Alampur Navabrahma Temples, Kurnool: History and respectful visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Alampur Navabrahma Temples

The Navabrahma temples are dated to the 7th and 8th centuries CE and attributed to the Badami Chalukyas. When the Srisailam hydroelectric project submerged the original area, the temples were moved to higher ground. The Kudavelly Sangameswara temple was moved here in 1979.

The Jogulamba temple is regarded as a Shakta pitha; accounts say an earlier temple was destroyed in 1390 and later rebuilt, though sources for those details are thin.

Useful facts

Alampur Navabrahma Temples facts at a glance

Location

Alampur, Telangana, on the Tungabhadra

Faith

Hindu (Shaiva and Shakta)

Deity/dedication

Shiva; Jogulamba Devi at the pitha

Visitor note

Remove footwear; dress modestly; museum at the entrance

Built

7th–8th century CE, Badami Chalukya (Navabrahma)

Why it matters

Why Alampur Navabrahma Temples is worth your time

Alampur is one of the earliest and most important temple sites of the western Deccan, and the Navabrahma group is a key reference for how northern temple forms spread south under the Badami Chalukyas. It is often called the western gateway of Srisailam and the Dakshina Kasi.

For anyone who has seen the Chalukya monuments at Pattadakal or Aihole, Alampur is a relevant extension, but it is quieter and much less visited, which helps if you prefer to look at carved stone without a crowd.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   The Navabrahma group

   Nine temples show early northern-style towers in Chalukya stone.

2. 02

   The archaeology museum

   Sculpture and inscriptions from the temples and nearby sites are displayed at the entrance.

3. 03

   Jogulamba temple

   A living Shakta pitha that draws steady pilgrim traffic.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Start with the Navabrahma temples, nine Shiva temples relocated to higher ground after the Srisailam project flooded the original site. Walk around the compound before going inside, and look at the northern-style towers and carved stone, which are among the most important surviving examples of early Chalukya design in this region. The small archaeology museum at the entrance holds sculptures and inscriptions from the group and nearby sites.

The Jogulamba temple is a separate, living shrine, considered one of the eighteen Maha Shakta pithas, and it draws pilgrims in numbers. Visit it respectfully, remove footwear and avoid taking photographs where signs forbid it. Because the sites are a short walk or drive apart, you can combine both in one morning.

Allow time for tea and a rest. Heat and bare stone can be hard on older travellers, so go early and keep the visit unhurried. Remember you will cross into Telangana, so carry ID.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Alampur, Jogulamba Gadwal district, Telangana; about 25 km from Kurnool

Time needed

2–3 hours

Best time

Morning, November to February

Walking level

Moderate

Senior comfort

Temple floors are stone, and temple precincts require bare feet, which can be uncomfortably hot by midday. The site is largely level, but steps into some shrines may be difficult for older visitors.

Tickets and access

The Navabrahma temples are on the Archaeological Survey of India list of monuments; entry arrangements are not clearly published. Observe footwear and photography rules, and confirm timings locally.

Plan it with

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