonderfully breath-taking view of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

The intricate carvings of the temple, the ceiling and the mythological figures are a standing testimony to the dexterity and sculptural excellence of the craftsmen. Beautiful scenes from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata are finely sculpted in pure white marble. The temple is devoted to Lord Venkateswara who is also known as Balaji, though the temple is known as Birla Mandir. It is a wonderful blend of the architectural style of northern and southern temples.

As you enter the temple you can see the 'Gopuram' or the pyramid shaped temple top, which is a characteristic feature of South Indian temples. The tower situated at the top of the principal deity called the Jagadananda vimanam is again built in the Orissan style. The flagstaff of the temple is made up of brass, and reaches to a staggering height of 42 feet.

The granite stone, out of which the idol of Lord Venkateswara has been carved, is about 11 feet tall. A Lotus shaped canopy at the top of the idol is again done in marble and looks stunning. Along the winding path that leads to the main worship place, are many marble statues of Gods and Goddesses of Hindu mythology that look almost real. In case you visit the temple in the early hours of the day, you can hear some very melodious South Indian music in the praise of the Lord. The Birla Mandir of Hyderabad becomes a spectacular sight in the evening when it is illuminated with hundreds of bright lights.

Shamirpet Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:57:00 +0000

Home | Hyderabad | Shamirpet lake

The Shamirpet Lake in Hyderabad is situated 27 kilometers away towards the Northern direction of Secunderabad. Shamirpet Lake is a very fine-looking lake and also has a Deer Park in the vicinity. Its serene and calm environs make it a great place for a quick getaway. Andhra Pradesh Tourism board offers comfortable cottage facilities for lodging, while the forest lodges can be booked with the AP Forest Department office at Saifabad.

While you enjoy boating on the Shamirpet Lake, take a look around. You will be able to see flocks of deer that come to the Lake to quench their thirst. The variety of species of deer around the Lake is sure to amaze you. The Lake thrives in different varieties of plants also. The calmness of the Lake is something that you will enjoy to the core. On weekends, the Lake provides quite a contrasting visual with families thronging with their kids to enjoy the boating facilities and enjoy their picnic.