Jogulamba Temple-Alampoor-Mahabubnagar

About Jogulamba Temple
The temple of Jogulamba is situated in the town of Alampur in the Mahbubnagar district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the Ashtadasa Sakthi Peethams (18 holy abodes of Mother Goddess) which is one of the famous spiritual places in the state.
The word "Jogulamba" is derived from "Joginula Amma" (Mother of Joginis). Jogini (also called as Yogini) means a female person, who has given up all the earthly attachments. Jogini also has another meaning which implies a dancer (female) whose life is dedicated to God. Hence, the goddess is also known as Yogulamba or Yogamba.

Description Of The Temple:
The temple of Jogulamba Devi is built magnificently near the banks of Tungabhadra River. The idol of the goddess is in a sitting posture with abundant hair which has a lizard, scorpion, bat and human skull adorned in it. Also, idols of Saptamatrikas (group of Hindu goddesses), Ganapathi and Veerabhadra are installed in conjunction of the main idol. The temple has a Yagnasala (where Yagnas are performed), a rest house and a pond. The temple covers a large portion of land, built magnificently with several carvings on the black stone and flooring is made of marble stone. The temple is closely situated to the Nava Brahma temples.

Siginificance of Jogulamba:
Jogulamba can be understood as "Gruha Chandi" (protector of our homes). As we noticed, the idol shows that the goddess has a lizard, scorpion, bat and human skull in her hair. These are the indications of evil and signs of deterioration of a house. Lizard is the primary indication that a house starting to lose its life. Gradually, the number of lizards shall increase which result in the welcoming of scorpions which is even worse. The next level would be the entrance of bats which may result in death of humans living in that house. People believe that Jogulamba protects them and their shelters from all kinds of evils. She is also worshipped to be freed from Vastu Doshas (faults in constructions). The temple attracts a large number of pilgrims from various parts for the country and major festivals like Dussera, Maha Shivaratri are celebrated with pomp.

Legend of Renuka Mata:
 Besides being a religious hub, Alampur is also famous for being a home to the Ashram of Maharshi Jamadagni. According to a legend, Maharshi Jamadagni stayed in Alampur with his wife Renuka and four sons. They were making their livelihood and worshipping Bala Brahmeswara and Jogulamba Devi. Renuka Mata, with her power, regularly used to make a pot with sand and bring water from the Tungabhadra River. One day, she noticed a king of Gandharvas bathing in the river with his wives. On seeing this, she formed a prejudice that happiness comes from materialistic wealth but not by worship.
At this thought, she lost all her powers and could not make the pot. She went home without water and on being asked the reason by Jamadagni, Renuka told about the incident and admitted her sinful thoughts. Then, Jamadagni got angry on her and ordered his sons to kill her. Three of them refused to do so but the fourth son, Parasurama, obeyed the order of his father and killed his mother by cutting her head off with his axe. Jamadagni was pleased and offered him a boon. Parasurama asked him to give back life to his mother. Then Jamadagni revived her life.
Legends say that the head of Renuka Mata became Ekaveera Devi, a symbol of Maya rupa; (materialistic thoughts) and the headless body became Bhudevi, a symbol of Matru rupa (mother). Many people say that Ekaveera Devi manifested herself as Goddess Yellamma in Undavelli village near Alampur, while the shrine of Bhudevi is present in the premises of Bala Brahmeswara temple.

History:
 According to Hindu mythology, "Oordhva Danta Pankthi" (upper jaw with tooth) of Devi fell here and the place formed as a Sakthi Peetham. During 1390 AD, the original temple was demolished by the Muslim invaders, led by Bahamani Sultans and the main idol along with the consorts was damaged by them. But some devotees resisted the invasions and protected the disfigured idols of Jogulamba with other consorts; repaired and kept them in the Bala Brahma temple.
After those invasions the temple was neglected for over centuries. Later in the mid 1970s, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken over the temple and notified as a protected monument. Several pious people thought of re-constructing the temple but could not make it because of the restrictions made by the ASI. Later, Ajay Kallam, the then Commissioner of Endowments Department took initiative and showed special interest in the reconstruction of the temple. He worked relentlessly in raising the funds. Also, a great writer, Sanskrit scholar, researcher, reformist and epigraphist - Gadiyaram Ramakrishna Sarma took active part in the reconstruction of the temple and devoted his later life for the revival of the temple.
After many appeals from the devotees and Hindu scholars, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) finally gave the clearance in 2002 and the temple was reconstructed at a cost of Rs.2 Crore. The new temple was built at the same place of the old temple and a set of new idols were consecrated on 13th February 2005. It took nearly 615 years to see the temple standing again at the same place. Idols of the presiding deity - Jogulamba, Dwarapalikas and Vahanamurthy (lion) were installed in the temple.

Reconstruction of the temple:
The construction of the temple started during 2002, under the supervision of an advisory committee which included the Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipati, Sringeri Peethadhipati, Gadiyaram Ramakrishna Sarma, the then district collector, Sri Satya Sai Trust and Nagarjuna Group.
One S.P. Perumalachary, the Sthapati or the architect of temples of Endowments Department of Tamilnadu was the man behind the reconstruction of the old temple. The new temple resembled more like the original one built in Chalukyan style and design. S.P. Perumalachary, who is said to be the architect with extra-ordinary engineering and visionary skills, studied extensively the architectural style of Chalukyan Era and their skills. He and his team of 100 sculptors (from Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh) left no leaf unturned to make the new temple identical to the original one, be it the selection of stones, the carvings of idols, pillars etc.
He has made great contributions to Andhra Pradesh that augmented the culture and heritage of the state. Some of his outstanding works include the renovation of Lord Sri Rama temple of Bhadrachalam and the carving of Buddha statue in the Hussain Sagar (lake) of Hyderabad. Reportedly, one of his future ambitions is to make a singular monolith (single piece of rock) statue of Lord Krishna chiseled from the granite reserve at Raigiri hill (Nalgonda district), where the boulder for Hussain Sagar Buddha statue was procured.

Mahabubnagar-Alampoor

About Alampur
Alampur is a small village located in the Mahbubnagar district of Andhra Pradesh. The nearest cities are Mahbubnagar, Kurnool and Hyderabad at a distance of 90 km, 27 km and 200 km respectively. Alampur is also known as "Dakshina Kasi", as it has the famous temples of Nava Brahmeswara and Jogulamba. The town is situated on the banks of Tungabhadra River, where it meets River Krishna.
Alampur village is considered to be one of the most important heritage sites and is notified by the Archeological Survey of India. The town has many temples, which are considered to be the finest monuments that show the Chalukyan style of sculptures. This brought the name as "Dakshina Kasi" (the Kasi of south) to Alampur.
History
Historical records reveal that the place was ruled by several dynasties like Satavahana Ikshvakus, Badami Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagara Empire and Qutb Shahis of Golconda. The place was earlier known as Halampuram aka Alampuram. Some inscriptions dating back to Chalukyan King Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI, mentions the name of the place as Halampura.
The Chalukyan Rule: Alampur region was ruled by the Chalukyan kings. Their reign started with Vijayaditya (696-733) and ended with Kirtivarma (744-755). During this period, they constructed the Nava Brahmeswara temples (nine temples of Lord Shiva) near the southern banks of Tungabhadra River and several other temples in the vicinity.
Local info
Other attractions:
Some of the other religious attractions in and around the town are as follows.
Yellamma temple situated at Undavelli, which is about 8 km from Alampur. It is an ancient temple built of bricks. The presiding deity is Yellamma (believed to be an incarnation of Ekaveera Devi), and her idol consists of only head with a crown. Yellamma is derived from the words "Yellaraku Amma" (mother of all). She is also called as Hemala. All major festivals are celebrated here and regular rituals and poojas are performed to the goddess.

Accommodation:-
Alampur village does not have proper accommodation except for a small choultry maintained by the temple authorities. Best and convenient option is to stay at Kurnool, which is the nearest town (about 27 kms and half hour's drive). Accommodation at Kurnool.

How to reach:-
Alampur has a railway station, which is nearly 8 km far from the town and is situated on the main line of Hyderabad - Kurnool. Also, a small halt station called "BBS Jogulamba Halt" is situated near Alampur station, and only a few trains connecting Hyderabad and Kurnool halt at these stations. The nearest major railway station is at Kurnool which is at just 27 km from Alampur and all major trains halt here. Alternatively, driving down or hiring a taxi would be an ideal option to reach the place easily.

From Hyderabad: Take the NH-7 (National Highway road) towards Mahbubnagar and go straight down the highway. Crossing the villages of Jadcherla, Addakal, Kothakota, Pebberu and Beechpalli River, you need to go straight on the highway until you reach 'Alampur cross road' where you see a temple arch towards your left hand side on the main road. From this point, the temple is about 18 kms inside. Just follow the directions to the temple.

From Kurnool: Starting from Kurnool bus-station, take the NH-7 (National Highway road) towards Mahbubnagar and go straight down the highway. After crossing the barrage of Tungabhadra River, turn right towards "Panchalingala". Go straight until you cross a railway line. And before you reach the village E.Tandrapadu, turn left to head towards Bhiravapuram. Once you reach Bhiravapuram, from there, you can reach the Alampur town very easily.

Mahabubnagar District. Mandals

There are 64 Mandals in the Mahabubnagar district. This is the complete list with mandal codes.

* 01. Kodangal
* 02. Bomraspeta
* 03. Kosgi
* 04. Doulatabad
* 05. Damaragidda
* 06. Maddur
* 07. Koilkonda
* 08. Hanwada
* 09. Nawabpet
* 10. Balanagar
* 11. Kondurg
* 12. Farooqnagar
* 13. Kothur
* 14. Keshampeta
* 15. Talakondapalle
* 16. Amangal
* 17. Madgul
* 18. Vangoor
* 19. Veldanda
* 20. Kalwakurthy
* 21. Midjil
* 22. Thimmajipeta
* 23. Jadcherla
* 24. Bhoothpur
* 25. Mahabubnagar
* 26. Addakal
* 27. Devarkadara
* 28. Dhanwada
* 29. Narayanpet
* 30. Utkoor
* 31. Maganoor
* 32. Makthal
* 33. Narva
* 34. Chinna Chintakunta
* 35. Atmakur
* 36. Kothakota
* 37. Peddamandadi
* 38. Ghanpur
* 39. Bipjinapalle
* 40. Nagar Kurnool
* 41. Tadoor
* 42. Telkapalle
* 43. Uppununthala
* 44. Achampet
* 45. Amrabad
* 46. Balmoor
* 47. Lingal
* 48. Pedda Kothapalle
* 49. Kodair
* 50. Gopalpeta
* 51. Wanaparthy
* 52. Pangal
* 53. Pebbair
* 54. Gadwal
* 55. Dharur
* 56. Maldakal
* 57. Ghattu
* 58. Aiza
* 59. Waddepalle
* 60. Itikyal
* 61. Manopadu
* 62. Alampur
* 63. Veepangandla
* 64. Kollapur

Mahboobnagar Rivers

Mahbubnagar River Map

Krishna and tungabhadra are the major rivers flowing through Mahabubnagar district. Wanaparthi, Gadwal, Makthal, Kollapnr, Atmakur and alampur are located on the banks of Krishna river. Tungabhdra flows through the areas of Gadwal and Alampur. Dindi River, Pedavagu and Chinavagu , the tributaries of the Krishna river flow through Mahabubnagar dist.

Connectivity to Mahbubnagar District

Railway network in Mahabubnagar District

By road:

NH-7 ( National Highway 7 ) connecting Bangalore and Nagpur passes through Shadnagar and Jadcherla towns in Mahabubnagar district and Mahabubnagar town is located 20 kms off NH-7. Hyderabad to srisailam state highway passes through Mahaboobnagar district.

By Air:

Rajiv Gandhi international airport at samshabad is the nearest airport for Mahaboobnagar district. Shamshabad is located 30 kms from shadnagar and 80 kms from Mahabubnagar town.

By rail:

Trains running between Hyderabad to tirupathi, Hyderabad to Bangalore , Egmore of Chennai to Kachiguda in Hyderabad and New delhi to Tirupathi pass through Mahabubnagar railway station.

History of Mahbubnagar District

H.H.The Nizam VI - Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan

The History of Mahbubnagar district is closely linked to that of the Telengana district, as it forms a part of the same. Telangana forms the core of the Satavahana Dynasty (221BC-218 AD), part of the Chalukyan Dynasty in South India (between 5th and 11th century AD) and in the recent history, it formed the core of the Golconda State and Hyderabad State, ruled by the Qutab Shahi Dynasty (1520-1687) and Asaf Jahi Dynasty (1724-1948) until it was taken over by New Delhi in 1948. This region became independent and joined democratic India on 18th September 1948. Telangana comprises 10 districts: Adilabad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Medak, Warangal, Khammam, Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Nalgonda, and Mahabubnagar districts.


Mahabunagar is a southern district of Hyderabad state under the Nizam of Hyderabad. It is bordered with Krishna River in the south and surrounded by the Nalgonda district, Hyderabad, Kurnool district, Raichur and Gulbarga district. This place was formerly known as Rukmammapeta and Palamooru. The name was changed to Mahabubnagar on 4th December 1890, in honour of Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Asaf Jah VI, the Nizam of Hyderabad (1869-1911 AD). It has been the headquarters of the district since 1883 AD. The Mahabubnagar region was once known as Cholawadi or the land of the Cholas`. It is said that the famous Golconda diamonds including famous "Kohinoor" diamond came from Mahabubnagar district.

It is very hard to understand the history of Palamoor as this region was always neglected by the rulers. And for most of the time, this region was ruled by very small regional rulers, Samasthans, Jamindars, Doras or land lords. History of this region can be understood by the dynasties ruled this region as given below.

This region was southernmost land in the Ashoka`s Empire in 250 BC. Consequently it came under the rule of a number of dynasties including the Satavahana Dynasty (221BC-218 AD), Chalukya Dynasty in South India (between 5th and 11th century AD), Rashtrakutas Dynasty - Ruled for a brief period in 9th Century, Kakatiya Dynasty (1100-1474 AD), Bahamanis Dynasty (1347 - 1518), Qutab Shahi Dynasty (1518-1687). After the decline of the Qutab Shahi dynasty, Mughal rule was established over the region. Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, invaded Golconda in A.D.1687 and annexed it to the Mughal Empire. Since then, Golconda became part of the Deccan Subha and a Nizam was appointed as an agent of the Mughal emperor. Thus, for about a period of 35 years it was ruled by the Mughals, the last one being Mubariz Khan. Following this, the Nizam Shahi (Asif Jahi) dynasty came into prominence (1724-1948). This dynasty acquired enormous wealth and lived a most extravagant and lavish life for that time. Nizam VII was one of the richest men the world over at his time. He was also awarded as "Faithful Ally of British". The people of the land left behind a lot of well known landmarks, rich treasures, art, lavish food style and rich culture.

Tourism in Mahbubnagar District

The district of Mahbubnagar has been made a picturesque location with low as well as high hills surrounding the district all around. Apart from the beautiful view there are some places of tourist attraction in the district. They are namely Pillalamarri, Srisailam, Alampur temple, Koilsagar Dam and Priyadarshini Jurala Project at Gadwal.