Temples of Karimnagar District: Description: braided with a number of temples, the Karimnagar district echoes the religiosity of Andhra Pradesh. The name Karimnagar is derived from Syed Karimuddin, a Quiladar. It is known for Vedic learning from ancient times. Though the district harbours in natural resources with impressive work done in terms of construction and thermal power, yet Karimnagar has a rich history of medieval temples and temple cities, scattered around its alleys. Temples in Karimnagar therefore plays a significant role in enhancing the sheer religiosity of Andhra Pradesh. Holy places like Vermulawada, Dharmapuri, Kaleshwaram, KondaGattu etc. are considered prolifically sacred by the pilgrims. The reigning temple architectures are- Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy Devastanam, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Sri Kaleswara Muktheswara Swamy Devasthanam, Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam, Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Devasthanam, Neelakantha Swamy Temple. The history of Karimnagar begins from the Old Stone Age, i.e. from 1,48,000 years back. This is evidential of the prehistorical design and composition that was laboured into the district’s formation. The place also has influences of the Buddhist and Jain cultures, tracing backwards to the 12th century. Such diversified religious institutions create a cosmopolitan atmosphere whilst crafting the varied temples of Karimnagar as the emblem of piousness. Some of the famous temples of Karimnagar districts are

Manthani Temple
Location: Manthani near Karimnagar
Deity: Gautameswar - Shiva

This town has many ruins of old temples and is said to have been the ancient seat of learning and religion. This temple is of great significance.

Vemulawada Shiva Temple
Vemulavada is famous as the seat of a Western Chalukya Rajeswaraswami temple. An inscription in the temple states that Rajaditya, a vassal of Western Chalukya King Thribhuvanamalla, did the foundation ceremony-pratisthapana and constructed this temple in the 9th year of Chalukya Vikrama Era.

Yoga Narasimha Temple
Location: Karimnagar
Deity: Narasimha

Legend: It was a part of Dandakaranya forest where Rama stopped after his victory over Lanka. He worshipped Shiva here.

Manthani Temple
Location: Manthani near Karimnagar
Deity: Gautameswar

This town has many ruins of old temples and is said to have been an ancient seat of learning and religion. The Gautameswar temple is of significance.

Nignur Shiva Temple
Location: Nignur near Karimnagar
Deity: Lord Shiva

This is an ancient temple designed in star shape, much like the Hanumakonda temple near Warangal. Red stone and grey granite have been used in the construction. This temple is filled with artistic embellishments.