The Navabrahma Temples are located at Alampur town in Jogulamba Gadwal district, Telangana. The temple complex stands close to the sacred confluence of the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers, a place considered extremely holy in Hindu tradition.
The Navabrahma Temples date back to the 6th–7th century CE, making them over 1,300 to 1,400 years old. These temples were constructed during the early Chalukya dynasty of Badami, one of the earliest dynasties to build stone temples in South India. Alampur is regarded as one of the oldest surviving Shaiva temple clusters in the Deccan plateau.
The Navabrahma complex consists of nine ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, collectively known as the Navabrahmas. Each temple represents a distinct manifestation of Shiva and houses a Shiva Linga. The nine temples are Bala Brahma, Garuda Brahma, Kumara Brahma, Swarga Brahma, Taraka Brahma, Padma Brahma, Arka Brahma, Vira Brahma, and Viswa Brahma. Among them, Vira Brahma holds special importance as it represents the fierce and protective aspect of Lord Shiva, closely linked with Veerabhadra.
The Navabrahma Temples are fine examples of early Chalukyan Nagara-style architecture. The temples are relatively small in size but rich in architectural value. Each temple consists of a square garbhagriha (sanctum), a simple antarala, and a modest mandapa. The shikharas are either flat or gently curving, showing the early experimental phase of stone temple construction. Stone carvings of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Nandi, and ganas adorn the temples, reflecting strong Shaiva symbolism.
Alampur flourished as an important religious, cultural, and spiritual center during the early medieval period. Due to its sacred river confluence, it attracted saints, scholars, and royal patronage. The Chalukya rulers built the Navabrahma temples to strengthen Shaivism across the Deccan region. Over centuries, the temples witnessed invasions, natural calamities, and floods. During the construction of the Srisailam dam, many temples were carefully relocated and restored, preserving their ancient heritage and sanctity.
According to traditional belief, Alampur is a divinely chosen Shaiva kshetra where Lord Shiva manifested in nine powerful forms to safeguard dharma and bless humanity. It is believed that after the cosmic events associated with creation and destruction, Shiva established his presence here to stabilize divine energies at the sacred river confluence.
Local belief states that each of the Navabrahma forms represents a cosmic role of Shiva—creation, protection, guidance, liberation, and destruction of evil. Among them, Vira Brahma (Veerabhadra form) embodies Shiva’s fierce energy, which emerged to protect sacred lands, uphold justice, and destroy adharma.
Devotees believe that the confluence of rivers combined with the nine Shiva forms creates a powerful spiritual field. Worship at Alampur is believed to:
* Destroy accumulated karmic sins
* Protect devotees from negative forces
* Grant courage, spiritual clarity, and inner strength
It is also believed that pilgrimage to Srishailam is incomplete without visiting Alampur, as Alampur prepares the devotee spiritually before approaching Mallikarjuna Swamy.
Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival celebrated at the Navabrahma Temples, marked by special abhishekam, night-long prayers, and chanting of Shiva mantras. Karthika Masam is observed with deep devotion, with lamps lit and special rituals performed daily. Shravana Masam also sees increased worship, especially on Mondays.
