Markapuram - Channakesavaswamy Aalayam

This was originally called Markandeya kshetra, and later simply Mara for the sake of convenience. And from that is derived the present name Markapuram. This ancient temple has two prakaras and contain many pavilions for parivara devatas. In the first avardna there greet the eyes with a tall dwajasthambha, balipeetha and a beautiful mahamandap. Garuda mandap is situated just opposite the Mulavirat popularly known as Chathurbhuja Channakesavaswamy, holding sudarsan, conch, mace and seshachakra. It is here the images of Mara and Marika, and next to them the icon of Markandeya are seen. There is a separate mandir for Mother Mahalakshmi built to the left of the main mandir and possesses all the essential parts. like garbliagriha, antaiala etc. And the icon is in sitting posture and looks enticing due to the ace artistry of the sculptor. The walls too are adorned with fine sculptural images. The annual festival falling in the month of Chaitra lasts for ten days, when huge crowds visit and participate in several special prayer services.

It lies in the Markapuram, the taluq headquarters town of the same name of Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, commanding bus service run by APSRTC.

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