Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/hn1_sUEXbjg
References: https://suryapet.telangana.gov.in/tourist-place/sri-sri-sri-undrugonda-laxmi-narasimha-swami-devasthanam/
https://undrugonda.wordpress.com/
https://undrugondaonline.com/temples/
Location: “Undrugonda narasimha swamy temple, 4M3X+54R,
Undrugonda, Telangana 508213”
Undrugonda is known as “Devathala
Konda” (gods’ hill), is situated in Vallabhapuram
village of Chivvemla mandal, Nalgonda dist,
Telangana state, India. It is located 12 kilometers from the
town of suryapet & 3 kilometers from national highway 65. It is an
ancient Giridurgam (hill forte) constructed initially by
Vishnukundinulu in 5th century A.D and later developed by various dynasties
up to now. It is a magnificent archaeological and spiritual
pilgrimage center hosting different temples of which Sri Undrugonda Laxmi
Narasimha Swamy is best worshiped & adored by local public. Many
fortifications, hillocks, valleys, lakes and greenery of the forest also make a
very beautiful eco-tourist destination. The whole hillock appears like
“Sayana Narasimhaswami” (sleeping Narasimha Swami). Local philanthropic
organizations have been trying to revive the name and fame of Undrugonda since
2002. One “Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy temple” is unique with its depiction of
Gajendra Moksham in Bhagavatam. The “Koneru” (pond) in front of the temple
contains the rock structure of a large crocodile with its hacked neck, believed
to be done by Lord Vishnu with his Sudarsanam when protecting Gajendra”, who
ultimately attained moksha. We can also see Lord Vishnu in Kurmavatara, giving
assurance to the remaining crocodiles who prayed (Saranu Vedinai). Sankham and
Chakram appeared separately, and Lord Vishnu’s idol is alone with Sri Laxmi
coming later. We have to see and feel the Gajendra Moksha Drushyam personally,
and no words can explain this site.
Laxmi Narasimha Swami Swayambhu
idol is considered to be existing since 6000 years back by the archaeologists.
Since then, tribals used to worship the idol, and Rechera Padmanayakulu
developed the temple in the 9th and 10th centuries.
Other temples: 5 Vaishnava temples
and 7 Saiva temples are built and developed by different kings from Ikshvakulu
to Kakatiyas. Rama Swamy Devatha temple ruined by local vagabonds for treasure,
and a large Siva temple on the hilltop with 24 pillars with sculptural beauty
have to be protected. Now 18 Hanuman Vigraham, and 16 Kala
Bhairava Vigraham on all sides of the hillfort (considered to be
protecting the kingdom) still exist.
Adi Seshu, Naga Devatha, Ganga
devata, Surya Bhagavan temple, Vinayaka Vigraham, and different grama devata
temples exist there. Many medicinal plants grown by different kings,
medicinal/ayurvedic preparatory centers, are developed at “Mandula Kuttilu.”
District authorities surveying for medicinal plants identified 28 types of
medicinal herbs for diabetes, cardiac diseases, and natural mosquito
repellents. Plenty of places of meditation for ancient saints (“Rishula
Guhalu”) exist there. With all these spiritual and meditation points,
undrugonda is a magnificent spiritual center. Giri Pradikshana, like in
Arunachalam, can be arranged here with idol/temple/sculpture at every stage of
Pradakshina. Many Hindu organizations, such as Hindu Devalaya
Pratishtana Peetham, headed by Pujya Sri Kamalananda Bharathi Swamy, establish
their meditation centers at Undrugonda. Muslim kings also constructed a Dargah
(mosque) at Undrugonda, which has to be further developed. Recently, Christian
associations have also tried to develop a Christian religious center at
Undrugonda. All these facts make Undrugonda a symbol of religious harmony. All
the eight hills with valleys, hilltops, water lakes, fortifications, and temples
make Undrugonda a scenic archaeological and spiritual center. People from
different walks of life are visiting Undrugonda for relaxation.
Different existing small small
remains of structures here and there on way to the temple, validates the work
and presence of different dynasties and kings as mentioned above.
The visit to the temple inside the
cave gives an amazing experience providing a feel of a place ideal for Dhyana
(Meditation) and Yoga. Then surroundings of the hill in the forest along with
the lovely pond in front of the temple provides a spiritual feeling where one
can spend an entire day with peace and calmness.
How to reach:
By Road: From Suryapet to
Undrugonda 10 kilometres. From here, you can hire private Auto, Bus, cab or
taxi to reach at Vundrugonda.
By Rail: Train Route connect
through Nalgonda, Khammam ,Vijayawada
By Air: Hyderabad airport is the
nearest airport around 160 KMs from the location
Parking and Photography:
Parking is not an issue, there is
ample space all around
Photography is fully allowed.
Drones can be used easily.
Timings:
The temple is open 7 days a week
till 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM, but there is a break in the afternoon when the temple
remains closed.