Beechupally Anjaneya Temple: A Heritage Hub on the Krishna River
- Village:
Beechupally, Itikyal Mandal
- District:
Jogulamba Gadwal, Telangana
- River Proximity:
Just 200 meters from the Krishna River; nearby islands include Gurram
Gadda and Nizam Konda
Main Deities and
Subshrines
- Presiding Deity:
Sri Sri Sri Abhaya Anjaneya Swamy (Lord Hanuman)
- Subshrines:
- Lord Shiva Lingam
shrine near the river; during monsoon, river waters touch the sanctum
- Lord Sri Rama Temple,
constructed in 1992
- Pushkara Ghats
for ritual bathing during Krishna Pushkaralu (once every 12 years)
Temple Significance
- Spiritual Belief:
Devotees believe darshan of Anjaneya Swamy here helps overcome life’s
difficulties
- Mythological Resonance:
The temple is steeped in Hanuman bhakti and is a spiritual anchor for
pilgrims en route to southern and central Telangana
- Seasonal Impact:
Monsoon floods dramatically alter the temple’s landscape, especially
around the Shiva Lingam shrine
- Pilgrimage Hub:
The temple becomes a major center during Pushkaralu, attracting
thousands for river rituals
History
- Estimated Origin:
12th century CE, during the Chalukya dynasty period
- Evolution:
- Originally a standalone Hanuman
shrine about 200 meters from the Krishna River
- Later additions include a Shiva
Lingam temple near the river and a Sri Rama temple built in 1992
- The temple complex expanded with Pushkara
ghats for ritual bathing during Krishna Pushkaralu
Architecture
- Layout:
- Anjaneya Swamy Temple:
Central shrine with traditional South Indian gopuram and mandapa
- Shiva Lingam Temple:
Minimalist riverside structure, often submerged during floods
- Sri Rama Temple:
Modern construction (1992), with clean lines and devotional murals
- Materials:
Primarily granite and river stone, with laterite used in newer additions
- Pushkara Ghats:
Broad, stepped bathing platforms built for mass pilgrim access during
Pushkaralu festivals
Rituals
- Daily Pujas:
Performed to Sri Abhaya Anjaneya Swamy, with offerings of betel
leaves, bananas, and vadas
- Shiva Lingam Worship:
Special abhishekam during Karthika Masam and Shivaratri,
especially when river waters touch the sanctum
- Sri Rama Temple Rituals:
Include Rama Navami celebrations and regular archana
- Funeral Rites:
The Krishna riverbank near the temple is a designated site for Hindu
obsequies, including Pinda Daan and Asthi Visarjan
Festivals
- Krishna Pushkaralu
(once every 12 years):
- Massive ritual bathing at Pushkara
Ghats
- Temporary shelters and food stalls
for pilgrims
- Cultural programs and devotional
music
- Hanuman Jayanti:
- Celebrated with special alankaram,
bhajans, and prasadam distribution
- Devotees perform 108 pradakshinas
and offer vada mala
- Karthika Masam:
- Shiva Lingam shrine sees increased
footfall for deepa daanam and riverbank pujas
- Rama Navami:
- Celebrated at the Sri Rama temple
with Sita Rama Kalyanam
Beliefs
- Sankat Mochan:
Devotees believe Lord Hanuman here is Sankat Mochan, the remover of
obstacles and fears
- Living God:
Hanuman is considered Chiranjeevi (immortal), and prayers here are
believed to yield swift blessings
- River Blessings:
The Krishna River’s proximity is seen as purifying; devotees believe
bathing here washes away sins
- Pilgrimage Fulfillment:
Many visit Beechupally as part of a Hanuman circuit or en route to Srisailam,
believing it completes their spiritual journey
Temple Hours
- Opening Time:
6:00 AM
- Closing Time:
8:30 PM
- Peak Days:
Tuesdays, Sundays, and festival periods like Hanuman
Jayanti and Pushkaralu
- Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for peaceful darshan and river rituals
Getting Here
- By Road:
Located on NH-44 (formerly NH-7), well-connected to Hyderabad
(approx. 180 km) and Kurnool
- By Bus:
TSRTC buses stop at Beechupally junction; autos available to reach
temple
- By Train:
Nearest station is Gadwal Railway Station (~15 km); local transport
available
- By Air:
Closest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
(~180 km)
Tips
- Monsoon Alert:
Shiva Lingam shrine may be submerged during floods; check river levels
before visiting
- Funeral Rites:
If visiting for Asthi Visarjan or Pinda Daan, carry
essentials and consult local priests
- Photography:
Allowed in outer areas; avoid flash near sanctum
- Nearby Attractions: Visit Gurram Gadda and Nizam Konda islands for scenic views and spiritual ambiance
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