• Know about the Jogulmba (a Maha Shakti Peeta) and Nava Brahma Temples, both in Alampur, Telangana.

Alampur is a town in Telangana state of India that has historical and spiritual importance. It was previously in the Mahbubnagar district of Andhra Pradesh and became part of the Gadwal district of Telangana post the bifurcation of the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is on the bank of the River Tungabhadra.

It is primarily a Shaivite pilgrim centre with Shaktism also worshipped. Historically, Alampur was under the rule of Shatavahana Ishvakus of Nagarjunakonda, Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagara Empire and Qutb Shahis of Golconda.

The Chalukyas (a large part) and Rastrakutas left a wealth of architectural beauty in the temples.

Alampur is 220 Kms from Hyderabad and is close to a four hour drive. We stayed at Nandyal and booked an Innova to take us to Alampur. The distance between Nandyal and Alampur is 104 Km. Since the highway was good we reached in about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Jogulamba Temple

Jogulamba Temple is one of the Ashtaa Dasha Shakti Peeta of Sati Devi.

Of the 18 Maha Shakti Peetas formed from the body parts of Sati Devi, Jogulamba is the 5th Peeta. It is said that her upper jaw with a tooth fell at Alampur Shakti Peeta. She is in an Ugra Roopa (fearsome appearance) form here. Her hair are piled high and a lizard, owl, scorpian and human skull are in her hair. According to tradition,  worshipping Jogulamba removes ill effects.

This is how Jogulamba Ma looks like.

The temple of Jogulamba was destroyed by the Bahamani Sultans in 1390 CE. The broken idol was safeguarded in the Bala Brahmeshwara Temple.

This temple was rebuilt in 2005 i.e. after 615 years. The temple is surrounded by water so as to keep it cool, as the wrath of Mother Goddess heats up the place.

After the darshan of Jogulamba, we went to see the Nava Brahma Temples.

Nava Brahma Temples

Brahmeshwara is the consort of Jogulamba. The Nava Brahma temples are nine temples of Lord Shiva spread around the Jogulamba Temple. These temples were constructed by the Badami Chalukyas starting from the 7th century CE. The Badami Chalukyas were great patrons of art. These nine temples have lovely sculpture. Sadly many parts of the sculpture were destroyed by the invaders.

1. Bala Brahma Temple

It is in this temple that the broken idol of Jogulamba was safeguarded from the invaders. This temple was built in 702 CE. Regular temple rituals are performed here and Shivaratri celebrated every year.

2. Swaraga Brahma Temple

Built during 681-696 CE in the Vinayaditya era, it is the most elaborately sculpted temple.

Lord Surya in the center, Lingodbhava murthy on the right with Brahma and Vishnu doing Pranam to him, the left side might be Tripurantaka.

3. Padma Brahma Temple

Probably the last to be built, it is unfinished in terms of work on the temple.

4. Garuda Brahma Temple

Built between 848-891 CE during the time of Vijayaditya.

Latticed windows in the stone walls. The alcoves are empty which could mean that the sculpture in it was destroyed.

5. Kumara Brahma Temple

This temple was probably built during the time of Vikramaditya, 655-681 CE. The outer walls don't have much carving but the pillars in front are carved.

6. Arka Brahma Temple

This temple is completely ruined. All sculpture were destroyed.

7. Veera Brahma Temple

On the vimana we can see a Nataraja sculpture. This temple also has been badly damaged. Dwarapalakas on either side of the door. One is so badly damaged.

8. Vishwa Brahma Temple

This temple, atleast parts of the sculpture were visible. Through the destruction, you cannot fail to appreciate the sculpture.

9. Taraka Brahma Temple

Badly ruined temple. 

This temple is in the mosque complex next door. The mosque was occupied on temple land more than a century ago.

Thus ended my Nava Brahma temples visit. Beautiful but heart breaking too.

ASI Museum

The ASI museum is right besides these temples. Though it is small, it has displayed some wonderful pieces that were salvaged from the ruins.

A ceiling panel of the Ashta Dikpalas.

Author Sudha Raju is a teacher by profession, freelance writer and Author of book Ancient Temples My Travelogue. She is a seeker of knowledge and believes that there is much to learn from our ancient heritage and temples. She utilises her free time travelling to ancient temples and learning more about them.