Beechupally Anjaneya Temple: A Heritage Hub on the Krishna River

 

 Location

  • 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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