Alampur Arka Brahma Temple, Telangana

Address

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

Diety

Brahma (Shiva)

Introduction

The Arka Brahma Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Alampur Town near Kurnool in the Jogulamba Gadwal District of Telangana, India. It is one of the nine temples in the Navabrahma Group of Temples, and it holds significant archaeological and historical importance.

Alampur is located on the left bank of the Tungabhadra River, near the confluence of the Tungabhadra River and the Krishna River, at the border of Andhra Pradesh.
The temples of Alampur are renowned for their architectural and historical significance and are considered archaeological treasures.

Puranic Significance

Unique Features:

One unique feature of the Arka Brahma Temple is the presence of a Naga image near the Shivalinga inside the sanctum.
The temple had an inscription in the Siddhamatrika script that referred to the names of the artists who worked on specific sculptures. However, some of these sculptures are now missing.

Historical Significance:

The temples of Alampur date back to the 7th century A.D. and were built by the Badami Chalukyas, known for their patronage of art and architecture.
The earliest known inscription related to the temple dates back to the reign of Vikramaditya-I (654-681 C.E.) and refers to the installation of a Linga in the Mahadevayatana of the Arka Brahma Temple.

The Arka Brahma Temple in Alampur, though in a state of disrepair, is a testament to the rich history and architectural heritage of the region. It is a valuable archaeological site that offers insights into the art and culture of its time.

Special Features

Architectural Features:

The Arka Brahma Temple was constructed in the Nagara architectural style.
The temple comprises a Maha Mandapam (main hall) and a sanctum with a circumambulatory path.

State and Condition:

The temple is currently in a state of ruin, and many of its sculptures and architectural features have been damaged or destroyed over time.
The vimana (tower) of the temple was destroyed during an attack by the Bahamani Sultan in the 14th century.
The temple’s exterior appears plain, and many of its outer wall sculptures were destroyed. However, remnants of Ganga and Yamuna goddesses can still be seen at the entrance.
Some sculptures, like those of the Ashtadikpalakas (guardians of the directions), have been preserved and are on display in the museum.

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.