Unpublished Works

During my few years as a writer, I mostly did articles that I knew were going to be published. However there are a few which I couldnt publish. So I thought the best way to restart on my blogging (which in actual sense never started), is to post one such article.

Celebrating India

India with its diversity that extends beyond language, religions, caste and creed has always attracted travelers from across the world. India is a like a large canvas full of colour and vigour. There are definitely larger concerns; rather gray shades that have always branded India as a yet to develop nation filled with illiterates and the lack of cleanliness and hygiene of the kind highlighted in movies like “Slumdog Millionaire”, the surplus of corruption that has seeped into everything that is Indian and so on. Yet the mystic beauty has always been there and will continue to be there…. be it the largest cities to the most interior village.

We bring to you some very well known places and some not so well known locations, some places that have been the most visited to some that are still not so regularly visited, some man made and some natural scenic beauties in India through this feature. One surprising factor is that neither the Indians who have always been in the country nor the ones who have chosen to settle in a foreign country have fully explored India. Some of these places might not be too far from where you stay and need the least amount of planning. So read on and be ready to pack your bags as soon as you get an opportunity.

Andhra Pradesh with its natural scenic beauty and centuries of cultural heritage and historical past has innumerable places to visit and enjoy. Lets start with this village 80 kms north west of Hyderabad and near Warangal, the ancient village of ”Kolanupaka”

Kolanupaka

This ancient village had been the center for Jainism and Veera Saivism during the 11 th century. Kolanupak was under the rule of the Chalukyas who also ruled northern Karnataka. After the Chalukyas, the Cholas and later the Kakatiyas ruled the region. The temples in the village reflect the influence of these rulers.
The drive from Hyderabad to Kolanupaka ideally takes 1 hour.

Jain Temple

Kolanupak’s 2500-year-old Jain temple, the Shwethambar Jain Tirth with its resplendent structure is a testimony to the Jain architecture prevalent during the time.

In recent times the temple has undergone a long process of renovation for 20 years. The main portion of the temple took 16 years to complete renovation and the rest of the temple work was completed in another four years. About 1000 crafts men including stonecutters worked continuously to bring back the old glory to this ancient temple. Two meditation halls have been constructed on either side of the temple. In addition to the temple restoration, a water purification plant has been set up by the temple authorities that would filter 3,000 liters of water per hour and is useful for a number of fluoride affected villages.

When you enter the premises of the temple you are affected by the serenity that engulfs you, more so when you enter the precincts of the temple. There are people praying, meditating and as you walk around the temple you see the various idols of Lord Mahavira that are hundreds of years old.

The restoration work amazes you, but may leave you with a feeling that the hundreds of years old structure no longer has the period look.

Outside the temple there are horse driven carriages (Tongas) meant for the visitors. It is exciting to go on a joyride for just 5 INR especially if you have never been on such Tongas.

Someshwaralayam

Someshwaralayam is another temple not very far from the Jain temple. But don’t forget to ask for directions.

The Archeological Survey of India turned this temple into a museum. The temple comes across as one of those not so well maintained or promoted tourist spot. However this temple that has been untouched by development takes us back in time when probably the rulers of the time visited the place in their horse driven carriages flanked by their entourage.

The temple’s courtyard has a sandstone idol of Hanuman along with the granite idols of Ganesha and Kartikeya. The later may have been recovered in recent times. There is also a granite image of Mahavira at the centre of the temple courtyard. The mandapam around the courtyard is now a gallery showcasing the various idols from the 11th century and from the later years (one single guard with a book, outside the temple, looks inadequate to take care of the archeological treasure, whatever little of it may be left).

There is a stark difference in the way the inner sanctorum of this temple is maintained when compared to the Jain temple in the same village. It has a low roof, there is granite platform along the wall and the Someshwara idol inside is hundreds of years old. A lone priest may perform the puja if you may desire so.

The temple has many Shivalingas and Nandi idols literally strewn around. Whereever you look you see these idols some of them broken, standing testimony to the years of glory followed by the abandonment. The Kakatiya Manadapam to the west of the Someshwaralayam is distinct with its architecture that reminds you of the other temples built by the Kakatiyas in Warangal.

There are some small ruined structures around the Someshwaralayam. But one needs to scout around the temple to see them.

Kolanupaka on the whole has a period feel to it and the journey through time is worth its effort.