GNANA SARASWATHI

GNANA SARASWATHI

There is a myth that Vyasa maharshi, his disciples, and sage Viswamitra, after Kurukshetra war, thought to settle in a serene and cool atmosphere.  In search of peaceful place, they came to Dandaka forest selected this place because of its serenity and coolness.  Since Vyasa marharshi lived there, the place was called "Vasara" and by the Marathi language influence, it turned to "Basara."

It is believed that Basara is one amongst the three temples constructed near the Godavari and Manira river confluence.   Hisotircally, Basara temple is constructed by Karnataka king, 'Bijialudu,' who ruled Nandagiri province Nanded as capital in the 6^th century.

Now,  most of the pilgrims visit Basara for "Akshara abhyasam" to the children before they start their school education.  To the goddess, Saraswath, they devote pencils, pens, and notebooks.  At 4 a.m. in the temple the puja starts with Abhishekam.  At 5 a.m., new sarees adorned to Saraswathi goddess as an Alankarana.

On the eve of Maha Shivaratri, special celebrations and poojas are performed in the temple and continue 3 days after the Shivaratri.  During Dasara, Devi Navarathrulu celebrated for 10 days.

This is located 210 km from Hyderabad (via road), well connected by A.P.S.R.T.C. buses.  It is best to visit the temple by train since the temple is 2.5 km away from Basar Station, we can have autos to visit temple.

VEMULAVADA

VEMULAVADA

A town, Vemulavada, is 35 km away from Karimnagar, Telangana, India.   In northern Telangana, Vemulavada is destination of major pilgrim.  The god here is Rajanna.  The city population is nearly 60,000.  It is business capital for the villages nearby.  People from all places visit this pilgrimage.

This is one of the oldest temples devoted to Lord Siva.  This is also known as Dakshina Kashi.  Chalukya kings of 750 and 975 AD built this temple named for its presiding diety, Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy, one of the incarnations of Siva.    Features are architectural galleries like Mirror gallery, Addala Mantam, and also contains Shiva idols.  There was also a holy tank for pilgrims to bathe, Dharma Gundam.  People visit every year on the eve of Maha Shiva Rathri to Vemulavada.

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PLACE TO VISIT IN KARIMNAGAR.

WARANGAL FORT

WARANGAL FORT

Warangal Fort is one of the ancient forts in South India and is also one of the popular tourist attractions in Warangal. It was built in the 13th century and is around 2 kms from the main city center. Hundreds of tourists come to the Warangal Fort to get a feel of the grand architecture of South India. The fort was built during the Kakatiya dynasty.

In the times of King Ganapatideva the Warangal Fort was built, who shifted the capital from Hanamkonda to Warangal.    The pillars and fort towers are 45 and spread 19 km of area.  Swayambhudevi Alayam, temple of Mother Earth, situated nearby. 

In the itinerary of Warangal tours, this Fort is very important.  The airport located in Hyderabad is connected to Warangal.  There is bus facility from Warangal to Chennai, Bangalore, Tirupati, Hyderabad, and Hubli.

This Fort is in Warangal and is a popular point of interest.  In 13^th century, this Fort was built during Kakatiya period.

BHADRAKALI TEMPLE

BHADRAKALI TEMPLE

Bhadrakali Temple is one of the oldest temples in Warangal, Telangana.   On the banks of Bhadrakali Lake, this temple is located, which is 1.5 km from Government Polytechnic college.   This temple constructed by the King Pulakesi II of Chalukya dynasty around 625 A.D., as per the writings on the temple wall, as a mark of victory over Vengi region, Andhra Desham.

Sri Ganapathi Sastri, a Brahmin and devi upasaka, who from Karnataka migrated to Warangal in 1940's,  noticed the Bhadrakali temple and thought to renovate the temple.  He and Sri Mudumbai Ramanujacharya took the help of Sri Maganlal Sameja (local merchant) and other locals and renovated the temple in 1950.  Persons like Adluri Seetharama Shastry, Brahmasri Sri Hari Radhakrishnamurthy , Thandra Venkata Rama Narsaiah, Vangala Guravaiah, Tankasala Narasimha Rao, and Mahatapaswini Mangalambika  have contributed in renovation of the temple.  There were Animal Sacrifices in the temple before renovation of temple in 1950  (custom at Kali temples). This has stopped onwards after the renovation in 1950.  Chandi yantra was installed in the temple during the renovation.  At his 113^th year, Sri Ganapathi Sastri  passed away on November 11, 2011, in Warangal.  At the time of his death, he was trustee of the temple.

THOUSAND PILLARS TEMPLE

THOUSAND PILLARS TEMPLE

In 1163 A.D., King Rudra Deva believed to be built Thousand Pillars Temple.  The Thousand Pillars Temple is one of the specimens of the Kakatiyan architecture of the 12th century.   The Thousand Pillars Temple is several shrines and lingams with star-shaped.  Trikutalayam are the three shrines inside the temple.  The Thousand Pillars Temple three shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Surya, and Lord Vishnu.  There is a big garden in which small lingam shrines were seen in The Thousand Pillars Temple.

There is a Nandi (bull) with carved 1000 pillars in the Temple.  The engineering technology behind this monument is really mystic for us.  To our surprise, it is built with sand and some other materials without cement.  Thousand Pillars Temple is one of the great excellences of Kakatiyan engineering technology.  This is constructed with thousand pillars that is why it has named Thousand Pillars Temple.   This way this temple constructed is surprising the world engineering technology.  This is one of the famous places to visit in (Warangal, Hanamkonda) Telangana.

NAA TELANGANA

నా తెలంగాణా కోటి రతనాల వీణ