Navabrahma Temples, Alampur, Telangana
Navabrahma Temples are group of nine early Chalukyan Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Alampur Town near Kurnool in Jogulamba Gadwal District in Telangana, India. The names of the nine temples are Taraka Brahma, Swarga Brahma, Padma Brahma, Bala Brahma, Garuda Brahma, Kumara Brahma, Arka Brahma, Vira Brahma and Vishwa Brahma.
These temples are situated on the left bank of the Tungabhadra River near the meeting point of Tungabhadra River and Krishna River at the border of Andhra Pradesh. The Alampur temples are listed as an archaeological and architectural treasure on the official List of Monuments prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India under The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.
Legends
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History
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The Temples
The Alampur Temples are excellent examples of the Northern Indian Nagara style of architecture. The Navabrahma temples are present on the left bank of the Tungabhadra River, enclosed in a courtyard. The temples are significant for their east-facing simple square plans, intricate carvings of themes of Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism. All the Temples follow the vastupurushamandala architecture.
The sanctum is surrounded by a covered circumambulation path and a Rekha Nagara style curvilinear square shikara towers above the sanctum of each temple. The tower is capped by an amlaka and a kalasha, though in some cases this has not survived. All the Temples have a Mandapam in front of each sanctum. The water poured on Siva Lingam as Abishekam does not flow out anywhere. They also contain early examples of friezes that narrate legends from Hindu texts such as the Panchatantra fables.
The temples were a significant influence on the later era Kakatiya Hindu temples. There is a shrine with idols of serpent deities in a small garden next to the temple complex. All these temples were situated inside a fort in earlier times. The ramparts can still be seen near the river. Steps have been constructed here which lead down to the river, where swimming and boating are popular activities.
The nine temples in the group are listed below;
Arka Brahma Temple:
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Bala Brahma Temple:
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Garuda Brahma Temple:
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Kumara Brahma Temple:
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Padma Brahma Temple:
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Svarga Brahma Temple:
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Taraka Brahma Temple:
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Vira Brahma Temple:
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Vishwa Brahma Temple:
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Yoga Narasimha Temple:
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ASI Museum:
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Surya Narayana Temple:
The Temple of Suryanarayana has three separate sanctums connected to common mandapa. The entire temple is enclosed by prakara wall with gopura. There is a massive image of Veeragal on the left side and dvarapala on the right side respectively on the exterior portion of prakara wall. The sikhara portions of the temple are of Dravidian order. The figures of Dikpalas and incarnations of Vishnu are carved on the ceiling are master pieces of the art. The Temple was built in 9th Century CE. There is an inscription of Kalachuri Ahavamalla, son of Bijjala, dated back to 1182 CE on one of the pillars in the Suryanarayana temple.
Kanchi Kamakshi Temple:
There is Temple for Kamakshi Amman can be found among the Alampur Group of Temples. The Temple is called as Kanchi Kamakshi Temple. This Temple looks similar to a gateway structure.
Temple Opening Time
The Temple remains open from 07.00 am – 07.00 pm during normal days and 06.00 am – 08.00 pm during festivals.
Festivals
Sharan Navaratri is the biggest festival at Alampur Temples. The concluding event, Theppotsavam (boat festival) is an eye-catching event held on Vijaya Dasami at Krishna – Tungabhadra Sangamam (confluence of River Krishna and Tungabhadra). Shivaratri is also celebrated here.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Alampur Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Alampur Road Railway Station, 27 Kms from Kurnool Bus Stand, 28 Kms from Kurnool, 28 Kms from Kurnool Railway Station, 58 Kms from Kurnool Airport, 126 Kms from Mahbubnagar, 200 Kms from Hyderabad Airport and 215 Kms from Hyderabad. NH7 is the nearest highway passing close to this village and you can easily get down at Alampur Cross Roads and hire a taxi/auto or bus to reach the temple, which is located roughly at a distance of around 15 Kms. APSRTC run frequent buses from Kurnool to Alampur Temple village. The nearest railway station is Alampur Road Railway Station, but not many trains halt here. Major Railway Station is Kurnool Railway Station.
