Tatikona

Tirumala Tirupati , Place that doesn't need any introduction.Its Kaliyuga Vaikuntam for devotees ,One of the richest temples in the world and the temple which draws huge crowds everyday.Apart from all these,Tirumala Seshachalam forest range has many unknown treasures like Bio diversity, which are yet to be discovered.As a history lover,its always surprising to know the kind of historical treasure this place is...


Tirumala and Tirupati are very prominent places from pre historic age itself,many rock art shelters and pre historic dolmens in seshachalam forest range are standing evidences for this.And its well known fact,how Lord Venkateswara Temple, made this place even more prominent in ancient and medieval periods for many dynasties.Every dynasty has left their own mark in this place, which is evident through many grand temples and forts around this place.
Tirupati and Tirumala known as temple city, all temples function with all it's grandeur. But how many are aware that there are so many wonderful ancient temples that were abondoned and left for ruins .Though neglected from centuries these ancient marvels are still standing with all its past glory,waiting for some visitor to tell its story.One such place is Tatikona,here I am with the story of this place,how it fell from glory to gloomy.


Tatikona , once a grand temple complex with many temples, a pushkarini and a mud fort on the hill(which is not present now).This place might be very very important from the ancient days,it would have witnessed the ancient man and many poweful endangered animal species, it would have witnessed kings and their grandeur,it would have witnessed dedicated sculptures working, brave soldiers protecting ,it would have witnessed grand temples with nithya pooja and many devotees daily,regular utsavams etc., But now this place is crumpled into ruins,and completely camouflaged into the jungle, hard to find and harder to reach, fully surrounded by thorny plants.Once ravaged by invaders,what ever is survived, it is reduced to wreck by present day hooligans (who dug all over for treasure) and conveniently forgotten by residents and authorities.

Tatikona at present
I seriously wish, i could see this place 50 years back, it would have been in much better shape.With present remains we can infer, there are 3 temples , 2 temples are big and other is small shrine .And the two big temples are dedicated to Shiva, which we can confirm by sculptures on the pillars, the sculpture of nandi, sculpture of Kannappa, Shiva linga , and the other small shrine. can't confirm the deity(Probably for Ganesh or Karthikeya).Beautiful Pushkarini(Temple tank)which now looks like lake,but as per locals it was very much in shape till very recent years.It is said there was a mud-fort on the hill for Vijayanagara Kings(disappeared with out a trace), and another interesting feature we can find a pre historic Megalith dolmen here .There is a small Shiva shrine on the hill, and as per locals  deep in the woods other 2 temples dedicated for lord Narasimha and local deity yellamma ,  are in better condition(we couldn't visit due to the time crunch).One more unique feature of Tatikona is the style of building temple,Shiva temple built by cutting the rock boulder, and the rock boulder is still visible around the gopuram. The only other temples of this type can be found in Hampi, Malyavanta Raghunatha Temple.

Even after facing so much destruction, this beautiful treasure can teach so many lessons.Beautiful temple walls, intricate carvings on the pillars and beautiful megalith and located in a very serene location,which in short remains us of Hampi. Doesn't this place deserves renovation, clean up, a sign board , inclusion in tourist brochure of Tirupati. Tirupati doesn't need any theme parks,if  that money is spent on places like Tatikona they can be turned into beautiful learning center, spiritual center and wonderful weekend spots.. Eagerly waiting for that day
#HeriateISourPride
 JAIHIND

Peddamudiam - Pride of Andhra Pradesh

Peddamudiam, a village in Kadapa district near Jammalamadugu.It is a beautiful calm village with lush green farms away from the hustle and bustle of cities. To reach this village ,one needs to ask route from Jammalamadugu,Buses are available from Jammalamadugu. This village is very important ,because it holds the great heriatge of our past.Peddamudium or Peddamudiam village has many protected monuments,each monument has its own importance

 The monuments in the village has unique style of architecture. Most of the monuments in this village are ASI (Archeological Survey of India) recognized monuments, But these monuments in a very deplorable condition which need immediate attention. Any heritage lover, any spiritual seeker can’t welcome the present vulnerable situation of this architectural marvels.

List of monuments in Peddamudiam
⦁ Ugra Narasimaha Temple – The most neglected temple, beautiful architecture, believed to be built by Cholas, later developed by Vijayanagaras. Always deserted, but a pandit from neighboring village comes in the morning for performing basic Pooja for Lord.The compound wall and entrance of the temple are in dilapidated condition.This temple needs a special mention for its exceptional architecture, intricate carvings of figures and stories of our mythology exhilerate every visitor for sure


⦁ Mukundeswara Temple Complex – There are 5 temples in this temple complex, 2 Shiva Temples, 1 Narasimha Shrine, 1 Karthikeya Shrine and 1 Shrine for NagaGrahas..This temple complex is the oldest temple Complex in the village, Compared to Ugra Narasimha Shrine…these temples are in better condition. Though there is no Information board about the era or dynasty they were built, we can easily infer they are very early type of construction and very unique style of Architecture. After multiple trails of finding the basic information about this sites, what I inferred is, they existed from Sathavahana Era later flourished in Pallavas and Cholas time.One can easily spot the marks of Pallava and Chola architecture in the temples


⦁ Kodanda Rama Shrine and Old Village Site – Though these shrine looks like Vijayanagara Style of architecture, Can’t say for sure, as the temple was closed(when we visited), and there is an ancient village site as well, but couldn’t get much information about that(No information boards here)..it is just a barren land with fencing.There are big bastions(buruju) in the village, as per villagers it is 300 years old.

 If correctly publicized , this beautiful village may get the transformation of busy tourist hub, great learning center ,a heritage village , which creates job oportunities for local villagers as well.Peddamudiam village has great potential to pull crowds here.

Pushpagiri - Hampi of Andhra Pradesh

Pushpagiri is a very famous place for both its religious and architectural importance. Pushpagiri is the famous pilgrimage situated on banks of river Penna, Vallur Mandal, Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. There are various Shrines on the Hill together called as Pushpagiri temples.

2. Pushpagiri is famous because of several Shrines. Among those some temples are very much old which also have some creative sculptures. This hill has very bottomless banks. Pushpagiri is also known as Sumagiri. About 28 shrines are situated in this area.

3. There is a Pushpagiri Matham also called as Pushpagiri Peetam which is said to have been established by Aadhi Sankaracharya to promote his philosophy of Advaita. This Peetam is said to be the richest and only Advaita math in Andhra Pradesh.

4. Chennakesava Temple: Chennakesava Temple is the largest temple among them is located on hill’s lower slopes. This temple’s entrance area has been decorated by 5 tiered Gopuram. The walls of this pilgrimage have sculptures constructed by limestone. These beautiful sculptures contains the images of the Lord Shiva in the dancing pose with 8 & 4 hands, fight of Arjuna & Lord Shiva, Arjuna taking Pasupatastra from Lord Shiva, dancers, Seshasayana, warriors rows and sight from the Mahabharata & Ramayana and also the other images of the carvings accompanying animals, pillars are adorned by the attractive designs.

5. Trikuteswara Temple: There are three shrines; Kamaleshwara Shrine, Hachaleshwara Shrine and Pallaveshwara Shrine which are founded in 1255 AD. Hence they are called as Trikuteswara. This triple shrine has a common Mukha Mandapa with each temple on the south, west and north. A four pillared Nandi Mandapa, houses an image of Nandi in the Sabha Mandapa.

6.Many other famous temples,which are believed to built during Chola period, like
Bhimeshwara Temple, Vaidyanatha Swami Temple, Santana Malleshwara and Uma Maheshwara Temples, Sakshi Malleshwara Temple.

7.There is a wonderful legend associated with this place

When the Mount Garuda was carrying nectar from Indraloka; a drop fell down and turned into a sacred pool. The eminence of the pool came to be known when a distressed farmer jumped into it to commit suicide and found himself turned as a young man. He then made his wife and oxen to dip into the pool and they too regained their youth. When the news of the pool reached Satya Loka, worried Lord Brahma sought the help of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Lord Hanuman was ordered to fill the pool with a mountain. Lord Hanuma dropped a mountain into it. Astonishingly, the mountain started floating instead of sinking. Then Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva clamped their feet at its side and the imprints of their foot can still be seen. The foot print of Siva became famous as ‘Rudrapada’ and that of Vishnu as ‘Vishnupada’.

8.On stylistic grounds this temple belongs to Late Chalukya or early Yadava period  i.e 12 - 13th century A.D.Temple is highly revered by Kakatiyas,Cholas,Vijayanagaras.

Tribute to Great Woman from Ancient India

Tribute to Great Woman from Ancient India

Prabhavati Gupta

1.Prabhavati gupta was the chief queen of Vakataka King Rudrasena II (356-378 CE). She was daughter of Gupta King Chandragupta II born of the union with a Naga princess Mahādevī Kuberanaga. Prabhavati gupta has recorded herself born in a Naga family of Dharana Gotra in her Poona and Riddhapur copper plate inscriptions.

2.Due to sudden and premature death of Rudrasena II,at the very young age of 25,with two sons,Prabhavathi Gupta has taken the responsibility of administration as regent for the minor king Divakara sena.

3.She carried on administration very effectively for a period of about 20 years.It is during her regency,Gupta conquest of Gujarat and Kathiawar was accomplished.We may well presume that queen afforded all possible assistance to her father.There is,however no direct evidence to support this statement.

4.Prabhavathi Gupta is destined to face one more tragedy,her elder son,minor king(Divakara sena) died soon after her 13th year of regency.Damodara sena her younger son was made minor king and queen has to continue her regency for another 5 - years.

5.Eventually the regency terminated in 410 AD,When Damodara sena took up the administration,assuming the coronation name of Pravara sena II.Prabhavathi Gupta lived for a long time after her regency,there are many evidences of making grants along with her son Pravara sena II.

6.Maybe we don't have much information about her,But she stands as great example for "Stature of woman in ancient Indian society"

Hemavathi - A very ancient and historic village from Andhra Pradesh

Hemavathi - A very ancient and historic village from Andhra Pradesh

1.Hemavathi is very ancient and historic village that is found in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh. It is located at the distance of 10 kilometer from Amarapuram and about 25 kilometer from Madakasira. This region was quite popular in between the eight and the tenth century AD that lies under the rule of Nolamba Pallavas. The ancient temple that is found here has a deity of Lord Shiva in the appearance of Lord Doddeswara.

2.Nolamba dynasty was a minor Southern Indian dynasty. They were Generals of Pallavas and stated they are related to Pallava families.Thier Capital was Chitrdurga,Later they shifted thier capital to Hajneri (present day Hemavathy)

3.This town was named as ‘Henjeri’dring the region of Pallava Rule. However, it was later named as Hemavathi in the British period. The Hemavathi has the most magnificent temple with the beautifully carved structure and huge architecture. The amazing carvings that are present here denoted the sincere work that had been done by the workmanship while carving the sculptures. They are made up of the hard and natural rocks. These are very transparent and develop the pleasant sound after it has been tapped.

4.It is said that a Chola ruler named Rajendra Chola was very much attracted by the massive pillars here in the temple of Hemavathi. The intricate carvings influenced him so much and he had removed as many as 44 of them and adorned the temple at Thiruvedi with them. This fact is evident from the inscriptions. Captivating carvings can be found on the low roof made out of a large stone. A huge idol of 'Nandi' can be seen in this temple. This idol is of 8 ft in length and 4 ft in height. Various beautifully carved human figures can be seen on the temple walls. The scenes from the two great epics 'The Ramayana' and 'The Mahabharata' can be seen on the pillars of the temple. The Shiva Linga here is 6ft in height.

5.The Hemavathi has the glory and was later increased due to the Kakatiya rulers. This ruler, Ganpathi Deva had constructed here a Warangal Fort. This is amongst the best illustration of artistic construction. The temple consist of two walls, the exterior wall is constructed by mud whereas the wall constructed inside is made up of huge stones. Hemavathi is most popular as the temples of ‘thousand pillars’. Each pillar is ornamented with intricate carving and they are the best example of the ancient carving and excellent architecture. The Bradrakali temple situated here represents the beautiful view located atop hill which reflects the constructed that used to be made up Chalukya architecture.

6.The Ramappa temple, the other temple of Hemavatiwas actually built up by a great architecture as the carving here are simple amazing and breathe taking. A Jain temple which is around 2000 years old is found here. The State Department of Museums and Archaeology had decided to collect and preserve these historic treasures. They have specially planned for the museum where they can place the artifacts and sculptures in chronological orders. The visitors coming here are allowed to enter inside the museum and can have a look through the items present inside it.

The Gandaberunda and Sharabha - Most fiercest mythical creatures from the past

The Gandaberunda and Sharabha - Most fiercest mythical creatures from the past

1. The Gandaberunda (also known as the Berunda) is a two-headed mythological birdoutside of main Hindu mythology thought to possess magical strength. It is capable of dealing with ultimate forces of destruction,and it is seen as an intricately sculptured motif in a Hindu temple.

2. Sharabha is a creature in Hindu mythology that is part lion and part bird. According to Sanskrit literature, Sharabha is an eight-legged beast, mightier than a lion and elephant and which can kill the lion. Sharabha, can clear a valley in one jump. In later literature, Sharabha is described as an eight-legged deer.

3.As per Vedic scriptures , After Narasimha had slain demon Hiranyakashipu, through the taste of blood, Narasimha did not let go of his dreadful form. Shiva assumed the Avatar (incarnation) of Sharabha to pacify Narasimha - the fierce man-lion avatar of Vishnu worshipped by Vaishnava sect. This form is popularly known as Sarabeshwara ("Lord Sarabha") or Sharabeshwaramurti. Another tale narrates that Vishnu assumed the form of the ferocious Gandaberunda bird-animal to combat Sharabha.Eventually combat stopped realising the true self of each other,there are plenty of alternate endings both from shaivites and vaishnavites.In Buddhism, Sharabha appears in Jataka Tales as a previous birth of the Buddha.

4. The Government of Karnataka, the University of Mysore and the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL-an industrial unit owned by the Government of Karnataka) have adopted Sharabha, with modifications and also appropriate justifications, as their emblem or logo.In Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited logo, Sharabha is depicted in the form of a body of a lion with the head of an elephant to represent the virtues of wisdom, courage and strength.[34] The Royal Emblem of Mysore has also been adopted by the University of Mysore as their logo too. This logo displays Gandabherunda flanked on either side by the lion-elephant Sharabha - stronger than the lion and the elephant and defender of uprightness, surmounted by a lion.

The Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature

The Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature :

1.The Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature are large narrative Tamil epics according to later Tamil literary tradition, namely Cilappatikāram, Manimekalai, Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi, Valayapathi and Kuṇṭalakēci.The first mention of the "Aimperumkappiyam" (lit. Five large epics) occurs in Mayilainathar's commentary of Nannūl. However, Mayilainathar does not mention the names of the five epics. The names of the epics are first mentioned in the late 18th century - early 19th century work Thiruthanikaiula. Earlier works like the 17th century poem Tamil vidu thoothu mention the great epics as Panchkavyams.Among these, the last two, namely Valayapathi and Kuṇṭalakēci are not extant.

2.These five epics were written over a period of 1st century CE to 10th century CE and act as the historical evidence of social, religious, cultural and academic life of people during the era they ere created. Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi introduced long verses called virutha pa in Tamil literature.,while Cilappatikāram used akaval meter (monologue), a style adopted from Sangam literature.

3.The epic trio of Cilappatikāram, Manimēkalai and Cīvaka Cintāmani gives a full account of Tamil concept of womanhood by powerfully and poignantly delineating the character of a chaste wife Kannagi, a brave and dutiful daughter Manimekalai and an affectionate mother in Vijayai, mother of Jivakan in the three epics respectively

4.Plot of epics in brief :

Cilappatikāram (“The Tale of an Anklet”) depicts the life of Kannagi, a chaste woman who lead a peaceful life with Kovalan in Puhar (Poompuhar), the then-capital of the Chola dynasty. Her life later went astray by the association of Kovalan with an unchaste woman Madhavi. The duo started resurrecting their life in Madurai, the capital of Pandyas. Kovalan went on to sell the anklet of Kannagi to start a business, but was held guilty and beheaded of stealing it from the queen. Kannagi went on to prove the innocence of her husband and believed to have burnt the entire city of Madurai by her chastity.

Manimekalai is a 5th-century Buddhist epic created by Sithalai Sathanar during the 5th century. It is believed to be a followup of Cilappatikāram with the primary character, Maṇimēkalai being the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi. It contains thirty cantos describing the circumstances in which Maṇimēkalai renounced the world and took the vows of Theravada sect of Buddhism, which is followed in Burma and Sri Lanka.Apart from the story of Maṇimēkalai and her Buddhist inclination, the epic deals with a great deal with Buddha's life, work and philosophy.

Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi, an epic of the 10th century CE was written by Thiruthakka Thevar, a Jain monk. It narrates the romantic exploits of Jeevaka and throws light on arts of music and dance of the era. It is reputed to have been the model for Kamba Ramayanam.The epic is based on Sanskrit original and contains the exposition of Jain doctrines and beliefs. It is a mudi-porul-thodar-nilai-seyyul, a treatise of the fourfold object of life and aim of literary work of virtue, wealth, pleasure and bliss.It is in 13 books or illambagams and contains 3147 stanzas. It is noted for its chaste diction and sublime poetry rich in religious sentiments and replete with information of arts and customs of social life. There are many commentaries on the book, the best on the work is believed to be by Naccinarkiniyar.

Kuṇṭalakēci is now lost, but quotations from it and found from references used by authors who had access to the classic.The poem demonstrated the advantage of Buddhism over Shrauta and Jainism. The Jain in reply wrote Nilakesi which has opposing views to the ideologies in Kuṇṭalakēci. Kuṇṭalakēci was a Jain nun who moved around India, expounding Jainism and challenged anyone who had alternate views. Sāriputta, a disciple of Gautama Buddha, took up the challenge one day and defeated Kuṇṭalakēci in debates. She renounced Jainism and became a Buddhist.The author is believed to be Nagaguttanar.The record of culture and Buddhist views during the era were lost with the book.

Vaḷaiyāpati is another lost work, although it is unclear whether it is a Buddhist or Jain.Some scholars believe it is a Buddhist work and base their claims on the quotations of Vaḷaiyāpati found in other literary works. The author of Vaḷaiyāpati quotes from Tirukkuṟaḷ and it is possible that he took inspiration from it.

6. Cilappatikāram and Maṇimēkalai are accepted to be composed after the Sangam period (300 BCE to 200 CE). Maṇimēkalai has been accepted as a sequel of Cilappatikāram and both these works are placed before the 5th century CE. It is generally accepted that these works might have been composed between 200 BCE to 500 CE. There is a controversy to the age of the author of Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi, Tirutakkatevar. There is one version that he lived before Kamban (9th century CE) as the viruttam metre, language and imagery was commonly used by Kamban. The other view is later than Kamban.

7.Apart from the story and literature, these texts are a vast treasure of information of music and dance, both classical and folk,administration and grandeur of Tamil kings.