Can anyone recommend important temples and ashrams to visit in Andra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu ?

Question

I would be grateful for information that can't be found in tourist books, or just something you yourself consider to be special. Thank you!

Answer 1

Temples of Andhra Pradesh

[Temple List]

The State of Andhra Pradesh abounds in archeological remains and religious monuments. The Satavahanas of the 1st century AD left behind them many works of art, the remains of which are seen at Amaravati near Guntur. The Ikshvakus succeeded the Satavahanas and the monuments left behind by them were discovered at excavations at Nagarjunakonda.Some of the best known Budhist monuments of Andhra Pradesh such as the Mahastupa and some Hindu temples were found in these excavations.

The oldest temples in the State, Tirupati Venkateswara Temple and the Kalahasteeswara Temple date back to the pre Christian times. The Chalukyas of Badami (Karnataka) of about the 6th century built the Alampur Bhrama temples.These are excellent examples of Chalukyan art and sculpture. The Vengi Chalukyas ruled coastal Andhra Pradesh from the 7th to the 11th centuries.

The Badami Chalukyas of Deccan were succeeded by the Rashtrakutas and the later Chalukyas. The Kakatiyas who succeeded the later Chalukyas and ruled from Warangal (11th - 14th century AD) constructed several beautiful temples that show a profuse display of sculptural work.. The North Eastern region of Andhra Pradesh was under the rule of the Ganga Kings and the temples of this region show influences of the Orissa style of architecture.

The Vijayanagar Empire caused a number of monuments to be built and patronized in the State. Mention must be made of the Sree Sailam temple and the ornate Lepakshi temples. The flat stuccoed granite ceilings of the Vijayanagar Empire provided a suitable background for frescoes as seen at Lepakshi.

Thus, the temples that line the length and breadth of the State stand in silent acknowledgement of centuries of history and the patronage of various kingdoms such as the Cholas and Pallavas of Tamilnadu, the Chalukyas of Deccan , the Eastern Gangas and the Vijayanagar Kings. Some of these temples have been visited and sung by the Alwar (Vaishnavite) and the Nayanmar (Saivite) Saints of Tamilnadu.

temples in tn:
Tirukkazhunkunram Temple near Madras, Tamilnadu

Thousands of temples with lofty towers dot the skyline of the entire state of Tamilnadu. The Tamils have been the greatest of temple builders. Temples from the pre Christian era as well as those from the 20th century exist in this state, where the ancient rulers have made outstanding contributions to the growth of these monuments of great artistic value.

The most ancient temples were built of brick and mortar. Upto about 700 AD temples were scooped out of caves. The Pallava Kings (upto 900) were great builders of temples in stone. The Cholas (900-1250 AD) have a number of monuments to their credit. Mention must be made of the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjavur. The Cholas added many ornate mandpams or halls to temples and constructed large gopurams - towers. The Pandya Style (Upto 1350 AD) saw the emergence of huge towers, high wall enclosures and enormous towered gateways. The Vijayanagar Style (1350 - 1560 AD) is noted for the intricacy and beauty especially for the decorated monolithic pillars. The Naik style (1600 - 1750 AD) is noted for the addition of large prakarams (circumambulatory paths) and pillared halls.

The above is a rather terse description of the Dravidian temple styles found in Tamilnadu. The age of a temple could be determined from the architectural features exhibitied by it, as well as from references to it in ancient literature. The Sangam period literature of the pre Christian era refers to some temples. The songs of the revered Saivite Saints (Nayanmars) and the Vaishnavite Alwar Saints that date back to the period 7th to the 9th century AD provide ample references to the temples of those days, and these are a valued source of reference in estimating the age of temples. In addition, stone inscriptions found in most temples throw a lot of light on the history , and on the patronage extended by various rulers.

Answer 2

Be back.

I hope you can speak local language or will be escorted by some one who does.

You can always get by with English in any big city in India, but inner India is quite diverse and you do need to speak local language to get by.

Answer 3

Pai Pissasu puddikkum kavanam!












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Answer 4

AP- TIRUPATI,SRISAILAM,ANNAVARAM,SRIKAKULAM,YADAGIRIGUTTA,MANTRALAYAM,VIJAYAWADA,KALAHASTI AND MANY MORE.
TN-MADHURAI, CHENNAI,KANYAKUMARI AND MANY MORE.