Holy Pilgrimage – AP State –( Ramappa temple, Sammkka Sarakka jatara,Sangameswara temple, Sanghi Temple, Kadiri Narasimhaswamy temple and Sri Ranganathaswamy temple )

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Holy Pilgrimage – Andhra Pradesh  State  









Ramappa Temple (Warangal)

 

Ramappa Temple also known as the Ramalingeswara temple, is located 77 km from Warangal, the ancient capital of the Kakatiya dynasty, 157 km from Hyderabad in the state of Andhra Pradesh in southern India. It lies in a valley at Palampet village of Venkatapur Mandal, in erstwhile Mulug Taluq of Warangal district, a tiny village long past its days of glory in the 13th and 14th centuries.[1] An inscription in the temple dates it to the year 1213 and said to have been built by a General Recherla Rudra, during the period of the Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva 

The Temple

This medieval temple is a Shivalaya (where Shiva is worshipped) and named after the sculptor Ramappa, a Vishwakarma Brahmin Sthapathi of Karnataka State, who built it rather that after its presiding deity, Ramalingeswara, perhaps to accent Shiva's importance as the personal god of the Avatar of Vishnu, Rama. The history says that it took 40 years to build this temple.
This beautiful temple, an example of brilliant Kakatiya dynasty art, Planned and sculpted by Vishwakarma Brahmin Sthapathis[citation needed] was built on the classical pattern of being lifted above the world on a high star-shaped platform. Intricate carvings line the walls and cover the pillars and ceilings. Starting at its base to its wall panels, pillars and ceiling are sculpted figures drawn from Hindu mythology.[2] The roof (garbhalayam) of the temple is built with bricks, which are so light that they are able to float on water.[3]
The hall in front of the sanctum is filled with exquisitely carved pillars that are placed as to combine light and space wonderfully with the finely chiselled walls and ceiling. There are two small Shiva shrines on either side of the main temple that are completely ruined. The enormous Nandi within, facing the shrine of Shiva, remains in good condition. In most of the shiva temples, the Nandi was strait to deity but in the temples built by KAKATIYAS the nandi is in an alert position and waiting for the order of lord shiva. Acharya Nataraja Ramakrishna revived Perini Shivatandavam (Perini Dance), by seeing the sculptures in this temple. The dance poses written in NRITTA RATHNAVALI by JAYAPA SENAANI also appears in these sculptures. The temple built area is 5 acres and a twenty acres of land was developed by the greenery around the temple. A total of 25 km radious found historic temples in the district.

How to Reach

Exactly Ramappa temple is located in Palampet,Venkatapur mandal, which is 19 km far from Mulugu Mandal (50 km off Warangal). By Rail and Road , Warangal can be reached from Secunderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Karimnagar, Khammam and other majo towns in Telangana Region.

Today

The temple had remained intact after repeated wars, invasions and natural disasters. There was a major earthquake during the 17th century which caused some damage.
In the Ramappa temple, many of the smaller structures were neglected and are in ruins. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken charge of it. The main entrance gate in the outer wall of the temple is ruined.

 

Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, Medaram

(Warangal District)

Sammakka Saralamma Jatara or Medaram Jatara is a tribal festival of honouring the goddesses celebrated in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, India.The Jatra begins at Medaram in Tadvai Mandal in Warangal district. [1] It commemorates the fight of a mother and daughter, Sammakka and Saralamma, with the reigning rulers against an unjust law. It is believed that after Kumbha Mela, the Medaram jatara attracts the largest number of devotees in the country.
It is celebrated in Medaram during the time the goddesses of the tribals is believed to visit them. Medaram is a remote place in the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of Dandakaranya, the largest surviving forest belt in the Deccan.

The Ritual

Sammakka Sarakka Jatara is the time for the largest tribal religious congregation in the world, held every two years (biennually), with approximately ten million people converging on the place, over a period of four days, which is 90 km from Warangal city.[2]The Samakka Jatra is a State Festival of Govt. of Andhra Pradesh. Many tribal Devotees from different states of India (M.P, Chattisgarh, Orissa, Maharastra, Karnataka and parts of Jharkand and U.P.)reach to the festive place to celebrate the Jatara.
People offer bangaram/gold (jaggery) of a quantity equal to their weight to the goddesses and take holy bath in Jampanna Vagu (stream).It is a festival with no vedic or brahmanic influence.
Until 1998, the only way to reach Medaram was by a bullock cart. In 1998 the state government declared the 1000-yr old festival as official and laid down a motorable road.
In 2008, nearly 8 million people were estimated to have attended the festival. This fair is said to be the largest repeating congregation of tribal communities in the world. The traffic jam during the festival sometimes goes as far as 60 km on the Warangal highway.
In 2012, approximately 1 crore people would attend the world's largest tribal festival.

Jampanna Vagu

Jampanna vagu is a tributary to River Godavari. According to the history, Jampanna is the tribal warrior and the son of Tribal Goddess Sammakka. The Jampanna vagu took his name as he died in a battle fighting against Kakatiyan Army in that stream .The Jampanna vagu is still red in colour marked with the blood of Jampanna (Scientifically the red colour of the water is attributed to the soil composition). Tribal's believe that taking a holy dip in the red water of Jampanna Vagu remembers them the sacrifice of their gods who save them and also induces courage into their souls.
There is a bridge constructed on top of Jampanna Vagu, known as Jampanna Vagu bridge. It is constructed in a span of 27 days with high quality. Which is a remarkable work efficiency showed by R&B engineers. There were many agitations while constructing the bridge by local maosists, Inspite if these many agitations the brudge is constructed with in 27 days. The whole responsibility is taken by Manda Prakash

 

Transport

The Samakka Sarakka Jatara is celebrated in Medaram which is 110 Kms from Warangal town.

By road the place can be reached.

 

Sangameswara temple, Kurnool

 

The Sangameswara temple (Telugu: సంగమేశ్వ దేవస్థానము) is an ancient Hindu temple in the Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India.[1][2] It is located near Muchumarri at the confluence of the Krishna and Bhavanasi rivers, in the foreshore of the Srisailam reservoir,[3] where it is submerged for part of the time, surfacing when the water level recedes to a sufficient degree.[4] It was first submerged after the Srisailam Dam was constructed in 1981, and first surfaced in 2003.[2]
The temple's wooden Lingam, Sangameswaram, is believed to have been installed by Dharmaraja, the eldest of the Pandavas,[citation needed] after their visit to Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple. The temple is considered a place of religious sanctity due to being built at the confluence of seven rivers (Bhavanasi, Krishna River and its five rivers that merge into it namely, Veni, Tunga, Bhadra, Bheemarathi and Malapaharini).

 

Kurnool (Telugu: కలు Urdu: کرنول‎) is a city and administrative seat of Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh state in southern India, about 212 kilometres (132 mi) south of state capital, Hyderabad.
It is also the seventh most populous city of Andhra Pradesh, is the gateway to Rayalaseema and the largest city in the area.
Kurnool served as the capital of Andhra State from 1 October 1953 to 31 October 1956.

History

 

Buddhism and Jainism

Belum Caves are geologically and historically important caves in the district. There are indications that Jain's and Buddhist monks were occupying these caves centuries ago. Many Buddhists relics were found inside the caves. These relics are now housed in Museum at Ananthapur.
Archaeological survey of India (ASI) also found remnants of vessels, etc. of pre-Buddhist era and has dated the remnants of vessels found in the caves to 4500 BC.[5]

 

Palaeolothic era

The Ketavaram[1] rock painting's are dated back to the Paleolithic era (located at a distance of 18 Kilometer from Kurnool). Also the Jurreru Valley, Katavani Kunta[2] and Yaganti in Kurnool District have some important rock art's and painting's in their vicinity, may be dated back to 35,000 to 40,000 years ago.

Medieval era

Hamlet's existed around Kurnool for more than 2,000 years. The Chinese traveller Xuanzang, on his way to Kanchi, passed through Kurnool. In the seventeenth century, Kurnool was part of the sultanate of Bijapur, under the governorship of a hereditary line of jagirdars of African origin, who were among the most powerful nobles at the court.[3]
Aurangazeb, the last Mogul King to rule India, conquered the Deccan in 1687 and left his governors, the Nizams, to rule the Andhra centres of Hyderabad and Kurnool. Both the Nizam of Hyderabad and Nawab of Kurnool declared independence and became sole rulers of their territories. Nawab Alaf Khan Bahadur was the first ruler of Kurnool and his descendants ruled it for over 200 years. In the early 18th century, the Nawabs joined hands with the sultan of Mysore and fought the British Empire.

 

In 12th century AD, the Odders, who carted stones for the construction of the temple at Alampur, Mahaboobnagar District, on the left bank of the River Thungabhadra, used the site where the town now stands as a stopping place before crossing the Tungabhadra. They greased their cart wheels with oil supplied by local oil merchants and called the place 'Kandanavolu' which in course of time came to be known as Kurnool.
Of historical interest are the ruins of a royal fort dating back to the medieval kingdom of Vijayanagar, which flourished from the 14th to the 16th century. Several Hindu Temple's as Ahobilam, Mahanandi, Yaganti, Srisailam, Kolimigundla, Omkaram were developed during the era of Vijayanagar Dynasty.
Several Persian and Arabic inscriptions which throw light on various aspects of historical interests are found here. In Kurnool there are 52 dargahs (shrines) located around the Thungabhadra and Hundari rivers. A very famous and lengthy K.C. Canal starts in Kurnool and ends in Cuddapah. It is around 300 kilometers long. In Kurnool city there are a number of ancient temples, churches and mosques. Kurnool city, known as the gateway to the Rayalaseema, on N.H.7 (Kanyakumari to Varanasi) on the banks of the Rivers Thungabhadra and the Hundri was the capital of the first linguistic state in free India, Andhra State from 1 Oct. 1953 to 31 Oct. 1956. As such it has some historical buildings.
Kurnool has freedom fighters like Vuyyalawada Narsimha Reddy, Gadicharla Harisarvothama Rao. Zilla Grandhalaya Samstha (ZGS ) and the District Central Libray (DCL), Kurnool, building near the old Bus stand is named 'GADICHARLA HARISARVOTHAMA RAO SMARAKA BHAVANAMU". It is the second district, apart from Nellore (Bejawada Gopal Reddy 'Andhra state' & Nedurumalli Janardhan Reddy), which has contributed two Chief Ministers to Andhra Pradesh:
  1. Damodaram Sanjeevaiah (1st dalit Chief Minister of India and A.P),
  2. Kotla Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy
  3. 10th Indian Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha rao was elected as member of parliament from Nandyal constituency with over 6 lakh (600,000) majority, a world record.
Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy (Ananthapur District) was elected from the Dhone assembly constituency in 1962 general elections and became the Chief Minister of AP. Again in 1977 general elections to the Lok Sabha, he won from the Nandyal Parliamentary constituency and became the speaker of the Lok Sabha. However he resigned and became the 6th President of the Republic of India. In 1970, part of Kurnool district was split off to become part of Prakasam district

Name of the City

There are many theories about the origin of the name Kurnool. According to A Manual of the Kurnool District in the Presidency of Madras, the name Kurnool is derived from Kandenavolu or Kandanavolu (a Telugu name by which it is referred to in the inscriptions and literature of the past), pronounced as karnooluu. The site on which the city now stands was a resting place before crossing the Tungabhadra river to Alampur, during the time of Chalukya's. Here, they greased their cart-wheels with oil. They called the place Kandenametta or kandanavolu (Kandanam means grease).
The strategic position led to the formation of a small settlement on the spot which subsequently came to be known as Kandenapalli, Kandenolu and Kandenavolu, the city of Kandena or grease. The site which was used as a halting place is still known as Bandla Metta (Bandla means carts and Metta means headquarters or halting place). There is a street in the Old city known as "Bandimetta".
Some scholars argue that Kurnool derived its name from Kallu which means stone and Nadu which means territory. Yet, others say the name Kurnool has been derived from Skandanavolu, the city of Skanda or Kumaraswamy. The worship of Skanda in Andhra Pradesh dates back to ancient times. The cities were also named after Skanda, the chief God of War of the Devas.

Fort Konda Reddy Buruju

There is a bastion named Konda Reddy fort, constructed as a strategic watch tower by the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. Underneath lies a passage (tunnel) which connects the fort to Gadwal which is 52 km away. The specialty of this tunnel is it crosses under the river Tungabhadra and reaches gadwal which was ruled by Nalla Somanadri who was the one built an ecxellent fort in gadwal . Stories tell that the ruler of Gadwal Kingdom utilized this tunnel to escape from the Muslim conquerors in 17th century. The government of Andhra Pradesh closed the tunnel somewhere around the 1901

Tungabhadra and Handri Rivers

The Tungabhadra River is a sacred river in southern India that starts and flows through the state of Karnataka and joins the Krishna River as it enters Andhra Pradesh. In the epic Ramayana, the Tungabhadra river was known by the name of Pampa.

 

Places of tourist interest

1. Gundla brahmeswaram temple,nallamala forest 2. Ahobilam
3. Belum Caves
4. Dhone
5. Kalva Bugga
6. Kolimigundla
7. Mahanandi
8. Mantralayam
9. Omkaram
10.Sangameshwaram
11.Srisailam
12.Yaganti

 

 

Transportation

Kurnool is considered as the Gateway of Rayalaseema as one must pass through Kurnool to reach Kadapa or Chittor or Anantapur districts while travelling from Hyderabad. Kurnool is having the third largest bus station in andhra pradesh after hyderabad and vijayawada.Kurnool is connected to most cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh as well as to Bengaluru and Chennai by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). National Highway 7 connects Kurnool to Hyderabad (210 km, 4.5 hours), Anantapur (140 km, three hours), Hindupur {245 km, 5.5 hours} and Bengaluru (360 km. The State Highway 51 connects to Srisailam, Vinukonda, Guntur, Vijayawada.The National Highway 18 Kurnool-Chittoor connects the city to Panyam, Nandyal,Allagadda Allagadda,Ahobilam(near to the highway),Mahanandi(near to the highway),Maidukuru, Kadapa, Rayachoty Pileru, and Chittoor.
Kurnool lies on the Hyderabad – Guntakal/ Gooty railway line. There are also frequent passenger trains to Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai,Chittoor, Tirupati, Guntur, Jaipur, Madurai, Shirdi and Bengaluru. The four railway stations in Kurnool District are Kurnool Town, Adoni, Nandyala and Dhone junction. Adoni is on the Chennai-Mumbai Railway Line and several trains run daily to these cities and New Delhi. Nandyal is on the Guntakal -Vijayawada Line and has daily trains to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Bengaluru, Vishakhapatnam and Howrah. Dhone junction is situated on the Gooty -Secunderabad Line as well as the Hubli-Vijayawada Line. All the trains which pass through Nandyal and Kurnool pass through this junction.
The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, at Hyderabad, three and half hours drive from Kurnool City.

 

Sanghi Temple

 

Sanghi Temple, located at Sanghi Nagar in Andhra Pradesh in India, is about 35 km from Hyderabad city.[1] The sacred Raja Gopuram, which is very tall, can be seen from several kilometers away.
The temple complex is located on the top of Paramanand Giri hill, which attracts a number of devotees who seek the gods' blessings. The beauty of the slope around the temple is a popular view among its visitors. As you approach the Paramanand Giri, the gateway, or Maha Dwaram, welcomes the visitors. As you further proceed, the stone elephant is seen at the stairway. There are three Gopurams seen at the foot of the hillock which are so tall and seem as if touching the heavens. On the top of the temple complex, one can see the shrine of Lord Anjaneya, the son of Anjana devi and Wind God, who is believed to shower his blessings to his devotees.
The temple is constructed in South Indian style of temple architecture and houses all important Hindu God idols. It is a favorite getaway point for the Hyderabadis as well as a popular tourist spot. The idol of Venkateshwara inside the sanctum sanctorum is 9-½ ft tall.
There are small temples inside the complex dedicated to Padmavati, Shiva, Rama, Anjaneya, Ganesha, Navagrahas, Goddess Ashtalakshimi, Durga and Kartikeya. There is also a Pavitra Vanam, or holy garden, in the temple complex where special leaves and flowers are grown for performing poojas. The temple opens at 5.00 a.m. For one hour, Suprabhatam is recited, followed by Archana to the deities from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. General darshan for the devotees is allowed from 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Poojas and Sevas are held between 6 p.m. and 8 pm. The temple remains closed between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. and after 8 p.m. Weekly Abhishekam is performed to the deities between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. (Sri Ramalingeshwara (Mondays), Sri Hanuman (Tuesdays), Sri Venkateshwara, Ashtalakshmi, Parvathi, Padmavathi and Rama(Fridays).
Timings of Sanghi Temple 08.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m.,break b/w 1pm to 4pm on all days except notified public holidays.
Other attractions of Sanghi Temple Cultural Film shows on all weekends in the afternoon.

Sanghi Nagar is an Industrial complex setup by the Sanghi Group of Industries. The temple complex has been built around the heavenly temple over a hill. Industries belonging to the sanghi group surround the temple as though it is being blessed by the Almighty. The temple is a treat to watch especially at night. It is very close to the famous Ramoji film city. Sanghi nagar is around 25 km away from Dilsukh Nagar, Hyderabad. Apart from the group's manufacturing facilities, Sanghi Nagar contains a full fledged housing complex and health care facilities for its employees. They include Captive Power plants, Communication facilities, Higher Secondary School, Excellent Accommodation facilities for all grades of staff & labour, Hospital, Food Marts, Entertainment facilities, post office, Cable and internet access etc.
Sanghi Nagar STD Code is 08415.
Similar facilities and amenities exist at the other Sanghi township at Sanghipuram, Gujarat where the group operates a large Lignite based cement plant under Sanghi Industries Ltd.

 

Transport

APSRTC runs buses from HYDERABAD City, they are
  • Route No. : 290S & 205K Secunderabad - Sanghi Nagar/Ramoji Film City
Suburbs covered are Lalaguda, Tarnaka, Uppal Ring Road, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, Sanghi Nagar)
  • Route No. : 202u, 204u from Women's college - Sanghi Nagar
Suburbs covered are Women's college, Chaderghat, Malakpet, Dilsuknagar, LB Nagar, Sanghi Nagar)

 

 

Kadiri Narasimhaswamy Temple, Kadiri

 

Kadiri (Telugu: కదిరి) is a one of the Major town and mandal in the southeastern part of Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh, India. The Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located in this town, and large number of Hindu pilgrims visit this temple throughout the year. The Thimmamma Marrimaanu (World's Biggest banyan tree spread over 11 acres (4 ha) of land. It got entry in the Guinness Book of Records, 1989). It is located just 25 km away from Kadiri. Kadiri is also known for jasmine flowers(Malle Poolu), Vermilion(Kumkuma),and Silk(Pattu Daaram)

Etymology

The name Kadiri is a vernacular name for the Sanskrit word, Khadri, meaning Canary wood or Indian mulberry (Morinda citrifolia). Legend has it that the Lord Sri Khadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy has emerged out of this tree at this place and hence the name. Chennaraaya swaamy gudi project (C.G project) is located 35 km from this town.

Vedic Epic (e.g. Sri Nrsimha Purana)

Bhagwaan Nrsimha or Narasimha at Kadiri is Svaymabhu, meaning, self emenating, from the roots of Khadri tree. The Moolavirat is that of AshtaBaahu Sri Nrsimha (having eight hands) cleaving Hiranyakasipu and transforming into a more protecting persona with Bhakta Prahlada standing beside him, with folded hands, paying obeisances.
Speciality of the deity at this temple: Astonishingly, after the daily Abishekam is performed, the Archa-Vigraha or Deity of Bhagwaan Nrsimha or Narasimha is seen sweating, despite being repeatedly wiped off by the Archakas here

Festivals

An event carried out every year is the Rathothsavam (Car Festival), on this holy day, a huge Rath (Chariot) with the Lord Lakshmi Narasimha's idol on it is pulled by hundreds of devotees are watched by thousands of people. thousands of peoples are arriving from almost all surrounding districts and from Karnataka.

Visiting places in and around Kadiri

  • Alam Khan vali Dargah
  • Sri Khadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
  • Kadiri Forest
  • Yerradoddi Gangamma
  • Timmamma Marrimanu (Biggest Banyan Tree in the world)
  • Sri Yogi Vemana Samadhi - Katarupalli
  • Batrey Palli Water Falls

Transport

Kadiri is well connected to Guntakal, major railway junction in Anantapur district. Recently, Kadiri got into the mainline, after the 100 year age old MG line is converted into BG. It is also connected to the state capital, with a bi-weekly train. New trains are in the pipe line from July 2011.
Presently the following trains are touching Kadiri :
  • Tirupati - Guntakal - Tirupati Passenger ( Daily )
  • Tirupati - Guntakal - Tirupati Passenger ( Daily) - Newly Started From 10.03.2012
  • Tirupati - Secunderabad - Tirupati ( Bi-Weekly Express ), from June.12 onwards 4 Days in a Week
  • Tirupati - Amaravathi - Tirupati (Bi-Weekly Express)
  • Kacheguda - Madhurai - Kacheguda Express ( Sanctioned in Budget 2012-13 )
Kadiri is on the National High way of Anantapur - Chennai. And have scores of buses to Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad as well.

 

 

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Nellore

The Sri Ranganthaswami Temple in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha a resting form of Lord Vishnu. This temple, also called Talpagiri Ranganathaswami temple or Ranganayakulu is one of the oldest temples in Nellore. It is located on the banks of the Penna River and is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century. Just before the main entrance of the temple is a huge tower, called Gaaligopuram, which literally means "wind tower". This tower is approximately 70 feet high and has 10 feet of gold plated vessels on top of it, called kalisams. Every year during the month of March–April (which varies according to the Indian calendar) a grand festival is celebrated. These are called Brahmotsavam.

Nellore (Telugu: నెల్లూరు Urdu: نیلور‎) is a city and headquarters of Sri Potti Sri Ramulu Nellore district, formerly Nellore district. It is the sixth most populous city in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The ancient name of Nellore was "Vikrama Simhapuri".[3]
Nellore is situated about 453 kilometres (281 mi) south east of Hyderabad, the state capital of Andhra Pradesh and about 173 kilometres (107 mi) north of Chennai on the Chennai-Kolkata national highway. It is located on the banks of the Penna river. Nellore is well known for its production of mica (gudur),Hand made gold jewellery,lemon,(gudur) and agricultural products such as rice and it is famous for temples like Sri Erukalala Parameswari Devi Temple known as Simhapuri(Nellore) Gramadevatha,Ranganathaswamy temple, Narasimha Swamy Konda, Jonnavada Kamakshi Ammavari temple, Ayyappa Temple, Golagamudi Venkaya Swami Temple, Rajarajeswari temple, PenchalaKona. Nellore is also known for aquaculture. It is one of the fastest developing cities in Andhra Pradesh.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Nellore), located on the banks of the Penna River, dates back to twelfth century.

History

The King of the nellore is Siva chejarla. Nellore was known by the name of Vikrama Simhapuri till 13th century. The district had an important role during the emergence of the Telugu language and the formation of the state of Andhra Pradesh. It had been under the rule of Maurya Dynasty, Kharavela of Chedi dynasty, Satavahanas, Kakatiyas, Pallavas, Cholas, Eastern Gangas of Kalinga Empire, Telugu Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara and other dynasties.
Nellore came under Mauryan influence and was part of the Ashokan Empire in the 3rd century B.C. It was next included in the Pallava Dominion between the fourth and sixth century A.D.
Before the district was taken over the British it was ruled by the Nawabs. During the British rule the district was at peace and did not undergo any major political changes.
The period after Indian independence brought about major political changes in the district. Until 1 October 1953, the district was part of the Madras (now Chennai) state but on 1 November 1956 when the states were recognised on the basis of linguistic differences, the state of Andhra Pradesh came into existence. During that time Nellore played an important role in the formation of the state and Potti Sriramulu, a Telugu patriot and activist had given his life to set up Andhra Pradesh.
Vedayapalem, Magunta layout, Trunk Road,Mulapeta are most populous areas. Tourism places in Nellore district are Sriharikota well known for SHAR rocket launching center, Venkatagiri Fort, Flamingo birds Festival. Apart from temples Nellore is well known for very good movie theatres. Nellore has several beautiful beaches and well known as educational hub of nineties.
Temple
Sri Talapagiri Ranaganatha swamy Temple is located in Nellore city and is about 5 km (3.1 mi) away from Nellore-1 APSRTC Bus stand and 1 km (0.62 mi) away from Nellore railway station. Ranganada Swamy Temple in Nellore is more than 600 years old. This temple is situated on the banks of the River Penner and is marked by a huge 96 feet tall Galigopuram with seven gold kalasams and its architectural splendour constructed by SRI Yeragudapati Venkatachalam Panthulu. The annual Rath Yathra of the God is a much awaited ritual in Nellore.
There are seven kalisams, which brings beauty to the temple. Every year during the month of March–April (varies according to Hindu calendar) grand festival is celebrated. These are called Brahmotsavam.
On the bank of river penna sri kashyapa Maharshi performed yagna and as a fruit of his penance conferred upon him the gift of establishing himself as Ranganadha Swamy at Nellore. In 7th century, by Pallava ruler Sri Rajaraja Narendra, Subsequently in 13th century Sri Jatha Varma has offered precious stones and metal to Lord Ranganadha Swamy. The Andhra Maha Bharatam i.e. from Viratprvam to the end of the epic was written by the poet Sri kavi Brahma Tikkana, on the bank of pennar river. On the east there is seven storied Maha gopuram, south Sri Ranganayaki Lakshmi Devi temple and beautiful mirror dias, west is sacred Pennar river and north Sri Andal Ammavari temple.
Sri Kodanadarama Swamy Temple, Buchireddipalem
Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Brahmothsavam: It is celebrated for eleven days from Chaitra Suddha Navami to Bahula Chaviti (March-April) at Buchireddipalem town in Nellore district. On the Navami day in the morning ‘Dwajarohanam’ is performed and in the evening, the Lord with his consorts is taken on Adi Sesha Vahanam on the main streets of the old town. On Dasami day Lord is made to ride on the Hamsa vahanam with beautiful flower decoration. On Ekadasi day the lord is atop Vyali vahanam in his majestic best. On the Dwadasi day Lord is carried on his shoulders by his most ardent devotee Hanuman and is a very popular vahanam among certain communities of the town. On the Triyodasi day in the morning Lord goes around the town in his famous Mohini avatar and in the night Lord is atop Golden Garuda with huge following of the public is taken out of the temple in a takeoff mode. This vahanam is made to go around the entire town and returns to the temple almost at the day break. Seetharamula Kalyanam is celebrated with full religious fervour with huge attendance from people from all over on the Chaturdasi day and this event is generally more popular among the women folk who throng to get the ‘Talambralu’ (Rice mixed in turmeric and used during the celestial wedding). Seetha Lakshmana sametha Rama is taken to the southern end of the city to shower their blessings on the town folks. Once they return Lord Rama goes on the Gaja vahanam On the pournami day the three deities are put on the elaborately decorated ‘Ratham’ (Temple car) and this ratham is pulled by the thousands of devotees who visit the town from far and near for this event. Normally it takes about 45 minutes for the Ratham to complete its journey and reaches the resting place. During the evening hours the Lord is taken for a boat ride on a specially built float ‘Theppa’ which is well decorated with lights in the temple tank for three rounds. On completion of the Theppotsavam, Lord goes around the town in Krishna avatar on ‘Ponnamanu seva’ On the Padyami day Lord goes on his Ashwa vahanam and there is a story of ‘Paruveta’ on triyodasi day chakrasnanam is performed and Dwaja avarohanam is conducted.

Sri Gayathri devi Vishwakarma Temple
The Vedamata Gayathri devi, and Veda pitha sri.Virat Vishwakarma Temple is located at Virat nagar, in main road of Nellore.This temple is considered to be one among the biggest Gayathri devi temples of Andhra pradesh.The temple is attracting huge number of devotees and is said by devotees that, five times circumbenation of the temple sanctorium fulfills their wishes. Sree Govindamambadevi sametha, Sree veera brahmendra swamy temple is also located at this temple premises.
Jonnawada
Mallikarjuna Swamy kamakshi tai temple is located about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Nellore. It has good connections with the Railway station at Nellore. A famous Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Kamakhsi Tai temple is located on the bank of river Pennar, 12 km (7.5 mi) from Nellore. It attracts many pilgrims. The village is part of Buchireddipalem Mandal. In Tretayuga Mahamuni Kasyapa Brahma performed yagna and pleased Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy thus this place is named as ‘Yagnavatika Jonnawada’. Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Kamakhsi tai grant to the innumerable devotes their desires, as their God head. Since then he continues conferring boons and his blessings on his devotees. This temple is constructed in the year 1150 (Tretayuga). The goddess Kamkshi is believed to be an incarnation of Shakti. A ‘Sri Chakram’ was installed here by Sri Jagadguru Sankaracharya. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the lake known as Kachpateertham, near the temple, which washes away all their bad karma. Brahma Rushi Sri Kashyap Mahamuni visited Bhoolokam (The Earth) and wanted to perform Yagna and chosen north of vedadri as Yagna Vatika (place to perform yagna) after successful completion of the Yagna a bright light appeared. It has spread over the whole bhoolokam. Later Lord Eswara appeared as Lord Mallikarjuna, who came out from fire of Yagna.
There is bus service from Nellore to Jonnawada. For the convenience of the pilgrims there are choultries of the Devastanam and TTD and also private choultries. Every year, during the celebration of Brahmstsavam in the month of Vaisaka, Lakhs of devotees throng the holy centre to worship the goddess to attain salvation and Friday is the day very dear to Kamakshitai. One can find persons, persecuted by evil spirits, circumambulating in the temple precinct. A bathing ghat has been built on the bank of the Penna, for the convenience of the pilgrims.
Narasimha Konda
Vedagiri Lakshmimarasimha Swamy devastanam came into being nearly 500 years ago, on the summit of Narasimhakonad. According to the rock inscriptions, this temple was built by the Pallava king Narsimha Varma in the ninth century. Legend goes that the sage Kasyapa established the temple on the bank of Pinakini. And the vedic scripture Brahma Puranareveals that the seven sages (Saptarishis) performed “yagnam” (Sacrifice) on the top of Narasimhakonda. The seven (Koneru) tanks were renovated with Mandapas on the hilltop. The holy place lies 15 km (9.3 mi) away from Nellore, on the southern bank of the river Pinakini. Every year “Brahmotsavams” are celebrated here in the month of May. Jonnawada is to the north of the river.
Penchalakona
This is a very ancient sacred place (pilgrim centre). Legend says that Lord Narasimha manifested himself here as a huge of rock in “Yoga mudra” (in an entwined contemplative posture) and hence it acquired the name of “Penusila” (huge rock) and in course of time became famous as “Penchalakona”. Legend has it that after slaying the demon Hiranya Kasipa, Lord Narsimha bathed in Penchalakona and withdrew that “Avatara”(incarnation) of Narasimha, shedding his anger and ferocity. The Lord here goes by the name of Somasila Narasimhaswamy and has become one of the Nava Narasimhas (nine manifestations). People believe that because the sage Kanva resided in this area in the past, the river flowing here acquired the name Kanva Nadi and that with efflux of time it became Kandaleru. It is also learnt that the temple was renovated in the 10th century.
Penchalkona lies at the foothills of Veligondalu (mentioned earlier), at a distance of 80 km (50 mi) from Nellore. Narasimha Jayanthi is celebrated every year in the month of May and devotees flock specially on Saturday. The Devestanam choultries provide facilities to the pilgrims and there is bus service too.

Notable people

Tourism

The region has a combination of religion, nature and history in its expanse of tourism. Some of the famous temples of the region are Ranganayaka Temple, Jonnawada, Penchalakona, Mahalakshmi temple in Fathekhan Pet, Narasimhskonda, Erukalala Parameswari Temple, Barashahid Dargha, Rajarajeswari Temple, Mulasthaneswara Temple (Lord Shiva), Ayyapa Temple, Golagamudi, Kasumur Dargha, Adavilo Vinayakudu (Gudur), Ammavari temple in Sulurupeta, Srivenkateswarapalem (between Bitragunta and kavali), Someswaralayam (Somasila) and a lot more. The places in Nellore district which are a treat for the eyes of a traveler are Somasila Dam, Kandaleru Dam, Pulicat Lake and the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary. The Udaygiri fort which is at a distance of 100 kilometers from Nellore stands as a historical testimony of the region

Transportation

Rail

Nellore is well connected by rail to most parts of India. Nellore is a very important railway station in the South Central Railway and lies on the arterial Chennai-Vijayawada railway line which connects Tamil Nadu and Kerala to North, East and Northeast India. Nellore railway station also falls under the Chennai Suburban Railway, lying on the North Line which terminates at Bitragunta.

Road

Nellore is well connected by road to all the major cities and states in India. National Highway 5 from Chennai to Kolkata, which is a part of the Golden Quadrilateral expressway project, passes through Nellore. It is just 173 km from Chennai by road.
The city is well connected by APSRTC buses from all parts of Andhra Pradesh, Chennai and Bangalore and by TNSTC buses from Chennai. Nellore is a divisional headquarters in the APSRTC. There are 2 bus stations in the city-
  • RTC Bus Station- It is situated to the south of the city opposite Sarvodaya college. All intercity and interstate buses arrive and depart from here.
  • PSR (Potti Sreeramulu) Bus Station- It is situated in the heart of the city near the railway station. It is commonly known as Atmakur Bus Station. All buses to destinations within the district arrive and depart from here.

Sea

There is a port in Krishnapatnam, which is 24 km from Nellore. Krishnapatnam is one of the very few ports in the world which can handle giant ships with load capacities of 1,50,000 tonnes. It is one of the deepest port of India with 18 meters of draft. Iron ore and granite is being exported from this port to other countries like China and Japan

Air

The nearest airport is at Tirupati, which is 130 km from the city. However, the services from this airport are limited to Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Mumbai and Delhi. The nearest major airport is the Chennai International Airport at Meenambakkam, about 189 km from the city, which is an international airport providing connectivity to all parts of India and the world.
The Government of Czech Republic has evinced interest in building a domestic airport in Nellore[8]. However so far no concrete work has been done on this front as the process of land acquisition for the airport is posing a problem


 







Om Tat Sat
                                                        
(Continued...)                                                                                                                              



(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )
Posted by gopalakrishna Friday, December 7, 2012
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1 comments:

Unknown said...

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January 30, 2013 at 1:10 AM

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