Nalgonda District (नलगोंडा जिला / నల్గొండ జిల్లా) | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

History 

• Nalgonda, situated in southern Telangana, derives its name from the Telugu words "Nalla" meaning Black and "Konda" meaning Hill. 
• Initially known as Neelagiri under Rajput rulers, it was later renamed Nallagonda after being conquered by Bahamani king, Allauddin Bahaman Shah. The district covers an area of 2,449.79 square kilometers.

Deverakonda Fort

• Deverakonda Fort, now in ruins, was a formidable structure nestled among seven hills. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, the fort remained under the control of Padma Nayaka Kings from 1287 AD to 1482 AD, successfully resisting all attempts at conquest. 
• Despite its current state, the fort stands as a testament to the valorous kings of ancient times.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

• The title "Rice Bowl of India" attributed to Telangana is owed in part to the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, a pivotal factor in rendering the state's lands fertile. This 124-meter tall dam stands as the world's tallest masonry dam and ranks as the third largest man-made lake globally. 
• Approximately 70,000 workers were involved in its construction, which was completed in 1969 and put into operation in 1972. The remarkable engineering displayed in storing the vast waters of the Krishna River makes a visit to this site a necessity.

District Museum of Panagal

• The District Heritage Museum, Panagal is a historical museum established in Panagal village in Nalgonda district, Telangana. It is located close to the historic Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple of Panagal village. The Panagal Museum was established in February 1982. It is at a distance of four kilometers from Nalgonda town. 
• Panagal in Nalgonda was a place of religious importance during Kakatiya period. The temples here were erected in remembrance of the Kakatiya rulers' beloved deity, Shiva. The total area of the museum's complex is nearly 3 acres. 
• There are many sculptures, prehistoric tools, coins, bronzes, beads, arms, and weapons, copper plate inscriptions that are on display here. The objects displayed here were collected from excavations carried out in Vardamana Kota, Yeleswaram, Phanigiri, Panagal, and many of them have also been acquired from the State Museum, Hyderabad, ranging from the 2nd Century AD to the 18th Century AD.

Places of Interest

Pachala Someshwara Alayam

• The Pachala Someswar Temple, also known as Pachala Someshwara Alayam, may appear simple from the outside, but its true essence is revealed through its intricate architecture. The temple boasts 70 pillars adorned with elaborate carvings depicting tales of Vishnu and Shiva. The primary shrine is dedicated to Shiva in the form of a Linga crafted from Green Onyx stone, hence earning it the name Pachhala Someswara. The temple also features a magnificently carved Nandi statue that exudes a lifelike presence. Visitors can explore an archaeological museum on the premises along with various surrounding ruins, making the temple's architecture a remarkable sight.
• Within Panagal town, there are three renowned and historically significant temples: the Pachala Someswara Swamy Temple, the Lord Venkateswara Temple, and the Chaya Someswara Temple. Among these, the Pachala Someswara Temple stands out for its architectural and sculptural brilliance. Panagal, situated approximately 4 km from Nalgonda's district headquarters, boasts easy accessibility by road.
• The layout of the Pachala Someswara Temple distinguishes it from other shrines in Telangana. Featuring four shrines, three are positioned on the western side, while one is situated on the eastern side, accompanied by a spacious rectangular mandapam. This historically significant temple signifies the cultural heritage of the Panagal region in Nalgonda district, showcasing exquisite sculptural craftsmanship.
• During festive periods, the temple attracts a large number of local residents. Based on inscriptions discovered at Panagal and the temple's architectural design, it is estimated to originate from the 11th to 12th century AD. The nearby ruins and sculptures serve as notable features of the temple, showcasing the grandeur of ancient dynasties that once governed the area and their support for religious endeavors.

Sri Meenakshi Agasteswara Swamy Temple

• Situated at the confluence of River Krishna and Musi (Muchikunda) in Wadapally village, this temple was previously known as Wazeerabad. It is located 25 km from Miryalaguda, 70 km from Nalgonda, and 170 km from Hyderabad. The nearest railway station is Vishnupuri, situated 6 km away between Bibinagar and Nadikudi Railway stations. 
• This ancient Siva Temple houses a massive Siva Lingam believed to be 6000 years old, installed by the sage Agasthya. Here, Siva and Maa Parvathi are worshipped as Agastheeshwara and Meenakshi. Constructed in the 12th century by the Kakatiya rulers, the temple attracts a large number of devotees during the Karteeka month and on Shivaratri days.

Specialty

• At the apex of the Siva Linga, there exists a crevice that consistently holds water, maintaining its level even when removed. This inexplicable occurrence baffles observers, especially considering the temple's elevated position approximately 120 meters above the river water level. Priests often showcase this phenomenon, attributing it to the sthala purana.

Sthala Purana

• For millennia, the temple remained nestled within a dense forest. Legend has it that a hunter, pursuing a bird for his hunt, sought refuge behind the Siva Linga to escape. 
• Moved by the scene, Lord Siva appeared before the hunter, urging him to spare the bird's life. He offered the hunter his own wisdom, symbolized by his brain, which the hunter attempted to access by inserting his fingers into the top of the Linga, inadvertently creating the crevice.
• The temple's opening hours are from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm, with intermittent closures during midday.

Sangam

• There are several steps leading to the Sangam, where the River Musi converges with the River Krishna.
• Visitors can enjoy private boat rides on the Krishna River.

Nearby

• Located approximately 400 meters away is the historic SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHA SWAMY TEMPLE.
• This temple is recognized as one of the Pancha Narasimha Kshetras, along the banks of the River Krishna.
• Other Narasimha Kshetras are situated in Mattapalli, Vedadri, Mangalagiri, and Ketavaram.
• An intriguing aspect of the deity in this temple is the belief that the idol breathes in and out.
• Two lamps are placed before the deity - one positioned at the face of the Lord flickers while the other below remains steady.
• These lamps symbolize an 'akhanda' Deepam, and devotees often offer oil to the priests as a form of reverence.

Culture & Heritage

Nandikonda

• Nandikonda is a small village situated alongside the Krishna River in Nalgonda district, near the impressive Nagarjuna Sagar dam. It gained significance due to its association with the Ikshvaku Dynasty and became renowned after numerous ancient Buddhist structures such as pillared halls and monasteries were discovered. 
• The artifacts unearthed during various excavation projects are now exhibited at the Museum of the Central Archaeological Department in the area. Additionally, remnants of a fort dating back to the Ikshvaku Dynasty were also found, including gates, robust fortifications, water trenches, and a rectangular-shaped stadium. Initially referred to as the Nandikonda project, the Nagarjuna Sagar dam was constructed here, and Nandikonda is now a part of the Buddhist circuit of Telangana.

Devarakonda Fort

• Devarakonda, serving as the Mandal Headquarters, is a small village nestled in Nalgonda district. It boasts one of the most remarkable forts in Telangana, drawing numerous tourists from around the globe. While the fort once stood proudly, showcasing the village's glory, it now lies in ruins due to neglect.
• For enthusiasts keen on delving into the state's history, a visit to the Devarakonda Fort is a must. Exploring this magnificent fort feels like traversing through historical tales of bravery, struggle, and triumph, with each corner unveiling stories of its rulers. Within the fort premises, one can find Rama and Shiva temples constructed by Maada Naidu, adding a touch of spirituality to the fort's pristine beauty. Additionally, visitors are treated to picturesque views of a tranquil pond nestled within the fort's surroundings.
• Constructed during the 13th to 14th century, the Devarakonda fort stands as a symbol of prosperity built by the Padma Nayaka Veluma Rajas. It served as the stronghold of the kingdom under the rule of Padma Nayaka Veluma Raja from 1278 to 1482 AD.
• Subsequently, Maada Naidu, one of the eight kings of the Padma Nayaka rulers, conquered the Devarakonda fort. Known for his prowess and leadership, Maada Naidu transformed the fort into a thriving center of cultural heritage, overseeing the construction of several temples. He also implemented notable additions to the fort, such as the remarkable stairway leading to Patala Ganga in Srisailam, showcasing his visionary leadership.
• Following Maada Naidu's reign, the kingdom passed into the hands of his son, Pedha Vedagiri Naidu, who ruled for approximately 26 years. Like his father, Vedagiri Naidu was a courageous ruler who further enhanced the kingdom's allure and prosperity.

Rachakonda Fort

• The Rachakonda Fort, situated in the Telangana region, is a testament to the might and influence of the Vemula rulers. Although now in a state of disrepair, this fortress continues to captivate numerous visitors, showcasing the remarkable medieval Hindu art and culture. Additionally, the fort's adherence to the principles of Vasthu Shastra, governing Hindu architecture, adds to its allure.
• Originally constructed by the Velama rulers, who exerted control over Telangana following the Kakatiya era and preceding the Bahamani period, the Rachakonda Fort is a compact yet formidable structure. It comprises two floors and offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding city from its southeastern corner. Notably, the entrance of the fort features impressive monolithic pillars, and its construction, characterized by cyclopean masonry without mortar, is a remarkable architectural feat. Adorned with captivating rock-cut walls, beams, and lintels, every aspect of this fort is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.
• The Rachakonda fort's history is deeply intertwined with that of the Velama rulers. Legend has it that these rulers became increasingly arrogant, believing themselves to be unbeatable. Their growing arrogance led to numerous atrocities against their subjects, particularly women. One woman, subjected to humiliation, cursed the rulers, foretelling their failure in their endeavors before transforming herself into a stone. This curse is said to have contributed to their eventual downfall, and the stone figure is still said to reside within the fort's grounds.