Suryapet District (సూర్యపేట జిల్లా) - 1 | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

History 

• Suryapet district was formed from the previous Nalgonda district. It shares borders with Nalgonda, Yadadri, Khammam, Hanamkonda, Mahabubabad districts, and Andhra Pradesh.
• The district consists of 23 mandals and 2 revenue divisions - Suryapet and Kodad. The district's administrative center is Suryapet town.
• Suryapet holds historical significance for its role in the resistance against the Razakars during the Telangana Armed Struggle. It is now experiencing rapid growth, especially in its cement industries. The region, encompassing a large part of the river Krishna basin, relies heavily on agriculture, with irrigation primarily sourced from the Nagarjuna Sagar left canal.
• Suryapet boasts numerous Shivaite temples, dating back to the Kakatiya era, reflecting the region's illustrious past. Among these, the thousand-year-old Chennakeshava temple at Pillalamarri stands out as a major tourist attraction.
• Phanigiri in Suryapet district is of great historical and archaeological significance. This Buddhist monastic complex, also known as Buddha Vihara, once housed a Buddhist monastery approximately 2000 years ago. The name "Phanigiri" is derived from its shape resembling a snake's hood.

Tourist Attractions in Nalgonda District

• Undrugonda Laxminarsimha Swamy Temple
• Mattapally Laxminarsimha Swamy Temple
• Arvapally Laxminarsimha Swami Temple
• Jatara at Peddagattu Lingamantula Swamy Temple
• Miryala Sitaramachandra Swamy Temple
• Suryapet Venkateshwara Swamy Temple
• Dargahs at Janpahad, Arvapally
• Suryapet town acts as a significant road junction on National Highway 65, strategically positioned between Hyderabad and Vijayawada.
• TSRTC provides bus services from Suryapet to various major cities, towns, and villages.

Phanigiri

• Phanigiri, a Buddhist site situated 84 km from Nalgonda town, was recently unearthed through archaeological excavations by the Department of Archaeology and Museums of Telangana.
• The vast complex at Phanigiri includes a large Stupa and two spacious halls with constructed stupas.
• Distinctive footprints found within the complex are believed to belong to Lord Buddha.
• The site houses viharas, the dwelling places of Buddhist monks, and is positioned atop Serpent's Hood Hill, named for its serpentine shape.

Pillalamarri

• Pillalamarri is a small village in Suryapet district known for its historic temples constructed by the Kakatiya Kings. 
• These temples serve as a significant cultural and historical heritage of the village.

Peddagattu Jathara

• Peddagattu Jathara, also known as Gollagattu Jathara, is a five-day festival dedicated to Lord Lingamanthula Swamy and Goddess Choudamma.
• It is the second-largest religious gathering in Telangana after Sammakka Saralamma Jathara.
• The festival attracts people from various regions and communities, including the Yadava community and individuals from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and other states.
• Police and volunteers ensure the security and smooth conduct of the festival, which has been celebrated since the 16th century and continues to receive government funding.

Sri Undrugonda Laxmi Narasimha Swami Devasthanam

• Sri Undrugonda Laxmi Narasimha Swami Devasthanam is a religious site located in Suryapet district, Telangana.
• Undrugonda is located in Vallabhapuram village of Chivvemla Mandal, Nalgonda district, Telangana, India.
• It is positioned 12 kilometers from Suryapet town and 3 kilometers from national highway 65.
• The site dates back to the 5th century A.D when it was initially constructed as a Giridurgam (Hill fort) by the Vishnukundinulu dynasty.
• Over the years, it has been enhanced by various dynasties, becoming a significant archaeological and spiritual pilgrimage center.
• Notable for hosting multiple temples, the Sri Undrugonda Laxmi Narasimha Swamy temple is particularly revered by the local community.
• The region boasts numerous fortifications, hillocks, valleys, lakes, and lush greenery, making it an attractive eco-tourist spot.
• Since 2002, local philanthropic organizations have been dedicated to revitalizing the reputation and significance of Undrugonda.

Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple

• The Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is situated in Mattapally village, Mattampally Mandal, Suryapet district.
• Located on the banks of River Krishna, the temple is around 215 km from Hyderabad, 150 km from Vijayawada, and 45 km south of Kodad town on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway.
• It is recognized as one of the Pancha (five) Narasimha Kshetras along the River Krishna, with the other four being Wadapally (Nalgonda), Vedadri (Krishna), Mangalagiri, and Ketavaram (Guntur district).
• The main deities worshipped at the temple are Sri Yoga Lakshmi Narasimha, Sri Rajalakshmi Thaayaar, and Sri Chenchu Lakshmi Thaayaar.

Jan Pahad Saidulu Dargah

• Found in Palakeedu Mandal, Suryapet district, Telangana, Jan Pahad Saidulu Dargah attracts followers of various beliefs during the annual Urs festival.
• Constructed on the tomb of saint Moinuddin alias Shaheed and Jan Pahad Saidulu.
• Celebrates Urs festival with Qawwali, Sandal Sharif ceremonial procession, and other traditional rituals.

Arvapally Dargah

• Situated in Jajiredygudem Mandal, Suryapet, Telangana, Arvapally Dargah welcomes people of diverse faiths during the annual Urs festival.
• Observe Urs festivities with Qawwali, Sandal Sharif ceremonial procession, and other customary practices.

Places of Interest

Peddagattu jathara

• Peddagattu or Gollagattu Jathara is a festival dedicated to Lord Lingamanthulu Swamy and Goddess Choudamma, held once every two years. The main deities, Sri Lingamanthula Swamy and Goddess Choudamma, are worshipped with various rituals over a five-day celebration. Peddagattu, also known as Gollagattu, is the second-largest religious gathering in Telangana, following the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara in Jayashankar Bhupalapally.
• While the Yadava community predominantly participates in large numbers, people from diverse backgrounds across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu visit the location, just 5 km from Suryapet. The festival is safeguarded by the police and supported by volunteers over a three-day period.
• This religious event has been celebrated since the 16th century and continues to receive government funding. Located in Durajpally village, a suburb in Suryapet Municipality, Suryapet District, Telangana, the festival was developed by the former Durajpally sarpanch, MA. Mazeedmiya, who belonged to the Muslim community.

Pillalamarri Temple

• Pillalamarri Temple: An Ancient Landmark: The Pillalamarri Temple in Suryapet, Telangana, traces its origins back nearly a millennium, standing as one of the oldest sacred sites in Nalgonda District.
• Location and Significance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this historic temple rests in Pillalamarri village near Suryapet town, a pivotal location historically as the gateway of Telangana.
• Architectural Marvels: Built during the Kakatiya period and situated by the Musi River, the temple showcases exquisite craftsmanship with intricately carved pillars, walls, and captivating paintings.
• Religious Importance: The main sanctum houses Lord Chennakesavaswami's idol, embellished especially during annual festivities in February to March, drawing devotees from distant places.

The Temple Walls

• The temple walls are adorned with frescoes and inscriptions depicting the reign of the Kakatiya kings.
• One significant Telegu stone inscription references King Ganapatideva, while another mentions the rule of Rudradeva.
• These inscriptions are open for public viewing and offer valuable historical insights.
• Historians have uncovered coins within the temple premises, shedding light on the lives of Kakatiya rulers.
• The village is culturally important as the birthplace of Telugu poet Pillamarri Pina Virabhadrudu.

Phanigiri

• Phanigiri, located 40 km from Suryapet, is a Buddhist site recently excavated by the Department of Archaeology and Museums of Telangana.
• The site's vast size indicates its significance as a prominent Buddhist location.
• Distinctive large footprints believed to be of Lord Buddha are present on the complex floor.
• The site includes viharas, the dwelling places of Buddhist monks.
• Perched atop Serpent's Hood Hill, named for its serpentine shape, Phanigiri offers a unique historical and religious experience.

Sri Undrugonda Laxmi Narasimha Swami Devasthanam

• Located in Vallabhapuram village of Chivvemla Mandal, Nalgonda district, Telangana state, India.
• Situated 12 kilometers from the town of Suryapet and 3 kilometers from national highway 65.
• An ancient Giridurgam (Hill fort) initially constructed by Vishnukundinulu in the 5th century A.D.
• Developed by various dynasties over time.
• A significant archaeological and spiritual pilgrimage center hosting different temples.
• Home to Sri Undrugonda Laxmi Narasimha Swamy, highly revered by the local public.

Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple

• An ancient temple located on the banks of River Krishna in Mattapally village, Mattampally Mandal, Suryapet district.
• Situated at a distance of 215 km from Hyderabad, 150 km from Vijayawada, and 45 km south of Kodad town on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway.
• One of the Pancha (five) Narasimha Kshetras on the banks of River Krishna.
• Presiding Deities include Sri Yoga Lakshmi Narasimha, Sri Rajalakshmi Thaayaar, and Sri Chenchu Lakshmi Thaayaar.

Jan Pahad Dargah

• Jan Pahad Dargah is located in Palakeedu Mandal in Suryapet district, Telangana, India.
• It is a site where people of various religions gather during the annual Urs festival.
• The Dargah is constructed on the tomb of saint Moinuddin, also known as Shaheed, and Jan Pahad Saidulu.
• The Urs festivities include activities like Qawwali, Sandal Sharif ceremonial procession, and other special rituals.

Arvapally Dargah

• Arvapally Dargah, situated in Jajiredygudem Mandal in Suryapet, Telangana, is a place of religious significance.
• Devotees from diverse faiths visit this holy site during the annual Urs festival.
• The celebrations during Urs feature traditions such as Qawwali performances, Sandal Sharif ceremonial processions, and other unique rituals.