Jogulamba Gadwal (జోగులాంబ గద్వాల్) - 1 | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

History 

• Gadwal, situated in the Indian state of Telangana, serves as the headquarters of Jogulamba Gadwal district and lies approximately 188 km (117 mi) away from the state capital, Hyderabad. It holds significance as a state assembly constituency and was historically the capital of Gadwal Samsthanam, a vassal of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Previously part of the Raichur region in Hyderabad-Karnataka, Gadwal boasts a rich heritage developed around the fortified Gadwal Fort constructed by the Gadwal ruler Somanadri.
• Protected by the Mallichetti vamshiyulu, Gadwal Fort stands as a symbol of the town's historical legacy, housing several ancient temples, notably Sri Chennakesava Swamy and Jammulamma. Additionally, Gadwal is home to the Priyadarshini Jurala Project, a significant dam with a vast capacity and multiple gates, contributing to the region's infrastructure and power generation.
• Renowned for its handloom industry, Gadwal is celebrated for its Jari chiralu, popularly known as Gadwala sarees, recognized as a geographical indication from Telangana. These sarees are distinguished by their intricate Zari work and lightweight weave, often featuring cotton bodies and silk pallus, referred to as Sico saris. Notably, Gadwala-weaved Pattu Vastralu mark the beginning of the annual Bramhotsavam at the Lord Venkateshwara Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).

Places of Interest

Importance of the Destination

• Alampur, situated near Kurnool, hosts the ancient Navabhramma temples, dating back to the 7th century CE. It serves as the western gateway to SreeSailam, a revered Jyotirlinga Shivastalam in Telangana, with Siddhavattam, Tripurantakam, and Umamaheswaram being the other gateways.
• The confluence of the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers near Alampur gives it the title of DakshinaKailasam, akin to SreeKalahasti in Southern Telangana. The nine temples, known as the Nava Bhramma temples, dedicated to Shiva, were built by the BadamiChalukyas around the middle of the sixth century CE.
• These temples showcase a hybrid architectural style, reflecting influences from Karnataka where the BadamiChalukyas built several temples. The archaeological remains at the Alampur site date back to the 6th-7th centuries CE, with some artifacts housed in a nearby museum.
• The Nava Bhramma temples include TarakaBhramma, Swarga Bhramma, Padma Bhramma, BalaBhramma, Garuda Bhramma, KumaraBhramma, ArkaBhramma, ViraBhramma, and VishwaBhramma. They are all situated within a courtyard on the left bank of the river Tungabhadra.
• Among these, the BalaBhramma temple, dating back to 702 CE, is the primary shrine of worship. Shivaratri is celebrated with grandeur at this temple, which holds historical significance with inscriptions dating back to its construction.
• The TarakaBhramma temple, though partially ruined and lacking an image in the sanctum, bears Telugu inscriptions from the 6th-7th century CE. Meanwhile, the Swarga Bhramma temple stands out with its imposing tower, representing a fine example of Chalukyan architecture and sculpture, dating back to the late 8th century. It features several sculptures in bas relief, adding to its grandeur.
• The Padma Bhramma temple, also partly in ruins, houses a Shivalingam made of clear stone with a mirror-like finish. Among the Nava Bhramma temples, the ViswaBhramma temple stands as one of the most artistic, showcasing sculptural work depicting scenes from the epics.
• Within the enclosed courtyard, the Suryanarayana temple, dating back to the 9th century, showcases bas reliefs portraying the incarnations of Vishnu. Additionally, there is a Narasimha temple with inscriptions from the era of Krishna Deva Raya of the Vijayanagar Empire.
• Near Alampur lies Papanasam, featuring over 20 temples of various sizes and architectural styles. The most prominent among them is the Papanaseswara temple, holding significant importance in the region.

Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy (Korakondaiah Swamy)

• Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy (Korakondaiah Swamy) is the primary deity residing at Korakondaiah Hill, revered by the people living in the surrounding villages for the past 25 years and across generations.
• Initially, the presence of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy on top of the hill was unknown to the villagers. Sri Seshadasula Swamy, using his spiritual power, discovered the deity lying on the Korakondaiah Hill.
• Sri Seshadasula Swamy then revealed the presence of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy to Sri Timmaiah, the Patwari of Revulapalli Village, instructing him to conduct special rituals like KarthikaPournima pujas, PallakiSevas, and 'Jathara (Brahmotsavam)' on the Padyami Day.
• These religious ceremonies such as sevas, pujas, and brahmotsavs have been managed by the Trustees of Sri Anjaneya Swamy Devasthanam of PeddaChintharevulaVillage, Dharoor Mandal, JogulambaGadwal District for a continuous period of two days over the years.
• Initially, there were no steps leading to Konrakondaiah Hill for devotees to reach Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy. Subsequently, with the initiative of Sri Thimmaiah, the Village Sarpanch, and the assistance of the villagers, steps were constructed from the base to the summit of the hill to facilitate devotees' visits.

History of the place

• The Beechupalli Hanuman temple is renowned for the miraculous powers attributed to the deity. Devotees flock to the temple to perform head tonsuring rituals for both children and adults, as well as to conduct marriages within the temple premises. They fervently pray to the god, seeking the fulfillment of their wishes, and often make offerings upon the realization of their desires. Many pilgrims believe that circumambulating the temple (pradakshinas) can cure diseases.
• Legend has it that in the temple's earlier days, members of the local Valmiki Tribes Community served as priests. However, with the rise of the Gadwal Kings, Madwa Brahmins were appointed as priests after receiving donations. To this day, both Madhwa Brahmins and Valmiki tribes continue to serve as priests at the temple.
• A significant feature within the temple grounds is the Kamili tree, situated atop a termite hill. This tree is perpetually adorned with buds, flowers, and fruits, and is surrounded by a platform. According to local lore, this platform is believed to be a mysterious graveyard, the origins of which remain unknown. During the Chariot Festival, pilgrims pull the chariot up to this termite hill and Kamili tree.
• Pilgrims from various regions, including Gadwal, Wanaparthi, Mahabubnagar, Kurnool, Ulindakonda, Adoni, Raichur, Hubli, and Dharwad, journey to the Beechupalli Hanuman temple. For many in the area, Beechupalli Hanuman is their family deity. It is believed that worshipping the god for a minimum of 15 days after taking a holy dip in the Krishna River can bring about complete health and well-being.