St. Mary's Basilica

One of the most famous Catholic Churches of the city, St. Mary's Basilica is located at Sarojini Naidu  Road in the heart of Secunderabad. The decree designating it as a basilica was issued in November, 2008.

St. Mary's Church is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the city of Secunderabad, India.

The church has four bells, which were brought from Italy in 1901. One of the bells is reported to have developed cracks.

It was formerly the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad. It is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Adjacent to the church is the convent of St. Ann's which runs the St. Ann's High School, Secunderabad.

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St Joseph's Cathedral, Hyderabad

St Joseph's Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Cathedral located at Gunfoundry, north of Abids and King Kothi, in  Hyderabad, Telangana State, India.

It is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad and one of the most beautiful churches of Hyderabad and Secunderabad cities of Telangana, India.

Established in 1820 AD, the construction of the present structure began in 1869 when Fr. Antonio Tagliabue of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) bought an extensive plot of land near Chaderghat, in what is now called Gunfoundry(so named for the ammunition centre built there by the Nizam of Hyderabad), to build a school, a church and a convent. Msgr. Pietro Caprotti (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions), laid its foundation on 18 March 1870, the eve of the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Fr. Luigi Malberti (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions), took charge in 1872 and completed the main building, which was consecrated and opened for divine worship on Christmas Eve of 1875.

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Jama Masjid

Musheerabad Masjid or MASJID E KALAN (also known as Musheerabad Badi Masjid, or Jama Masjid Musheerabad) , is a mosque located in the Musheerabad locality of Hyderabad, Telangana State, India.

This mosque was built in 1626-1672 CE by the Qutb Shahi ruler, Abdullah Qutub Shah. The main entrance to this mosque has five pointed arches while the courtyard is flanked by three gateways at east, north and south. It was a small sarai at one point of time, but with the new huge structure, there is little space left to enjoy the old structure. All the rooms are locked, but what is cute is that they have built pigeon coops along the walls on top. It looks very neat, and you can hear a pigeon coo or see it flying off or trying to get in.

The mosque is adorned with a lavish use of cut-plaster and beautifully ornamented-cornices. The prayer hall overlooks an enclosed courtyard with an imposing entrance on the eastern side is rectangular in shape. Its roof is supported by elephant trunk, like projecting brackets, which support sharp capitals set in lotus cups. The sarai around the mosque has a series of open and screened arches. The main eastern gateway has a beautiful parapet with four minarets, each decorated with a series of beaded mouldings.

Some of the few cities which have still kept its cultural heritage well preserved is Hyderabad. A visit to this old city summons nostalgia among the old residents of the city. 

The buildings, monuments, the mosques and the temples all speak of the rich history that led to their existence. One of the biggest and the oldest Masjids in Hyderabad, the Jama Masjid is the ideal place to go, to explore Islam. 

It rises with its majestic white towers just a few meters above the Charminar. Jama Masjid is one of the most popular mosques in Hyderabad and is visited by a large number of Muslims every year.

It is indeed one of the most attractive examples of Muslim architecture. The Jama Masjid is located only a few kilometers away from the Charminar in Hyderabad.

This Masjid was also famous for its Islamic education and a monastery in olden times Hyderabad. Now this school does not exist anymore in its premises. Muslims, in very large numbers, visit this mosque for worship and treat it in high esteem.
History

Architecture
Jama Masjid is a majestic form of Islamic architecture. The beautiful white towers of the mosque can be seen from far away. It is a beautiful blend of Persian and Arabic architecture.

There is symmetry in everything in the old mosque and it is decorated with limestone plaster, which probably is why the mosque still stands for us to write about. Another story says that after the fall of Golconda, the Masjid was practically abandoned till the area became a jagir of Nawab Arastu Jah Mushir ul Mulk, when the Prime Minister of Nizam Ali Khan granted it to him in 1795.

People soon started occupying the empty spaces near the mosque and now it is a very crowded locality. Talk of open space is now only imaginary. Way back in 1951, one of the minarets had bent and apparently was repaired. 

There is an urgent need for repairs to the old mosque to keep it intact and appreciate the historical architecture and values. Once you step out of the mosque, you go back to hustle and bustle of the main road, crowded with vehicles, shops and people.

Architecture

The two minars on top of the mosque are quite the signature and Sastry waxes eloquent, "The two main minars are raised over a three feet high plinth and embellished with floral and wavy designs in stucco. The capital is then divided into six divisions of different designs like beads, petals and finally with a row of drops below the parapet."

The masjid seems to be held by two huge pillars made of stucco, but the pieces are falling off. A net has been placed to save people from injury. The new structure tries to copy the design of the pillar, but it is not even worth a mention. The mosque is state protected and some of the old arches have still been retained, though not much care is being taken of this old structure.

The mosque itself is cool and, to quote Sastry: "The roof of the prayer hall is supported by elephant trunk-like projecting brackets which support the short capitals, set in lotus cups. The prayer hall has ten bays with conical ceilings each supported by four arches. The mehraz is a vestibule with three arched openings on either side of the main arch and it is made of black basalt."

Timings: 4:30 AM to 9:45 PM

Address

Address: 337, 1-4-337, Bakaram Inside Rd, Musheerabad, Bakaram, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500020, India

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/030618/hyderabad-the-grandeur-of-qutb-mosque.html

http://www.discoveredindia.com/andhra-pradesh/attractions/mosques/jama-masjid-hyderabad.htm
https://www.indianholiday.com/tourist-attraction/hyderabad/mosques-in-hyderabad/jama-masjid.html

http://tourmet.com/jama-masjid-hyderabad/

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Hyderabad Mecca Masjid

The historic Hyderabad Mecca Masjid or Makkah Masjid is located adjacent to Charminar in a south-west direction in Hyderabad, Telangana State, India and is a state-protected monument.

Built with local granite, it finds place among largest mosques in India and is the most important and largest one in the city.

The construction of this mosque started in the year 1614 by Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah and was completed in 1693 by Aurangzeb. The mosque has a length of 225 feet and is 180 feet wide with a height of 75 feet. The roof is rested on 15 arches.”

Seventeenth-century French traveler, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605–1689) , was in Hyderabad when the magnificent Mecca Masjid was undergoing construction. Awestruck by the magnificence of the architecture, he had noted in his travelogue that “it is about 50 years since they began to build a splendid pagoda in the town which will be the grandest in all India when it is completed.” The mosque was finally constructed in 1693.

The mosque contains the tombs of the Nizams of the Asaf Jahi dynasty from 1803 onwards. This is a view of the main facade with its five arched entrances. The prayer hall contains five aisles, three bays deep. The cicular corner minars, with octagonal balconies, are small in height; they were never carried above parapet level. The capping domes were added later by the Mughals.

Large enough to accommodate 10,000 worshipers, this beautiful mosque's 15 enormous arches and pillars were each wrought from single slabs of black granite dragged to the site by huge cattle trains reputedly consisting of up to 1,400 bulls. Taking its name from the bricks above the central gate that were brought here from Mecca, this impressive complex features highlights such as its main gateway, huge plaza, a large manmade pond, and a room that houses the hair of Prophet Mohammed.

Other notable features include inscriptions from the Quran above many of the arches and doors, the exquisite roof of the main hall, the cornices around the entire mosque structure, and the floral motifs and friezes over the arches.

The mosque has a length of 225 feet and is 180 feet wide with a height of 75 feet. The name is derived from the Grand Mosque in Mecca on which it is modeled. The hall has a dimension of 67 metres x 54 metres x 23 metres. The roof is rested on 15 arches.

There is a high blocking wall on the western side for Mehrab. It has two huge octagonal columns, which are created from a single piece of granite. This is inturn topped by an arched gallery crowned by a dome. This mosque can accommodate 10,000 worshipers at any time.


It is located two hundred yards from Charminar. The mosque was believed to have used bricks during its construction where brought from Mecca. A room in the courtyard is believed to house a sacred relic of the prophet.

According to history, Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah invited the entire devout religious elders in the city to lay the foundation stone but as no one had come forward, Sultan Muhammad himself volunteered to lay foundation and it is said that he never missed his midnight prayer in life right from the age of 12.

Visitors coming to Charminar also visit the holy mosque, which lends a divine aura to the Muslim worshippers in the old city of Hyderabad.

Mecca Masjid lies in disrepair as chunk of plaster peels away

It is imposing. It is historic. And it is decaying. Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest mosque, indicating that the government has the preservation of heritage structures at the bottom of its agenda, a chunk of plaster at the historic Mecca Masjid complex peeled away on account of continued negligence.
Masjid officials who did not wish to be identified said that the canopy has been in bad shape for many years. The canopy, they added, is in need of immediate repairs

Shopping Tourists can enjoy unlimited shopping close to Mecca Masjid. Laad Bazaar is a very old market, located on one of the four major thoroughfares emerging from the historic Charminar. Laad Bazaar is a major market for bangles, semi-precious stones, pearls, jewellery, silverware, bidri ware, saris lacquer bangles studded with stones etc.

Renovation
The Telangana government sanctioned in 2017 a budget of Rs 8.5 crore for works. The Department of Heritage took up restoration works with the help of private firms.

Feb 3, 2023 : Hyderabad's Mecca Masjid facelift underway, set to be ready by Ramzan month?

Timings All Days of the Week - 4:00 am – 9:30 pm

18 May 2007: The Mecca Masjid blast occurred on 18 May 2007 around 1:15 PM inside the Mecca Masjid, (or "Makkah Masjid") a mosque located in the old city area of Hyderabad, capital of the Indian state of Telangana located very close to Charminar. The blast was caused by a cellphone-triggered pipe bomb placed near the place where ablutions are performed. Two further live IEDs were found and defused by the police. Sixteen people were reported dead in the immediate aftermath, of whom five were killed by the police firing after the incident while trying to quell the mob.

On 16 April 2018, the NIA Court acquitted all 11 who were accused in the blasts, citing lack of evidence
Sources

http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/heritage-spots/hyderabad/mecca-masjid.html


http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/india-ind.htm


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Mecca-Masjid-lies-in-disrepair-as-chunk-of-plaster-peels-away/articleshow/53497362.cms

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Budhism in Telangana

Buddhism is a religion and dharma that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on teachings attributed to the Buddha.

Buddhism originated in India sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, from where it spread through much of Asia, whereafter it declined in India during the middle ages.

Two major extant branches of Buddhism are generally recognized by scholars: Theravada (Pali: "The School of the Elders") and Mahayana (Sanskrit: "The Great Vehicle").

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Nelakondapalli

Nelakondapalli is a town and a mandal headquarters in Khammam district, Telangana, India, located at a distance of 21 km from Khammam.

Nelakondapalli is a historic site, which includes a mud fortification wall that covers 100 acres. Excavations by archaeologists have unearthed the foundations of viharas, cisterns, wells, one Mahastupa, terracotta idols, a bronze idol of Lord Buddha and a miniature stupa carved in limestone, and other historic materials from third and fourth centuries. Archaeological sites of historical importance dating back to the days of Mahabharata such as Virataraju Dibba and Keechaka Gundam are located within one and a half kilometer from Nelakondapalli. The relics, which were found at this place, strengthen the belief that it was a prominent place right from ancient times.

Nelakondapalli also has ancient temples like three Shiva temples as well as two Vaishnava temples. The Dusshera festival celebrations in Nelakondapalli attract devotees from other places. 

Nelakondapalli is also the birthplace of Kancharla Gopanna, popularly called Bhakta Ramadas. Bhakta Ramadas Memorial Building was constructed here at Sri Bhaktha Ramadasu’s birth place in 1955, which is now called Bhakta Ramadasu Dhyana Mandiram is run by Sri Seeteramachandra Swamy Devastanam, Bhadrachalam from 1983. Sri Ramanavami is celebrated with pomp and gaiety at Bhaktaramadas Dhyana Mandiram with arrangements made by Bhadrachalam Sri Rama temple and the local devotees. Annually, Sri Bhaktha Ramadas memorial festival is organised between 28th April and 2nd May. Nelakondapalli is located at a busy junction on the way from Khammam to Kodad and Kusumanchi. 

Tourists can use buses and cars from Nelakondapalli to nearby historical sites like Bodulabanda, Anantanagar, Aregudem and Kattukachavaram.

Nelakondapalli can be reached by road from Khammam, which is nearly 20 km away. Khammam is connected to Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana, located at a distance of approximately 195 km, through road and rail transport.

There are few eateries on the way to Nelakondapalli. Good restaurants are available at Khammam.

There are few local made handicrafts and idols of Hindu gods which shoppers can buy here.

Khammam town is suitable for accommodation with many private lodges and hotels.

http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/heritage-spots/khammam/nelakondapalli.html

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Pazzur

The archaeology officials excavating the early historic site located between Pazzur-Yarragaddagudem

villages in Tipparthy Mandal, Nalgonda District in Telangana State  and unearthed one copper and two lead coins probably belonging to Satavahana and post-Satavahana period.

The coins belonged to Mahatalavara, feudal lords who ruled parts of Telangana under Satavahana

“Mahatalavara, a feudatory family that ruled parts of Telangana under Satavahana and also during post-Satavahana period, had minted these coins, the archaeology officials said.

The archaeologists identified the coin belongs to Mahatavalaras since the two lead coins were having horse symbol on obverse side. They could not identify the symbol on other side of these coins. The copper coin was rusted and they could not identify anything on it.

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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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Buddhavanam or Sri Parvatarama

Shri Parvata Aarama project which is under execution seeks to capture the Buddhist heritage of the Telugu land and has the potential to swing Telangana on to the centre-stage of culture tourism. 

Graphical representation of the proposed Buddhist Theme Park

It is appropriate that a project of this magnitude is coming up on the soil of Telangana as it is to the Asmaka country (environs of Bodhan), Buddhism came first in Dakshinapatha during the life time of Buddha himself. By now the story of Bavari, an ascetic who lived on the banks of Godavari in 6th century BC in an ashram practicing traditional rituals is well-known. SuttanipataTripitakaShravasti arhants anagami, arahant.

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Kanakai Waterfalls

The Kanakai waterfall is located near a small village called Girnoor of the Bazarhatnoor Mandal, Adilabad District in Telangana State.

The falls is also called as Kanakadurga waterfalls. The place has a place in the ancient history as well. People from nearby villages come to this place to offer their prayers to Goddess Kanaka Durga, in the temple.

The drive to the temple resembles a way paved to reach paradise. The location brings you in direct contact with luscious grasslands and fields. 

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Sri Komaram Bheem Project

The Sri Komaram Bheem Project is a Medium Reservoir has been built across Peddavagu River, a

tributary of the Pranahita River. It is located at Ada village, Asifabad Mandal, Adilabad District, Telangana.

The project named after Komaram Bheem (22 October 1901 – 19 October 1940), was a tribal leader who fought against the Asaf Jahi Dynasty for the liberation of Hyderabad State. Komaram Bheem openly fought against the ruling Nizam government in a guerrilla campaign. He defied courts, laws, and any other form of Nizam authority, living off the sustenance of the forest. He took up arms against Nizam Nawab's soldiers, and fought Babi Jhari until his last breath.

This Project proposed to supply water to Asifabad, Wankidi, Kaghaznagar, and Sirpur mandals more than 45,000 in acres. But currently, the project is providing irrigation water to about 20,000 acres under its left canal 35 km. Right canal will provide irrigation water to about another 25000 acres.

Eco-tourism can be promoted in the pristine natural forests, hillocks, valleys of Kumram Bheem district

All the pain of an arduous 50 km bumpy ride on the Utnoor-Asifabad road vanishes at the sight of the blue waters of the Kumram Bheem Reservoir, located some seven km from Asifabad town in Kumram Bheem district. Most travellers stop by to take in the beauty of the lake and the hillocks beyond to help them overcome the fatigue of the journey.

However, no one stays there for more than a few minutes for the simple reason that there is no place to relax on the shores of the picturesque reservoir. At best, the visitors can approach the water near Ada village where the fishers have made a clearing.

Replicating the Kadem Reservoir model, where the Telangana Tourism department has cottages and operates boats, may not require heavy investment. There is high potential for developing tourism in the newly-carved out Kumram Bheem district, as a large area between Asifabad and Jainoor encompasses numerous hillocks, hill streams and valleys.

The tourism potential and development came up for mention at the recent public meeting held at Jodeghat in Kerameri mandal in connection with the 76th anniversary of martyrdom of Gond leader Kumram Bheem.

Some speakers suggested development of a golf course, a polo ground on the high plateau besides developing adventure tourism. Hyderabad builder, K. Ashwin Rao, a well known eco and adventure tourism enthusiast, rubbished the idea of a golf course and polo ground and favoured keeping the forest intact.

“The Jodeghat valley, is best suited for trekking as the hillocks here are not very high and the forests are thick. Kerala State’s Munnar model of adventure tourism can be implemented here as it will involve local communities too,” he suggested.

“The forest terrain in erstwhile Adilabad district is unique in Telangana State. Trekkers, being a disciplined lot will ensure the nature remains pristine, ,” he added.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/Picturesque-but-no-place-to-stay-for-visitors/article16076579.ece

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Kerameri Cave Temples

Located in idyllic settings in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, they attract devout Adivasis in

droves. The large and scenic reservoir of the Kumram Bheem project also offers a perfect getaway for the visitors.

Komaram Bheem Asifabad is set to unravel the mystique of tribal culture and their ethnicity as the religious season for Adivasis has just begun. It is time for the different sects and sub sects of the aboriginal population in this district to worship respective clan deities and other gods and large groups can be seen journeying in bullock carts and on foot to temples located inside the forests and over the hills.

For those who consider the culture of the aboriginal people as something of a mystery, the three equally mysterious cave temples of Adilabad have much to offer by way of revelations. Visitors can actually see and feel that the religious practices of the Adivasis which seem to be superstitious on the surface are actually connected with understanding nature itself.

The three cave temples are Jangubai temple , Bhuyari Pochamma temple and Siddheshwara temple.

Jangubai temple located in the hilly wilderness of Shankarloddi in Kerameri mandal.

The Jangubai temple is by far the most famous among the Adivasis, the Gonds and Pardhans, who visit it as part of a pilgrimage in the Pushya masam coinciding with December-January.

The devout among Gonds observe Jangubai deeksha in the Pushya month and visit the cave temple in large number towards the end of the deeksha. A host of ethnic religious rituals and rites can be seen at the scenic location, which also boasts of a water body at the foot of the hillock.

Bhuyari Pochamma temple located on a hillock on the banks of the Kumram Bheem project reservoir near Manikguda in Asifabad mandal

At the Bhuyari Pochamma temple, the Kolams take part in rituals associated with thanksgiving to the gods. Though many of the Adivasis visit the temple every Sunday, the deity is especially worshipped at the beginning of monsoon and on Dasara.

The large and scenic reservoir of the Kumram Bheem project also offers a perfect getaway for the visitors. The friendly fishermen will offer a ride in the cool water of the reservoir on their surprisingly stable rafts made of thermocol or even a piece of their roasted fish.

Siddheshwara temple located on Penchikalpetgutta hillock in Bejjur mandal.

Reaching the Siddheshwara temple also involves braving the difficulties posed by difficult and roadless terrain as the other two.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/cave-temples-of-adilabad/article6708910.ece

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Ganagapur Temple

Ganagapur Lord Venkateshwara temple in Gangapur is located in Gangapur village in Rebbena

Mandal , Komaram Bheem Asifabad district in Telangana State, India.

This temple was built in the 16th century by a VishwaBrahamin Mummadi pothaji and large number of devotees come from Maharashtra, Chattisgad and Telangana to Gangapur jatra held on magha pournami every year.

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Jodeghat

Jodeghat is a small Village/hamlet in Kerameri Mandal in Komaram Bheem Asifabad District of

Telangana State, India where where legendary Gond leader Kumaram Bheem had attained martyrdom in 19th October, 1940.

The Jal, Jangal and Jameen arch is coming up at Jodeghat where Adivasi legendary Komaram Bheem died fighting with Nizam forces for sovereignty of 12 villages and land, forest and water in Kerameri mandal in 1940. Jal, Jangal and Jameen arch is being constructed as it reflects the aspirations of the Adivasis. 

The state government is developing the area as a tourist and historical place by constructing tribal museum, amphitheatre, multi-media hall and Komaram Bheem memorial to attract tourists.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao may inaugurate the arch and lay foundation stone to a park on the occasion of 75th death anniversary of Komaram Bheem on October 27.

The project is being taken up at a cost of Rs 25 crore and sanction was given for Rs 18 crore under first phase. A video album was shot at Jodeghat to popularise the project to attract tourists to develop the place under tourist circuit. The Department of the Tourism is planning to develop the places.

The Principal Secretary Tourism, B.P. Acharya on Friday said the government was contemplating to start a light and sound show at the historic Jodeghat village.

Kumra Manikrao of Jodeghat said for the first time some people are looking like foreigners with grey and white hair came to their gudem and it was cultural shock for many of the villagers present on seeing the dressings, behaviour and body language of foreigners and added that they spoke in English but villagers and one person came with them translated into Telugu.

The foreigners took photographs with villagers and the villagers laughed at them as many of them including women wore shorts. They captured the entire area of Jodeghat and its surroundings of pristine jungles by using Helicopter camera and there was a photo shoot.

Komaram Baderao expressed concern about their indigenous culture and traditions and expressed anxiety about coming days saying that they don’t know what more they were going to see in future after Jodeghat was fully developed as tourist place. Most of Adivasis of the Jodeghat were clueless about what was coming up at their village and some of them say that their leader Komaram Bheem’s puthla (statue) was coming up.

Adivasi leaders have started expressing fear of penetration of non-tribals into interior Jodeghat area and will exploit natural resources in the forest just after project was developed as tourist place.

Adivasis also expressed fear of non-tribals and outsiders will also exploit the gullible Adivasi women in the guise of creating employment under tourism development like in the Araku Valley which was a ere in Andhra Pradesh.    

Jodeghat is surrounded by Jiwati Mandal towards North , Jainoor Mandal towards west , Sirpur (U) Mandal towards west , Asifabad Mandal towards East . 

Kagaznagar , Rajura , Chandrapur , Bellampalle are the nearby Cities to Jodeghat.  

The stretch of road which leads to the village of Jodeghat will soon become a seven-meter-wide blacktopped facility as part of the State government’s plan to develop this place into a tourist spot

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/plans-to-boost-tourism-in-jodeghat/article7140233.ece

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/151024/nation-current-affairs/article/jal-jungle-jameen-arch-jodeghat

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Manthani Gauthameswara Temple

Manthani Gauthameswara temple is located in the heritage place of Manthani, this temple is known for its great historical archeological and religious evidence. This temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva, and you will also get to know more about some parts of Jain and Buddhist cultures, as located within this segment. The main deity over here is Gautameswar. There is no such history about its origin, but the lingam is stated to be more or less similar to Thousands pillar temple.

The Kakatiya kings renovated this old temple during their reign and its sculpture is a must see.

The Manthani Gautameshwara temple has Godavari river in its surroundings and to its north, there is Bokkala Vaagu however in the southern direction there is a lush green forest. To its east lies Ravula Cheruvu which is a small lake.

This place is considered to be the oldest example of Vedic learning and with a growing knowledge platform for the vacationers. The temple is quite fragile at this point of time, but the idol of Lord Shiva and his bull is quite prominent even now.
Whenever the main area relates to archeological, historical and religious belief, you are always asked to take a trip to this temple. Even though, there are various other temples available too, but nothing can beat the importance of this temple, as dedicated to Lord Shiva.

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