Kashi.

Varanasi (or Benares, Banaras, Kashi), on the left bank of the Ganges, is one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus.Among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, its early history is that of the first Aryan settlement in the middle Ganges valley.

By late 2nd millennium BCE, Varanasi was a seat of Aryan religion and philosophy and a commercial and industrial centre famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture.

The capital of the kingdom of Kashi during the time of the Buddha (6th century BCE), who gave his first sermon at nearby Sarnath, it remained a centre of religious, educational, and artistic activities as attested by the celebrated Chinese traveler Hsüan-tsang, who visited it in c. 635 CE and said that the city extended for about 5 km along the western bank of the Ganges.

Varanasi declined during the early centuries of Muslim rule in India, from 1194. Its temples were destroyed and its scholars fled to other parts of India. In the 16th century, Akbar brought some relief to the city's religious and cultural activities.

Setbacks came again during the reign of Aurangzeb but the Marathas later sponsored a revival. Varanasi declined during the early centuries of Muslim rule in India, from 1194.

Its temples were destroyed and its scholars fled to other parts of India. In the 16th century, Akbar brought some relief to the city's religious and cultural activities.

Setbacks came again during the reign of Aurangzeb but the Marathas later sponsored a revival. It became an independent kingdom in the 18th century; under British rule it remained a commercial and religious centre, and in 1910, the British made Varanasi a new Indian state (until 1949).

Varanasi has the finest [religious] river frontage in India, with miles of ghats (steps) for bathing; an array of shrines, temples, and palaces rises tier on tier from the bank.

More than a million pilgrims visit each year; many hope to die there in old age. A center of Hindu learning through the ages, it has lots of schools and countless Brahmin pandits.

Its three universities include the large and important Banaras Hindu University (1915) and over a dozen collegesA centre of arts, crafts, music and dance.

It is also famous for its production of silks and brocades with gold and silver threadwork, as well as for wooden toys, bangles made of glass, ivory work, and brassware.

Siripuram.

The glorious ‘Golden Temple’, in which the Goddess "Mahalakshmi" is the main deity, was constructed on 100 acres land with a blooming landscape at Siripuram village in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu.

This architectural marvel in gold was built by hundreds of goldsmiths and craftsmen from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. It took around six years to complete the entire structure.

Even the central chandelier was made of gold. With 36 pillars around, the temple with Rajagopuram resembles the Tirumala temple.

Except the walking area, the entire structure, with intricate carvings and sculptures has been plated with gold. With the lighting arrangements that were made, the temple glitters even more during nights.

The messages of ‘Amma’ and quotes from Bhagawad Gita, Bible and Quran are displayed on either side of the pathway.

That makes the people not just to admire the ‘Golden Temple’, but to carry some messages and to gain some wisdom.

Arthagiri.

Located in Argonda( Meaning Half hill)village , Tavanam Palli Mandal of Chittor District this temple has Veeranjaneya Swami as presiding deity.

Ardagiri Sri Veeranjaneya

Lord Hanuman is here believed to bless devotees with long life, health and prosperity. The story of arakond has given below in detail.

Sthala Puranam:

In tretayuga when the war was going on between Rama and Ravana, Lakshmana looses consciousness in the hands if Indrajeet.

It is said that when Hanuman was bringing Sanjeevani Hill for Lakshmana, Half of the hill fell down here. so the place is called Arakonda or Half hill in telugu.

Sanjeevaraya Pushkarini (Lake), which is formed naturally here, is believed to posses medicinal powers of the herbs of Sanjeevani mountain. Historical evidence exists that Veeranjaneya Swami temple was constructed by Chola Kings.

Devotees strongly believe that if one comes here and prays to the Pavana Putra Hanuman and drinks water from Sanjeevaraya pushkarini(lake) any kind of disease will be cured. This temple is located 10kms from kanipakam.

Anjaneya Pushkarini

Japali.

Japalimandir in tirupati.......this is the place where ram and sita r situated for while and later on hanuman...

There are quite a number of teerthams found in Tirumala. All those teerthams are known for its holiness. Among them, Japali teertham is the most widely know holy teertham which is being visited by most pilgrims.

Ram Talav

Every important and auspicious festival in the teertham will be held during the time of Kumaradhara Magha Pournami, Tumbhuru Phalguna Pournami, Ramakrishna Pushya Pournami, and Chakra Karthika Masa - Ksheerabdhi Dwadasi. Pilgrims visiting Tirumala will never fail to take a bathe in this Japali Teertham, as it believed that all their sins and evils will be washed out when they dip in the teertham.

Warangal Fort.

Thousand Pillars Temple

Situated around 120 km northeast of Hyderabad, Warangal is the fourth largest city of Andhra Pradesh. Warangal was once the capital of kingdom ruled by Kakatiya Dynasty who ruled the city for more than 2 centuries. The city was then called as 'Orugallu' meaning one stone. It got the name as the entire city was carved in a single stone. Warangal is most noted for the oldest temples and monuments in Andhra Pradesh.

The city finds reference in the diary of Marco Polo, the legendary traveler. The temples especially are a great example of architectural skills that were possessed by people in that era. Today it is an important destination in terms of economy. It is a well known exporter of granite, cotton, rice and chillies.Warangal is a city consisting of three towns namely Warangal, Kazipet and Hanamkonda.

These districts have some exquisite lakes and gardens that lend the city a touch of natural beauty. The city comes under the Telangana region which means that you will find more people speaking Telugu language. Warangal is a good place to shop for thick cotton fibre carpets and scroll paintings on a cloth.

Warangal FortAlthough most of the fort is in ruins today, but still Warangal fort is among the best attractions in Andhra Pradesh. Situated just 2 Km from the Warangal Railway Station, the fort is easily accessible from any part of the city. History of the fort dates back all the way to 13th century. It has stood witness to many wars and revolts almost throughout its life. Warangal Fort was destroyed by one of the invaders who successfully penetrated the three layer protection of the fort.

The outermost wall which has a circumference of few kilometers is a mud wall which is around 20 feet in height. The second wall is completely built of granite. Warangal Fort is also famous for some exquisite gateways that have become a symbol of Andhra Pradesh Tourism. These huge gateways, carved intricately from top to bottom are called Kirti Toranas (The Gateways of Glory).

Ramappa TempleDedicated to Lord Shiva, Ramappa Temple is one of the prime examples of exquisite architectural brilliance that Kakatiya Kingdom had. Original name of the temple is Ramalingeswara which is popularly known as Ramappa Temple.

It is called so as the name of its constructor was Ramappa. It is the only temple in India that is known by the name of its constructor. The temple is around 70 Km away from Warangal.

It stands on a 6 ft high platform and is built of bricks that are so light that they are believed to float in water. The walls of the temple are covered with spellbinding carvings. Astounding level of precision have been achieved on the works.

The sanctum has on top a multi storey Shikhara. Even after many centuries, the main portion of the temple still stands without any visible damage. Maha Shivratri is the main festival of the temple which is celebrated for three days.

Vemulawada.

Vemulawada, located 150 km from Hyderabad is known for Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple. It is one of the very few temples devoted to Lord Siva. Popularly known as Dakshana Kashi (Benaras of South India) the temple attracts lakhs of devotees from all over the country. On the Sivaratri day, a record three to four lakh pilgrims throng the sacred temple at Vemulawada.

Special poojas and darshans are held to mark the festivity. Mahalingarchana is performed by about hundred archakas. At midnight Ekadasa Rudrabhishekham is performed to the deity. The temple is brightly illuminated in the night, presenting an aesthetic look.Special arrangements are made for the pilgrims during the festival. Several cultural and social activities are also organised by the authorities.

Free boarding and lodging is provided to the students. Besides, the temple also offers donations for other small temples. The temple at Vemulawada is next only to Tirupati in terms of its revenues. The temple contributes Rs. 8 lakhs anually to the gram Panchayat for developmental activities in the pilgrim town.The puranic version has it that Lord Siva after having stayed at Kashi, Chidambaram, Srisailam and Kedareswaram chose to reside at Vemulawada.

The presiding deity is Sri Raja Rajeswara Swamy, also called Rajanna. To the right of the presiding deity is the idol of Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi and to the left is the idol of Sri Laxmi Sahitha Siddi Vinayaka In the temple premises there is a holy tank called the Dharma Gundam. Three mandapas were constructed on it and the statue of Lord Eshwara resides in the middle. The Lord is seen in a meditation posture with five lingas surrounding the holy tank.

Although devotees make offerings to the presiding deity in different ways, the most important one is Kode Mokku (offering of bull to God). The devotees who bring the bull take them round the temple and tie it somewhere in the temple complex. The significance of this ritual is that devotees will be cleansed of their sins and they can beget children. The lighting of the holy lamp or Ganda Deepam is also considered auspicious by the devotees visiting the shrine This temple attracts followers of both Vaishnavism (worshippers of Vishnu), and Saivism (worshippers of Siva), and is also being frequented by Jains and Buddists.

The sculptures on the temples also depict the cultures of Jainism and Buddhism.The Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple is a fine example of communal harmony where both Hindus and Muslims offer obeisance to Lord Siva and Allah.A unique feature of the temple at Vemulawada is that it also houses a 400 year old mosque inside its premises. It is believed that the mosque was built as a tribute to a muslim devotee of Lord Siva who lived for many years in the temple precincts and breathed his last.

Kondagattu.

About 35Kms from Karimnagar is this breathtaking temple of Lord Anjaneya Swamy. Situated amidst hills, valleys & water springs Kondagattu is blessed by nature and very scenic.

According to the folklore, the temple was constructed by a cowherd some 300 years ago. The present day temple has been built 160 years ago by Krishna Rao Deshmukh. It is believed that if a women offers puja for 40 days at this temple then she will be blessed with a child.

Hanuman was a bachelor (brahamachari) and is worshipped in all the temples of India. Every temple of Sri Rama contains an icon of Hanuman. Worship of Sri Rama is complete only with the worship of Hanuman.

There are various temples dedicated solely to Lord Hanuman also. Sant Tulsidas composed the 40 stanzas of Hanuman Chalisa in praise of Hanuman.

The worship of Hanuman symbolizes the worship of the Supreme Lord, for acquiring knowledge, physical and mental strength, truthfulness, sincerity, selflessness, humility, loyalty, and profound devotion to the Lord.

Students pray to him for intelligence and soldiers for strength. In olden days, there used to be temples of Hanumantha, at the gates of forts.

The gymnasium of wrestlers invariably have his picture.Hanuman Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman.