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Lingala
- Kodandarama Aalayam
This ancient temple has a long queer history
that wrings veneration even from the British
officer, who volunteered to appoint right
personnel for the conduct of regular prayer
services. According to local version, there were
here five most worshipful lingas in the dim past.
So it was called Lingala. In the early part of
twelfth century, a feudal lord named Thanda
under the Chola king had built three imposing
temples - one for Vaishnavate, second for
Sun-god and the last for Saivate god - Siva, in
addition ,to the Kodanda Ramaalaya on the hill.
Though this east facing temple is of modest
dimensions, it has all the essential parts, but
with a difference. The pretty vimana looks like a
pyramid, if viewed from the rear. It is quite
enchanting and detains the viewers with its
sculpture and novelty. The Lords of Chintakunta
family endowed the temple with Utsavamurtis
etc.
Its sanctity and spiritual glory infinitely moved a
British officer by name Hyankin holding the
office of Inspector General, under the Nizam
ruler that he heightened the spiritual eminence
of the kshetra by appointing right person for the
office of Archaka, and supervised the
administration of the temple with unusual
religious fervor. He granted special privileges to
the priest and helped him conducting annual
festivals, like Brahmotsav and Pithotsav, in
addition to agamic puja everyday. The impact of
his interference stimulated the slumbering
spiritual instincts of the locals, and so there was
resurgence of religious activities. In addition, the
archamurti being over compassionate in
granting boons, there was a hectic activity
throughout the year. Later some devotees
added some more idols to the temple to
enhance the sanctity of the temple. The
Brahmotsav celebrated in the Chitramasa lures
large crowds.
It lies in Achampet taluq and the headquarters
of a Mandalam of Palamur district of A.P. So
four wheelers are available for transport:
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