Code

District

AD

Adilabad

AN

Anantapur

CH

Chittoor

EG

East Godavari

GU

Guntur

HY

Hyderabad

CU

Kadapa

KA

Karimnagar

KH

Khammam

KR

Krishna

KU

Kurnool

MA

Mahbubnagar

ME

Medak

NA

Nalgonda

NE

Nellore

NI

Nizamabad

PR

Prakasam

RA

Rangareddy

SR

Srikakulam

VS

Vishakhapatnam

VZ

Vizianagaram

WA

Warangal

WG

West Godavari

Origin of the name :- Chittoor is combination of two Tamil words Chit[ small]+oor [ town] (+==) which means Small Town in Tamil language. In ancient days, Chittoor was part of Tamil country of Thondai Nadu. Also said that the word Chittoor comes from Chittadavula Ooru (Dense Forest - in Telugu). History Chittoor District was formed on 1 April 1911, taking Chittoor, Palamaneru, Chandragiri from the then North Arcot District of Tamil Nadu and Madanapalli, Vayalpadu from Cuddapah and Punganur, Sri Kalahasti, Karvetinagar from Zamindari provinces to form united Chittoor district. Geography Chittoor is a part of Rayalaseema. The district occupies an area of 15,359 square kilometres (5,930 sq mi), comparatively equivalent to Svalbard's Nordaustlandet. The district is bounded by Anantapur District to the northwest, Cuddapah District to the north, Nellore District to the northeast, Krishnagiri District, Vellore District and Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu state to the south, and Kolar District of Karnataka state to the west

There are 66 Mandals in Chittoor district Peddamandyam Thamballapalle Mulakalacheruvu Peddathippasamudram B.Kothakota Kurabalakota Gurramkonda Kalakada Kambhamvaripalle Yerravaripalem Tirupati Urban Renigunta Yerpedu Srikalahasti Thottambedu Buchinaidu khandriga Varadaiahpalem Satyavedu Nagalapuram Pitchatur Vijayapuram Nindra K V B Puram Narayanavanam Vadamalapeta Tirupati Rural Ramachandrapuram Chandragiri Chinnagottigallu Rompicherla Pileru Kalikiri Vayalpadu Nimmanapalle Madanapalle Ramasamudram Punganur Chowdepalle Somala Sodam Pulicherla Pakala Vedurukuppam Puttur

Nagari Karvetinagar Srirangarajapuram Palasamudram Gangadhara nellore Penumuru Puthalapattu Irala Thavanampalle Chittoor Gudipala Yadamari Bangarupalem Palamaner Gangavaram Peddapanjani Baireddipalle Venkatagirikota Ramakuppam Santhipuram Gudupalle Kuppam

To know details of villages in Chitoor http://w ikiedit.or g/India/ Chittoor /-95/

Sri Swayambu Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple Kanipakam

"Kani" means wetland and "Pakam" means flow of water into wetland. It was constructed in the early 11th century CE by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola I and was expanded further in 1336 by the Emperors of Vijayanagara dynasty. Local legends claim that the idol of Ganesha continuously grows in size. According to the temple legend there were three brothers, each with a handicap: one was mute, one was deaf and one was blind. They earned their livelihood by cultivating a small piece of land. They used channels to irrigate their fields, and as one of them guided the water, the other two drew water. On one such occasion they found that the water in the well dried up and they could no longer continue their work. One of them got into the well and excavated it. He was taken aback when his shovel struck a stonelike formation. He was shocked to see blood oozing out from it. Within a few seconds the clear well water turned blood red. This divine sight cured the three brothers on the spot. As soon as the villagers discovered this miracle, they thronged to the well and tried to deepen the well further but were thwarted when the swayambhu idol (the self-manifested) of Lord Vinayaka emerged from the swirling waters. contd.

Kanipakam Lord Ganesha Temple In Chittoor contd....

Ultimately they offered many coconuts with prayers before the new idol. The coconuts' water covered than one and a quarter acres. This incident led to the modification of the usage of the Tamil word Kaniparakam into Kanipakam. Even today the idol is in the original well and the springs of the well are perennial. During the rainy season, the holy water overflows from the well even today. Another striking and strange feature of the idol is that it is growing in size. At present, we can see the knees and the abdomen of the idol. The old and present Kavachams are on public display in the temple and the temple is planning an expansion. The holy water from the well is offered to the devotees as theertham.

Bahuda river originates in "Goniyabosa" hills in Orissa and running through Bhagalatti , Kalingadal , a distance about 38 km and entering the Andhrapradesh at Boddabada village of Icchaapuram Mandal . It is running about 16 km in icchapuram and merging in bay-of-bengal at Donkur of Icchaapuram mandalam . The legend behind Bahuda River Long ago there lived two brothers Sankha and Likhita. They were on a pilgrimage to Kanipakam. As the journey was tiring, the younger brother Likhita felt hungry. Disregarding the advice of the elder brother he plucked a mango from the mango grove. Sankha felt bad and reported this to the ruler of that area and pleaded for punishment for the sin committed during the pilgrimage. Thus Likhita was punished severely being deprived of both arms. Later, they bathed in the river near Kanipakam temple. Lo Behold! The chopped arms were restored to Likhita as soon as he had a dip in the sacred waters of the river. These incidents lead the ruler to rename the river as Bahuda-(Bahu means human arm). Thus the river beside Kanipakam temple is now known as 'Bahuda River'.

SRIKALAHASTI is one of the panchabhoota sthalam - representing five basic elements. This is the Vayu Sthalam among the Pancha Bootha Sthalamsrepresenting Air. The others are Tiruvannamalai (Thejo sthalam - Fire) Kanchipuram (Prithvi sthalam - Earth) Tiruvanaikaval (Appu sthalam Water) Chidambaram (Akasa sthalam Space).

SRIKALAHASTI-The name of the place comes from three animals, Sri (spider), Kala (snake) and Hasti (elephant) who worshipped Shiva and gained salvation here. A statue that shows all three animals is situated in the main shrine. Lord Shiva disguised as Vayu (Air) observed that The Spider (SRI), Cobra (KALA) and Elephant (HASTI) worshipped Him very devotedly. So Lord Shiva made them to relieve from the curse and attain salvation, hence this place is called Srikalahasti.

SRIKALAHASTI

Srikalahasti (Telugu: , Tamil: ), is a holy town and a municipality near Tirupati in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. The Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana and Linga Purnas have a mention about Srikalahasti. The Skanda Purana says that Arjuna visited this place, worshipped Kalahastiswara and met the sage Bharadwaja on the top of the hill. It is believed that Kannappa (also known as Bhakta Kannappa), a tribal devotee has worshipped Siva at Srikalahasti. saints Nayanars like Appar, Sundarar and Sambanthar praised the deity in their hymns tevaram.

SRIKALAHASTI temple was originally built during Pallava period and current structures are built by Chola Tamil King Kulothunga Cholan I,II and III during 11th century. In 12th Century A.D., King Veeranarasimha Yadavaraya built the present Prakaras, and the four Gopurams connecting the four entrances.

A huge hundred pillared mantapam was built by Krishnadevarayar during 16th century which is another important feature of this shrine. In 1529 A.D., King Achutaraya of the Vijayanagara empire got his coronation performed here, before he celebrated in his capital City. The Natukottai Chettiars of Devakottai gave the final shape to the temple in 1912 by donating a lot .

SriKalaHastis is swanamukhiriver , its specialty is that got its name from a belief that gold was found in its stream. Swarna means gold and Swarnamukhi means gold faced in Sanskrit. The uniqueness of this part of the river is that it flows South-North direction. This is a rare occurrence. All rivers flow in the general direction of North South... at least in India. It's a Hindu belief that this spot frees one from some kind of sin.

SRIKALAHASTI -Sri Adi Sankara visited this Kshetra and praised the bhakti of Kannappa in his Sivanandalahari. The historical reference to this temple occur in the works of Nakkeerar, a Tamil poet in 3rd Century BC during the Tamil Sangam Dynasty. He called it as Southern Kailash. Nakkeera composed hundred stanzas to praise Srikalahasteeswara. Dhoorjati a Telugu poet native of this place and one among the ashtadiggajas of Sri Krishnadevarayas court composed hundred stanzas on Sri Kalahasteeswara.

Sri Padmavathi Sametha Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple

At one time Narayanavaram was the Capital of the Karvetinagar Suryavamsa Raja's. It is considered a holy city because of the presence of Sri Padmavathi Sametha Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple(Now maintained by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati). Local legend states it is the place where lord Venkateswara swamy married goddess Padmavati. King Akasaraju had a son and daughter. The daughters name was Sri Padmavati, who fell in love with Lord Venkateswara Swamy and was married to him. Since the Marriage was done in Narayanavaram, Padmavathis brother build two Temples; one is here, another in Tirumala to commemorate this occasion.

This is the temple where in we can see both Venkateswara Swamy along with Padmavathi Devi in one temple complex.

Sri Veda Narayanaswami Temple Nagalapuram

Sri Veda Narayanaswami Temple is located in Nagalapuram, 70 km south-east of Tirupati.It is believed that Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, in the form of Matsya, killed the rakshasa (demon) Somakudu here, and retrieved the Vedas from the latter.The sanctum sanctorium houses an image of the Matsya form of Vishnu, with Sridevi and Bhudevi on either side. A peculiar feature of the idol is that it holds the Sudarsana Chakra in prayoga (ready for release).The temple was constructed by Sri Krishnadeva Raya, the Vijayanagara emperor, and is a fine specimen of the Vijayanagara style of architecture.The sub-temples within the main temple are:Sri Vedavalli Tayaru,Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple,Sri Veeranjaneya Swami temple,Sri Bhakta Anjaneya Swami temple,Sri Sita Lakshmana Sameta Ramulavari temple.The most important annual festivals in this temple are Brahmotsavam, and Surya Puja along with the Float festival, conducted on the 12th, 13th and 14th days of the month of Phalguna. During these three days, the sun's rays fall on the main deity between 1800 hrs and 1815 hrs. On the first day, they fall on the feet, on the second - on the chest and on the third - on the forehead, depicting worship by Sri Surya Bhagavan (the Sun God) himself

VALMIKIPURAM OR Vayalpadu Sri Pattabhi Ramalayam

VALMIKIPURAM OR Vayalpadu Sri Pattabhi Ramalayam by Lord Jambavantha in Treta Yuga for its uniqueness in India. SITADEVI is sitting right to sri Rama. Rama has Sword in his hand so, here Lord Rama is known as ' Pratapa Rama '. Saint Annamacharya has written at least 32 keerthans on this Pattabhi Rama. It has the history of around 500 years or more, it is believed to be developed in Sri Krishna Deva Raya's period and Mula virat vimanam in Chola's Period. The temple was adopted to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams(TTD) in 1997 and is being developed by them in time.

Vayalpadu or Valmikipuram Veerana Kona hill

There is a hill "Veeranna Konda" in the town. There is an ancient temple on it, 'Veerabhadra' idol is resided in the temple. It is said that Sage[disambiguation needed] Valmiki sat on this hill while writing Ramayanam. In fact when you view the hill from a particular area near the highway and railway station, you find some 'Rocks on the hill' and its shadow on ground appearing as if a Valmiki Rishi is sitting cross legged in meditation

Tarigonda Vengamamba

Tarigonda Vengamamba, the 18th century saintpoetess, unlike Annamacharya was a varied composer, not just keertanas but writings in different literary genre including a treatise on the essence of Ashtanga Yoga.

Her Gopi Natakam is a treatise on spiritualism

narrated in the simplest of tones. It forms into episodes dealing with the soul's journey through life and beyond death. There is also a graphical description of the womb, and the gestation cycle, the birth (Viniki ghattam) and the issue of life after death (Yagnapattu), and finally the annihilation of ego (Tripurasamhara) to realize ultimate truth. All this is placed in conversation format between a milkmaid and a Brahmin. Why did the poetess choose a milkmaid (gollabhama) to challenge the Brahmin, one may ponder?The dairy community is a symbolic interface between the Vedic class and the others in the social hierarchy from time immemorial. Freedom of expression is a milkman/maid's forte. The milkmaid is the symbol of illusory world: she can transform milk (ultimate truth) into curd, butter, ghee (unreal real). Courtesy http://www.thehindu.com/todayspaper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/poeticphilosophy/article2323141.ece

Karvetinagaram

Since the capital was built by cutting down a forest, this place came to be known as Kadu vetti Nagaram (kadu means forest and vetti means cutting down; in Tamil). Over the years, the name has been corrupted to Karvetinagaram. Karvetinagaram Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple is one of the major temples near Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple. Karvetinagaram is situated near Puttur at a distance of 48 km from Tirupati. The main deity of the temple is Sri Venugopala Swamy and his consorts Sri Rukmini Ammavaru and Sri Satyabhama Ammavaru.

Sarangapani , a great composer of padams. As pada karta, deserves praise and recognition like Kshetrayya, whose name has come to be synonymous with padams. Sarngapani belonged to the 17th century and lived in Karvetinagaram in Chittoor district. He was the Vidyadhikari (Minister of Education), in the court of Makaraju Venkata Perumal Raju, who ruled Karvetinagaram.Sarangapani was proficient in Sanskrit as well as Telugu. He had the authority to issue Raja Sasanams (Royal orders). Venugopala Mudra All his compositions bear the Venugopala Mudra, his Ishta Daivam of Karvetinagaram, though some have come to be attributed by Kshetrayya inadvertently by substitution of the term Moova Gopala for Venugopala Nearly 200 padams of this composer- of which `mogudochi (SahanaChapu) is the best known-are available in ancient fibrous paper. A study of these reveals that these padams can be divided into 4 categories: 1) Sringara padams 2) 2) Desiya padams 3) 3) Janapada padams, and 4) 4) Vairagya padams- courtesty Dr. Chittibabu , great veena artist and this was originally published in the Hindu on September 27, 1970.

Horsley Hills or Enugu Mallamma Konda

Horsley, previously known as Enugu Mallamma Konda, situated at an altitude of 1265 meters, is the only hilly health resort in Andhra which is located on Purbaghat hills. The wonderful natural backdrop of the hillock is concealed in the dimness of soaring palash, piyal, segun, deodar, eucalyptus, gulmahar and mango trees. The temperate weather of Horsley entices many. Cool breeze around in summers creates a sensation. Enjoy the panoramic sunset in the salubrious climate standing on top of the view point. The nearby Nature Study Centre has atypical collections of natural resources, astonishing assortments of orchids and a rich library. The old eucalyptus tree (35 meters tall and 43 meters wide) of Horsley fascinates tourists as well.

Horsley Hills or Enugu Mallamma Konda

Innumerable indigenous and itinerant birds sing in concert in the enamoring valley. Cronba, Golla, Chenchu and many more tribes are the natural dwellers of the traditional Horsley hills. Nature has to offer endless joy to the nature lovers. Besides the naturalness of the Horsley hills, nature lovers should also take the pleasure in the charming Sri Venkateshwar National Park (138 km), mesmerizing Koundina Wildlife sanctuary (87 km) and hypnotic Talkonda Biosphere Reserve (114 km).

Dont forget to visit Madanapalli, located at an elevation of 746 meters. The place offers a fascinating natural locale in the middle of much needed serenity. Hrishi valley school amidst the majestic nature is quite popular in the proximity. The Durga or Baminidevi temple on the adjoining Baminikonda hills

Gurramkonda was one of the Hill-Fort of the Vijayanagara kingdom under King Sree Krishna Deva Raya. Origin of the name:-

Konda means Hill and Gurram means Horse.

There is also a tomb for Tippu Sultan's maternal uncle Maqbeera, similar to most Islamic tombs built in India. Local lore states that a large deposit of diamonds and precious rocks were spread by the king across the hill when the kingdom was attacked. Even now, locals believe treasure is hidden around the foot of the hill.

Papagni originate in Karnataka and flows through Chittoor to turn to Anantapur

Kaundinya River inside the kaundinya Sanctuary

Kaundinya is the only sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh with elephants in its expanse. Thirty-nine elephants migrated from the forests of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and moved to the forests of Andhra Pradesh. It was then, that Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary was established by the Indian government.
Today, it houses around 50 elephants and other animal species like Tigers, Pumas, Pea Fowls, Sloth Bears, Porcupine, Bison, Land Tortoise, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jungle Cat and Monitor Lizards, amongst others.

Swarnamukhi is born in Chandragiri Hills and flows through the valley between Chandragiri and Tirupathi and reaches Srikalahasti. From there it enters Nellore District and joins the sea of Siddavaram.

KALANGI RIVER IN SPATE. IT GETS HEAVILY FLOODED DURING RAINY SEASON OTHERWISE IT REMAINS DRY

Paleru river

Paleru

Reservoir

ARANI RIVER

Cheyyeru RIVER
NEW BRIDGE ON Cheyyeru RIVER

Tirupati is the world famous, and the temple town positioned in the Chittoor region of AP (Andhra Pradesh). The further name of such tourist spot is Tirumala, which is famous for the Sri Venkateshwara Temple. Tirupati temple is a very popular and richest temple of India. Here devotees admire the Lord Vishnu as Balaji. Tirumala town is located on hills so sightseers can take pleasure of the natural scenery of South India as well. The temple is positioned in the top hill of Tirumala. To reach the temple tourist have to cross the 7 peaks of Sapthagiri hills.

For details visit this site http://www.tirumala.org/site_contents.htm

This book has lot of interesting facts, details and photos. The author a part from a M.A and Ph.D., I.A.S and F.R.A.S(London), and was second secretary to the government of Andhra Pradesh (Revenue), and the Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Interesting piece in his preface :- I

have always believed that history is nothing but the evolution of a drama that is played out by society, and that the ideas and thoughts that permeate a society, in any particular period, supply the motivating forces for their action. Hence, in my view, we have to look for a history of thought to trace correctly a history of events, and deduce from a critical review of history of events, the evolution of a history of thought. In our country, such a preoccupation, would inevitably lead to a study of the impact on society, of religion, which has contributed towards major shifts in the history of human thought, and thereby helped to shape world history.

Tirumala temple in the Post Vijayanagara period, I found what I was looking for, but with a colossal surprise in store! This chapter describes the vandalism of temples by the cavalry of Sutan Abdulla Qutub Shah of Golconda, and the fear of vandalism of Tirupati itself. The author writes

It appears to have had the effect of setting the stanikas of the temple, thinking out ways and means of preserving the great shrine from the cupidity of these iconoclasts. It is to this period that we must attribute the invention of the story of the God having borrowed money from Kubera for his marriage with Padmavati and undertaking to pay interest to him, through the kings who hold sway over this part of the country and the levy of fees on devotees for the several darshanams, of the institution of a pilgrim tax, and charge of fess, in coin, of value equal to the presents offered to the God. This appears to have then resulted in an average annual income of two lakhs of rupees to the shrine. The worshippers, who were anxious to preserve the institution free from alien interference, gladly and liberally contributed towards the funds of the temple. The Sultans of Golconda and their successors, the Nabobs of the Carnatic, farmed out this revenue to Hindu renters, thus realising annually, a steady and certain income from it. They could not afford to forego such a fruitful source of revenue by interfering with the worship at the shrine. Thus was the temple saved by playing on the cupidity of the conquerors and the foundation for the great temple laid.The temple authorities seem to have put up a convincing story of the debt to Kubera, by actually preparing a bond relating to the transaction, which, the archakas say, is preserved even to this day. Whatever be the truth, the temple archakas of that period are entitled to the eternal gratitude of posterity, for this daring piece of diplomacy, which, while conciliating the cupidity of alien rulers, made it in their own interest to preserve the shrine from harm. from The Tirumala Temple, written by Dr.N.Ramesan.

Also read the following links and books The name Venkateshwara can be split into multiple parts in Sanskrit: Vem (Destroy), Kata (Sin), and Ishwara (Supreme Lord). 1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirumala_Venkateswara_Temple 2] The History of Shri Tirupati Balaji Venkateswara from the Puranas -- By Swami Gaurangapada

Srinivasa Mangapuram is 12km from tirupati. The deity here is the replica of the main diety Lord venkateswara in Tirumala. After marriage Lord visited Sage Agastya here. As requested by the sage the Lord stayed here for six months before proceeding for the tirumala hills. The Lord here is said to the varaprasaadi for all who has facing obstacles/delay in marriage. Also said that those who cannot climb the Tirumala

for Lords darshan could visit the sthala at the foot of Tirumala and they would get the same benefit. This festival is considered to be as important on par with the annual brahmotsavams. The temple administration of TTD has all set to celebrate this festival in a big way this year considering its significance.

Sri Padmavati Devi Alayam (Alamelu Mangapuram), located 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) south of Tirupati, is an important temple which is visited by every pilgrim who visits Tirupati. It is this temple that houses the spouses of the Lord, Sri Padmavathi Devi (Alamelu Mangamma) and Thayaru. According to the legends, the goddess Padmavathi was born in a tank called Pushakarini at this place. The temples of Sri Krishna Swamy and Sri Sundara Raja Swamy are also inside the complex

This temple is in Tirupati near to the railway station.Apart from Sri Govindaraja Swamy's ,The temple complex also houses the shrines of Andal Ammavaru,Sri Krishna ,Sri Ramanuja Thirumangai Alwar,Sri Vedanta Desika, Sri Lakshmi and Sri Manevala Mahamunlu.The Bramhotsavam of Govindaraja Swamy during the month of may-june( Vaisakha),attracts a large number of devotees every year Saint Ramanujacharya consecrated the temple in 1130 AD

Sri Kodanda Rama Swami Temple is also situated in Tirupati. This temple houses the shrines of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. The beautiful idols of this temple are famous

The Holy Temple of Kapila Theertham is the only temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the holy temple cities of Tirupati and Tirumala that abound with temples of the Vaishnavait Deity Vishnu.
This huge temple stands at the entrance to a mountain cave in one of the steep and vertical faces at the foot of the amazing hills of Tirumala, where the waters of the mountain stream falls as a huge waterfall. One of the holiest of Hindu saints, Saint Kapila Maharshi, was said to have lived here, worshipped, and meditated in this very cave before the idol of Lord Shiva and hence the name "Kapila theertham", the word "theertham" meaning a holy lake or holy pond that formed due to the waterfalls. Kapila Maharshi was a Vedic sage and an incarnation of Supreme Godhead Vishnu, credited as one of the founders of the Samkhya school of philosophy. He is prominent in the Bhagavata Purana, which features a theistic version of his Samkhya philosophy. Traditional Hindu sources describe him as a descendant of Manu, a grandson of Brahma. The Bhagavad Gita depicts Kapila as a yogi hermit with highly developed siddhis, or spiritual powers.

Nammalvar and Aanjaneya temples

Ardhagiri Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy Temple is located one and a half km. up of the hill in Aragonda village, Thavanampalle Mandal, Chittor District, Andhra Pradesh, 15 km away from Kanipakam. Though the kshetram is 300 years old During the battle Lakshmana, younger brother of Rama was battling with Ravana. He became unconscious when one of the arrows of Ravana hit him. So the Physician wanted a herb known as "Sanjeevani" to resurrect Lakshmana. Hanuman went to the Himalayas in no time. But he could not differentiate between the various herbs and plants available. So He just plucked the entire mountain and carried back to the place where Lakshmana was lying unconscious. During this journey, it is believed that a piece of rock from the mountain fell into the tank. Since a piece of mountain fell here it got its name of Ardhagiri or Arakonda. The striking feature of the moolavigraha (Main deity) is that it faces towards north, which is a rarity. The first says of the sun; fall on the feet of the Lord. Gradually the sunrays disappear after reaching the head of the lord. Ardhagiri (a famous Lord Anjaneya Swamy Temple) is near the village. Also, has temples viz., Shiva Temple, Sri Rama Temple, Chinna Gudi (Vinayaka Swamy, Subramanya Swamy, Ayyappa Swamy, Nava grahamulu, nelli chettu, naga devatha), satyamma, nagula raallu, church, masjid and more.

In Ardhagiri, it is believed that Sanjeevaraya Pushkarini (pond containing the holy water) never gets dried nor spoiled, even when kept for long periods of time. When devotees drink this theerham (or holy water) from the Sanjeevaraya Pushkarini, all types of diseases are getting cured.

It is believed that the tank never dries up and the water contains medicinal properties. The water when stored stays fresh for a long time. Its true. Its more than a month since I have brought the water from the tank and it is still fresh. usually water when kept in a container for more than three or four days does not stay fresh. This water when consumed is believed to cure all diseases even acute cases. This has been proved in the cases of Psoriasis, initial stages of TB, asthma, cancer & joint pains. The experiences of the patients who were cured have been recorded and they stand as testimony to it.
This water is most powerful medicine for our health. Water has the green color and sweet to taste. This water is generated from trees so it is a ayurvedic medicine

Yelleswaragutta - mysterious island is located on Krishna river, upstream to Nagarjuna sagar. It is situated very near to famous Nagarjunakonda. There is no fixed transport facility to reach this island. This island is actually a hill and there is one Siva temple on the top of the hill. The temple will be opened once in a year and during that period at least 5000 people visit that temple. The temple which is situated on the top of the hill is opened only for one week during Sivarathri. During that time boat facility will be there from Anupu for the convenience of the locals who visit the temple. Apart from that one week, island will be completely isolated and no one except some fishermen visit this island during rest of the year. One can reach this island only in summer, because of the water in Krishna river is low

Rock Garden at Orvakal In Chittoor These igneous rock formations, spread over approximately 1000 acres are located on the NH-18 highway road from Hyderabad to Chittoor, about 20 km from Kurnool city towards Tirupati. At this site, there is an APTDC run natural Rock Garden Restaurant to facilitate to highway tourists.

Silathoranam is a natural rock formation in the form of an arch, near the Chakra Tirtham. Silathoranam is a natural rock formation in the form of an arch, near the Chakra Tirtham. Geologists have identified the rocks on the hill as preCambrian, and this arch formation suggests an antiquity of several million years to the Tirumala hill. It is said that there are only two other natural rock arches of such great antiquity in the world

Kangundi Fort In Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh Kangundi is located at a distance of 16 kilometers from Kuppam on the Kuppam - Vijalapuram Road. It has a great historical significance since it features an 11th century ruined fort, beautiful temples of excellent artistic value, other structures of archeological importance, valleys, forests and the Palar River.

Koneti Rayala Swamy Temple also known as Venkateswara Temple) is a Hindu temple of Lord Venkateswara in the village of Keelapatla, Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple was constructed by the regents of Pallava kings in the ninth and tenth centuries.

Main Gopuram at Keelapatla Temple The idols of Lord Venkateshwara at Tirumala and at Keelapatla village are identical.

Dhurjati (or Dhoorjati) (c. 15th and 16th centuries, CE) was a Telugu poet in the court of the king Krishnadevaraya.He was born to Singamma and Narayana in Sri Kalahasti. His works are to the praise of the God Shiva. His famous works include Sri Kalahasteeshwara Mahatyam (The grace/miracles of lord Shiva) and Sri Kalahasteeshwara Satakam(100+ poems in the praise of lord Shiva).He was known as Pedda Dhurjati (Elder in Telugu) Dhurjati as there were four other people from the same family line who went by the name of Dhurjati during the same period and after him. His grandson Venkataraya Dhurjati wrote Indumati

Parinayam(marriage of Indumati), a story from Kalidasa's Raghuvamsam.

He is also credited with many chatuvus, stand alone extempore poems. Like other contemporaries during Prabandha period, he has taken themes from Puranas and added local stories and myths in his work. Unlike his contemporaries like Peddana and Mallana, who have chosen the stories of kings for their works, he choose devotion as the theme of his fiction. Krishnadevaraya has praised Dhurjati in the following way "Stutimati

yaina Andhrakavi Dhurjati palkulakelagalgeno yetulita madhuri mahima...." (How is Dhurjati's poetry so immeasurably beautiful

Goddess Gangamma is the incarnation of 'Shakti'. Located at Chowdepalli, Chittoor District, Near Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, this temple is dedicated to the sister of Lord Venkateswara. Centuries ago the tribals Boyas and Yelikas lived in the forest area around the hillock. They stood up and resented the repressive and automatic rule of the Nawabs. They retaliated against the Muslim soldiers and chased them. The Golconda Nawab rushed additional troops to crush the revolt. Boya tribals could not withstand the onslaught of the Muslim army and fled into the forest and prostrated near the hillock and prayed Almighty to save them. The spirit of the Goddess Shakti descended from the hillock, shielded the tribals and crushed the Nawab's army. Local people say that the Shakti has tied the heads of soldiers to banyan tree branches. In the event of victory Boyas built the Gangamma temple, which saved them against evil forces and became famous for centuries. There is a huge well below the temple, and the water is believed to cure many skin ailments. Local people believe that the Pushkarini water is very powerful, and sprinkling it in the field will yield good crop. Devotees can test whether their wishes will be fulfilled by placing a flower on the head of the deity. Locals believe that if the flower falls on the right side it is positive and negative if it falls on the left. Once a year the temple Navartri festival brings in lakhs of people from all over India, particularly the south.

Madanapalle is best known as the birthplace of the great philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurthi. It was here that Rabindranath Tagore translated the national anthem from Bengali into English

Tagore's hand written copy of the national anthem in English, which is preserved at the Besant Theosophical College library. Rabindranath Tagore's connection with Madanapalle is interesting. He penned India's national anthem in 1911 and recited it at the Calcutta (now Kolkata) session of the Indian National Congress on December 27. It was at Madanapalle, in February 1919, that it was set to the tune in which it is now sung. Margaret Cousins, wife of James H. Cousins, the then Principal of the Besant Theosophical College, attempted to compose the tune when Tagore came on a sojourn. A music teacher by profession, she tried a number of notations before arriving at the tune that won Tagore's approval. On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly adopted the song, in its Hindi version, as the national anthem

Madanapalle was ruled by Vijayanagara Palegars namely Basavanna and Madanna. In memory of their names, the two hills on the east of Madanapalle were named as Madanna Hill and Basavanna Hill which gradually transformed to Madinikonda and Basinikonda. Madanapalle is famous for agricultural products such as tomato, mango, groundnut, tamarind etc., Famous for silk and silk products like sarees and other casuals. The quality of silk product is recognisable. Madanapalle surroundings have enormous reserves of granite. People from different parts of state and country come here for buying pure silk sarees. Neerugattuvaripalle is a street in MADANAPALLE which is famous for silk shops.

Composer of Maa Telugu Talliki, state anthem for Andhra Pradesh

Sankarambadi Sundarachari (Telugu: ), was a Telugu writer and poet, born He was born near the Padmavathi temple in Tiruchanur Andhra Pradesh. In 1942, he has penned Maa Telugu Talliki, state anthem for Andhra Pradesh. The music for the lyrics were composed by Tanguturi Suryakumari and S. Balasaraswathi. It was also used in the film Deenabandhu' with Chittoor V. Nagaiah in the lead. He penned a different version of Ramayana by the name Sundara Ramayanam. Later on, he also wrote Sundara Bharatam, besides half-a-dozen other works. Unfortunately, none of his works are available for reprint, even with senior scholars, libraries or relatives .With this, posterity is denied the opportunity of studying his great works.He used to engage a renowned scholar of his time, Kapistalam Srirangachary in (friendly) literary duels and discuss politics with Madabhushi Ananthasayanam Ayyangar, formerLok Sabha speaker, both of whom resided in the same street. With his wife going mentally unstable, the poet started leading a wayward life towards the end of his life when he had to miss a lot of opportunities and recognition in life.

Kaigal falls called in Telugu as Dumukuralla Water Falls. because of its sound resembling the fall of stones from above.

There are several natural ponds below the falls. Its situation in a forest gives it and added advantage with natural unspoilt surroundings with plenty of exotic birds, shrubs, trees and wildlife.

The falls is formed by the Kaigal stream which is one of the two streams to flow in the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, the other being Koudinya stream.

Kaigal village is situated on the Kuppam Palamaner Highway. As you drive from Kuppam the village comes on the right site and the fall is about 2.5 kilometres from the village. There is a mud road leading to very close to the falls from where a short distance of walk will take you to the falls. Best season to visit is between June and October during the peak rain season. The falls is particularly popular picnic destination for people from surrounding areas. its very vast falls in AP. Weather: Kaigal valley enjoys good weather all through the year. Summer months do get hot sometimes. (April, May, June You can stay in the near by chittoor. If you are a bit adventurous and enjoy staying in the wild u can contact the Forest department and stay in the Forest guest house. Divisional Forest Officer (West), Chittoor, Phone : 08572-232458

Keelapatla

Palmaner

Palamaner, in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh is preferred for its Climate which varies between 12-28 degrees all round the year, even in Summer Season which is very pleasant. Hence Palamaner is called the 'Poorman's Ooty of Andhra Pradesh' and preferred Summer spot from the British times itself. Palmaner is located on the NH4.The East side of Palamaner has a Gantavoor village (famous for pottery works) and Anjaneya Swamy temple. Keelapatla is one of the most famous historical temples that is located 8 km towards the northeast of Palamaner. Konetiraya Swamy is the deity of the temple. The statue of Konetiraya Swamy was found from the pond (Koneru) near the temple. The famous Telugu poet Annamayya has also written poems praising this God as (Kondalalo nelakonna koneti Rayudu vadu). Varadaraja Swamy Temple - Kurmai is located 4 KMs from Palamaner, Varadaraja Swamy Temple is the most famous historical temple , this is built by Pallava Rajas with lifting big stones. Every year during the month of May , 10 days Jatara will be performed here, large number of people participates near by villages.The temple is maintained by the people of kurmai.This temple has a historical value. There is Lord Shiva's temple in the same village. The idol of Lord Shiva was found in the field 1n 1990's as it was buried by the historians due to some reasons. Hence the temple was built. This temple is visited by many people from different parts especially on Mondays.

Fondly known as Chittoor-ar in Carnatic music circles, was instrumental in starting the annual Tyagaraja Utsavam at Tirupati, where the title, Sapthagiri Sangeetha Vidwanmani was awarded to deserving musicians. Chittoor Subramanyam also composed a number of songs in Telugu. His famous compositions of Chittoor Subramanyam are as follows:"Madhura Nagarilo Challanamma Bovu..." Ragam: Ananda Bhairavi, Talam: Adi;"Mavallagadamma, Devi Yashoda..." Ragam: Mandu, Talam: Adi;"Kulamulona Golladana, Vayasulona...." Ragam: Hindu Bhairavi, Talam: Rupakam;"Amma Yasodha Nee Koduku Duduku..." Ragam: Mandu, Talam: Adi. Chittoor Subramanyam (Telugu: ) was born to Shri Perayya and Smt Mogilamma, on 22 June 1898 in a village near Punganur town in Palamaner Taluk, Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Shri Chittoor Subramanyam had his first lessons in carnatic music from his own father Perayya and mother Mogilamma and later became disciple of the legend Shri Kanjeevaram Nayana Pillai of Kancheepuram.[3] Under Nayana Pillai's tutelage, Subramanyam learnt and honed his musical genius by doing Gurukula seva to his Guru (teacher/master) for more than two decades. Right from the age of 5 years, Subramnayam started performing Harikathas (musical rendition of a mythology) and music performances. After his training under Shir Nayana Pillai, Chittoor Subramanyam, started his major performances from his 20th year.

Chittoor Subramanyam settled in Madras (now Chennai) and was giving innumerable concerts all over India. He was a leading carnatic vocalist for more than half a century. He had been the Head of Music Department, Annamalai University, connected with the music boards and committees of various Universities in South India, State and Central Governments. He was well known for his repertoire of Thyagaraja Keerthanas (compositions) and mastery of Laya (rhythm). He had his own style called 'Kancheepuram School'. He was popular in Swaraprasthanam and Kalapramanam, noted for singing very rare keerthanas of Thyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshitar and other legendary composers. Chittoor Subramanyam, as a person, his generosity knew no bounds. He never commercialised his great art. He imparted his musical genius seriously and wholeheartedly to his disciples in his Gurukulam. He believed that Bhasha Dwesham (language differentiation), Kula Dwesham (caste differentiation) or Matha Dwesham (religious differentiations) should not come in the way of teaching and learning divine music. Many of Shri Chittoor Subramanyam's disciples became well-known carnatic musicians. Noted among his disciples are Shri Madurai Somasundaram (deceased), Shri Bombay S Ramachandran, Shri Chittoor Ramachandran (deceased), Smt T T Seetha, Shri Tadepalli Lokanatha Sarma, his daughter, now an eminent musician Smt Revathy Ratnaswamy etc. A student of the great maestro Shri Nayana Pillai, a carnatic musical legend from Kancheevaram, Chittoor Subramanyam apart from being a great performing artist, was a great messenger of Carnatic music. His primary asset was his rich voice which has as much depth in it as width, lending to his music a great dimension profoundly marked with both scholarship and spiritualism. His forte was his command on laya and he proved himself an outstanding exponent in rendering Ragam, Thanam and Pallavi (an exquisite art, in the current generation, no one has been able to master it or perform). At a time when technology of recording was in an infant stage, the two Columbia Records[ he cut, containing his own compositions like 'Madhura nagarilo Challanamma bonu...',

He held prestigious faculty positions at:

Principal, The Annamalai University Music College, Chidambaram; Principal, Sri Venkatesware College of Music and Dance, Tirupathi; Professor of Music, The Central College of Music, Madras; Principal, The Raja's College of Music, Thiruvayar; Principal, The Ramanathan Music Academy, Jaffna, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka)
Chittoor Subramanyam was recipient of a number of prestigious titles. Some of them are given below:

"Sangeetha Kalanidhi", in 1954, by Music Academy, Madras (now Chennai) "Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar",in 1964 by Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama."Gana Kala Prapoorna", by A.P. Sangeetha Nataka Academy "Swara Chakravarthi", "Laya Brahma", "Isai Perarignar", by Tamil Isai Sangam, Madras (now Chennai) "Sapthagiri Sangeetha Vidwanmani", by Thyagarja Utsavam Committee, Tirupathi "Isai Mannar"

Cattamanchi Ramalinga Reddy (December 10, 1880 February 24, 1951), also popularly known as Sir C.R. Reddy, was an educationist and political thinker, essayist and economist, and poet and literary critic. He wrote his works in Telugu and English, which reveal his deep love and learning of classics as well as modernity of his outlook. Reddy was the foremost educationalist who played a major role in shaping the educational policy in India. He was also the recipient of Knighthood by the British crown in honour of his service to the country. He was the founder of Andhra University and also served as its Vice-Chancellor from 1926 to 1931 and in a further second term from 1936 to 1949. Reddy was born in Cattamanchi, a suburb of Chittoor K.R Srinivasa Iyengar, in his book "Essays and Addresses", describes Reddy as a great educationist, a first-class teacher, humanist, a bold thinker and a reformer. Reddy's lectures on `University reforms' delivered in Madras under the presidency of Dr S. Subramania Iyer, S. Srinivasa Iyengar and T. V. Seshagiri Iyer had set the tone for university reforms in India. His major works 1. Arthashastra 2.Vijnana Chandrika series

Chandragiri fort is situated in a small town called Chandragiri near world renowned pilgrim centre Tirupati. King Sri Krishna Devaraya, constructed this fort. He used it as his guest house