 Pilgrimage tourism in Nellore District is a packed ride as a number of places of religious significance are found dotting the entire region. A number of ancient temples as well as a venerated Dargah are found among the various places of tourism in Nellore district.
Sri Talapagiri Ranaganatha Swamy Temple is located in Nellore city at the banks of the river Pennar and is about 5kms away from Nellore Bus stand. Ranganada Swamy Temple in Nellore is more than 600years old. It is marked by a huge 29 Mts tall Galigopuram lying on the east, with seven gold kalasams and is resplendent in its architectural splendour. On the south lies the Sri Ranganayaki Lakshmi Devi temple and beautiful mirror dias, west is sacred Pennar River and north is the Sri Andal Ammavari temple. The annual Rath Yathra of the God is a much awaited ritual in Nellore. A grand festival called the Brahmotsavam is celebrated here every year during the month of March-April. The destination is also well connected for Railway station at Nellore. The famous Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Kamakhsi Tai temple is located on the bank of River Pennar, 12 Km from Nellore. It attracts many pilgrims. The Village is part of Buchireddipalem Mandal. This temple was constructed in the year 1150. The goddess Kamakshi is believed to be an incarnation of Shakti. A 'Sri Chakram' was installed here by Sri Jagadguru Sankaracharya. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the lake known as Kachpateertham, near the temple, which is believed to wash away their bad karma. There is bus service from Nellore to Jonnawada. For the convenience of the pilgrims there are choultries of the Devastanam and TTD and also private choultries. Every year, during the celebration of Brahmotsavam in the month of Vaisaka, lakhs of devotees throng the holy centre to worship the goddess to attain salvation. A bathing ghat has been built on the bank of the Pennar, for the convenience of the pilgrims.  The Vedagiri Lakshmimarasimha Swamy temple located on the summit of the Narsimhakonda, came into being nearly 500 years ago. It was built by the Pallava King Narsimha Varma in the ninth century. Legend goes to show that the sage Kasyapa established the temple on the bank of the Pinakini, and the seven sages (Saptarishis) performed. The seven (Koneru) tanks were renovated with Mandapas on the hilltop. The holy place lies 15Km. away from Nellore, on the southern bank of the river Pinakini. Every year "Brahmotsavams" are celebrated here in the month of May. Jonnawada is to the north of the river.
A very ancient sacred place of pilgrimage located here is the Penchalakona. Lord Narasimha manifested Himself here as a huge of rock in "Yoga mudraand" hence it acquired the name of "Penusila" (huge rock) and in course of time became famous as "Penchalakona". The Lord here goes by the name of Somasila Narasimhaswamy and has become one of the Nava Narasimhas (nine manifestations). The temple is believed to have been renovated in the 10th century. Narasimha Jayanthi is celebrated every year in the month of May and devotees flock especially on Saturday. The Devastanam choultries provide facilities to the pilgrims and there is bus service too. The Alghu Malluru Krishna Swamy temple is situated in the Mannarpoluru village, dating back to the time of the Telegu Chola rulers. The village is located at a distance of 103 km from Nellore. It was built in the 17th century by Bangaru Yadama Nayudu, the living place of mallayodas or wrestlers. According to a legend, it was here that Lord Krishna defeated Jambavantha in a duel and married his daughter Jambavati. Apart from the idol of Satyabhama and Jambavati, the two consorts of Lord Krishna, the idol of Jambavantha creating the illusion of shedding tears is an amazing sight.  The Chengalamma Parameswari temple, in the Village of Sullurupet, lies 100km away from Nellore on the banks of the Kanlangi River. The temple was built sometime in the fourth and fifth centuries. The Village goddess who was called Tankali gained reputation as Sullurupet Chengalamma Thalli and her idol in the temple faces the sea. Devotees from different parts of the State visit the place and fulfil their vows, referring to the goddess as the mother who grants boons liberally. The naturally-formed image of the goddess adorning the hanging roots (vooda) of the banyan tree is really an awe-inspiring spectacle.
The Temple of Sri Mulasthaneswara Swamy was built, 1400 years ago, to the west of Nellore. As the Lord manifested Himself under a "Nelli" tree, a temple was built there itself. Manumasidhi rulers constructed the "Raja Gopuram" (Royal tower of the temple). The Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple was constructed by the rulers of the Chola dynasty of the 10th and 11th Centuries. The "Vasantala Mandapam" here, with a total of 64 pillars, is a shining example of sculpture of excellence. It lies in the Malla village which is 96 km away from Nellore. The "Vasantala Mandapam" is strikingly sculpted in the form of a chariot drawn by a pair of horses. Episodes and events from the epic of Ramayana and Siva puranam have been sculpted splendidly on the pillars of the Mandapam. The "Veera Kallulu" of the veera saivas are also found here. Many lovely sculptures adorn the sides and lower part of the Mandapam.  The temples of the consorts of Subramanyaswamy - Sri Valli, Her entourage and Devaseba lie in the inner Prakaram (compound wall) and opposite the "Dwaram" (entrance) of Subraanyaswami Idol.
The Bhagavan Sri Venkaiahswamy Mandiram is a popular pilgrimage site in the district. It is located at about 15 Km. from Nellore City, and is a part of the Venkatachalam Mandal. A renowned sage called Venkaiah lived here sometime during the middle of the 20th century and got Mahasamadhi at this place. People worshiped him as Baghavan Venkaiah Swamy. Every Saturday there is a gathering at the temple to worship the Swamy. Similarly, during August every year "Aradhana" or an annual function is celebrated where a large number of devotees gather. The Anuma Samudram Peta Dargah, also known as the A.S. Peta, is the site of a big Dargah located about 60 km from Nellore city. It is an ancient Dargah known as the Khwaja Rahamutalla Dargah, and is visited and revered by both Hindus and Muslims alike. Devotees from different parts of the country come to the Dargah to offer their respects. The ornamental work of the dome is worth seeing. Every year Urusu is celebrated here and is attended by a large number of devotees. The tomb of Syed karimulla Khadiri lies in Kasumuru village, which is situated on the west of Venkatachalam Mandal 35 km.away from Nellore. Devotees refer to him as kasumuru Masthanayya, a great 'Fakir' supposed to have belonged to 18th century. Every year, on the 26th day of the auspicious period of "kabbiul-aval", "Urusu" (fair) is celebrated with fervour. One can reach the place by bus from Nellore. Thus mentioned are the various places of pilgrimage tourism available to the travellers visiting Nellore district. |
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Pilgrimage Tourism In Nellore District
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