Alampur Vishwa Brahma Temple, Telangana

Address

Alampur Vishwa Brahma Temple Alampur Town, Vishwa Brahma, Road, Jogulamba Gadwal District, Telangana 509152

Diety

Brahma (Shiva)

Introduction

The Vishwa Brahma Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Alampur Town near Kurnool in the Jogulamba Gadwal District of Telangana, India. This temple is one of the nine temples in the Navabrahma Group of Temples.

Location and Significance:

The Vishwa Brahma Temple is situated in the northern corner of Alampur Town, opposite the museum and next to the Vira Brahma Temple.
Alampur is known for its group of temples, and these temples are considered an archaeological and architectural treasure listed under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Puranic Significance:

The Alampur Temples date back to the 7th century AD and were built by the Badami Chalukyas, who were known for their patronage of art and architecture.
The uniqueness of this group of temples lies in their plan and design, which reflects the early Nagara style of Hindu temples introduced by the Chalukyas of Badami in the 7th century.
The Vishwa Brahma Temple is one of the best-preserved temples among the Navabrahma temples. It features intricate carvings throughout the structure.
The temple’s architecture resembles that of the Galaganatha Temple in Pattadakal, with elements of the Nagara style and a raised platform.

Temple Features:

The temple consists of an 18-pillared Maha Mandapam (main hall) and a sanctum with a small circumambulatory path for devotees to perform pradakshina (circumambulation).
The sanctum is supported by four pillars with carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Gandharvas, lions, and more.
The temple’s entrance doorway features images of Gajalakshmi, Ganga, and Yamuna along with their respective vehicles.
The main entrance door has a carving of Garuda riding a chariot.
The temple also features a beautifully carved Bhagiratha performing penance to bring the Ganga to Earth.
The pillars inside the Maha Mandapam have intricate floral designs, and the foundational platform is adorned with carvings of musicians, dancers, foliage, birds, and more.

Sculptural Scenes: The temple’s exteriors are adorned with sculptures and carvings that include scenes from the Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, as well as depictions of Shiva in various forms and other mythological stories.

Special Significance:

The name “Brahmesvara” signifies Lord Shiva’s blessings to Lord Brahma after an intense penance, which granted Lord Brahma the powers of creation. This association is significant at the Vishwa Brahma Temple.
Alampur is considered sacred and is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. The place is believed to be equivalent to Dakshina Kailasam, Dakshina Kasi, and Sangama Kshetram.

Festivals:

The Sharan Navaratri is the most significant festival at Alampur Temples, with the concluding event being the Theppotsavam (boat festival) held on Vijaya Dasami at the confluence of the Krishna and Tungabhadra Rivers.
Shivaratri is also celebrated with devotion and fervor at this temple.

The Vishwa Brahma Temple is not only architecturally and artistically significant but also holds a special place in the hearts of devotees who visit to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.