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).