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Showing posts with label NH 563. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NH 563. Show all posts

Molangur Fort

Molangur Fort is located in Mulanguru village (also known as Molangur), Shankarapatnam Mandal, Karimnagar district, Telangana India is another invincible bastion belonging to the Kakatiyan era.

The Molangur fort was constructed on a hillock by Voragiri Moggaraju, one of the chief officers of Prathapa Rudra of Kakatiya dynasty. It was constructed as a transit halt for Kakatiyas while travelling from Warangal fort to Elgandal Fort in Karimnagar. The Molangur fort is listed as protected site by the Archaeological Department.

The fort is constructed on a huge granite hill that made it difficult for anybody to climb it from any side. On the way to the top of the hill, an inscription carved on a boulder mentions that there are two ways to the fort. At the entrance of the fort there is a Dargah of Molang Shah Wali, a muslim saint. It is reported that the original name of the village was Mudugar. It appears to have been renamed as Molangur after the name of the Muslim saint Molang Shah Wali.

In addition to the Dargah, the fort also houses two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a beautiful tank on the fort and also on its foothills along with a well called Doodh Bowli (milky well)

The ramparts of the fort still bear the remnants of garrisons, stables that remind it's glorious past. The ruined walls, gates, bastions, moatsculptures and several other remains in the fort still attract the attention of the visitors.

At a distance of 1.2 km from Molangur Bus Station, 31 km from Karimnagar and 169 km from Hyderabad.

Molangur Fort under threat
Rampant granite quarry operations in the vicinity of historic Molangur Fort constructed by Kakatiya Kings in Shankarpatnam mandal is taking a heavy toll on the structure.

Listed as protected site by the Archaeological Department, the fort was constructed on a hillock by Voragiri Moggaraju, one of the chief officers of Prathapa Rudra of Kakatiya dynasty. It was constructed as a transit halt for Kakatiyas while travelling from Orugallu fort in Warangal to Elgandal fort in Karimnagar.

The fort is constructed on a huge granite that made it difficult for anybody to climb it from any side. There is a beautiful tank on the fort and also on its foothills. A special well called ‘Doodh Bowli’ (well as pure as milk). Time has taken a heavy toll on the fort which is damaged and polluted by granite quarrying. Several megalithic burials inside the fort have been destroyed.

Molangur sarpanch Tirupathaiah said blasting undertaken for quarrying granite damaged the fort. There was severe sound pollution due to rampant granite quarrying. Locals were also falling ill due to the dust raised by the quarrying. He lamented that despite several representations to the district administration, no action has been initiated so far.

Telangana Bhoomi Rakshana Sangham convenor S. Sujatha said that hoisting of national flag on Golkonda fort alone would not solve the purpose of protection of ancient history and heritage of Telangana. The government should also protect other ancient structures.

Demanding that the government stop quarrying, she urged the government to declare all hillocks as tourist spots so that revenue could be generated from the heritage structures. Retired principal of Government Degree College Jagtial and historian. Dr Jaikishan said that there was no check on quarry operations, he said and added that the fort would collapse if frequent blasting and quarrying went on unchecked.

Doodhbowli, a well at foot of the Molangur Fort 
It is said locally that the milk-like water of the Doodh Bowli has great medicinal value and it cured several diseases.

This well at the foot of the Molangur Fort springs milk and not water. Though it is not milk in the strict sense of the term, the water smells and looks just like that and the villagers believe that it has nutritional value. The well, known as Doodhbowli in local parlance, is located about 30 km from Karimnagar. People treasure the water as if it is milk and use it for drinking and other regular chores.

The interesting feature of the well is that even in mid-summer it does not dry up. The “milk” keeps regenerating and it is always seen touching the brim. Even though Mission Bhagirtha water is available, people prefer the water from Doodhbowli. Locals say that during the Nizam era, water used to be transported from this well to Hyderabad on horse-drawn carts for use by the Nizams.

A villager Mallesham says in astonishment: “It is always a mystery that the milky water is very pure, more purified than the so-called purified water sold to us in cans.” For the last 20 years, his family has been using Doodhbowli water for drinking purposes. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, people used to come to this well from far-off villages to draw water and take it back as they believed it had not only nutrients but also has therapeutic value.”

As the “milk” from this well has become popular, officials with the Municipal Corporation of Karimnagar (MCK) officials have collected samples and sent it for analysis to understand its magic.The District Groundwater Board deputy director Ch Shailasree Mallika Devi says: “We are trying to find out what minerals are there in the water from this well. At the moment, samples have been sent for analysis. Once we get the report, we would know for sure what the “milk” is all about.”


The fort is 13 kilometres away from Huzurabad and 16 kilometres away from Jammikunta railway station. Thus, it is very convenient to reach this marvellous historical fort by road or by rail.

Qutb-ul-mulk Dakhani

1494 AD - 1518 AD : Kawas Kahn or Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk Governor
1494 AD : In 1493-1494 Bahadur Gilani rose in rebellion at Goa and attacked ships belonging to the Sultan of Gujarat, Mahmud Sah Begada. The Sultan now ordered the provincial governors to send forces to suppress the rebellion of Bahadur Gilani. In one of the actions fought near Jamkhindi, Qutb-ul-mulk Dakhani, the governor of Telangana was killed. His title along with the fiefs enjoyed by him were conferred on Sultan Quli, alias, Khavas Khan. Sultan Qulb was the founder of the Qutb Sahi dynasty of Golconda.

Qawam ul Mulk in Elgandal and Mulungoor or Molangur Fort in Karimnagar
During the absence of Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah in his late campaign, his northern districts had been attacked and laid waste by Kowam-ool—Moolk Toork, an officer of the Bahmuny Government, who, during the late convulsions, had rendered himself master of the forts of Elgundel, Mulungoor, and some other districts, and collecting a force of six thousand horse and about ten thousand infantry, invaded the countries of his neighbours. 

On the return of Sooltan Koolly, he received accounts of Kowam-ool-Moolk's incursions. He accordingly addressed letters of advice to him, and demanded restitution of the property he had plundered in the Kootb Shahy territories. The ambassadors who waited on Kowam-ool-Moolk were directed to inform him, that their master was sorry to hear what had happened ; and that it Was his wish to be on terms of friendship with all his Mahomedan neighbours, since it is written in the Koran, that " all the faithful are brethren ". Kowam-ool-Moolk, elated with his success in declaring his independence, and despising the power of Sooltan Koolly, shortly afterwards sent his troops again into his territories to plunder. Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah could no longer restrain his rage, and immediately ordered his army into the field, and marched towards Elgundel. He was met by Kowamool-Moolk at the distance of one day's march from that place at the head of his army. On the following day an action ensued, which lasted from dawn till noon, when the King charged in person, at the head of two thousand cavalry, and defeated Kowam-ool-Moolk, who fled in confusion, and threw himself into the fort of Elgundel. To this place the King proceeded, and invested it; but Kowam-ool-Moolk, finding himself unable to contend with his enemy, fled to Berar, and solicited assistance from Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah. Elgundel, shortly after, fell into the hands of the King, and many of the Mahomedan troops of Kowam-ool-Moolk entered his service. Having now occupied the forts of Elgundel and Mulungoor with his own soldiers, the King returned to his capital.

1518 AD - 1687 AD : Qutb Shahi dynasty or Golconda or Golkonda Sultanate
1518 AD - 1543 AD : Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk


Sources
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Kotilingala Fort & Temple


Kotilingala is a historical site nestled amid huge hillocks and thick green cover on the banks of the Godavari River, Velgatur Mandal, Jagtial district of the Indian state of Telangana.

Archaeological discoveries at Kotilingala indicate that it was an important town in ancient town, during the period of the Assaka mahajanapada and the Satavahanas, is a treat for pilgrims.

The site has a mud fort with several gates and running 1054 metres long and 330 metres wide. A watch tower located in the south-eastern corner measures 11.5 * 10.55 m.

Ancient pottery, beads, bricks querns, and other artifacts have been found at the site. 

Two hoards of punch-marked coins attributed to 2nd and 3rd centuries BCE have been found at the site. These coins were issued by Gobhada and Samagopa, who are believed to be local pre-Satavahana rulers.

The mud fortification, protected by a stream on its east and the Godavari river on its west, indicate its high political and commercial significance.

The archaeological evidence at Kotilingala suggests existence of long-distance trade.

Coins of Satavahana kings have also been found at Kotilingala. A few of these are copper and potin coins bearing the legend "Rano Siri Chimuka Satavahanasa". Some scholars such as A. M. Sastry and K. D. Bajpai have identified the issuer of these coins with Simuka, who is considered as the founder of the Satavahana dynasty based on the Puranic genealogies. However, others such as P. L. Gupta and I. K. Sarma have argued that the Kotilingala coins belonged to a later ruler with a similar or same name have disputed this identification. P.V.P. Sastry, who first discovered these coins and attributed them to Simuka in 1978, also changed his view and later stated that Chimuka or Chhimuka of Kotilingala was not same as the Simuka mentioned in Naneghat inscription.

Other coins include those issued by Kanha and Satakarni. The inscriptions of the early Satavahanas have been found only in present-day Maharashtra (at Nashik and Naneghat), based on which western Deccan has been proposed as the original home of the Satavahanas. 

However, the discovery of coins at Kotilingala and other sites in present-day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has prompted some historians such as M. Rama Rao to theorize that the eastern Deccan was also a part of the early Satavahana territory. V. V. Krishna Sastry theorized that the site was once a stronghold of the early Satavahanas.

 D. R. Reddy and S. Reddy proposed that Kotilingala was the original homeland of the Satavahanas. However, the Satavahana coin samples from Kotilingala are small in size, and it is not known where these coins were minted. S. Chattopadhyaya argues that coins can travel via trade, and this is not conclusive evidence of the early Satavahana presence in eastern Deccan.

The State government has decided to construct a protection wall along the shores of river Godavari to protect the site from submergence under the backwaters of the Sripada Yellampalli project.

There were transportation facilities to the towns located on the bank of the river Godavari such as Godavarikhani, Jagtial, Mancherial, and Karimnagar.

It is also a Hindu Pilgrimage Site with traditional Shiva temple and the Koteswara Siddeshwara Temple.

The traditional Sri Koteswara Siddeshwara Swamy Devasthanam temple with picturesque background is about 60 km from the Karimnagar.

A good black-topped road from Karimnagar to Rayapatnam takes the pilgrims to the temple in Velgatur mandal. A three-km drive from the main road takes one to the temple.

Legend has it that sages used to meditate in the caves adjoining the hillocks called ‘Munula Gutta’ and visit the banks of the Godavari for bathing. The sages decided to construct a temple and asked Lord Hanuman to get a Siva Lingam. When Lord Hanuman failed to come on time, the sages installed a Siva linga made of sand granules.

By the time Lord Hanuman arrived the Siva lingam was completed leaving the former infuriated. Locals say, Hanuman was pacified and people were asked to first offer prayers to the lingam brought by Hanuman and later to the lingam made with sand granules. According to temple priest Sanjay Sharma, newly-wedded couples offer prayers at this shrine for happy family, good siblings and prosperity.

Koti Lingala has a hoary past as the Satavahana kings used the Godavari for navigation and transportation of goods. It is evident from the wharf on the banks of the river. Buddhism and Jainism also prevailed in the region on “Munula Gutta’ as was evident during the excavations made by the State Archaeology Department.

Pilgrims planning to visit the temple can stay in hotels that suit everybody’s pocket. There is not enough accommodation in the temple nor does the place have good restaurants. Some pilgrims prefer to visit the shrine and cook food in the nearby woods and return in the evening. It is also one of the convenient places during the Godavari Pushkarams because of less flow of pilgrims.


Sources

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/Koti-Lingala-a-major-pilgrim-destination/article11148987.ece

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koti_Lingala



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Mancherial

Revenue divisions : 2 (Mancherial and Bellampally)
Mandals           : 18 
Population        : 807,037
Area (km2)        : 4,056.36
Literacy          : 64%
Highways          : NH 63, SH1
Rivers            : Godavari, Pranhita
Collector         : Sri R.V.Karnan, IAS (2012)
M.L.A             : Diwakar Rao Nadipelli, Durgam Chinnaiah, Ajmeera Rekha

Mancherial is previously called as "GARMILLA". Mancherial is known for its commercial activity and coal belt, the newly-carved district situated in the north bank of the Godavari.

The Godavari separates Mancherial and Jagityal district
The Godavari separates Mancherial and Jagityal districters are described as the lifelines of the district. The Yellampalli reservoir quenches the thirst of Mancherial, Luxettipet and Dandepalli mandals besides meeting the irrigation needs. 

The quarry at Gadpu, Gandhari Garden at Mandamarri, twin streams at Bhimaram, the Godavari river flowing towards north and a series of seven tanks built by the erstwhile Nizam are some of the tourist attractions that lend beauty to the district’s landscape.

Natural Resources
Coal, LimestoneJannaram Forest, Godvari and Pranahita Rivers.

Irriagtion
Yellampally Irrigation
Gudem Lift Irrigation
Kadem Dam

Industries
Singareni Collieries Company Limited or SCCL

  • Mancherial Coal Mines
  • Jaipur Power Plant

Mancherial Cement Company

Transportation

Road: Mancherial is well connected by road from various major parts of India like Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Nizamabad, Hyderabad, Guntur, Vijayawada, Nagpur, Shirdi. 
NH 563
NH 63
SH 1

Rail: Mancherial railway station is located on the one of the biggest railway line in India (New Delhi-Chennai ). It is well connected by rail from various metro cities in India.

Air: Nearest Airport to the Mancherail is Hyderabad International airport Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (250km by road, 3hrs of journey by train(AP Exp). There is also one proposal to construct new airport at Basanth nagar(ramagundam) which is 20-30 km from Mancherial. Once it is operational, it could be the nearest airport.


Tourism
Yellampalli reservoir
Kawal Tiger Sanctuary
Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Gundala Waterfalls 
Manchukondalu Waterfall
Alugubanda
Jannaram Deer Park
Gandhari Garden at Bokkalagutta in Mandamarri mandal

CSI Church 
at Modala in Luxettipet
Amba Agasteswara Temple and Lord Jagannath Temple at Chennur
Satyanarayana Temple at Gudem in Dandepalli mandal
Ayyappa Swamy Temple 
Saibaba Temple at Gudemgutta 

People

Dulam Satyanarayana

From Mancherial to Portugal, a trip to glory !

At the age of five years, he lost his father and from then on, the job of bringing him up was left to his mother, who sold and still sells tea at the railway station in Mancherial, in erstwhile Adilabad district.

Dulam Satyanarayana received the biggest gift of his life in the year 2016, when his film Welcome to Telangana , promoting film locations in the State showed in 3 minutes, the natural splendour that the State had. Invited by ART & AMP, TUR International Film Festival for its competition, the film was awarded the Best Tourism Film at Portugal.

Well, for most of his life, this 30-year-old has spent watching movies, cricket and reading whatever books he could lay his hands on.

He spent four years after his Intermediate education, preparing unsuccessfully to get into the Indian Institute of Technology. He then moved to Chennai and studied engineering at Anna University.

He bunked college again, watching DVDs that he bought at Burma College in Chennai. “I must have watched over a 1,000 movies over two years and it was during that period that my perspective changed. “I wanted to be a filmmaker. In 2008, I made short film on Moushuni, a tiny island in the Sunderbans and a village that did not have electricity,” he says.

It was in the year 2010 when he made a documentary film on fluorosis in Nalgonda district that drew the spotlight on him. It led to the Government of unified Andhra Pradesh taking up a protected water supply scheme for 25 villages . It did not end there.

The United States Department of State offered him a scholarship in 2011 to study at the Scottsdale School of Film and Theatre at Arizona.

He made about a dozen short films, before being spotted by the powers-that-be in the Telangana government, post June, 2014 and was asked to make short films on the government’s flagship programmes including the green ‘Haritha Haaram’ and on Mission Bhageeratha.

Satyanarayana’s short film Welcome to Telangana awarded Best Tourism Film at Portugal


Mandals (18)
Mancherial Revenue Division  (11)

  • Chennur
  • Jaipur
  • Bheemaram (new) 
  • Kotapally 
  • Luxettipet 
  • Mancherial 
  • Naspur (new) 
  • Hajipur (new) 
  • Mandamarri 
  • Dandepally 
  • Jannaram
Bellampally Revenue Division (7)

  • Kasipet 
  • Bellampally 
  • Vemanpally 
  • Nennel
  • Tandur
  • Bheemini
  • Kannepally (new)


http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/from-mancherial-to-portugal-a-trip-to-glory/article9260125.ece


http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2016-11-10/Mesmerising-Mancherial-lures-day-trippers-pilgrims/263327

http://mancheriyal.blogspot.com

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Dharmapuri

Dharmapuri is situated at a distance of about 48kms. from Jagityal town and 51 Kms. from Peddapalle railway station


Dharmapuri attained religious importance owing to the existence of the shrine dedicated to Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Siva With Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaka and Sapitha Mathrukas carved on a single slab of stone and Mahishasuramardhani, the sixty pillared temple, Mahalakshmi temple, Akkapalle Rajanna. 

An over five hundred year old Sri Sita Rama Swami temple are the other temples of importance that heighten the sanctity of this The
Ramalingeswara Temple which is of about 1000 years old, is in the proximity of the Narsimha Swamy Temple. It is said among local inhabitants that the Shiv Lingam installed in this temple was installed by Lord Rama during his exile and on way to Lanka in search of Sitha Maatha.

Dharmapuri was called so after King Dharamavarma, (Who was a staunch evotee of Lord Narasimha), it was known earlier as Dhamaraya, Dharmapuram, Dharmmanpuram, Dhammanvuru, Dharmavura and Dharmapuram80. 

It is famous for temples and artists, located on the banks of holy river Godavari. It is called Dhakshin Kashi.

The name of this place as Dharmapuri and Dharmapuram in the two Sthalapuranas both titled “Dharmapuri Kshetra Mahatyam”, dated 928 A.D82 and 1767 A.D.83 Historically we find the name of this place in an inscription of Arikesari-II (930-955 A.D) of Chalukyas of Vemulavada, at Kurikyala of Gangadhara Mandal. This place was known as Dhammanvura, Dhammampuram. 

Further, we see the name of this place as Dharmapuri and Dharmapura in an inscription of Vikramaditya IV (1076-1126 A.D) of Chalukyas of kalyani on the stone in the Rameswara temple at Dharmapuri. It records the gifts to the Rameswara. 

Malki Singana mentioned is this place as “Dharmapuram” in his Uttara Khanda of Padma Purana (1420 A.D). 

The great Telugu poet Bammera Potana (1400-1470 A.D) mentioned
this place as Dharmapuri in his Narayana Satakam. 

 Again, this place is also mentioned by Korai Goparaju (1430-1490 AD) in his Simhasanadwatrinshika. 

This place as “Dharmapuri” was mentioned in “Kalapurnodayam” by renewed Telugu poet Pingali Surana(1560 AD).

In 19th Century Sheshappa (1800 AD) wrote a Satakam on Narasimha of Dharmapuri and Narasimhadasu wrote “Rohilala pata” in 1858.

In which the sorrows of the victims of Rohillas at Dharmapuri are described. In the modern period this place was mentioned in “Dharmanagada Charitra” which is also known as “Pamupata” by Puri Narayana Raju, wherein the importance of river Godavari at Dharmapuri is given and mentioning Dharmapuri, a sacred place.

Dharmapuri boasts of the only temple for Yama in the country

Several hundreds .of devotees from various parts of the State and also from the neighbouring States have arrived in large numbers at Sri Laxminarasimha Swamy Devasthanam in Dharmapuri of Jagtial district on Tuesday to worship Lord Yama Dharmaraja (God of Death).

This is the only temple shrine in entire country where Lord Yama (God of Death) is worshipped.

The devotees who visit the Dharmapuri temple shrine first offer prayers to the Lord Yama at his temple before offering prayers to other deities. The devotees pour oil in the “Yamaganda deepam” to get rid of their sorrows and sufferings.

On “Yama Dwetheeya” which falls on the second day after the Deepavali festival, a visit to the Lord Yama temple attains lot of importance among devotees. It is believed that people who offer prayers at the Lord Yama temple on Yama Dwetheeya would not go to ‘hell’ after their death.

Temple priest Bojja Ramesh Sharma told “The Hindu” that the annual “Yama Dwitheeya” which is celebrated on second day after the Deepavali festival, marking the visit of Lord Yama to his sister Yamuna Devi’s house for lunch, attains more importance to appease the God of Death. On this occasion, the devotees perform the special pujas such as “Ayoosha Sooktham homam” for longevity and good health and special abhishekhams, he maintained.

It is also believed that Yama promises his sister that people who offer prayers on this day (Yama Dwetheeya) would not go to hell and they would get rid of all sorrows and sufferings. Similarly, it is believed that people having ‘Bhagini-hastha’ (food served by one’s sister) on this day would enjoy longevity and cleansed of their sins, the priest said.



http://tourismintg.com/Karimnagar_Dharmapuri.html

http://www.yatrastotemples.com/sri-dharmapuri-lakshmi-narasimha-swamy-temple/


http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/devotees-worship-lord-yama-here/article9293778.ece









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Kondagattu Temple

At a distance of 2 km from Kondagattu Bus Stand, 14 km from Jagityal Bus Station, 39 km from Karimnagar and 178 km from Hyderabad, Sri Anjaneya Swamy temple located in Muthyampet Village , Mallial Mandalof Jagitial district is one of the famous temples in Telangana.

Situated on a Kondagattu hillock amidst beautiful hills, valleys and refreshing water springs, this is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This Temple is decorated with sculptures of Gods and Goddesses on its facades and walls. The temple besides the main deity of Anjaneya Swamy also has the idols of Lord Venkateswara, Goddess Alwaar and Sri Laxmi. Here one can see the life statue of Lord Anjaneya. Stairs have been provided to help visitors go up to view the statue from close quarters.


According to local legend, about 300 years ago a farmer Singam sanjeevudu after losing one of his buffalos, came to this hillock searching for it and slept here. Lord Anjaneya came into his dream and told him the whereabouts of his buffalo. As he woke up and looking around the hillock, he found an illuminating idol of Anjaneya. He then built a small temple for the lord at current location. The present structure was built by Krishna Rao Deshmukh in the middle of 20th century.

The devotees believe that people who do not have children will be blessed by offering 40 day prayers to Lord Anjaneya Swamy. Hanuman Jayanti is the main festival celebrated here. Many devotees perform Hanuman Deeksha for a period of 41 days during Hanuman Jayanthi and visit Kondagattu Hanuman Temple by walk. It is beleived that more than 4 lakh people visit this Temple during Hanuman Jayanthi.

The Kondalaraya Fort and Bojjapotana caves near Kondagattu can be visited along with this place.

Timings: 4 AM to 8.30 PM.





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Nampally Gutta Temple


At a distance of 2 km from Nampally Bus Stop, 4.5 km from Vemulawada Bus Stand & 32 km from Karimnagar, Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is situated at Nampally Gutta. 

The temple is nestled on a small hillock on the Vemulawada - Karimnagar highway. It is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The idol was carved out of the rock around which the temple was built. The visitors have to walk a few hundred steps that lead to the top from nearest the parking area at bottom. The climb is little steep may take up to 15 minutes.

One the way to the Narasimha temple, there is a temple for Naga
Devatha. The temple was built in a model of Snake. Visitors can enter the shrine through the snake's belly - a long, winding tunnel. There are statues depicting the story of Prahalada and Hiranyakasipu. At the end of the tunnel, the statue of Lord Narasimha killing the demon Hiranyakasipu is present. There are also a few ancient idols of Naga Devatha. At the entrance of the temple, one can find a statue of Lord Narasimha breaking his way out of a pillar.

Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM


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Dhulikatta Budhist Site

The Buddhist Stupa dating back to 2nd century BC and one of the 30 walled cities mentioned by Megasthenes located in Dhulikatta village of Eligaid mandal in Karimnagar district, Telangana lies neglected for several decades due to lethargy on the part of the government. Dhulikatta got its name from ‘Dhulikota’ that means a fort made of mud. 


It is about twenty-five kilometres away from Karimnagar city.
The nearest Airport is Hyderabad which is about 175 kms from Dhulikatta. From there one can hire private vehicles. Situated about 20kms away from Dhulikatta the nearest Railway Station is Peddapalli. One can hire private vehicles from those places to reach Dhulikatta.

The Archaeology Department had discovered the heritage structure in 1975 along the shores of a picturesque rivulet on the outskirts of Dhulikatta village. Barring the discovery of this early Buddhist stupa, the authorities have failed to take up any measures for the development and protection of the heritage site for the promotion of tourism.

In spite of several pleas by the historians and others, the authorities failed to provide road facilities to the ancient protected monumental structure. It is barely 33 km distance from the district headquarters, but still reaching the Stupa is a herculean task due to non-availability of road.

Due to non-availability of security at this structure, the miscreants had damaged the ancient monument and stolen away the antique veneer slabs and other panels and bricks. There were also incidents of miscreants digging the structure in search of treasure hunt. Literally, there is not even a sign board educating the people about the importance of ancient structure to attract tourists.

This Buddhist Stupa was constructed on a mound with light weight bricks. It is embellished with sculpted veneer slabs and beautifully carved limestone slabs. It is stated that site had attained importance as it was constructed with 47 slabs to enhance the dome with the Stupa.

Historians say that the Archaeology authorities had discovered other relics such as gateways built with light weight bricks, mahastupa, chatra, residential houses, wells, bangle pieces, ivory combs, gold objects, punch-marked coins, beads, coins of Romans and Satavahanas and seals. Majority of relics were shifted to the present Andhra Pradesh State Museum and only a few antiques lie in the Karimnagar museum.

Telangana State government was planning to develop Buddhist circuit covering Dhulikatta and other ancient Buddhist structures located in Nalgonda district which will also promote tourism.


The coins and the seals used by the Satavahanas and Romans were revealed by the excavations. This depicts that financial dealings between the two countries were prevalent at that time.
The sphere-shaped dome of the main Stupa was built by using forty-seven blocks of limestone and the blocks were adorned with symbols of ‘Muchalidanaga’, that according to Buddhist folklores means a serpent. Other than the Mahastupa there are other artefacts unearthed from the nearby spots, which are spiritually and historically significant. The Charmachakra Stupa is also very significant. The clay pottery used for household purposes which are of different colours such as red and black, depicts the vivacious life led the by the people of that era. A statue of a mother holding her child in the left hand, made of bronze is another significant work of art. The Buddhist symbol which is one the eight symbols and the footprints of the Buddha can also be found preserved here. Coins of different denominations and jewellery can also be found.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: It is advisable to visit this place from the month of October to March to explore the place.
http://beautyspotsofindia.com/dhulikatta-karimnagar/
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/buddhist-stupa-lies-in-neglect/article7679926.ece

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