Facts to File
How far : 363 km from Hyderabad, 262 km. from Tirupati and 74 km from Nandyal (Kurnool dist)
How to go : Air: Hyderabad & Tirupati are the nearest airports.
Rail: Nandyal town (74 km. on Guntur-Hubli line) and Cuddapah ( 118 km. on
Madras-Bombay line) are the convenient railheads.
Bus: 34 km. from Allagadda, which is connected by state buses from
Hyderabad, Tirupati, Chittoor, Cuddapah, Kurnool, Nellore and Madras.
Where to stay : Lakshmi Nilaya Tourist rest house, TTD Choultry and Arya Vysya Choultry at lower Ahobilam.
What to see : Prahladavarada Narasimha temple, Alwar Koneru and Nine forms of Lord Narasimha.
Ahobilam, which is known as Singavel Kundram, is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the lion form of Lord Vishnu, which he took to kill the demon Hiranyakashyapa. Of the many places of Narasimha worship, this place is unique, being the only place where all the nine forms of Lord Narasimha are worshipped. Hence it is also called Nava Narasimha Kshetra.
The temple is divided into two parts- the lower Ahobilam and the the upper Ahobilam. The lower Ahobilam is the abode of the Prahladavarada Narasimha, the form of Lord Narasimha blessing Prahlada. This temple lies in the center of three Praakaras built in Vijayanagara style. About a furlong from this temple is the Alwar Koneru, a drinking water lake.
An ascent up the hill leads to upper Ahobilam, the lord here is Ahobaleswar. A 9 km. hillpath cutting across virgin hills and forests with several waterfalls and exquisite scenic beauty takes one to Ahobaleswar temple, located at the western side of a sacred stream known as Vavinasi (one who checks ego), which joins the river Krishna.
LEGEND
It is believed that Narasimha manifested Himself in a natural rock cave. This place is considered as one of the 10 divya kshetras of the country. The main temple at the lower Ahobilam consists of a Sanctum, a Mukhamantapam and a Rangamantapam all of which are decorated with excellent sculptures on the pillars. The massive composite pillars in the Rangamantapam are profusely carved with figures Yakshas riding on Yalis and horses with their rear legs mounted on the Makaras.In fact the lower Ahobilam temple may be considered a veritable museum exhibiting some masterpieces from the Vijayanagara Art. Large figures of musicians, sensuous women, divine figures of Rama and Laxmana are pictursque. Apart from this, the Narasa Nayaka figure of Srikrishna Devaraya is very attractive. The exterior of upper Ahobilam is also decorated with excellent sculptures similar to those found on the outer walls of the Hazaramma temple at Hampi.
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ANNAVARAM
SATYANARAYANA SWAMY DEVASTHANAM
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Facts to File
 How far : 498 km from Hyderabad, 72 km from Rajahmundry and 124 km from Visakhapatnam.
How to go : Air : Nearest airport is Visakhapatnam. Rail : Except Coramandel Express, all the express trains and passenger trains going from Vijayawada to Calcutta stop here.
Road : Buses from Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Yeleswaram.
How to stay : Devasthanam Choultry.
What to see : Seetha Rama temple (Kshetrapaalakulu), Vana Durga temple, Kanaka Durga temple and Phalabhayantram (mechanism/device that indicates time by sun rays)Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy temple atop the Ratnagiri mountain, situated amidst the beautiful, naturally verdant and tranquil surroundings of the river Pampa, is always hustling with devotees who fill it with bustling activity with the various rituals they perform to appease the deity.
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| BHADRACHALAM |
Facts to file
 How far : 320 km from Hyderabad and 201 km from Vijayawada.
How to go : Air : Vijayawada is the nearest airport.
Rail : Koththagudem is the nearest rail head at a distance of 40 km.
Bus : State buses every hour from Koththagudem,which is connected with Vijayawada, Khammam, Machilipatnam, Tenali, Kakinada, Nalgonda and Hyderabad.
Where to stay : A.P. Tourism's 'Parnashala' and 'Panchavati' guest houses.Dharmasalas of Endowments department. Economy hotels.
What to see : Sri Seetharamachandra Swamy Temple, Parnashala.
 The Sree Seetharamachandra Swamy shrine at Bhadrachalam, the most famous temple in the country dedicated to Lord Rama, is situated on the left bank of the mighty river Godavari in Khammam District. Regarded as one of the most holy temples in South India, it has become a major pilgrimage center for Hindus from all over the country.
More than three hundred thousand devotees throng this temple on Sreeramanavami day to witness the "Kalyana Mahotsavam" or the auspicious wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita. Special archanas and pujas are held on the occasion.
Round the year, devotees visit Bhadrachalam to seek the blessings of Lord Rama. The uniqueness of the temple is that the idol of Lord Rama has a bow in one hand along with Shanku and Chakra, amalgamation of two avatars - Vishnu and Rama. Also, unlike in other temples Sita is seated on Rama's lap.
A visit to this shrine will leave an indelible impression in the minds of the pilgrims. The holy soil is believed to have been trodden by Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana during their stay at Dandakaranya.
LEGEND
How the place got its nameThe temple is associated with puranic and historic facts. According to a legend, there was a rishi (sage) named Bhadra, son of Meru, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, who was promised moksha by Him. Bhadra Maharishi did intense penance until Tretha yuga was over and Lord Rama, who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was back to his original avatar. Pleased by Bhadra's devotion, He appeared in the form of Lord Rama (as per Bhadra's wishes) and granted him moksha. This explains the unique form of the deity at Bhadrachalam. The hillock on which Bhadra Maharishi did penance and attained moksha, is called Bhadragiri / Bhadrachalam after the rishi. Another legend associated with the place is that Lord Rama once appeared in the dream of a woman called Pokala Sammakka and informed her about the existence of idols on the Bhadragiri hills. To the astonishment of the woman, the idols were found on the hill, where she got a modest structure built.
RAMADAS
Later in the 17 century, Gopanna, commonly known as Ramadas (devotee of Rama), a Tahsildar (town administrator) in the court of Abdul Hassan Tana Shah, spent the tax revenues to embellish the temple and the idols. Being a fervent devotee of Lord Rama, he used the tax collection to renovate the temple, instead of remitting it to the royal treasury. As a punishment for misusing the government funds, he was arrested and confined in a dark cell in the Golconda Fort, which can be seen even today. Even in the solitude of the cell, Gopanna's belief and devotion in Lord Rama were undeterred. His prayers were soon answered when Lord Rama himself appeared in Tana Shah's dream and produced a receipt denoting payment of the amount back to the king. The king was awestruck by the miracle and released Gopanna from the prison and reinstated him as Tahsildar. Tana Shah also announced annual grants to the temple. Even to this day, some of the jewels like 'Kalikiturai', 'Pachchala Pathakam', 'Chinthaku Pathakam' presented to the deities by Gopanna can be seen at the temple.
The place is associated with Rama in more than one way. He spent a part of the 14 years of his "Aranya vasam" (exile) accompanied by his spouse, Sita and his brother, Laxmana. A few kilometers away from the temple is the Ushnagundam. It is said that Lakshmana had brought hot water from here for Sita to bathe. About 35 km away from Bhadrachalam is the Parnashala, believed to be the hut where Rama, Sita and Lakshamana lived during their exile in the forest and where Sita was abducted by the demon king of Lanka, Ravana.
The temple at Bhadrachalam is at its festive best during the Sreeramanavami celebrations. The deities are richly ornamented. Keerthanas of Bhakta Ramadas are heard everywhere and the day is marked by religious fervor. For the devotees, special arrangements are made at the A.P. Tourism's "Parnashala" and "Panchavati" - guest houses and Dharmashalas of Endowment department.
Timings
The temple is kept open from 5:30 in the morning and stays so till 12:00 in the noon.The temple usually remains closed during the noon hours, and reopens in the evening at 4:00 p.m. The temple closes in the night after the last pujas are performed by 8:00 Festivals Sri Ramanavami (March-April) and Kalyana Mahotsavam, celebrated in a grand manner here, attract thousands of devotees. Pilgrims take a holy dip in Godavari on the occasion of Karthik Poornima (October - November).
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VIJAYAWADA KANAKA DURGA
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 Facts to File
How far : About 275 km from Hyderabad
How to go : Air: Vijayawada is connected by air from Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. Rail: It is well connected by rail with every city in India
Road: buses from Madras, Hyderabad, Vizag and Nellore.
Where to stay : AP Tourism's Krishnaveni Motel, Sitanagaram or Star Hotels / Janata Hotels.
What to see : Kanaka Durga temple, Bhavani island, Mary's temple, Gandhi Stupa, Prakasam Barriage, Hazarath Bal Mosque, Victoria Jubilee Regional Museums and Rajiv Gandhi Park, Undavalli Caves, Kuchipudi, Kondapalli.
A pleasant journey through the rich coastal delta of the state takes you to Vijayawada, the "City of Victory", which lies between the Krishna river and its tributary, Budameru. Encircled by a cluster of high hills, Vijayawada is the heart of Andhra Pradesh and the historical, cultural, political and literary center. The place is famous for its luscious mangoes, the classic form of Telugu language and not but not the least, as the abode of Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence, the presiding deity of the city.
LEGENDS
According to a legend, the now verdant Vijayawada was once a rocky region strewn with hillocks that were obstructing the flow of river Krishna. The land was thus rendered unfit for habitation or cultivation. Invocation to Lord Siva led to His directing the hills to give way to river Krishna. And lo! the river started flowing unimpeded with all its might, through the tunnels or "Bejjam" bored into the hills by Lord Siva. That is how the place got its name Bezawada.
One of the many mythologies associated with this place is that Arjuna prayed to Lord Siva on top of Indrakeela hill to win His blessings and the city derived its name "Vijayawada" after this victory. Yet another popular legend is about the triumph of Goddess Kanakadurga over the demon king Mahishasura. It is said that once upon a time, the growing menace of demons became unendurable for the natives living in this region. Sage Indrakila, took to severe penance and when the Godess appeared, the sage begged Her to reside on his head and keep vigil on the wicked demons. As per his wishes, after killing the demons, goddess Durga made Indrakila Her permanent abode. Later She also slayed the demon king Mahishasura freeing the people of Vijayawada from the evil clutches of the demon.
At the Kanakadurga temple, the enchanting four-foot high icon of the deity bedecked in glittering ornaments and bright flowers, with eight powerful weapons in eight hands is in a standing posture over the demon Mahishashura and piercing him with her trident. The Goddess is the epitome of beauty.
Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakiladri. By ascending the steps on the hill, one comes across little images of different deities, prominent among them being Kali, Siva and Krishna.
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KOLANUPAKA
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Facts to File
 How far : 80 km from Hyderabad and 6 km from Aler (between Hyderabad and Warangal)
How to go : By bus or by train upto Aler and tongas or rickshaws from there.
Where to stay : At Hyderabad
What to see : Jain Mandir, Sri Veeranarayana Temple, Someswara temple and Kolanupaka site Museum
 Located between Hyderabad and Warangal, Kolanupaka is famous for the 2000 year old Jain Mahavir Mandir, with its 1.5 meters high image of Mahavira. Besides the Jain temple, other temples at Kolanupaka are the Shree Veeranarayan temple, and the Shree Someshwara temple.
Kolanupaka was the second capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas during the 11th Century AD. During this period the village was the center of the Jains as well as the Saivites. According to literary evidece, it is the birth place of 'Renukacharya', the great 'Veera Saiva' saint, believed to be born from the 'Svayambaghu Linga' at this village and absorbed into it after preaching Veera Saivam. The place lost its glory after it changed hands from Chalukyas to Cholas and later to Kakatiyas.
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SRI UJJAINI MAHAKALI TEMPLE
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Facts to File
How far : 2 km from Secunderabad station
How to go : By auto.
Where to stay : Hyderabad / Secunderabad
Tucked away in the busy General Bazaar bylane in Secunderabad is the famous historical temple of Ujjaini Mahakali.
BONALU
One very important celebration is the Ashada Jathara, starting on 20th July of every year. This is popularly known as 'Bonalu'. On the first day, the Goddess is placed on a pot and taken to each and every house in the area to enable even the old and the handicapped to get a view of the deity.
 On the first day of the Jathara, women take headbath and wear festive clothes. Food (bonam) is cooked as per the pledge taken by them. It is placed in a vessel decorated with neem leaves and a Jyothi (an oil lamp in a shallow earthen dish) on top. Women go to the temple carrying it on their heads and offer the bonam to the deity. Hence the Jathara acquired the name `Bonalu'- plural of bonam. Some women fill the vessels with water mixed with turmeric powder and offer it to the Goddess along with neem branches. This is called `Saka'.
People make choicest of eatables as an offering to the deity. Outstation people come on decorated carts to make their offerings to the Goddess. During the Jathara week the city wears a festive look. Here and there one comes across `Potharajus' (men), with turmeric powder paste smeared all over their body, holding a yellow lemon between the teeth, sporting black mascara for the eyes and a big red dot on the forehead, wearing anklets with bells on the ankles dancing to the sound of heavy drum beats. Thousands of these Potharajus literally dance their way to the temple followed by thousands of cheering people. All these processions culminating at the temple is a sight worth watching.
The second day's festivities are called `Rangam' or stage festivities. In the sanctum sanctorum, a twenty seven - year old unmarried girl, standing on a raw pot in front of the idol looking straight into the Goddess' eyes, is possessed by Mahakali, portends the general trend of things to come and important events. Large number of people gather to witness this event which starts early in the morning and continues till 8.30 A.M.. After this she goes to many other temples and repeats this prophesy. Whoever does this `Rangam' act remains unmarried for life.
 A little later, two Potharajus dancing ferociously to the heavy drum beats go round the temple. Many devotees gather to witness this. Around 10 A.M. a heavily decorated Mahakali's photo placed on an elephant accompanied by music band is first taken around the temple and later through the streets of the city. It is accompanied by the Potharajus and lots of devotees.
LEGEND
As the legend goes, in 1813 Surabhi Appa Rao of Secunderabad, working in the military was transferred to Ujjain. When cholera broke out there, he went with his friends to a Mahakali temple and prayed to the Goddess to save the people from the epidemic, pledging to build a temple in Secunderabad in Her name. Cholera abated and thousands of people were saved due to the grace of the Goddess.
Three years later, Surabhi Appayya and his friends kept their pledge by installing a woodden statue of Mahakali, where the present temple is situated, with pooja facilities provided for. As per the story, the present bustling place was once a thick dense forest with mountains. There was a big well in the area and while they were getting it repaired, an idol of Manikyala Devi was found, which was installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple to the right of Mahakali.In 1864 the woodden idols were replaced with the present statues and regularly worshipped ever since. The temple was taken over by the Endowments Department in 1953 and many events are celebrated there.
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LAKSHMI NARASIMHA SWAMY
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History in Brief
 It is a regular practice in the temple to offer beverage made of jaggery and water as Naivedya. To fulfil the vows devotees offer this beverage and Lord glady accepts the Panaka Puja. The pecularlity of the above offering is that He receives it whole-heartedly and drinks to his satisfaction by a strange gurgling sound while pouring the beverage in his mouth. Half of the quantity of the beverage again comes out of his mouth which is distributed as prasad. Another strange fact one could experience here is the absence of flies or insects of any kind. Though jaggery brought for making "Panakam" is found in abundance in Garbhagriha one could notice that there is no passage for this huge quantity of beverage to let it out. Nobody knows where and how the Panakam goes leaving the entire area always dry and hot.
 Importance of the Temple
It is believed that this Kshetram grants "Moksha" with a single visit. Lord Rama visited this temple for his mental peace and physical tenor. He got what he lost after praying in this Kshetram. Legend is that Anjaneya dwells here permanently as Kshetra Palaka at the instance of Lord Rama. It was also visited by spiritual dignitaries like Sri Sankara Charya, Ramanuja, Chaitanya Prabhu and Monarchs like Sri Krishna Deva Raya.
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PITAPURAM
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Facts to File
 How far : 19 km from Kakinada,
How to go : Air : Nearest airport is Vizag
Rail : Trains on Madras-Howrah broad gauge line stop here
Road : Buses available from Kakinada and Rajahmundry
Where to stay : budget hotels
What to see : Kukkuteswara Swamy temple, Padagaya, fort.
Abode of Kukkuteswara Swamy, Pithapuram, the district headquarter, is an ancient town formerly known as Pishtapuram. Hallowed as 'swayam bhoolingam' and the place where sage Vyasa with his followers worshipped Kukkuteswar Swamy, Sri Kunthimadhava Swamy, Peethikamba and Hoonkarini Shakti, the linga here has wings on either side. As the 'Sivalingam' in the temple a cock at its back, it was named Kukkuteswara. Kukkuteswara Tirtham (fete) celebrated for five days in January-February is well attended by devotees.
The pond here is known as Padagaya as, according to the legend, the head, the trunk and the legs of the demon king Gayasura, killed by the Triumvirate, fell in three different places, while the legs (pada) fell here. There is a tank there.
The palace of the zamindar of the place is an imposing building, surrounded by a fort.
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SRI RAMLINGESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE
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 Maha Sivarathri signifies and recaptures the memory of all Shiva temples. One of the most important and famous such Temples is Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple at Keesara. Keesara Gutta is in Keesara Mandal of Ranga Reddy District. The temple is 33 km from Hyderabad. The presiding deity of the Temple is Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy accompanied by Sri Bhavani and Sri Shiva Durga.
History of the Temple in Brief
 In Tretayuga Sri Ram along with his consort Seeta Devi and Hanuman while roving in the area leisurely met several Maha Rishis. They advised Sri Ram to consecrate a Siva Lingam to get rid off his sin killing Ravana who was a Brahmin and a great devotee of Lord Siva. They also fixed an auspicious time for installation of Siva Lingam. Hanuman set out to bring a Siva Lingam, Lord Siva then, manifested before Hanuman in the form of 101 Lingas for the performance of pooja by Sri Ram but not before the auspicious time. Sri Ram was, therefore, constrained to pray Lord Siva and Lord Siva transfigured as Siva Linga and manifested before Sri Ram. Sri Ram consecrated the above Siva Lingam in the accompaniment of Sri Seeta. Hanuman felt unhappy as the 101 Lingams brought by him found no favor with Sri Ram. He lost his calmness and darted them away. Sri Ram pacified Hanuman and gave a boon that the devotees who pray 101 Siva Lingas brought by Hanuman would attain salvation.
The excavation revealed the back history of 1600 years and from it is known that the various kings of different dynasties like Shatavahanas, Ikshvakulu, Vishnu Kundinulu, Pallavas ruled the Andhra region. The present authorities of the temple have already taken action to construct a ten-storied Rajagopuram, which is under completion.
Importance of the Temple
Sivarahtri Brahmostavam is performed on a very large scale when lakhs of devotees visit the temple from all the corners of the State and seek the blessings of Lord Siva.
LEGEND
 It is said that despondent at the horrors of the great war of Mahabharat at Kurukshetra, Sage Vyasa went on a pilgrimage of Dakshinapatham (South India), accompanied by his son Shukadeva and other rishis. He stayed in a village for some time to meditate, which was called "Vyasapuri" in his honor, later changed as "Vasar" and today it is called "Basar".
During his stay, Sage Vyasa used to bring three handfuls of sand daily after a bath in the Godavari. He used to place sand at a particular place and slowly it transformed itself as images of Saraswathi. This idol made of sand has its face smeared with turmeric. Eating a little bit of this turmeric paste, it is believed, will enhance one's wisdom and knowledge. Many people, in fact, take their kids to Basar for "Akshara abhyasam" before commencing formal school education.
However, according to another legend, Adikavi Valmiki installed Saraswathi and wrote the Ramayana here. There is a marble image of Valmiki and his samadhi near the temple.
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SIMHACHALAM
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Facts to File
 How far : 707 km from Hyderabad.
How to go : Air : Nearest airport is Visakhapatnam at a distance of 16 km.
Rail : The nearest railhead is Visakhapatnam.
Bus : Easily accessible from Visakhapatnam.
Where to stay : Temple cottages and dormitaries. Hotels
What to see : Simhachalam temple.
 Simhachalam, near Visakhapatnam is one of the most important Vaishnavite shrines of South India. It has Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy as the presiding deity. Simhachalam temple is known as the second richest temple (after Tirupati) earning a revenue of Rs. 520 million. He gives "nijaroopa darshan" (holy appearance in true form) for only 12 hours in a year and on all the remaining 364 days and 12 hours, the Lord is covered with sandalwood paste. The darshan described as chandana yatra or chandanotsavam which falls every year in Vaisakha masa commences on May 9 this year.
The deity at Simhachalam, the lion-man incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu appears like a Sivalinga when covered with sandalwood paste. The original shape of the deity in the tribhanga posture has two hands with the head of a lion on a human torso.
The Simhachalam temple faces the West unlike so many others which face the East. An east-facing entrance, according to religious belief, brings prosperity while the west - facing one brings victory.
LEGEND
The local people believe that an ancient image of Sivalinga was converted into Varahanarasimha form (the present idol of the temple) by Ramanuja, the founder of the Visistadhvaitham of Hinduism. It signifies the celebration of Kamadahana (burning of the god of Love) festival. The origins of the temple are shrouded in mystery.
An inscription dated as far back as 1908 AD of the Chola king Kuloththunga is testimony of its existence. Another inscription shows a queen of the Velavadu chief Gonga (1137-56 AD) covering the image with gold while the third inscription says the eastern Ganga King Narasimha built the central shrine in 1267 A.D.With more than 252 inscriptions describring the antecedents of the temple, it is historically important.
Sri Krishna Devaraya after defeating Prataparudra Gajapathi visited the shrine twice in 1516 AD and 1519 AD and offered numerous villages for maintenance of bhogam (worship) along with valuable jewellery, of which an emerald necklace is still in the temple. For the last two centuries, the family of the Raja of Vizianagaram are the temple's trustees.
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SIMHACHALAM
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Facts to File
How far : 707 km from Hyderabad.
How to go : Air : Nearest airport is Visakhapatnam at a distance of 16 km.
Rail : The nearest railhead is Visakhapatnam.
Bus : Easily accessible from Visakhapatnam.
Where to stay : Temple cottages and dormitaries. Hotels
What to see : Simhachalam temple.
Simhachalam, near Visakhapatnam is one of the most important Vaishnavite shrines of South India. It has Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy as the presiding deity. Simhachalam temple is known as the second richest temple (after Tirupati) earning a revenue of Rs. 520 million. He gives "nijaroopa darshan" (holy appearance in true form) for only 12 hours in a year and on all the remaining 364 days and 12 hours, the Lord is covered with sandalwood paste. The darshan described as chandana yatra or chandanotsavam which falls every year in Vaisakha masa commences on May 9 this year.
The deity at Simhachalam, the lion-man incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu appears like a Sivalinga when covered with sandalwood paste. The original shape of the deity in the tribhanga posture has two hands with the head of a lion on a human torso.
The Simhachalam temple faces the West unlike so many others which face the East. An east-facing entrance, according to religious belief, brings prosperity while the west - facing one brings victory.
LEGEND
The local people believe that an ancient image of Sivalinga was converted into Varahanarasimha form (the present idol of the temple) by Ramanuja, the founder of the Visistadhvaitham of Hinduism. It signifies the celebration of Kamadahana (burning of the god of Love) festival. The origins of the temple are shrouded in mystery.
An inscription dated as far back as 1908 AD of the Chola king Kuloththunga is testimony of its existence. Another inscription shows a queen of the Velavadu chief Gonga (1137-56 AD) covering the image with gold while the third inscription says the eastern Ganga King Narasimha built the central shrine in 1267 A.D.With more than 252 inscriptions describring the antecedents of the temple, it is historically important.
Sri Krishna Devaraya after defeating Prataparudra Gajapathi visited the shrine twice in 1516 AD and 1519 AD and offered numerous villages for maintenance of bhogam (worship) along with valuable jewellery, of which an emerald necklace is still in the temple. For the last two centuries, the family of the Raja of Vizianagaram are the temple's trustees.
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YADAGIRIGUTTA
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   Facts to File
 How far : 60 km from Hyderabad
How to go : State buses, taxis, trains.
Where to stay : Commutable distance from Hyderabad
What to see : Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple, shrines of the goddess Andal or Goda Devi, Anjaneya, the five Alwars, Ramalingeswara Swamy and the pushkarini.
Just 60 kilometers from Hyderabad is Yadagirigutta where of the holy shrine of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami is located. Quite a pleasant drive on a now being widened national highway running most of the way parallel to the rail track from Secunderabad to Khazipet, Yadagirigutta is closest to Raigiri Railway station which is only 6 km away.
 Yadagirigutta is the abode of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy which is visited by many a people from neighboring towns as well as from neighboring states. It is a big draw with the people from twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
LEGEND
 The town acquired its name and fame from a sage called Yadarishi, son of the great sage Rishyasrunga who did penance inside a cave with the blessings of Anjaneya on this hill between Bhongir and Raigiri in Nalgonda district. Pleased with his deep devotion, Lord Narasimha (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) appeared before him in five different forms as Jwala, Yogananda, Gandabherunda, Ugra and Lakshminarasimha. They later manifested themselves into finely sculpted forms that later came to be worshipped as Panchanarasimha Kshetram. As the legend goes, the Lord appeared first as Jwala Narasimha (Lord as a flame), when Yadarishi was unable to face the intensity of this apparition, he appeared in a peaceful form as Yoganarasimha (Lord in a Yogic Padmasana posture with open palms on the knees). Not satisfied with the Lord appearing alone, Yadarishi sought to see him with this consort, so he is said to have appeared with Lakshmi on his lap', known as Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and as being worshipped by Alwars, his ardent devotees. To see these three forms one has to go through an entrance that narrows itself into a dark cave which in fact is surmised as the urga (fiery) form of Narasimha (the fourth form) because it was beyond the strength of a sage to see that form and gandabherunda ( the garuda pakshi or the eagle) is the fifth form of the Lord which is said to have been found sculpted in rock underneath the Anjaneya, known as 'Kshetrapalaka' (or the one who ruled over that hill). All these forms are known as " swayambhu" or self emanated. Yadarishi is said to have been granted his wish that the place where the Lord appeared will be known by his name as Yadagiri (giri means hill in Sanskrit, and gutta which means a hillock in Telugu seems to have been a latter-day suffix) and that Lord Lakshmi Narasimha will be worshipped for many years to come.
 According to the puranas, Lord Narasimha after killing the demon Hiranyakashyapa gave darshan to his ardent devotee Bhakta Prahlada in a cave situated on a hill which of course was not called Yadagiri. But Lord Narasimha was believed to have been worshipped by sages (rushis). But the region of Yadagirigutta has been reputed to be a "Rushi Aradhana Kshetram" or the place of worship for sages.
Ever since, this ancient temple has attracted thousands of pilgrims throughout the year not only from this state but also from other states of the country. As the belief goes, Lord Narasimha has taken on the role of a doctor" at this shrine to cure many chronic diseases and the role of a 'do gooder' to those who are under the influence of bad planets, witch craft and black magic. Many instances are cited of the Lord appearing in the dreams of the devotees, and administering medicines and operated the patients and blessed them with good health.
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SRISAILAM
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FACTS TO FILE
 How far : 232 km from Hyderabad
How to reach : A.P. Tourism package tour, APSRTC buses at 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., or private taxis.
When to go : Best to go between July and February.
What to see : Sakshi Ganapathi Temple, Srisaila Mallikarjuna and Bhramarambha temple, Sikhareswaram and Srisailam dam, with permission the Srisailam wildlife sanctuary which covers over five adjoining districts which has tigers, spotted deer, a variety of lizards and giant squirrels.
Where to stay : A.P. Tourist Saila Vihar rest house and Devasthanam Guest Houses, cottages and choultries.
SRISAILAM ON THE NALLAMALAIS - THE TAIL OF ADISESHA The ancient and sacred temple of Srisailam is of great historical and religious significance. Situated on the south bank of the river Krishna, in the Nallamalai forest, on a 457 meter high hill is the Bhramaramba Mallikharjunaswamy temple, one of the 12 Jyothirlingas in the country. One of the state's three famous Linga Kshetrams (Draksharamam and Nagarjunamo are the other two), it is also known as "Sri Mallikharjunam" and "Sri Parvatham". The temple is also the seat of Mahakali in the form of Bhramaramba.The most appealing feature of this temple is that any one of any cast or creed can touch the deity and worship here.
 Till 1957 the place was not easily accessible to the pilgrims as it involved a walk of 64 kms through dense forests and hilly terrains. Now there is a 60 km long motarable road to the top of the 1563-foot high plateau, from Dornal on the Kurnool-Guntur road. It is a pleasant drive on a road lined with green and flowering trees. Passing through the small town of Dindi one reaches Mannanur from where the Rajiv Gandhi reserve forest starts and so does the climb on to the Nallamalais. After about 10 km drive on the elevated plane one can see the majestic white gopuram of the Srisailam temple. The 512 meter long Srisailam dam across the river and the hydroelectric project is surrounded by natural beauty. One requires special permission to go on to the main dam. Buses and trucks are allowed to go on a road bridge that runs parallel to the dam.
LEGENDS
As the legend goes, Vrishabha, the sacred bull of Lord Siva performed penance here. Siva and Parvati apeared in the form of Mallikharjuna and Bhramaramba. A massive fort, with six meter high walls encloses the temple. A cluster of minor shrines within the temple compound include the Sahasra Linga, Panchapandava temples and Vatavriksha.
Hiranyakasipu of Kretayuga is believed to have conducted pujas here. It is said that Srirama and Sita visited the shrine and installed Sahasra Lingas (thousand lingas). The place is also associated with Pandavas who installed idols of Siva. Several devotees have attained salvation by performing pujas here while several saints have sanctified the place by doing penance. The greatness of the place has been described in "Srisaila Kandam" of Skanda Puranam.
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Amaralingeshwar Temple
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Amaralingeshwar Temple Amaravati,Andhra Pradesh Legend testifies that when Lord Subramanya killed Tharakasura, the Lingam in his throat fell over five places, making them all holy Siva Kshetras. Amaravati is the main pilgrim centre among them. Since Indra and Devas worshipped the Lord here, the city was named Amaravati after Indra's capital. Goddess Shakti is worshipped as Bala Chamundika Devi.
Quick Facts
Location : Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, India
Main Deity : Amareshwar
Other Deities : Amareshwar, Venugopalaswamy, Balachamundeswari, Navagraha
Timings
The temple is kept open from 5:30 in the morning and stays so till 12:00 in the noon.The temple usually remains closed during the noon hours, and reopens in the evening at 4:00 p.m. The temple closes in the night after the last pujas are performed by 8:00.
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