Valluri Balakrishna

Exploring Telangana's popular Temples: A Journey Through Spirituality and Heritage
Telangana is renowned for spiritual tourism, boasting numerous ancient temples that have long served as symbols of faith and belief for devotees. These temples are known for their distinctive architectural styles, traditions, beliefs, and spiritual significance. This narrative will detail the prominent temples of Telangana, highlighting their uniqueness, facilities, beliefs, and access routes. [toc] 1. Yadadri Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple    Location: Yadagirigutta    Legend: The temple, situated on Yadagirigutta Hill, was historically known as 'Vaikunthapuram' and is dedicated to Lord Narasimha. According to mythology, a sage named Yada performed penance here and had a vision of Narasimha. The temple offers darshan of Narasimha in four distinct forms—Jwala Narasimha, Gandabherunda Narasimha, Yogananda Narasimha, and Ugra Narasimha—considered a fulfiller of devotees' wishes.    Prasadam: The temple is famous for its Abhishekam Laddu and Pulihora prasadam, which are distributed to devotees after offerings.    Tradition: Special celebrations occur during the month of Chaitra, including grand Brahmotsavams and Narasimha Jayanti, believed to fulfill devotees' wishes.    Facilities: For devotees' convenience, there are special queue lines, darshan tickets, parking facilities, and restrooms. Additionally, there are shops selling spiritual books and prasadam.    Travel Route: Accessible by bus, cab, or private vehicles from Hyderabad, approximately 60 kilometers away. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=9mxf4cUlQS8 2. Bhadrachalam Sri Ramachandra Swamy Temple    Location: Bhadrachalam    Legend: The temple is associated with the Ramayana era and is situated on the banks of the Godavari River, known for its connection to Rama's exile. It is believed that Rama stayed in the Bhadragiri Hills during his exile. The town's name originates from a sage named Bhadra who worshipped Rama here.    Prasadam: Bellam Panakam and Laddu are famous here, especially during Sri Rama Navami, when these are offered to the devotees.    Tradition: The temple grandly celebrates Sri Rama Navami every year, including a ceremonial wedding of Sita and Rama, drawing thousands of devotees. Unmarried individuals participating in the rituals are believed to find marriage partners soon.    Facilities: There are free meals for devotees, rest complexes, and rooms available nearby. Special queue lines are also available for pilgrims.    Travel Route: Bhadrachalam is about 312 kilometers from Hyderabad, accessible by APSRTC and TGRTC buses. 3. Kaleshwaram Mukteshwara Swamy Temple    Location: Kaleshwaram    Legend: Kaleshwaram Temple, a famous Shiva sanctum in Telangana, is located at the confluence of the Godavari and Pranahita rivers, known as the 'Triveni Sangam'. The temple is unique for worshipping two lingams—Shiva and Yama.    Prasadam: The temple is well-known for its Panchamrutham.    Tradition: Shivaratri is celebrated with great fervor here, and 'Kaleshwaram Jatara' is a significant local event. Additionally, offering pinda for the ancestors here is believed to prevent them from rebirth.    Facilities: Devotees have access to restrooms, drinking water facilities, and prasadam sales centers. Special darshan options are also available.    Travel Route: It is about 240 kilometers from Hyderabad, with bus and private vehicle options available. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CabAeqMJ__8 4. Jogulamba Temple, Alampur    Location: Alampur    Legend: The Jogulamba temple is known as a Shakti Peeth, where the goddess is worshipped as Jogulamba, representing the goddess who killed Mahishasura. It is believed that the head of goddess Sati fell here, adding to its sanctity.    Prasadam: Kadalepappu and Pulihora are offered here.    Tradition: The temple sees a significant number of devotees during Navratri, and special rituals are conducted during this period.    Facilities: Facilities for devotees include restrooms, drinking water, and parking. A park for children and shops are also available.    Travel Route: Alampur is about 210 kilometers from Hyderabad, with both bus and private vehicle access. 5. Warangal Bhadrakali Temple    Location: Warangal    Legend: The Bhadrakali temple dates back to the time of the Chalukya kings and was further developed by the Kakatiya rulers. According to legend, the goddess Bhadrakali was established here after killing the demon Mahishasura, and the Kakatiya kings revered her as their family deity.    Prasadam: Laddu and Kadalepappu are served here.    Tradition: 'Sarannavaratrulu' (Navratri) is observed with special rituals. Batukamma and Dussehra festivals are celebrated grandly.    Facilities: Parking, restrooms, and a park for children are available, along with drinking water facilities.    Travel Route: Warangal is about 145 kilometers from Hyderabad, with bus and train options available. 6. Vemulawada Rajarajeshwara Swamy Temple Location: Vemulawada Temple Legend: The temple in Vemulawada is dedicated to Rajarajeshwara Swamy (Lokeshwara Swamy) and was constructed during the Chalukya era. According to legend, Rajarajeshwara, known as the 'compassionate one', was said to fulfill the wishes of his devotees, which earned him his revered name. Offerings: Tamarind rice and laddu are offered as prasadam. Tradition: A large number of devotees visit the temple during Mahashivaratri. Special prayers are conducted during the festival of Brahmotsavams and in the month of Kartik. Fulfilling 'Kode Mokku' (a vow) is a common practice among devotees, who believe it grants their wishes. Facilities: Special entry for devotees, free meals, drinking water facilities, prasadam sale centers, and restrooms are available. Travel Route: From Hyderabad, Vemulawada is about 150 kilometers away, accessible by RTC buses and private vehicles. 7. Komuravelli Mallanna Temple Location: Komuravelli Temple Legend: This temple is dedicated to Mallanna (Shiva) and is highly revered in the rural areas of Telangana. According to the legends, Mahadev performed penance here, which is why he is worshipped in this place. Offerings: Turmeric, vermilion, and tamarind rice are offered as prasadam. Tradition: The Mallanna Jatara during Magha month is celebrated with great pomp, lasting three months, attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees. Facilities: Restrooms, drinking water, and parking facilities are available for devotees. Travel Route: Located about 85 kilometers from Hyderabad, the temple is accessible by buses and private vehicles. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0QdnkiR1bDE 8. Dichpalli Ramalayam Location: Dichpalli, Nizamabad Temple Legend: Dichpalli Ramalayam is one of the famous Rama temples in Telangana, known as 'Telangana Badrinath'. It was built during the Chalukya period and is renowned for its beautiful pillars, sculptures, and artworks. Offerings: Tamarind rice and daddojanam are served as prasadam. Tradition: Sri Ramanavami is celebrated grandly every year. Facilities: Special queues for devotees, restrooms, and prasadam sale centers are available. Travel Route: Dichpalli is about 175 kilometers from Hyderabad, accessible by buses and trains. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Sp7IIaNkJn4 9. Kumaram Bheem Temple, Asifabad Location: Asifabad Temple Legend: Named after Kumaram Bheem, a deity revered mainly by the Gond tribe, this temple holds significant cultural importance. Bheem, a leader of the Gond tribe, is worshipped as the local deity here. Offerings: Tamarind rice is offered as prasadam. Tradition: An annual festival called 'Kumaram Bheem Jatara' is held, which sees significant participation from the Telangana Gond tribe. Facilities: Drinking water, prasadam sale centers, and restrooms are available for devotees. Travel Route: Asifabad is about 300 kilometers from Hyderabad, with bus and private vehicle options available. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=aqCLsm5TLi4 10. Medak Koteswaralayam Location: Medak Temple Legend: The Koteswaralayam in Medak is a distinguished site, constructed by the Kakatiya rulers. Offerings: Panchamritam and tamarind rice are served as prasadam. Facilities: Parking, drinking water, and prasadam sale centers are available for devotees. Travel Route: Medak is approximately 100 kilometers from Hyderabad. 11. Ramappa Temple Location: Palampet, Warangal Temple Legend: The Ramappa Temple, a marvel of Kakatiya architecture, was named after the sculptor Ramappa. It's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Offerings: Tamarind rice and daddojanam are offered as prasadam. Tradition: Mahashivaratri is celebrated with great splendor annually. Facilities: Prasadam sale centers, restrooms, and parking facilities are available for devotees. Travel Route: Ramappa Temple is around 160 kilometers from Hyderabad, accessible by buses and private vehicles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=M64oW7K81L0 12. Koravi Veerabhadra Swamy Temple Location: Koravi, Mahabubabad Temple Legend: This temple is dedicated to Veerabhadra Swamy, a fierce form of Shiva. According to legend, Shiva created Veerabhadra during a yajna to destroy Daksha. Offerings: Tamarind rice is offered as prasadam. Tradition: Shivaratri is celebrated extensively here. Facilities: Special entry for devotees, restrooms, and prasadam sale centers are available. Travel Route: Koravi is about 180 kilometers from Hyderabad, with buses and private vehicles available. 13. Basara Saraswati Temple Location: Basara, Nizamabad Temple Legend: The Basara Saraswati Temple is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. It is particularly famous as a place where young children begin their education (Aksharabhyasam). Offerings: Tamarind rice is a popular prasadam here. Tradition: A large number of devotees visit during Vasant Panchami. Facilities: Restrooms, prasadam sale centers, and drinking water are available for devotees. Travel Route: Basara is approximately 210 kilometers from Hyderabad, with train and bus services available. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Bkxc9CnKZM8 14. Mekadata Shivalayam Location: Nalgonda Temple Legend: Mekadata Shivalayam is one of the ancient Shaiva temples, where it is believed that Shiva appeared in the form of a goat. Offerings: Panchamritam is offered as prasadam. Tradition: Special rituals are conducted during Mahashivaratri at the temple. Facilities: Facilities for devotees include prasadam sale centers, restrooms, and parking. Travel Route: The temple is about 100 kilometers from Hyderabad, accessible by buses and private vehicles. 15. Sri Ranganayaka Swamy Temple Location: Jayashankar Bhupalpally Temple Legend: This temple is dedicated to Ranganayaka Swamy (Vishnu) and is noted for its ancient Dravidian architectural style. Offerings: Laddu and tamarind rice are distributed as prasadam. Tradition: The Vaikuntha Ekadashi festival is celebrated with great grandeur annually. Facilities: Facilities include prasadam sale centers, restrooms, and parking. Travel Route: From Hyderabad, Jayashankar Bhupalpally is about 180 kilometers away, served by buses and private vehicles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOo7SHe4UsQ 16. Nagaram Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Location: Mahabub Nagar Temple Legend: This temple is dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. According to legend, Narasimha bestowed his divine glance upon his devotees here. Offerings: Tamarind rice and payasam are served as prasadam. Tradition: Narasimha Swamy Jayanthi is particularly celebrated here, attracting large numbers of devotees. Facilities: Devotees have access to prasadam sale centers, restrooms, and parking. Travel Route: Mahabub Nagar is about 100 kilometers from Hyderabad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2euJxRScsc 17. Sangameshwara Temple Location: Jogulamba Gadwal Temple Legend: Located at the confluence of the Krishna and Bhima rivers in Gadwal district, this temple is dedicated to Shiva, who is deeply revered here as Sangameshwara. Offerings: Tamarind rice and laddu are offered as prasadam. Tradition: Special rituals known as Sankalpa Pujas are conducted during the month of Kartik. Facilities: Facilities for devotees include drinking water, restrooms, and prasadam sale centers. Travel Route: Gadwal is approximately 190 kilometers from Hyderabad, with road access by buses. 18. Chilkur Balaji Temple Location: Chilkur, Rangareddy District Temple Legend: Chilkur Balaji Temple is famously known as "Visa Balaji." Devotees perform 11 circumambulations to express their wishes and 108 after their wishes are fulfilled. Offerings: Laddu is provided as prasadam. Tradition: This temple is unique because it does not offer special entry privileges; all devotees are treated equally. Facilities: Facilities include prasadam sale centers, parking, and drinking water. Travel Route: Chilkur is about 25 kilometers from Hyderabad, accessible by road with buses and private vehicles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=rrrB6Wz-oBk 19. Pachala Someshwara Temple Location: Panagal, Nalgonda Temple Legend: Built during the Kakatiya dynasty in Panagal village, this temple is dedicated to Shiva, known here as Pachala Someshwara due to the unique green color of the Shivalingam. Offerings: Tamarind rice is served as prasadam. Tradition: Special rituals and abhishekams are conducted during Mahashivaratri. Facilities: Facilities for devotees include prasadam sale centers, drinking water, and parking. Travel Route: Panagal is about 110 kilometers from Hyderabad, with bus and private vehicle access. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6SUEijpu2E 20. Sri Chaya Someshwara Temple Location: Panagal, Nalgonda Temple Legend: Sri Chaya Someshwara Temple is unique for the constant shadow cast on its Shivalingam, which remains unexplained scientifically, adding to the temple's mystique. Offerings: Tamarind rice and panchamritam are offered as prasadam. Tradition: Special rituals are performed during Mahashivaratri, and devotees flock here to witness the miraculous shadow. Facilities: Facilities include prasadam sale centers, restrooms, drinking water, and parking. Travel Route: Panagal is about 110 kilometers from Hyderabad, served by buses and private vehicles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur5hNGPRaqM
October 05 , 2024
'Devara' Fever: Jr NTR’s Grand Release Poised for Record-Breaking ₹125 Crore Opening Day
Just a few hours remain until the premiere of 'Devara' (Devara: Part 1). Directed by Koratala Siva and starring Jr NTR, the film is set for a grand worldwide release tomorrow (September 27). Janhvi Kapoor, daughter of Sridevi and Bollywood beauty, stars opposite Tarak, while noted Hindi actor Saif Ali Khan plays the antagonist, generating nationwide buzz. With over 500 premieres in the Telugu states, the advance booking trends worldwide suggest that 'Devara' will easily garner over ₹120 crores on its first day. Let's explore how this is possible. ₹125 Crores Confirmed for Day One! Tarak's 'Devara' has already broken several records before its release, creating massive hype. Tickets worldwide are selling like hotcakes. The governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have even allowed an increase in ticket prices. Record-breaking presales are happening overseas. Given this backdrop, it is evident that 'Devara' will easily gross over ₹125 crores on its first day, and industry insiders estimate that an additional ₹10-15 crores wouldn't be surprising. According to pre-bookings, the film is expected to earn ₹65 crores in the two Telugu states alone, with ₹8-10 crores coming from Hindi-speaking regions. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the rest of India could collectively contribute another ₹10-15 crores. Overseas, 'Devara' is set to make a significant impact, with trade circles predicting an easy ₹30-35 crores on the first day alone. Overall, the film is firmly expected to cross ₹125 crores on its opening day. What's the Break-Even Target? The pre-release business for 'Devara,' directed by Koratala Siva and starring NTR, has been phenomenal. Theatrical rights alone have been sold for ₹185 crores, according to trade sources. In the two Telugu states, the rights went for ₹115 crores, with the Nizam area alone fetching ₹45 crores. Ceded region reported ₹22 crores in business, while Karnataka saw ₹15 crores, Tamil Nadu ₹6 crores, and Kerala ₹0.5 crores. In the US, the film sold for ₹26 crores and ₹15 crores in the Hindi belt. In total, all areas combined for a pre-release business of ₹185 crores. If the film collects a share of ₹200 crores, it will break even. Anirudh's First Review of 'Devara' Young music sensation Anirudh Ravichander provided the soundtrack for 'Devara.' In a recent interview, he commented on the film's hype: "I was amazed during the scoring of the background music. I kept wondering how they managed to make such a great film. It's a wonderful action drama. Such films allow for creative experiments in music. We aimed to provide a fresh experience for the audience, completing 95% of the recording work overseas. Watching 'Devara' will give you a feeling similar to watching Hollywood films like Avengers and Batman. It has emotion, drama, action, and intensity. Audiences coming to the theaters are in for a phenomenal experience. I'm looking forward to seeing this movie on the first day, first show," said Anirudh. A Telugu Actress as Saif's Wife It's known that Saif Ali Khan plays the villain in 'Devara.' Telugu senior actress Chaitra Rai stars as his wife, causing her name to surge in popularity. "Getting the opportunity to act alongside stars like NTR and Saif Ali Khan is my good fortune," said Chaitra. She was thrilled to meet Tarak and Saif on set. Chaitra first became known through the 'Ashta Chamma' serial and is currently acting in the 'Radhaku Neevera Pranam' serial. She hopes that a good recognition from 'Devara' could keep her busy in movies too. A Rare Feat in Two Countries 'Devara' is currently trending on social media and has achieved a new milestone by setting a record in Australia and New Zealand. It will be the first Indian film to be shown in a significant number of Dolby Atmos shows in these two countries, with 13 screens in Australia and 3 in New Zealand. Additionally, 'Devara' recently set a record in North America's ticket presales, becoming the fastest Indian film to reach the $1 million mark in presales.
September 26 , 2024
Bahishkarana Series Review: Anjali's Riveting Portrayal in a Tale of Love and Revenge 
Cast: Anjali, Ananya Nagalla, Chaitanya Sagiraju, Ravindra Vijay, Shanmukh, Mahaboob Basha, Sri Tej, Baby Chaitra, Sammeta Gandhi, and others. Directed by: Mukesh Prajapati Cinematography: Prasanna S. Kumar Music by: Siddharth Sadashivuni Editing: Raviteja Girijala Producer: Prashant Malishetti OTT Platform: ZEE5 Release Date: July 19, 2024 Renowned actress Anjali stars as a prostitute in the series 'Bahishkarana,' a rural revenge action drama directed by Mukesh Prajapati. The series also features significant roles by Ravindra Vijay, Ananya Nagalla, Sri Tej, Shanmukh, Mahaboob Basha, and Chaitanya Sagiraju. Promotional materials have already heightened expectations for this series, which premiered on ZEE5 on July 19, consisting of six episodes. Let's delve into the review to see how this web series fares. Plot Set in the 1990s in Peddapalli, a village in Guntur district, the story centers around Shivayya (Ravindra Vijay), the authoritarian village president whose influence manipulates the lives of the villagers, especially women. Among them is Pushpa (Anjali), who lives under his control as his concubine. Darshi (Sri Tej), an employee of Shivayya, falls in love with Pushpa and they plan to marry. However, Shivayya, feigning agreement, strategically sabotages their plans and instead marries Darshi to his niece, Lakshmi (Ananya Nagalla). Amidst this chaos, Darshi finds himself wrongly embroiled in a legal case. The unfolding drama explores who framed Darshi, his confrontation with Shivayya, the repercussions he faces, and how Pushpa, with the aid of Lakshmi, seeks revenge against Shivayya. The series delves into these compelling dynamics. Performances Anjali is captivating in the role of a prostitute. With her dialogues and mannerisms, she mesmerized the audience. She beautifully portrays the variations of a woman forced into a life she dislikes and struggling for her lover's affection. Anjali also shines in action sequences, particularly impressing in the climax. Sri Tej as Darshi delivers a compelling performance, embodying a young man from the lower strata who cannot tolerate injustice. Ananya Nagalla as Lakshmi offers a natural performance, while Ravindra Vijay as the villainous Shivayya delivers a solid performance, appearing powerful through his dialogues and looks. The rest of the cast adequately fulfill their roles. Direction Director Mukesh Prajapati crafts this series as a period revenge action drama. He brings to life the struggle of a prostitute fighting against the injustices done to her lover. The series vividly portrays how caste discriminations dominated rural areas in the past, showing how the upper classes oppressed the lower castes and particularly women. The series touches on delicate issues like caste and untouchability, giving importance to drama and emotions. However, despite a promising concept, the presentation feels routine and the series progresses flatly without significant twists. While the backdrop of prostitution offers a fresh element, the rest of the storyline recalls plots from older films. Some disturbing scenes aside, 'Bahishkarana' consistently entertains. Technically On the technical front, cinematographer Prasanna S. Kumar does an excellent job. His camera work effectively transports the audience back to the 1990s. Siddharth Sadashivuni's background score is a significant plus, elevating the action sequences to a higher level. The production values are also notably high. Plus Points - Anjali's performance - Periodic revenge drama - Background music Minus Points - Lack of twists - Some boring scenes Telugu.yousay.tv Rating: 3/5
July 20 , 2024