Octopus View Point

Octopus View Point is located close to the Domalapenta Forest Check post in Amarabad Tiger Reserve of Nallamala Forest, Amarabad Mandal, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana State, India.

It was open to public by forest department on 13th October 2017

The Amarabad Tiger Reserve has a new tourist attraction. The Octopus Viewpoint became operational  as a part of the plan for the extension of eco-tourism activities at the reserve. The viewpoint is located 5 km before Domalpenta; and offers a view of the Krishna River and the adjoining forests. Mohan Chandra Paragein, field director of the Amarabad Tiger Reserve, said, "This strategic location has been picked after a lot of planning. This point provides a view of the backwaters of the Krishna, which resemble the tentacles of an octopus. We are also developing a watchtower and a forest trail for visitors."

Every day around 70 tourists sign up for the safari conducted by the reserve which begins from Farahabad crossroads. Officials say that two buses, each with a seating capacity of ten persons, operate in rotation.

Octopus Viewpoint is located 42 km away from Mannanur, on the Hyderabad-Srisailam Highway. Visitors can make a stop at this point after visiting the popular Farahabad Viewpoint, which is around 25 km away. Visitors must purchase tickets to gain access to the Viewpoint. Small vehicles are charged `20, while buses and large vehicles are charged `50.

Reserve officials believe that this Viewpoint will attract more visitors, and they have accordingly developed benches and parking facilities. They have also put up signboards asking visitors to maintain cleanliness at the Viewpoint and in the adjoining forests.

A hut has been constructed at an elevated spot near the Viewpoint, for visitors to sit and relax. "Visitors need not bring anything with them while visiting this point. We have an operational snack bar at the spot. The Viewpoint is meant for nature-lovers to be able to calm their minds," said Mr Paragein. 

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/travel/141017/telangana-octopus-viewpoint-entices-visitors.html

Read More

Lodhi Mallayya Temple and Waterfall

Loddi Mallana or Loddi Mallayya Temple is a place of pilgrimage inside the Mannanur range. Lodhi Mallana is a cave situated in front of a lake, with a Shivalinga present inside the cave. 

Lodhi or Loddi means valley in local laguage and Mallana or Mallaya or Mallaiah are the names of Lord Siva, so its named Lodhi Mallaiah.

The area is open to public only 1 day annually during Tholi Ekadashi in the month of July is an awesome place to catch up with a good trekking experience and worship Lord mallanna or shiva

Lodhi Mallayya cave is called Telangana amarnath cave. The cave can be reached after a trek through a very beautiful Nallamalla forest. 

It is located at about 10kms from Mannanur check post, Srisailam Road, from there (your journey starts from 65 km stone,right side) & 4 km by treking into valley there we can see near by 6 water falls and beautiful locations and shiva lingam of mallaiah swamy

This place was referred to as Guptha Mallikarjuna in olden days. Historically during medieval times, several Saivaite sects had performed their secret rituals at this place because it was highly inaccessible to normal people.

https://www.meraevents.com/event/lodhi-mallanna-waterfall-and-forest-trek-22july18

Read More

Kadalivanam Caves

Kadalivanam Caves are Located in the dense Nallamalla Forest (Amrabad Tiger Reserve) in Nagarkurnool District, Telangana state. Kadalivan or kardaliwan is another kshetra of Sri Datta Guru. This place is located in the interior of dense forestcalled Nallamala at the foot of Srisaila hill on the bank of Pathala Ganga. 

To reach Kadalivanam Caves, you have to trek from Akka Mahadevi Caves. The most easy and appropriate way to reach the beautiful caves is first to take the rope way journey from Nallamala Hill top beside the Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple to Pathala Ganga. From Pathala Ganga you can take a motor boat on Krishna River to reach the nearest spot to the caves. From the spot it is a 10 minute trek to Akka Mahadevi Caves

Kadali Vanam is a great Tapo sthanam in Srisaila kshetram. Its importance was described in Skhanda Puranam, Shiva Bhakta vijayam and many more Shaiva texts. Sree Nrisimha saraswati Swamy, the second incarnation of Guru Dattatreya swamy, ends his avatara here by disappearing.

Before reaching Kadalivanam SRI GURU’S CAVE one has to cross AKKA MAHADEVI’S CAVES.After crossing the plain area we will reach Kadali Vanam from there we have to climb down about 30 steps to see Kadali Vanam cave.

 

This is a huge cave like natural rock shelter which can accommodate nearly 500 persons comfortably. Near the rock shelter flows a perennial stream close to which evidences of prehistoric man in the form of stone tools were discovered. The place derived its name dell to wild plantain grooves. This excellent spot is considered to be extremely sacred by devotees. 

At a distance of 22 Kms from Srisailam and 12 Kms from Akka Mahadevi Caves, Kadalivanam Caves are natural caves with lot of history attached to it.

Read More

Akka Mahadevi Caves or Swayambhu Shiva Mandir

Akka Mahadevi Caves is Located in the dense Nallamalla Forest (Amrabad Tiger Reserve) in Nagarkurnool District, Telangana state. It is located on the northern side of the river in Telangana about 18 km in Srisailam Dam back waters.These caves to be reached by boat. Another name of the cave is Swayambhu Shiva Mandir.

The Akkamahadevi caves, primarily offer an adventurous thrill for the adventure tourist in you. The entrance of the cave of Akkamahadevi, to which there is an approximate of 150 meter trek into the cave to visit the sanctum. Murtis of Kapala Bhairava, Veerabhadra, Mahishasura Mardini and many other of medieval period are found at the entrance of Akka Mahadevi caves.

Akka Mahadevi Caves are reached by a 1-hour-long boat ride on the river, and is located on the northern side of the river in Telangana are naturally formed caves and are located very near to the upstream of the river Krishna.

Named after the famous philosopher Akka Mahadevi, these rock-cut caves are located on the banks of River Krishna amidst the picturesque environs of Nallamala Hills. 

Akkamahadevi was a prominent figure of the Veerashaiva Bhakti movement of 12th century Karnataka.

Her vachanas in Kannada are considered her greatest contribution to Kannada Bhakti literature.During the 12th century A.D, it is believed that Akkamahadevi did penance in this cave and worshipped the sivalinga that naturally existed in the deep and dark end of the cave.

A visit to Akkamahadevi caves is considered an unforgettable experience, in the backdrop of the backwaters of the Srisailam reservoir.

 

This naturally formed cave, just above the flow of river Krishna upstreams is about at a distance of 10 Kms from Srisailam. 

The most easy and appropriate way to reach the beautiful caves is first to take the rope way journey from Nallamala Hill top beside the Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple to Pathala Ganga. From Pathala Ganga you can take a motor boat on Krishna River to reach the nearest spot to the caves. From the spot it is a 10 minute trek. Boating will take minimum 40-60 mins. Tickets will be provided at entrance of pathalaganga. Tickets provided from 9AM-11AM. Inside private boats are also available. 

It takes about 5 hours to go and return back from the cave.

You need to carry dry fruits, food items and drinking water.
You need to carry torch or candles as the Shivling is located inside the pitch dark cave.
The cost per person is around Rs 400/-

Best Time to Visit

November to March is the best time to be here.

Located at a distance of 18 km from Srisailam

https://www.hindu-blog.com/2019/07/akka-mahadevi-caves-in-srisailam.html#google_vignette

Read More

Amrabad Tiger Reserve

Amrabad Tiger Reserve is located near Munnanur in Nallamala hills which is part of western ghats, Amarabad Mandal, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana State, India covers an area 2,760 square kms and second largest tiger reserve in the country in terms of core area.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Report-2022 revealed that the Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) scored 78.7% and stood 28th among 51 tiger reserves in the country.

FLORA
The floral diversity is moderately rich as the landscape experiences a wide rain fall, altitude and edaphic gradients. The floral wealth has been estimated to be over that, there are 1400 taxa spread over 109 families. The ATR is having about 353 species in 88 families that are found to be medicinal properties. Dense grass occurs in 30% of the area and scattered in an additional 20%. Dominant tree species include Terminalia tomentosa, Hardwickia binata, Madhuca latifolia. Diospyros melanoxylon, Gardenia latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Chloroxylon swietenia, Terminalia spp.

FAUNA
The Tiger Reserve supports populations of several faunal species.

MAMMALS
Over 80 species of mammals have been identified in Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Telangana. Large carnivores: Tiger, Leopard, Wild dog, and Indian Wolf, Indian fox, Small carnivores: Jungle cat, Rusty-spotted cat, Small Indian civet, and Indian palm civet, Omnivores: Sloth bear, Honeybadger, Wild boar, Herbivores: Unique species of Antelopes found Chinkara, Nilgai, Blackbuck, four-horned antelope; Antlers found spotted deer, Sambar deer; Primates found Hanuman langur, Bonnet macaque, Rhesus macaque.

BIRDS
Over 303 bird species have been identified in this region. Some important groups include Eagles, Pigeons, Doves, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Drongos, Bulbuls, Flower peckers, Grey horn bill, Sunbirds, Swifts, Kingfishers, owls, barbets, kites, minivets, partridges, mynas, thrushes, warblers, egrets. Some endemic bird species that occur here are yellow throated bulbul and winter migratory of blue rock thrush.

REPTILES
Approximately 54 species of reptiles have been identified in this region. Three highly venomous snakes found in this area, family of Viperidae namely Russel’s viper, Saw scaled viper, Spectacled cobra, Common krait, Indian pond terrain, Indian monitor lizard, Indian chameleon, Forest calotes, Skinks, Indian python, Keel backs, Vine snakes, Bronze back snakes, cat snakes, wolf snakes etc.

AMPHIBIANS
Around 20 amphibians have been identified in this area common Indian toad, narrow – mouthed frog, common tree frog, Indian pond frog, Indian burrowing frog, Indian cricket frog etc.

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS
Among the insect groups, butterflies and moths come under a large group called Lepidoptera. About 100 species of butterflies and 57 species of moths have been found in this Tiger Reserve. Some common butterflies are danaid egg fly, lemon pansy, plain tiger, common leopard, common blue bottle, crimson rose, chocolate pansy, and common tree brown, crimson tip, Indian skimmer etc. Common moths are Antheraea paphia, Himala spp., Achaea spp., Actias spp., oak hawk-moth etc.

INSECTS
The insect’s diversity is the largest group in animal kingdom. Large variety of butterflies and moths are found here. Numerous species of Grasshoppers, Mantises, Beetles, Flies, Termites, and Spiders, which play an important role in ecosystem sustenance, are present.

Attractions

Farahabad View Point

Octopus View Point

Mallelatheertham Waterfalls

Akka Mahadevi Caves or Swayambhu Shiva Mandir

Kadalivanam Caves

Saleshwaram Jatara and Waterfalls

Lodhi Mallayya Temple and Waterfall

Somashila View Point and Boating

FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR TOURISTS

1. Vehicle rides in the tourism zone at Farahabad
2. Visit to Interpretation centre at Farahabad
3. Visit to Saleshwaram Water Falls
4. Visit to Mallellathirtham Water Falls
5. Visit CBET (Community Based Eco-Tourism) Mannanur

6. Visit to EEC (Environmental Education Centre) at Mannanur

7. Visit to Prathaparudruni Fort
8. Bird Watching

Where to Stay

• Forest Department arranges trips to Farahabad View point from Mannanur.
• Visitors also prefer to have a jungle stay in this station, which is also made safely by the state government of Telangana. 
• Best camping ground here is the Tiger wilds jungle camp, which arranges camping ground for the visitors.
• 
  Good and comfortable accommodation is available at Forest Rest House at Mannanur and at Farahabad view point hill.
• Tourists can also avail multiple stay options near Nagarjunsagar Dam and Srisailam dam.
• One can also stay at Tiger wild reserve, where camping is available.

Muannnur Jungle Resort

https://amrabadtigerreserve.com/booking-package/

Cottages for tourists keen on a night stay at Mannanur, inside the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Nagarkurnool district.

Safari ride into the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, which had been a minor sojourn for the pilgrims bound for the Srisailam temple, will be part of the ‘Tiger Stay Package’

Hilltop Mrugavani

https://www.mrugavaniresorts.com/mrugavani_srisailam/index.html#location

Read More

Farahabad View point

Farahabad View Point or hill station is located near Munnanur inside Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Nallamalla Forest, Amrabad mandal, Nagarkurnool district of Telangana State. Altitude of the place is about 914 meters or around 3000 feet above sea level

Farahabad literally translates to 'Mount Pleasant'. The place offers a stay in the wild, trekking and

traditional ride through river. It is an ideal destination for adventure and nature lovers. The Tiger wilds jungle camp located here provides camping facilities. The spot is an eco-paradise, rich in Flora and Fauna, including tiger, neelgai, sambar and spotted deer.

It is an area primarily utilized by the erstwhile Nizams of Hyderabad for hunting and recreation. 

Farhabad view point is about 9 kilometers from Farhabad entrance gate and it is part of Safari route. It is located in the dense Nallamalla Forest. This place also offers a traditional ride through the river which flows among the Nallamalla hills.

Farahabad View Point 1
The forest area, called as Farahabad forest area is about 140 kms from Hyderabad, on the way to Srisailam near Billakarl. This scenic location, called as the Farahabad View Point overseeing Mallucheruvu lake gives you breathtaking experience. The Nizams of Hyderabad protected this place and made it a personal retreat. Although now completely abandoned, this beautiful place can be a never fading memory of nature.

Farahabad View Point 2:
Once a retreat of the Nizams of the Hyderabad, the beautiful forest area of Farahabad is almost a virgin place and is gaining more popularity these days. It is left to the highway en-route to Srisailam from Hyderabad. There is a government operated security post and a safari experience into the jungle to reach this place, the Farahabad View Point.

Farahabad Forest View Point 3:
The beautiful Nallamala forest offers many pictuesque locations to tourists. This unforgettable view is called as the Farahabad View Point and is located 12 kms left to the Hyderabad Srisailam highway. There are steps down this above-sea level rock that gives breathtaking views of the Nallamala Jungle and the Mallucheruvu lake that you can see from there.

Safari timings: 7 AM to 4 PM daily.
Safari Ride Price: Rs. 800 for every two hours

When to visit

This place has a very cool climate all over the year. Best time to visit the place is from august to Feb.Interestingly  one could not see each other during winters, such is the beauty of mist in this place.

Where to Stay

• Forest Department arranges trips to Farahabad View point from Mannanur.
• Visitors also prefer to have a jungle stay in this station, which is also made safely by the state government of Telangana. 
• Best camping ground here is the Tiger wilds jungle camp, which arranges camping ground for the visitors.
• Good and comfortable accommodation is available at Forest Rest House at Mannanur and at Farahabad view point hill.
• Tourists can also avail multiple stay options near Nagarjunsagar Dam and Srisailam dam.
• One can also stay at Tiger wild reserve, where camping is available.

Distance:
– Hyderabad to Farahabad View point is 156 Kms (close to 4 hours drive from Hyderabad)
– Hyderabad to Munnanur in Mahabubnagar District is 138 Kms (its a 3 hour drive from Hyderabad). Munnanur is the starting point for Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve.

Amrabad is around 160 kms from Hyderabad basically its on the way to a popular Hindu Pilgrims place named Srisailam which is further 80 kms

Nearby Tourist Attraction:
– Srisailam Dam Project
– Sangameshwara Temple
– Pillalamarri Banyan Tree
– Mallelatheertham
– Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve
– Nagarkurnool ( Near by city )
– Kollapur

https://touritvirtually.com/all-tours/nature-2/farhabad-forest-view-point/

Read More

Kamaldham Temple in Chevella

Kamaldham Temple or Lotus Temple is is also called as Smay Narayan Temple because it is in Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Internatioal School on the highway near Himayath Nagar junction, Chevella, Rangareddy district, Telangana State, India.

Kamaldham Mandir, is a white structure surrounded by a huge pink lotus base. Standing atop a pond, this Hindu temple is home to six deities. 

At a distance of 21 km from Nampally Railway Station, 15 km from Golconda Fort & 3 km from Chilkur Balaji Temple, Kamaldham Mandir is also called as Lotus Temple. It is located in Sri Swaminarayan Gurukul on the highway near Himayath Nagar junction 3 Kms before Chilkur Balaji Temple.

The temple has wonderful architecture with lush green surroundings. The temple is built on a pond with lotus-shaped base. The presiding deities are Lord Sri Swaminarayan, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganapati, Goddess Parvati and Lord Surya.

Timings: 6.30 AM - 7.30 PM.

Read More

Kongala waterfalls

Kongala waterfalls or Puli Madugu Jalapatham is located near Kongala village, Wazeedu mandal ,Mulugu district, Telangana state, India. 

The waterfall is called ‘V-fall’ by the locals. While the height of the fall is about 70 feet, the Loddimadugu Vagu (stream) fall merges into Kongala tank in the village.

It is around 3 kms from Kongala village. You have to adventure through a trek for about 2 kms or 45 minutes amidst the Kongala forest or Dulapalli forest range and then reach the mighty cascade. Standing at a height of 30 m and spanning around an area of 100 m, water from the falls creates a large pool at the bottom making it a fun activity for the tourists to have fun swimming in them. The surrounding area is also considered great for bird watching as the waterfall is located in the middle of the forest.

You would need to take help of local guides to get there and there is a good chance you would be on your own when you visit the place and giving you plenty of time to be in bliss.

When to visit

Waterfalls turn majestic the moment the season of rain dawns upon them. With rains flooding this year, the months from June to November are the best time to visit these stunning cascades. The rainy season is also the best time for all nature lovers to catch a glimpse of the greenery around these nature’s spectacles.

Where to Stay

FERIADO RESORTS, BOGATHA

FERIADO RESORTS, TADVAI

HARITHA GRAND, MEDARAM

HARITHA GRAND, GATTAMMA

It is about 10 min drive from Bogatha Falls and a 45-minute trek

35 km from Tadvai
128 km from Warangal
270 km from Hyderabad.

Read More

Mashenuloddi waterfall

Mashenuloddi waterfall is located near Dulapuram village, Wajedu Mandal, Mulugu district, Telangana, India.

You have around 12 major waterfalls in 50 kms radius.

From Bogathafalls X road if you go right you will go to Venkatapuram, Muthyamdhara waterfalls and Bhadrachalam.

if you go straight and left you will reach Jaganathapuram village and from there around 3 kms you will reach Dulapuram and from there if you take right in around 3 kms you will reach Mashenuloddi waterfall. You can drive from Dulapuram village around 2 kms and need to trek around 1 km to reach waterfall and you need a guide. You can get a guide at Dulapuram village to trek in  forest to reach Mashenuloddi waterfall.

5 kms from Bogatha Waterfalls

20 kms after crossing Mullakatta bridge from Eturnagaram

23 kms from Eturnagaram

82 kms from Mulugu

127 kms from Badrachalam

134 kms from Warangal

279 kms from Hyderabad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLfRfkFWb6c

Read More

Pallava Dynasty

Pallava Dynasty (275 AD - 897 AD)

Capital : Kanchipuram

Founder : Virakurcha

Langauges: Sanskrit, Parikrit, Tamil

Religion: Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism

Pallavas were initially feudatories of Satavahanas and later ruled independently from Kanchipuram. It is also certain that the Pallavas succeeded the Chutus of the Naga race.

Haritiputra Vishnukada Cutukulananda Satakarni and his grandson by the daughter Sivaskanda Varman, also called Siva Skanda Naga Sri in the Banavase inscription, and Skanda Naga Satavahana in the Kanheri inscription.

310 AD : Occupied Western Deccan including Telangana region around c.310 AD by defeating Chutu ruler Hariti-putra Siva-skanda-varman.

c. 310 AD - c. 320 AD : Bappadeva or Pallava Simhavarman I 

Alliance between Pallavas and Chutus : A Pallava prince married the daughter of the King Śiva - Skanda - Nâga - Śâtakarṇi , and inherited the throne of Kanchi.

It is these Chutukula successors in the territory immediately adjoining that of the Pallavas that must be the Naga family by a marriage alliance with Simhavarman I  son Siva-skanda-varman who must have defeated Skandanaga, This changed status of the kings can also be seen especially in the Manchikallu stone inscription of Simhavarman I, the Mayidavolu plates of his son yuvamaharaja Sivaskandavarman

c. 320 AD : Maidavolu inscription 10th year, while he was acting as his father's viceroy at Dhanya Kataka. Prince Shiva Skanda respected the time - honoured customs of the Hindus in show- ing filial devotion and honour.  The Maidavolu inscription identifies their rule quite close to the Krishna river basins. On the western side, it seems to have extended till today’s Bellary district in Karnataka. From around the 4th–5th century CE, this demarcation seems to shift focus to a Kanchipuram-centric rule. 

320 AD - 340 AD : Pallava Siva Skanda Varman

328 AD :  The Hirahadagali copper plate (Bellary District) record in Prakrit is dated in the eighth year of Sivaskanda Varman confirms the gift made by his father who is described merely as "Bappa-deva" (revered father) or Boppa. It will thus be clear that this dynasty of the Prakrit charters beginning with "Bappa-deva" were the historical founders of the Pallava dominion in South India

The Hirahadagalli plates of Siva Skanda Varman from 328 CE in Prakrit language and Brahmi script is one of the oldest sets of records and throws light on the administrative setup that was prevailing. The copper plate records donation of a village to a certain Gola Sarman, a Brahmin belonging to Atreya gotram. The meticulous detailing of the order certainly draws our attention. The administrative hierarchy is clearly listed and includes designations such as Rajakumara (the viceroy), Senapati (army commander), Rashtrika (governor) and Desadhikrita (regional administrative officer). The names of these officers are clearly mentioned. This is followed by local officers and the list of designations include gramabhojaka (beneficiaries of local revenue), vallava (confidential officers), go-valla (officer in charge of cattle), amatya (interim officers trained in warfare and medical practice), aranyadhikrita (officer in charge of forest tracts), ghumike (division commanders), tutika (agents) and neyika (leaders of platoons). The king in his capacity declares that this gift is done “for increase of ourselves and of our family in respect of our good deeds, length of life, strength and fame as also victory and prosperity”.

The designations are so well demarcated that it gives us a general idea about the administrative hierarchy and the distribution of power down a clear structure. Gifting of a village to an individual in a particular division demands that a list of officials involved in various departments are informed. This is similar to transfer of power over land ownership. Moreover in this case, it is given as a gift by the king and hence made tax-free. To ensure that all the bureaucrats are well informed about it and there is no doubt anytime in the future, the document puts it all in black and white.

It would appear as though the Kadambas made the conquest of the territory which became associated with them from this Siva Skanda Varman himself. 

Hirahadagalli plate states that Siva-skandavarman performed Vajapeya, Agnisthoma and Ashvamedha yajnas.

340 AD : Vakataka ruler Sarvasena defeated Pallavas in Telangana region around 340 AD.

345 AD : Mayurasharma of Kadamba dynasty defeated Pallavas around 345 AD

Budhavarman
Budhyankura
Saka Nanda

365 AD : Mahadandanayaka Saka Sridharavarman

Success! In the victorious twenty-seventh year, augmenting [his dominion for a thousand years] of the Rajan (and) Mahakshatrapa Sridharavarman, the son of the Saka Nanda 

He probably suffered a defeat by the Gupta Emperor Samudragupta around 365 CE. After submitting to Samudragupta, he and his successor may have ruled a bit longer in Eastern Malwa, until they were vanquished by Chandragupta II in his "conquest of the whole world"

642 AD - 655 AD: Pallava King Narasimhavarman I (630 - 668 AD) defeated Pulakeshin II.
The last few ruling years of Pulakeshin II ended in disaster. The great Pallava king Narasimhavarman I occupied the southern part of the Chalukya empire including the capital city of Badami and inflicted a crushing defeat on the Chalukyas and burnt Badami. Pulakeshin II lost his life in this encounter. 

1150 or 1157 AD - 1182 AD : Pallava Vijayaditya

only inscription is from Kattapalli and mentions Korradhamadugu dated 1151 or 1157 A.D. His relationship to his predecessor Nandivarma is not konwn. Vijayaditya’s reign may have lasted up to A.D. 1182—the earliest date for his successor Allutikka.

Jainath Temple Stone Inscription in Devanagari Script – It starts with SURYA NARAYANAAYA NAMAHA and ends with “MAHA VEERA NAAMA ADITYA PRATAPAVAN PALLAVIJAYAADITYA”. It’s all about Surya Naama Stuthi shlokas that’s why this temple is called as Surya Narayana Temple too.

Read More

Mahisha Saka Chutu Dynasty

c. 181 AD - 310 AD : Mahisha Saka Chutu Dynasty ( c.181 - 310 AD)

Capital : Kondapur, Telangana State. Banavasi or Vanavasi in present-day Karnataka state.

Founder : Rano Chutukulananda

Langauges : Prakrit

Religion : Budhism

Emblem : Chutu inscriptions contain the emblem of the cobra hood implying Chutu meant the "cobra crest"

Chutus were originally Sakas and that they became feudataries of Satavahana after Gautamiputra Satakarni occupied extensive territories from Nahapana. One member of the Chutu family was appointed Mahasenapati in the Kondapur region and another was appointed to govern Gautamiputra's new acquired city of Banavasi. Chutu family became the masters of Kuntala

Chutus rose to power in the Kuntala region after the fall of the Satavahanas. Some scholars consider Chutu - kula to be a branch of the Satavahana - kula merely on the strength of a common surname. After the demise of Satavahana emperor Gautami-putra Yajna Satakarni in 181 CE, the old dynasty (Satavahanas) lost control of the western provinces, which passed into the hands of another family of Satakarnis, the Chutu-kula. 

Mahisha Saka dynasty comprised the southern part of the former Hyderabad State , which was called Mahishaka in ancient times. Mahishaka dynasty proves that the area was ancient Mahishamandala.

After the Satavahanas, the district passed under the sway of the Mahisha dynasty. Though as many as eighteen rulers ruled this district for a period of 383 years, only two rulers Mana and Yasa proved to be powerful. Mana broke the domination of the Satavahanas, assumed the title of ‘Rajan’ and reigned the kingdom to its splendor. He enjoyed the privilege of striking his own coins. One of his lead coins exhibited the characteristics of the coins belonging to the close of 2nd or beginning of the 3rd century. The rule of this dynasty came to an end with the rise of Chalukyas of Badami

Sadakana Kalalaya Maharathi

Coins resemble the rule of Gautamiputra Satakarni

Mahasenapathi Sumahagamaka

Coins from Kondapur excavations

Maharathi Sadakana Chutu Krishna

Coins discovered at Chandravalli and Kondapur bear the legend "Maharathi Sadakana Chutu Krishna"

Maharathi and Ananda Coins

Bhardvaja

c. 181 AD : Saka or Saga Mana Mahisha

The reverse motif resembles the swastika-type coins of Mahasenapathi Saka or Saga Mana Chutukulasa Mahisha son of Bhardvaja discovered in the excavation at Kondapur.

Copper coins in Hyderabad of Rano Saka Mana Mahsasa. 

Became King from Mahasenapathi around 181 AD

Yasa Mahisha : Coin found in mask, Raichur

Sivala Mahisha : Coin found in Hyderabad

Chutus took possession of the south - western parts and extended their power in the north and east ; and the Pallavas filled the political vacuum in the south - eastern tracts.

Chutukulananda, Mulananda and Sivalananda. They minted heavy lead coins mainly engraving the symbol of arched hill on the obverse and the railed tree and or Nandipada symbol on the reverse. Most of the coins inscribed kings name with the family suffix.

c. 208 AD - c. 230 AD : Chutukulananda

Coins of Rano Chutukadanamdasa were discovered from Karwar and Banavasi

c. 230 AD - c. 255 AD : Mulananda

c. 255 AD - c. 280 AD : Vishnurudra Sivalananda Satakarni

The Chutu king Sivalananda is attested by a 278 CE inscription of the Abhira ruler Vasushena from Nagarjunakonda.

278 AD : Year 30 (variously ready as 30, 9, 20 of King King Vasisthiputra Vasusena the Abhira fortnight 6 of the rainy season 2 day 1 which is 257, 268 or 278

By the great village chief, the great talavara, the great commander, Sivaseba of the Peribidehas of the Kuasika gotra this image of lord Astbhujasvamin, made from udumbara wood, which had never been moved from Sanjayapuri from its place, by the kings Saka Rudradaman of Avanti and Visnurudra Sivalanda Sataakrni of Vanavasa has been installed on Sedagiri.

The engraver is Vardhamanaka belonging to sembaka family Suryavamsi reads last line as Abhira Samvat 100, 303 AD. Sarma reads last line as 47 year Rksadesa/kalacuri-ceda era 295 AD

Around 280 AD Haritiputra Vinhukada Chutukulananda Satakarni might have defeated Abheeras and occupied telangana region

c. 280 - c. 292 AD : Haritiputra Vinhukada Chutukulananda Satakarni

Wife Nagamulanika : Mother of Skandanaga Sataka, Sister of Dhanasena

King of Vaijayantipura

Malavalli Pillar Inscription : Year 1

Kanheri Cave Inscription Year 9

Vanavasi Stone Inscription Year 12 

Haritiputra-Satakarni issued an order to the chief revenue commissioner Mahavallabha-Rajjuka to grant a village of Sahalavati to a certain Kondamana as a Brahmin endowment 

289 AD : The Kottampalugu inscription, dated 11th year of king Ehuvula Camtamula II records the construction of a vihara by Kodabalisiri (Kundavallisri), Mahadevi of the Maharaja of Banavasaka daughter of Virapurushadatta.

The most significant objects within the Banavasi Madhukeshava Temple  premises are the inscribed Naga sculpture, the highly ornate stone cot. The inscribed Naga sculpture carved on a thin rectangular slab has an ornate five-hooded coiled serpent as the central figure with an inscription in nail headed Brahmi characters (2nd centuries AD) and Prakrit language along the side borders. 

It records the gift of this artistic Naga image along with a tank and a vihara by Sivaskanda Nagasri, daughter of Haritiputra Vinhukada Chutukulananda Satakarni in his 12th regnal year.

Another record states that king Satakami had a daughter named Mahabhoja-Nagasri who made a grant of a tank and a Vihara to the Madhukeswara temple

c. 292 - c. 310 AD : Skandanaga Satakarni

Skanda Naga extends the Chutu realm to Aparanta north of modern Bombay. 

Alliance between Pallavas and Chutus : A Pallava prince married the daughter of the King Śiva - Skanda - Nâga - Śâtakarṇi , and inherited the throne of Kanchi.

It is these Chutukula successors in the territory immediately adjoining that of the Pallavas that must be the Naga family by a marriage alliance with Simhavarman I (c.310 AD) son Siva-skanda-varman who must have defeated Skandanaga around 310 AD, This changed status of the kings can also be seen especially in the Manchikallu stone inscription of Simhavarman I, the Mayidavolu plates of his son yuvamaharaja Sivaskandavarman

https://www.jstor.org/stable/42665170

https://www.jstor.org/stable/24665991

https://www.jstor.org/stable/44304270

https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/columns/2021/nov/18/how-the-pallavas-administered-land-2384908.html

Read More

Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge

Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge is located on Durgam Cheruvu lake near Inorbit Mall at Madhapur is the longest concrete deck cable bridge of the world. The bridge connects Jubilee Hills with Financial District. 

Durgam Cheruvu, also known as Raidurgam Cheruvu, is a freshwater lake, which is spread over 63 acres is famous for film shootings.

The originally 150-acre Durgam Cheruvu has been around for some time and has a rich history that dates back to the time of the Kakatiya dynasty. The lake was used for irrigation purposes by the Kakatiya rulers. Also it was documented as a water source between 1518 and 1687 for rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty to supply water needs for the residents of the Golconda fort., but the presence of these sedimentary rocks show that the lake and the surrounding lakebed has been present for long enough that many layers of sediment lithified underwater.

It was so reliable that even when the Mughals besieged Golconda for eight months, the entire water needs were met from this lake," says historian Mohammed Safiullah.

In the 1970s, the historian added that many people would visit the lake for picnics, and to admire the natural rock formations around the water body.

The lake is shielded by granite rocks which are said to be only one of its kinds in entire Asia. The stones date back to more than some 2,500 million years. Nature lovers are very attracted to this place. The Tourism Department has provided camping, pedal boating, and trekking facilities.

History
The Durgam Cheruvu Bridge in Hyderabad was was opened by Telangana's minister of municipal administration and urban development, KT Rama Rao for public use on September 25, 2020.

Construction tenders were opened in early 2019 and L&T (Larson and Toubro) ended up winning the contract and the construction began on 9 March 2019. The bridge was supposed to be completed in April/May 2020 and opening in June 2020.

Architecture

The 435-meter-long and 25.8-meter-wide Durgam Cheruvu Bridge is an extradosed bridgeWith the inclusion of this bridge, Hyderabad city now boasts of having the longest precast segmental span in concrete extradosed cable-stayed bridge in the world. This has been confirmed by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation as well.

Construction

It was constructed by Larsen and Turbo (L&T) under the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode. 

It has been built at a cost of around 184 crores rupees. A whopping amount of 428 tonnes high-tensile strand, 4,800 metric tonnes steel, 287 tonnes of stay-cables along with 26,600 cubic metres of concrete were used in building this massive bridge.

It has 52 stay cables. Another striking feature of this bridge is that all the materials used in building it have been procured from various parts of India apart from the cables, which were brought from Germany.

The Durgam Cheruvu Bridge looks like a flying palace at night. This is because the designing of the structure is done in a way that 26 stayed cables and 40,000 LEDs are installed to make the structure appear stunning. With multiple-coloured lights and numerous themes, the world's longest deck bridge gives an unforgettable view!

It cost a whopping 9 crore to the government for making the structure a man-made wonder!

2015: In August 2015, a committee found that 60 acres were reported to be encroached, with the value of the encroached land worth almost Rs.1,500 crore.

Read More

Hyderabad Gulzar Houz

Gulzar Houz is a octagonal-shaped fountain with a five-feet central fountain with three saucers and a four feet pedestal has a lamp post located at Gulzar Houz Chowk, near Charminar in the Old City, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

The Gulzar Houz was built as Hyderabad’s foundational monument in 1591 by Mohd Quli Qutb Shah, the city’s founder. The Gulzar Houz was originally called ‘Char Su Ka Houz’ (fountain of the four sides) and was built as a drinking water fountain for locals of the city.

However, after the destruction of Hyderabad in 1687 by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, and subsequently

with the Nizams coming in (1724) as governors of the Decan, changes were made to Gular Houz. The old massive structure was eventually broken down to what it is today.

After the completion of Charminar, at about 75 metres feet to its north, four lofty arches known as Char Kaman were built in 1592. All four arches are at equidistant with each other with Gulzar Houz in the Centre. These arches were built by Sultan Muhammad Quli. (Kamaan meaning Arches). These Kamaans are the Kali Kamaan, Machli Kamaan, Seher-e-Batil ki Kamaan and Charminar Kamaan.

At the center of these arches a fountain, octagonal in shape, with 4 channels dividing each road into 2 parts was built by Mir Momin Astarabadi, the first prime minister under Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah.

The 4 channels were called Char Su Ka—”The Cistern of the four directions,” and these channels symbolized the 4 canals in Jannat -“Heaven”.Canals of Pure Water,
Canals of Pure Milk,
Canals of Pure Honey
Canals of Pure Wine.

This fountain with four streams flowing through it, was built to quench the thirst of the soldiers.

Today, that octagonal fountain has become round and the name Char Su Ka over time was later known as “Suka-Hauz” and then was called “Gulzar Houz”.

Renovation

Oct 4 : Gulzar Houz is ready for Inauguration was renovated at a cost of Rs 29.50 lakh. The Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA) had hired a firm, Deccan Terrain Heritage, with expertise in heritage conservation works to reconstruct the 400-year-old fountain dating back to the Qutb Shahi era.

https://www.siasat.com/hyderabad-ktr-to-launch-various-developmental-works-in-old-city-2712820/

Read More

Kolanupaka Sri Someswara Temple

Kolanupaka Sri Someswara Temple or Sri Chandikamba Sametha Someshwaraswami temple as called by locals is a Shiva Templelocated in kolanupaka village (also called as Kulpak), Alair or Aler Mandal, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district in Telangana State, India.

The main deity of the temple is lord Shiva in the form of Swayambu or Someshwara Swamy, and his consort is Shakti or devi Chandika. There is a huge Saharsalinga inside one of the temple sanctums, which gives it the name of Veyi Lingala gudi, meaning the temple of the thousand lingas. 

The temples in the complex include those of Sri Renukacharya, Sri Mallikarjunaswami, Chandeshwari, Kundamamba, Kotilingeswaraswami, Kala Bhairaviswami, Anjaneya, Rudranidraswami, Veerabhadraswami, Kumaraswami and the Ekadasharudrula temple.

The temple has Ganapathi and Nataraja idols and Mahavir in yoga posture of the Chalukya period in the 12th century.

This Shiva temple is situated around 82 km from Warangal and located near Kulpak ji, a famous Jain temple. 

Construction

Adorned with beautiful carvings and sculptures the temple is believed to have been originally built in Chalukyan style. 

Inscriptions found here place the temple at around 1070-1126 CE as evidenced from the different narrations found in them detailing how the Chalukyan kings patronised the temple by donating land, gold, cows, etc. Historical evidence states Kolanupaka was the second capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas during the 11th century.

According to Jagdev Hiremath, president, Rashtra Veerashaiva Dharma Prachara Sangham, who organises the Renukacharya jayanti at the temple premises annually, the temple is much older than 11th century going by puranas and was developed in phases by various rulers. "Above all, the temple is a role model for harmony of various communities," Mr Hiremath said.

It is said that Lord Rama, and the saints Narada and Agastya worshipped at this temple.

The temple as it stands now however shows a great deal of Kakatiyan workmanship, possibly owing to the additions/modifications/renovations made by them, as evident from the typical Kakatiyan era mandapa pillars that show square blocks with circular discs in many parts. The huge entrance gate is also built in the Kakatiyan style. 

Renukacharya

Renukacharya was not only the founder of the Veerashaiva sect, he fought for emancipation of women and provided them equal rights in all spheres of life including entry into temples.

It is also believed that this is the birth place of ‘Renukacharya’, the great ‘Veera Saiva’ saint, who was born from the ‘Swayambu Linga’ found in this village, and was later absorbed into it after he finished preaching Veera Saivam. A statue of Renukacharya is present in the sanctum along with the Swayambu Linga. In front of the temple there is a four pillared nandi mandapa with a Kakatiyan nandi sitting inside. 

Veerashaiva Lingayats from Telangana state, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and other states visit the temple in large numbers and celebrate Renukacharya jayanti annually.

Nyaya Lingam

The Nyaya Lingam in the Pramana Mandapam, located in front of the ancient Sri Chandikamba Sametha Someshwaraswami temple at Kolanupaka in Aler mandal of Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district, was once a venue for settling disputes among the people, apart from fulfilling their wishes.

Trilinga Desam

The Sri Chandikamba Sametha Someshwaraswami temple is part of ancient Trilinga Desam comprising famous Shiva temples the others being the Sri Kolanupaka Swayambhu Someshwaraswami Lingam, Srisaila Mallikarjunaswami lingam in Kurnool district and the Draksharamam (Bheemanath) lingam in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.

The temple complex also houses an Archaeological Museum in the front pillared corridor area, and this museum gallery holds many wonderful sculptures ranging from 10th to 14th c. CE that were found in this region.

From the 13th century Kalyani Chalukya period are the Virangal (elopement) statue, the idols of Mahishasuramardani and Kosthapanjara with Uma Maheswara. The village houses the idols of Chamundi and Govinda of the Kakatiya period from the 13th century, as also statues of Nandi and Vajrapani. Artifacts from the Chalukya and Kakatiya eras are displayed at the museum which is considered a great site for researchers with more than 100 images.

Festivals of Sri Someswara Temple

Being a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mahashivratri is the biggest festival celebrated here. Mahashivratri occurs in the months of February or March every year and celebrated at a huge level throughout india. All of the devotees of Lord Shiva offer their praying to the God on this auspicious day. Most of the people have fast and visit to the temples. 

Besides the temples, the Kolanupaka also houses the mutts of 18 castes, which is unheard in other temples. They are Pedda Matam, Gaundla Matam, Kurva Matam, Medari Matam, Golla Matam, Padmashali Matam, Komati Matam, Kapula Matam, Madiga Matam, Mala Matam, Ganiga Matam, Meru Matam, Sangari Matam, Sakali Matam, Nakasha Matam, Vadrangi Matam, Mamaya Matam, and Dwala Matam. Some more matams were subsequently established and there was division of labour.

Some of the famed sculptures of Hindus and Jains at Kolanupaka include the manasthambha (victory pillar) of Tribhuvanamalla with an inscription mentioning the date 1076-1127 AD, and a Kodanda Rama statue of the 12th Century Vijayanagara period.
 
Temple Timings - 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM (All days including weekends and public holidays)
Distance from Warangal – 82 Km
Nearest Airport – Hyderabad International Airport
Nearest Railway Station – Warangal Railway Station

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/150718/nyaya-lingam-is-a-role-model-for-harmony.html

https://monidipa.net/2019/12/30/sri-someswara-temple-in-kolanupaka-near-warangal-telengana/

Read More

Gangapuram Chenna Keshava Swamy Temple

Gangapuram Chenna Keshava Swamy Temple is located in Gangapuram Village, Jadcherla Mandal, Mahabubnagar district, Telangana State, India.

Built in 1042 AD is one of the important temples existing in South India and it is mentioned in Skandha Purana. This place is located about 5 Kms from Jadcherla towards Kalwakurthy in Mahabubnagar District. 

The place became very famous during the reign of Chalukya kings of Badami. The Chalukya king of Kalyani Sri Thrailokya Malla Somwswarudu (1042 A.D. to 1063 A.D.) built Kesava Swamy Temple. 

From then this place was known as Kesavapuram. Earlier it was called as Mayapuram, Mathsyapuram and dhurithapuram etc. the main deity of this temple is Sri Kesava Swmay and the sculpture here is very attractive. There is an evidence of Jaina Kalamukha and shiva religions spread here. Every year festival of this temple will be celebrated on the day of Radhasapthami and people participate in this event on a large scale.

Sri Chenna Kesava Swamy is the presiding deity in this temple along with his consort Sri Lakshmi Devi. The Lord sports a mustache and holds the Chakra in his left hand and the Shankham in his right hand. The Sri Lakshmi Chenna Kesava Temple sculpture of this temple exhibits the glory of Hindavadharma and is built in the Indian style of architecture. The idol is made of black granite and the Prabhavali is usually made of brass. There is a beautiful mandapam in the middle of the modern structure whose base has almost been covered over leaving only a group of elephants in different poses running through it. The outer sanctuary has 20 ancient pillars with 12 facing the sanctum sanctorum. Around these pillars are kept the five beautiful and fairly new bronze Vahanas of Hamsa, Sesha, Garuda, Hanumantha and Ashwa.

Chenna Kesava Swamy, Anjaneya Swamy, Lakshmi Devi and Chaturbuja Ganapathi are the deities in the temple. Rathasapthami, Brahmotsavam, Kalyanotsavam on Maghashudha Chavithi, Ganga Thirunalla (every 2 years) and Ganga Jathara (every 2 Years) are the important festivals celebrated.

Temple Timings
Morning: 5:30 am to 12:30 pm
Evening: 4:00 am to 7:30 pm

Read More