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Korukonda
- Satwika Narasimhaswamy Aalayam
The renowned Chalukya capital Rajamahendravaram abounds in many historical vestiges, perpetuating its former political
eminence and spiritual glory. The ancient temples scattered across a vast region reflect the royal patronage they enjoyed
and the theistic culture they nurtured. They are built for the gods of. major sects of Hinduism, like Venugopalaswamy,
Markandeyaswamy etc. And they are built in and around the Rajamundry town and are luring. the devout theists perpetually.
Among the Vaishnavate Aalayams, the Satwika Narasimhaswamy Aalayam built atop the hill called Korukonda deserves
mention. Here there are two temples dedicated to Narasimhaswamy - one on the top, and the other at the foot of the hill.
This hill temple is provided with a flight of stairs numbering 600 steps. The ascent though ardeous, the devotees reach the
sannidhi enjoying the grand spectacles of the gorgeous beauty of Nature surrounding it. The temple with its sculptural
marvels relieves their fatigue as soon as they sight the dwajasthambha. The panelled walls with their legendary stories
transport them to the bygone past and gratify their theistic instincts infinitely. The Mulavirat is a big sized granite icon
well-chiselled and grandly maintained. Availing the darsan, the devotees visit beautiful mini shrines built for Alwars.
In the temple down below, there is a tall pillar called Ramakratu sthambha that attracts them with its sanctity. There are
temples for Anjaneya and Padmanabhaswamy here, equally luring the devotees.
This was called Parasargiri and went by the name of Jalavanadurgam during the Chalukya time and Korukonda
Panchalapuram in the Kakatiya period. These temples were abundantly endowed by the ruling princes from time to time.
later Muslim rulers destroyed them ruthlessly. It was only Prataparudra who renovated and made additions to it, besides
endowments in several forms. The car festival falling in Phalguna mass is the star attraction and is celebrated for 5 days
with unusual spiritual ardour.
It lies 20 km off Mamundry, commanding four wheelers always.
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