Alampur Svarga Brahma Temple, Telangana

Address

Alampur Svarga Brahma Temple, Navabrahma temples Road, Alampur (P), Jogulamba Gadwal District, Telangana 509152

Diety

Svarga Brahma

Introduction

The Svarga Brahma Temple in Alampur, Telangana, is one of the significant temples among the Navabrahma Group of Temples. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its exquisite Chalukyan architecture and rich sculptures. Alampur is known for its group of nine temples that belong to the Navabrahma temples. These temples have historical, cultural, and architectural significance.

Puranic Significance

Inscriptions and Historical References:

The temple features inscriptions from different historical periods, including the reign of Chalukya ruler Vikramaditya I.
An inscription found in the temple mentions that it was built during the reign of Vinayaditya in honor of the queen, Lokaditya Ela Arasa.

Religious Significance:

According to legend, Lord Brahma is said to have performed intense penance on Lord Shiva at this site. As a result, Lord Shiva blessed Lord Brahma with the power of creation. Hence, Lord Shiva is called “Brahmesvara” or “Svarga Brahma.”
The Skanda Purana mentions the sacredness and importance of the Alampur Temple.

Sacredness of Alampur:

Alampur is considered an equivalent of Dakshina Kailasam, Dakshina Kasi, and Sangama Kshetram. The confluence of the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers at this location adds to its sacredness.

Special Features

The Svarga Brahma Temple, like other Navabrahma temples, exhibits the Nagara architectural style. It faces east and is built on an elevated platform.
The temple consists of a Mukha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, and Sanctum. There is a small circumambulatory path for devotees to perform pradakshina (circumambulation).
The Mukha Mandapam, located in front of the temple, is a six-pillared structure. The Maha Mandapam has an elaborately carved ceiling with Nagabandha.
The doorways of the sanctum are adorned with figures of Dvarapalas (guardians), Ganga and Yamuna, along with their respective vehicles. Nagendra (the serpent) is also present.
The vimana (tower) over the sanctum is in the rekha style, and it houses a splendid carving of Lord Shiva in a dancing posture.
The outer walls of the temple are intricately carved with various depictions, including Nataraja in Ananda Tandava (dancing Shiva), Lingodbhava (Shiva emerging from a Linga), Dakshinamurti (Shiva in a meditative posture), Vamana (a form of Lord Vishnu), and other mythological scenes.

Festivals

Sharan Navaratri is the biggest festival at Alampur Temples. The concluding event, Theppotsavam (boat festival) is an eye-catching event held on Vijaya Dasami at Krishna – Tungabhadra Sangamam (confluence of River Krishna and Tungabhadra). Shivaratri is also celebrated here.