FACTS TO FILE

How Far :   214 km from Hyderabad and 27 km from Kurnool.
How to go :  Frequent buses (every 20 minutes) and taxis from Kurnool
What to see :  Navabrahmeshwara, Papanatham temples and the museum
Where to stay :  At Kurnool

Matha Jogulamba--5th Shaktipeeth

Dear Devotees,

This is a short article by me on Mother Jogulamba of Alampur, which is the 5th
Saktha Pita among 18 Shaktha Pitas.

Alampur is a town situated on the left bank of Tungbhadra river, in the state
of Andhra Pradesh. The place falls in the Mahabubnagar district which is about
200 kilometres from the famous city, Hyderabad. Kurnool town, which is also a
known place in Andhra Pradesh lies in the vicinity of around 30 kms. Alampur
town is about 15 kms away from NH-7. There is also a railway station which is
15 km away. Alampur can be reached by Hyderabad by rail on Hyderabad – Bangalore
route.

The holy place Srisailam lies at the western end of Alampur and hence, Alampur
considered to be the western gateway of Srisailam.

Siddhavattam, Tripurantakam and Umamaheswaram are called southern, eastern,
and northern gateways of Srisailam respectively.

Marvellous temples and remains of some ancient ones provide great specimens of
Badami Chalukyan architecture. The region, in the past, has been under the
influence of many South Indian dynasties.

The principal deities are Jogulamba and Balabrahmeshwara. Goddess Jogulamba
is the 5th Shakti Peeta among 18 shakta peetas in India. Goddess Jogulamba,
seated on the Corpse here sports with scorpion, frog, lizard on its head. She
is naked with her tongue stretched out. This is the fierce goddess that grants
the Siddhi in Yoga and hence she is called Jogulamba. This word is corrupted
form of “Yogula Amma” in telugu which implies Mother of Yogis. Her dhyana sloka
runs as:

“Lamba Sthaneem Vikrutaaksheem – Ghora rupaam Mahaabalaam
Prethasana Samaarudhaam – Jogulaambaam Namamyaham”

There is a popular legend which says that there was a great saint in 6th
century by name Rasa Siddha who used to convert base metal into gold. It was
this saint in association with chalukya king Pulakesi II who was instrumental in
construction of chain of temples called ‘Nava Brahmas’. It is said that there
is a secret tunnel from the garbhalaya of Bala Brahma leading to Srisailam.
According to the legend, these 9 names of Siva are the names of medicinal herbs
put forth by Rasa Siddhas.


Swarga Brahma Temple
Padma Brahma Temple
Arka Brahma Temple
Vishva Brahma Temple
Garuda Brahma Temple
Bala Brahma Temple
Taraka Brahma Temple
Kumara Brahma Temple
Vira Brahma Temple

The “Siddha Rasarnavam”, a tantric work on Alchemy prescribes certain methods
of Upasana in this place. If the upasana is done as per the prescribed Tantra,
the Mercury oozes from the Linga of Bala Brahma, Navel of Ganapati, Thighs of
Subramanya and Mouth of Mother Jogulamba. The Mercury thus got is used for
converting into Gold by using the medicinal herbs. Even now, we can see some
sadhus who know this science of converting base metal into gold. One such
person was Sri Siva Chidanada Saraswathi Swamigal of Courtallam Peetam near
Tirunelveli who lived till recently. A great Siddha Purusha in Rasa Yoga,
Khanda Yoga Sadhana, Mulika Vaidyam etc. He was the guru of Judge Swamigal of
Pudukottai.

Apart from Jogulamba, Bala Bramheswara temples, there are marvelous cluster of
temples at Papanasam, a beautiful temple of exquisite sculpture by name Kudala
Sangameswara temple, Yoga Narasimha Temple and Suryanarayana Temple. Kudala
Sangameswara temple is a wonderful temple with exquisite chalukyan temple
architecture.

A museum is also present in the premises of the temple which is maintained by
Archeological Department. There is a Mahishasura Mardini Idol in this museum
which is worth seeing. The exquisite sculpture, the gait and marvelous art is
simply superb which stands as the testimony to the Chalukya Art and Culture.

Alampur - Indian Temples

Alampur near Kurnool is home to the very ancient Navabhramma temples dating back to the 7th century CE. Alampur is located at a distance of 200 km from Hyderabad. Alampur is considered to be the western gateway of Sree Sailam, the revered Jyotirlinga Shivastalam in Andhra Pradesh.

The Tungabhadra and Krishna are in confluence near Alampur, which is also known as Dakshina Kailasam (as is Sree Kalahasti in Southern Andhra Pradesh). Nine temples here referred to as the Nava Bhramma temples are dedicated to Shiva.

The Nava Bhramma temples were built by the Badami Chalukyas, who ruled for about 200 years from the middle of the sixth century onwards. The Badami Chalukyas built several temples in Karnataka, and the Alampur temples in Andhra Pradesh.The Alampur site preserves archeological remains in the form of temples exhibiting a hybrid style of architecture - dating back to the 6th-7th centuries CE. Some of the images from this site are also housed in a museum nearby.

Near Alampur, is Papanasam with a cluster of over 20 temples of varying sizes and styles. The most important of these is the Papanaseswara temple.

It is stated that Brahma performed a great penance at this place for thousands of years, and pleased Lord Siva who con- ferred the powers of creation on him. Hence the deity is called Brahmeswara. The goddess is called Yogini or Jogul- amba, which is a synonym for Parvathi.

Padma Brahma Temple:This temple is in the Swarga Brahma style. Apart from the sculptures of two dwarpalikas near the square gateway, with the flying figure on the top, the sculptures on the facade of this temple have all been destroyed.

The Garuda Brahma temple: Modeled on the Padma Brahma, this temple is distinguished by elaborate carvings on the pillars inside the hall, with the cool shadows secured for the extension of consciousness into the non-sensuous realms of calm.

Bala Brahma Temple: This temple has remained in worship through the centuries. Therefore, it has often been renovated. The images are a mixture of routine sculptures like Jogulamba, Durga, Narasimha and the Rishis. In the courtyard are images of Mukhalinga, Sahasralinga and Mahishasuramardini. The most vital image is the mother goddess in the small shrine.

Arka Brahma Temple: The roof of this temple has disappeared and it is a mere ruin.

Kumara Brahma Temple: The style of construction of this temple approximates to the other Nava Brahma shrines. There is a row of seven heads, carved on the halldoor frame of this temple, of which the significance seems to be lost to us. The pillars of the porch of this shrine have detailed intricate carvings.

Vira Brahma Temple: There is nothing to distinguish this temple from the others.

Vishva Brahma Temple: Except that it has no porch, the plan of the Vishva Brahma resembles the Swarga Brahma. The sculptures on the facade are also similar, both in theme and execution, though the virtuosity has disappeared because of the vandal's axe. Thus the figure of Trivikrama might have been a magnificent carving when it was whole. Also, the Gangavatarana was once a highly energetic sculpture. The Mithunas are also damaged. The floral relief of makaras and birds with flying figures indicate the lyricism of desire flowing through them from the springtime of the Chalukyan sensibility.

Taraka Brahma Temple: The taraka Brahma temple differs from all the other Nava Brahma group of shrines, because it is built in the mergent southern style. It has a garbhagriha, an antarala and a porch. Except for the Devakoshtha in the center of each of the three walls of the garbhagriha, the large blocks of stone don't carry any relief.

Temples of Alampur Alampur, Andhra Pradesh

Vishva Brahma Temple

Chauri Bearer at Vishva Brahma Temple

Swarga Brahma Temple

Mithuna Couple at Swarga Brahma Temple

Pillared Entrance to Swarga Brahma Temple

Garuda Brahma Temple

Flying Gandharwas at Garuda Brahma Temple

Taraka Brahma Temple

Shiva as Natraj from Alampur

Mahishashasuramardini from Alampur

Hyderabad and Alampur Tour

Day 1 � Hyderabad

After arriving at the Hyderabad airport you will be escorted by our representative. You will be taken to the hotel you are booked into. On arrival at the hotel you will be served breakfast of your choice after which you will be accompanied by our representative to a sightseeing tour of the splendid city of Hyderabad.

You will be taken to visit the Salarjung Museum, the third largest museum is India that displays the biggest one-man�s collection of antiques of the world, the Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest mosques, the very famous Charminar, the market of colorful bangles, Laad Bazaar, the Kothi Residency and the Hyderabad Botanical Gardens. You will also be taken to the Golkonda Fort and the royal tombs of Qutub Shahi.

After a tiring day of sightseeing enjoy a relaxed and comfortable night at the hotel in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad and Alampur Tour

Day 2 � Alampur

After breakfast you will be accompanied on a drive to Kurnool which is about 220 kilometers from Hyderabad. The tourist locations of Kurnool are the beautiful Chalukyan architecture which belongs to the 7th century. You will then be taken to the Alampur to visit the Nava Brahma Temples which includes the Te Bala Brahma, The Swarga Brahma, The Padma Brahma temple, Taraka Brahma, The Vishwa Brahma, Swarga temple, Kumara Brahma temple, Vira Brahma, Arka Brahma and Garuda Brahma.

You will be taken to the hotel where can spend a comfortable night and get ready for the next day.

Maeaning of Jogulamba rupam

All of us know that the idol of Jogulamba has lizard, scorpion, bat, and skull in her hair. I head a meaning for this rupam from an Upasaka.

Jogulamba can be understood as Gruha Chandi. Those symbols show the signs of decay of a house. If a house starts to loose it's Jeeva kala (life), the number of lizards in that house will start increasing. The next step is high occurrence of scorpion appearance. If bats enter a house it's the third step which finally will lead to skulls in the house (Deaths in that house). If we worship Jogulamba she will cancel the results caused by these signs. She is also worshiped to relieve Vastu doshas.

Navabhrama Temples

Alampur Navabhrama Temples are located at Alampur in Andhra Pradesh. There are a total of nine temples in Alampur. All of them are dedicated to Shiva. These temples date back to the 7th century A.D and were built by the Badami Chalukyas rulers who were great patrons of art and architecture. Even after a time span of several hundred years, these grand temples still stand firm reflecting the rich architectural heritage of the country.

The temples are emblematic of the Northern and Western Indian styles of architecture. They do not reflect the Dravidian style of architecture as is generally common with the temples in this region. The brilliance of the artists who carved the sculptures of these temples is indeed commendable.

The Navabhramma temples are present on the left bank of the Tungabhadra river, enclosed in a courtyard.

• Taraka Bhramma

At Taraka Bhramma temple, the 6th-7th century CE inscriptions present here.

• Swarga Bhramma

Swarga Bhramma temple 5 was built during 681-696 AD by Lokaditya Ela Arasa in honour of the queen of Vinayaditya, it is mentioned in an inscription found above the Dwarapalaka image. It is the finest example of Badami Chalukya Architecture and sculpture. This temple is the most elaborately ornamented temple. Temple with an imposing tower (Rekhanagara vimana) is finest compared to other temples at Alampur.

• Padma Bhramma

Padma Bhramma temple having polished stone sculpture of Shivalinga .

• Bala Bhramma

AS per the inscriptions, Bala Bhramma temple dates back to 702 CE. It is the main shrine of worship, Sivarathri is celebrated.

• Vishwa Bhramma

Vishwa Bhramma temple having sculptural scenes from the epics. It is one of the most artistic temple.

• Garuda Bhramma
• Kumara Bhramma
• Arka Bhramma
• Vira Bhramma

There are other temples like Suryanarayana temple dating back to 9th century. And Narasimha temple with inscriptions belongs to Sri Krishna Devaraya (Vijayanagar Empire). You are sure to be impressed by the Suryanarayana and the Narasimha temples that are also found in the same complex. The exquisite sculptures in the temple are very admirable.

[edit] Two Groups of Temples

Brahmesvara and Papanatha are the 2 groups of temples on either side of Alampur. In 7th century AD Badami Chalukyas built these temples. The temples are not exactly in the Dravidian style but in Nagara style of architecture. The shikharas of all these temples have a curvilinear form and are adorned with the miniature architectural devices. The plans and decoration similar to that of the rock cut temples (found in Karnataka and Maharastra).

Story of Renuka mata

Once upon a time Alampur was the ashram of Maharshi Jamadagni and his wife Renuka. They were spending their lives by worshiping Balabrahmeswara and Jogulamba. Renuka was great at Pathi bhakti and Daiva bhakti (devotion on Husband and God). Daily she used to bring water from Tungabhadra with a new pot freshly made up of sand. This was possible because of her devotion. One day she saw a king of Gandharvas taking bath in the river with his wives. She thought that they were living happily by the grace of God. She forget that the real happiness comes from the worship and not the materialistic wealth. Because of that sin she couldn't make the pot and went home with-out water. Jamadagni asked the reason. She told the truth. He became angry and ordered his first son to kíll Renuka. But, the son refused to kíll his mother. Jamadagni asked his second and third sons. They too refused. But, the fourth son Parasu Rama kílled his mother by cutting her head with his axe. Jamadagni was pleased and told that Parasu Rama can ask a boon. Parasu Rama requested to give life to his mother. Jamadagni rejuvinated her.

Jogulamba temple:

Old temple of Jogulamba was destroyed by Bahamani sultans in the 14th century. The idols of Jogulamba and her two shaktis Chandi, Mundi were protected from them and placed in Bala brahmeswara swamy temple untill 2005. Now, a new temple was constructed in the same place and the godess was shifted in to it. New temple of Jogulamba is very much beautiful to see with a nice granite flooring. It is surrounded by a water pool. Villagers of Alampur tell an interesting reason for it: "Jogulamba is an Ugra rupa (highly energetic and hard to worship) and this water pool makes the atmosphere cool so that we can easily worship her".

Idol of Jogulamba is typical. She is in sitting position. She has huge amount of hair with lizard, scorpion, bat and a human scull in it. Idols of Saptamatrikas, Vighneswara and Veenapani veerabhadra are also present in the temple. Original Chandi Mundi idols were left in Bala brahmeswara swamy temple and new idols are made and placed in Jogulamba temple.

Alampur is called as "City of Temples". All of them are very old and famous for their sculpture. They are under control of Indian Archeological department. The entire temple campus was built on the bank of river Tungabhadra. Out of them, temples of Nava brahmas and the temple of Kanchi kamakshi are most important.