Check-in and Checkout: 24 hours.

No.Of persons per room: 2

Address: Lepakshi Road, Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh

Best Time to visit: Nov-May

Tourists inflow high during Karthika Masam and Sivaratri days.

Lepakshi Hotel Booking Procedure

1. One must display a Valid Photo ID at the time of Room check-in
2. Extra Bed cost is to be paid at the time of check-in.
3. Room Cancellation/ Postpone charges apply.
4. Limited Rooms are available so advance booking is required.

For more details, Please call on 85000 87012

Reference Links: details

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Belum Caves History

Naturally formed caves under the earth. It is the longest cave which is of 3229 meters in length and in the world and occupies 2nd place in the world. Belum caves were discovered in the year 1984 by the British surveyor Robert Bruce Foote. Later a team from Germany lead by H Daniel Gebauer did research on these caves.

In the year 1988,  Andhra Pradesh State government declared this site as protected and started promoting tourism. AP Archaeological department developed this site for tourism in the year 2000. From Feb 2002, Caves were opened for tourists with minimal fee entry. These naturally formed caves underground caves is 120 ft in depth and reaches 150 ft at Paathala Ganga point. Water from Paathala Ganga is pumped to the nearby Belum village which is 2 km away. In the year 1989, the Archaeological department recovered the mud vessels used by the Jain saints from these caves.

AP Archaeological department had explored 3.5 km out of 10 km and developed the path for the visitors. Archaeologists have identified another 140 caves surrounding these caves. Caves can be easily reached from Anantapur and Kurnool.

Belum Caves Entry Fees

Visiting Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Best Time to Visit: Oct – Jul

How to reach Belum Caves?

By Air

1. The nearest airport is at Tirupati which is 250 km away. It can be reached from Hyderabad as well.

By Train

1. The nearest railway station is at Tadipatri which is 34 km away.

By Road

1. The direct bus is available from Tadipatri, Banaganapalli.
2. Caves are at 70 km from Nandyal.
3. It is 110 km from Kurnool.

Belum Caves Images

Reference Link: History

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Lepakshi Temple History

It is said that Sage Agasthya installed the Lord Siva Linga here, later developed by Virupanna. As per the Legends, Virupanna was the King’s treasurer and was the chief of the merchant guild during the times of Krishna Devaraya of Vijayanagara dynasty. He thought of building a temple here, because of the image of Veerabhadra. For the construction, he used the tributes offered to the King when the king was away. He had practically finished with the construction and was actually supervising the completion of the Kalyana Mantap when the king returned and found the treasury empty. The King ordered to make Virupanna blind as a punishment. The treasurer is a loyal servant carried out on the spot with his own hands and to this day, two dark strains are shown upon the wall near the Kalyana Mantap which is said to be the marks made by his eyes which he himself dashed against the wall. Hence, the Kalyana Mantapa was left unfinished. Therefore, the village called by Lepa-Akshi which means a village of the blinded eye.

There is a huge Nandi statue which is the largest Nandi in India. It is carved out of a monolithic rock, which measures 25 ft in height and 30 ft in length.

Lepakshi Temple Timings

• Morning Hours: 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Evening Hours: 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Interesting Places at Lepakshi Temple

1. Monolithic Nandi Statue
2. Hanging Pillar
3. Siva Linga and Seven hooded snake statue
4. Ceilings in Ranga Mantap
5. Paintings in Ardha Mantap.
6. Natyamantapa with excellently sculptured pillars.
7. Mural paintings at Kalyana Mantapa
8. Footprint of Hanuman

Lepakshi Temple Gallery

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Lepakshi Temple Legends

As stated in the epic Ramayana, Jataayu, The King of birds,  fought fiercely with the demon Ravana, while on his way to Lanka, who had abducted Sita

During the battle with the Ravana, Jataayu was injured badly and grounded by losing both his wings. Rama in search of Sita, arrived here and found Jataayu, who was in his final moments. At the last moments of Jataayu, Rama uttered the word ‘Le Pakshi’ which means ‘Arise Bird’

Lepakshi Temple History

Veerabhadra Swamy Temple was built by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna during 1529 AD – 1542 A.D, who were the chieftains in the court of Achyutha Deva Raya of Vijayanagara dynasty. This temple is dedicated to Veerabhadra Swamy. Temples of Shiva, Vishnu and Veerbhadra are located within the temple complex.

The monolith Nandi statue, which is at the entrance of Lepakshi Town, is of 4.5 meters height and 8.23 mt length. It is about 200 mt from Veerabhadra Swamy Temple. Nandi is positioned such a way that it faces Siva Linga inside the temple complex.

Hanging Pillar of Lepakshi Temple is one of the engineering marvels. Among the 70 pillars of the temple, one hangs without any support. Visitors used to check this reality during their visit.

There is an interesting fact associated with Naga Lingam outside Temple, This Naga stone was sculptured on a single rock in a short span by the sculptors, while they are waiting for the lunch box from their mother.

Temples walls were beautifully carved with the references from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatham

Near to Goddess Sita Devi Temple, one can find the foot impression of Hanuman.

Lepakshi Temple Festival

During this 10 day festival which will be held in the month of Feb, Ratham (car) festival is a peculiar, which attracts thousands of devotees from nearby places.

How to reach  Lepakshi Temple?

1. Temple is 220 Km away from Tirupati, which takes 5 hours by road. The direct bus is available from Tirupati to Hindupur.
2. 124 Km away from Anantapur. Direct bus to this place is available from Anantapur Bus station to Lepakshi.
3. The nearest place for accommodation is at Hindupur which is 14 km away.

 Lepakshi Accommodation

Lepakshi is a small village, not much facilities will be available here. One can stay at Hindupur which is 14 km from Lepakshi. Bus frequency is high from Hindupur to Lepakshi.

Lepakshi Temple Gallery

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Anjaneya Swamy Temple Singanamala Legends

It is said that the name Singanamala derived from the known sage, Rishi Shringa, who did penance here during Tretha Yuga. As time passes by it changed to Singanamala.

It is believed that Janamejaya , Son of Pariksheth and grandson of Arjuna did Yagna here for Vayudeva blessings.

The main deity in the temple was installed by Sri Vyasraju, who was the spiritual teacher (Raj Guru) or Sri Krishna Deva Raya during 1509 – 1530 AD. It is said that Sri Vyasaru installed 732 idols of Hanuman across India.

Sri Vyasaraju once had a dream, wherein his dream Lord Vayudeva instructed him to install Anjaneya Idol at this place. As directed by the Lord, this temple was built by the ardent devotee.

Pradosha pooja will be performed on all Saturdays during sunset.  Ashlesha Bali Pooja will be conducted here, advance booking is required to perform a pooja.

Temple Amenities

Two community halls are available with nominal charges, where marriages will be conducted.

How to reach Anjaneya Swamy Temple Singanamala?

1. Singanamala is 20 km from Anantapur. The direct bus is available to this place at regular intervals
2. From Tirupati Central bus station temple is 285 km away. Direct bus to Anantapur is available from Tirupati Central bus station.

Anjaneya Swamy Temple Singanamala

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Ranganatha Swamy Temple Bolikonda Legends

Ranganatha Swamy Temple is located on hilltop ‘Swetha Giri’  (Swetha means pure, Giri means hill). Here, Hill rocks appear to be in white colour so it came to know as Swetha Giri. Some say that White colour rock patches resemble like that of Bolli (In English Vitiligo disease) so locals started the calling hills by BolliKonda.

Legends go this way, Lord Maha Vishnu started relaxing on these hills for some time during his visit to the Earth. Knowing this, sages who were residing nearby the hills, approached and started praying the Lord. Lord Maha Vishnu impressed with their sincere prayers and stayed here on this hills as requested. It is said that, as time passes by the actual idol got disappeared, so locals installed Rangantha Swamy Idol at the same place and started offering prayers.

Temple History

During Vijayanagara times, this region was called by Pennabadi Seema. This temple was built and patronized by Pemmasani rulers. Lord here also called by Ranganayakulu. Car Festival will be celebrated in a grand during the months of Feb and march, which varies with Hindu Calendar.

How to reach Ranganatha Swamy Temple Bolikonda?

1. One should get down at Thondapadu village, which is on the highway from Tadipatri to Guthi. The direct bus is available from Tadipatri to Guthi. From Tadipatri, Thondapadu is 76 km away.
2. By train one can reach Guthi Railway Junction, and from Guthi to Thondapadu it is 21 km by road.
3. From Thondapadu village entrance, it is a kilometre trekking to the hilltop.

Ranganatha Swamy Temple Bolikonda

Reference Link: details

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Subramanya Swamy Temple Pampanuru History

It is believed that many great sages did penance at this place. During that time, they’re supposed to be seven temple tanks around this region, at present, it is only one temple tank available.

Sri Vyasaraju who was a spiritual teacher (Raja Guru) for Sri Krishna Deva Raya (1509 A.D  – 1530 A.D), installed Sri Subramanyeswara Swamy Idol here. Later, there is no much attention towards this temple. During 1980 – 90, this temple was renovated and started with daily poojas. In the year 2008, Sri Ganapathy Sachidhananda Swamy built the sub-temples for Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi within the temple complex.

Subramanya Swamy Temple Pampanuru Significance

One can find the whole of Siva’s family within the main deity.

Top of the Idol represents Simha Dwajam, Narasimha Roopam, Vishnu Thatvam, Sri Krishna Devaraya Dynasty seal.

The middle is of Siva Linga Shape, which represents Healthy life, Moksha Prapthi.

One can find Sri Chakram at the bottom, which represents Goddess Parvathi. Pooja Benefits from this Sri Chakram, Rahu Dosha Nivarana, Wealth, Husband’s long life.

7 headed Snake represents Subramanya Swamy. Pooja Benefits from this Saptha Sirasu, Naga Dosha Nivarana, Removes the blockages in the marriage and also removes the hurdles in children for married couples. Kuja Dosha Nivarana,

Curved lining represents, Sri Ganapathi. Pooja Benefits from this Varkathundam, Rules Ketu Graha, Progress in the business.

It is believed that by performing pooja to the main deity for 9 or 11  continuous Tuesday’s with 108 Pradakshinams, will be relieved from Naga Dosha, Rahu Ketu Dosha,  Kala Sarpa Dosha, Nava Graha Dosha, Kuja Dosha.

How to reach Subramanya Swamy Temple Pampanuru?

1. The direct bus is available from Anantapur to Pampanuru. Pampanuru is 20 km from Anantapur
2. The direct bus is available from Tirupati Central bus station to Anantapur at regular intervals.

Subramanya Swamy Temple Pampanuru

Reference Link: details

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Siddeshwara Temple Hemavathi History

This temple has four famous Siva shrines which were built and patronized by Pallavas during the 7th and 8th century. Hemavathi was the capital city of Noolamba Pallava dynasty, a small dynasty which heads 32,000 villages. This temple had a glorious time during the period of King Raja Mahendra of Noolamba dynasty. This Temple has both Pallava and Chola’s style of temple architecture.

About Noolamba Dynasty

Noolamba dynastical origin is associated with that of Pallavas, they were the governors to their kingdoms, is stated that they are related to Pallava’s families. Their earlier capital was Chitradurga, and the peak of their rule they shifted their capital to Henjeri (present-day Hemavathi). Ancient Nolambavandi consisted of Chitradurga, a part of Hassan, Tumkur, Bangalore, Bellary and Kolar (Karnataka), North Arcot, Dharmapuri and Coimbatore ( Tamil Nadu), Anantapur, Chittoor in A.P. Mangala Nomabathi Raja (735 – 785 A.D) was the originator of the Noolamba dynasty.

Temple Architecture

Noolamba artists beautifully sculptured the temple walls and pillars inside the mandap. Among the four Siddheswara, Virupaksheswara, Malleswara and Doddeswara Temples, the last one is famous for its six feet high Siva Linga. The walls are covered with the images sculptured and narrates the stories from the great epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Nandi at the temple entrance is made out of which is made out black granite and is 8 feet in length and 4 ft in height.

Siddeshwara Temple Hemavathi Festivals.

Rathotsavam will be held during the months of Feb or March, which depends on the Hindu Calendar months. Devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Karanataka used to participate in this festival.

How to reach Siddeshwara Temple Hemavathi?

1. Temple is 148 km from Anantapur.
2. The nearest railway station is at Hindupur which is 70 km from Hemavathi.

Siddeshwara Temple Hemavathi

Reference Link: details

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This temple has been declared as an ancient monument and is under the maintenance of Archaeology and Museums Department.

Surya Narayana Temple Budagavi History

One of the oldest temple for The Sun dating back to 13th Century at Uravakonda. This temple was built during the times of the Chaluka empire. The 5 feet Padmapani Idol of black granite holding lotus buds is flanked by Usha and Chaya. The Padma stands for wisdom, Usha and Chaya for eternity. As per Hindu traditions, Surya is considered as the only visible form of God that can be seen every day and is regarded as an aspect of Siva and Vishnu by Shaivites and Vaishanvites respectively.

Surya is also known as Surya Narayana. Surya, the sun god is also acknowledged as one of the eight forms of Lord Siva (Astamurthi). Surya is the God of light as per Vedic texts. Surya is the literal source of life.

Temple Festivals

Rathasapthami will be celebrated in a grand, where Ksheerabhishekam will be performed to the main deity.

How to reach Surya Narayana Temple Budagavi?

1. Temple is 55 km from Anantapur Town. The direct bus is available at regular intervals.
2. 5 km from Uravakonda.
3. The nearest railway junction is at Guntakal, which is at 39 km from the temple.
4. Temple is 330 km from Tirupati. The direct train is available from Tirupati Central Railway station to Guntakal.

Surya Narayana Temple Budagavi

Reference Link: details

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Madhavaraya Temple Gorantla History

Temple was built during by King Narasimha Saluva dynasty of the Vijayanagara empire in 1354 A.D.

Temple Architecture

There is a maha mandap with magnificent huge Yaalis pillars in totally different style and the mandap pillars are carved with Maha Vishnu’s Dasa Avatharam and other deities too. The shrine has an Ardha mandapam with pillar and ceilings with carvings, is enclosed within the walls. The Garbha Griha has a small image of Lord Madavaraya. The main attraction of this temple is the Maha Mandapam with interesting scenes from Ramayana on the pillars. Large stepped well in front of the temple is another interesting place within the compound.

How to reach Madhavaraya Temple Gorantla?

1.  Gorantla is 92 km from Anantapur Town. The direct bus is available form Anantapur Bus station.
2. Temple is 210 km from Tirupati. Direct bus to Anantapur is available from Tirupati.
3. Temple 49 km from Kadiri Town.
4. The nearest Railway station is at Kadiri, which is 3 hours 39 mins journey by Train from Tirupati.

Madhavaraya Temple Gorantla

Reference Link: details

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