India, the most spiritually enriched country
It's of everybody's knowledge that India is the most spiritually enriched country in the world. It's well known as 'The cradle of Spirituality.' Vedas, the oldest religious books in the world, took birth here. india's religious tolerance allowed other religions too thrive on its soil. Its due to this reason one can see spiritual centres of all colours and hues in this sacred country.
Seeing its importance in the sphere of spirituality, the government of India took initiative in taking steps to expose India's spiritual countenance to the world through its ambitious tourism activities. Accordingly, the respective State governments formed their own tourism development programmes.
India is abundant with renowned spiritual centers. One who is on the path of self spiritual discovery will find solace in spiritual centers like Golden temple, Varanasi, Mathura, Puri, Tirupati to name a few.
Andhra Pradesh
Mosques and Ashrams
The state capital Hyderabad is well known for Masjids.
Mecca Masjid, the biggest Mosque in South India near Charminar located in the old city of Hyderabad. It occupies the third place in the country after Jama Masjid of Delhi and the Mosque of Gulbarga. Mecca Masjid was started by Quili Qutb Shah in 1614n but completed by Aurangzeb in the year 1687.
The name given by Quli Qutb Shah for the Masjid was "Baitul Atiq". But, it has become popular with the name 'Mecca Masjid' because, at the time of construction, a few bricks from the sacred Mecca were brought and kept in the Masjid. Owing to this reason, it has become popular with the name 'Mecca Masjid.'
The devotees can offer prayers in the vast 67 by 54 metres hall.
Hazrat Bal Mosque, Vijayawada
This mosque is a true symbol of religious harmony. It's famous for the festival known as "Peerla Panduga' in which Hindus and Muslims take part with religious fervour.
Sayyad Madina Mosque, Visakhapatnam
On a hill known as 'Ross Hill' near the Visakhapatnam Harbour, there are three places of worship side by side. A Venkateswara Temple, A church known as St. John's Church and a mosque built in memory of a Sufi Saint Sayyad Madina.
Nowhere one can see such a brilliant example for religious harmony.
Puttaparthy
Popularly known as 'Prasanti Nilayam' or the abode of Peace was established by Satya Sai Baba at the village of Puttaparthi in the district of Anantapur. He attained the enlightenment at the age of 14 years and left his family. From that day Satyanarayana has become Bhagwan Satya Sai Baba. Over time Satya Sai Baba won the hearts of Millions and became his disciples from all corners of the world. Prasanti Nilayam is well known for its serene and tranquil ambiance.
Satya Saibaba trust sponsors many philanthropic activities including a big university, many schools, a most modern multi speciality hospital that provides free medical facilities. Above all, a water supply scheme that provides water to nearly thousand villages in the backward Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradessh.
Many people opt for Prasanti Nilayam for leading a peaceful life because of its serene atmosphere.
The Church at Medak
Medak is located about 100 km away from the state capital of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad. There are regular and frequent bus services to Medak from Hyderabad.
The Medak chutch is considered as one of the finest churches in the world bscause of its awe inspiring stained glass windows that depict Biblical stories. They are the prime attractions for the tourists.
Some pilgrim destinations
Some pilgrim centers which cater to both spiritual needs and mental tranquility are aplenty in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Some of them are
Alampur
Alampur is replete with the temples of the Chalukyan era. The temples where the presiding deities are Brahmeswara and Papanatha stand on the banks of river Tungabhadra. Alampur is over 200 km away from the state capital of Andhra pradesh, Hyderabad.
Arasavalli
3km away from Srikakulam, in Arasavalli. the only Sun temple, the Suryanaraana Swamy temple in the state of Andhra Pradesh is located. There is a uniqueness in the construction of this temple. The rays of the rising Sun fall directly at the feet of the deity two times in an year. Srikakulam is located on the Chennai- Kolkata National highway.The steel city Visakhapatnam is 100 km away from Srikakulam. Tourists can stay in modest lodges of Srikakulam.
Annavaram
This temple whose presiding deity is Sri Satyanarayana Swamy is located atop Ratnagiri hills. Annavaram temple resembles a chariot. The Satyanarayana Swamy temple is well known for a special ritual called, 'Satynarayana Swamy Vratam.' This Vratam is considered as the most auspicious and effective ritual. Sri Satynarayana Swamy Vratam is performed by not less than one hundred thousand devotees every year. Snnavaram is placed on the Chennai- Kolkata national highway. Annavaram is 70 km away from Rajahmundry and 120 km away from Visakhapatnam. Both the places have star hotels and inexpevsive lodges.
Basar
The presiding deity of Basar temple is goddess Saraswati. Its the only Saraswati temple in South India. Basar's bi- annual festivals are a great tourist pullers. Because many parents wish their children to have their rudiments start in the presence of goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning. This initiation ritual is called ."Aksharabhyasam."
Basar is located on the Secunderabad- Manmad reilway line. Its a four hour journey from Hyderabad. APTDC has got its guest houses. They are provided with modern facilities.
Draksharamam
Draksharamam's Bhimeswara temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of the country and one of the Trilingas in the state. The three Lingas are Kaleswaram, Sriisailam and Bhimeswaram. At Draksharamam Sivaratri is the most important festival. Thousands of pilgrims attend durng Sivaratri celebrations. Draksharamam is 20 km away from Kakinada and 40 km away from Rajahmundry. Rajahmundry is located on the Kolkata-Chennai National highway.Both Rajahmundry and Kakinada are well developed cities. A tourist can have a wide range of all types of staying and eating facilities suiting to all types of pockets.
Keesaragutta
Keesaragutta is a small village 35 km away from Hyderabad. APTDC, the Andhra pradesh tourism development corporation runs its own hotel Punnami hotel at Keesaragutta. There are two shrines in Keesaragutta. The deities are Ramalingeswara and Laksnminarasimha. There is a legend that says Hanuman thrown away in a mood of dejection a large number of Sivalingas on a hillock. The hillock where a large number of Sivalingas are strewn is a major tourist attraction.
Kanipakam
The shrine at Kanipakam is dedicated to Ganesha.It was constructed in the 11th century by Kulottunga Chola, a king from Chola dynasty.The emperors of Vijayanagar took Kanipakam under their wings later. Out of all the Ganesha temples, Kanipakam Ganesha temple occupies a special place. Because the idol is believed to be growing year by year. The proof is the silver Kavacham or shield made fifty years ago has become too small for the idol of GANESHA now.Kanipakam is located15 km from Chittoor town and 70 km from Tirupati. Chittor is the district head quarters, so it offers best luxury and budget accommodations.
Kolanupaka
Kolanupaka is 80 km from Hyderabad. Its on the warangal road. Kolanupaka was the second capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas during 11th century. Kolanupaka has many temples. Of all the temples,the oldest temple was a Jain temple. This Jain temple has a 5 feet Mahavir idol made of jade. Sree Veeranarayanaswamy temple and Someswara temple too are the most important temples of Kolanupaka.
Lepakshi
According to sthala Purana, or the legend of the land, Siva and Parvati entered in to wedlock at the spot where the present Kalyana Mandapam of the Lepakshi temple stands today. Lepakshi temple consists of stunning works of. architecture. It's here in Lepakshi temple that one can see one of the largest monolithic Nandi Vahanams in the country. Lrepakshi is located 100 km away from Bangalore.Hindupur which is on the Bangalore-Hyderabad national highway is the nearest town to Lepakshi. There are sveral government guesthouses and good, and moderately expensive accommodation is available
Yadagirigutta
The temple of Yadgirigutta houses Lakshminarasimha Swamy as the presiding deity. The majestic temple of Lakshminarasimha Swamy is situated on a hill. The main temple that is SanctumSanctorum lies in a cave. The whole set up is heart stealing and picturesque. Yadgirigutta isan hour's drive from Hyderabad. APTDC runs its Punnami hotel in Yadgirigutta.Very frequent bus services are available from Hyderabad.