GREATER HYDERABAD BLOG

SRI PURAM GOLDEN TEMPLE NEAR VELLORE

2011-11-17T15:06:00.000+05:30

Golden Temple Near Vellore

One of the biggest Hindu shrines in southern India, the Sri Puram Golden Temple a grand golden temple built by a spiritual organization in Tamil Nadu at an approximate cost of Rs 600 crore, the consecration (kumbhabhishekam) was performed on August 24, 2007, presence of over 30,000 devotees.

The Mahalakshmi temple, located on a sprawling 100 acres of land at Sripuram, near Vellore, about 125 km from Chennai, has been constructed by Vellore-based Sri Narayani Peetam, headed by spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma.

"The Taj Mahal was built as an expression of love for a single person but the Sri Puram Golden Temple stands for unconditional love for the entire humanity," says Amma, 31, who also goes by the name of Shakti Siddha.

"We know it is also the sign of the universal goddess - Lakshmi," says William, who gives only one name and says he is of Canadian origin.

The steps that lead to the innermost section are laid with polished black and grey granite from the neighbouring South Arcot and Dharmapuri districts. A cubic metre of black granite is priced at 0. So is the grey stone called "Paradiso" because of its wavy patterns of violet with the colour of iron. And this too has been used in large quantities.

"If we had built a hospital, factory, educational institution or a business, it would have ended up serving a small community. But now, Amma's temple will sow the seeds of goodness in the hearts of everyone who visits here," Amma, clad in ochre robes, says in Tamil.

The temple, covering 55,000 sq ft area, has intricate carvings and sculptures in gold. Except the walking path, the entire structure has been made of gold and copper. This would be more grandeur than the Golden Temple in Amritsar , mutt sources said.

About 400 goldsmiths and coppersmiths, including craftsmen from Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams, have completed the architectural marvel in gold in six years..

More than one and half tone of pure gold was glitter and gleam under the sun, Devotees hail the temple as 'one of the wonders of the world' and say that it is the only temple covered fully with gold.

According to official sources, the gold bars were purchased through RBI in "a transparent manner." First the coppersmiths set to work creating a copper base on the temple structure with engravings and etchings before the gold, beaten into nine layers of foils, was draped around it.

The sanctum sanctorum will hold the deity of Mahalakshmi made of stone granite, but covered with gold kavacham (adornments).

"The Sripuram or Spiritual Park is Amma's dedication to the world and mankind," said P Murali, a trustee of the Peetam.

The temple has been designed in such a way that visitors can reach the golden temple only after going through a star-shaped pathway, which has the quotes from Gita, Bible and Quran displayed on either side.

Surrounded by mountains and lush and scenic beauty, the temple, entirely conceived and designed by 'Amma', would be open to people of all religions. "The temple is Amma's gift to mankind," the sources said.

"When one enters the Sripuram, their focus is just on the magnificent temple. But when they leave, they cannot do so without taking some messages and gaining some wisdom," according to a booklet detailing the 'services' rendered by the Peetam. "In this quagmire of materialism, Sripuram rises as an inspiration to man to find the divinity within him," adds a brochure.

Murali said arrangements were being made to hire personnel to throw a security cover around the temple. "But the gold sheets have been laid out in such a manner that it would cost more to rip it off than purchase the gold," said a top Vellore district official.

Gold-coated temple near Vellore attracts thousands people every day.

One-and-a-half tonnes of gold has gone into its design.

The Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple located in ‘Sripuram’ (spiritual town) in Thirumalaikkodi, about seven km from Vellore, was consecrated by Sri Sakthi Amma, head of the Sri Narayani Peedam, Thirumalaikkodi, on Friday.

It is a unique temple whose ‘Vimanam’ and ‘Ardha Mandapam’ have been coated with gold both in the interior and exterior.

Twelve layers of gold foils have been pasted on copper sheets embossed with the designs of Gods and fixed on the walls.

One-and-a-half tonnes of gold has gone into the design of the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple, which has been built at a cost of Rs.600 crore.

According to Sri Sakthi Amma, the decision to have the temple coated with gold is only to attract visitors and enable them to get wisdom through the messages of the Vedas, which they will have to read before reaching the temple located on sprawling a 100 acre-site.

The temple has been designed in such a way that visitors can reach the golden temple only after going through a star-shaped pathway, which has the messages from the Vedas on both sides.

Sripuram temple is open from 7am - 8pm all 365 days | Expect long waiting periods for the darshan on weekends and holidays, due to large inflow of piligrims | Wheelchairs available for physically challenged and elderly people.

SRI PURAM GOLDEN TEMPLE NEAR VELLORE: Sevas & Timings & Accommodation

2011-11-16T16:57:00.000+05:30

SEVAS & TIMINGS & ACCOMMODATION:

Temple Darshan Timings & applicable current official charges (donations!) are as below:

Darshan Timing 7 am to 8 pm on all the 365 days!

The Sevas available right now and are likely changed/modified by the Temple authorities as per the trustees discretion:

Swarna Pushpa Archana Seva:

In this seva Archana will be done with 108 gold flowers and out of which one will be given to the devotee after the archana seva. The donation for the seva is Rs. 1508/- for a couple and Rs. 1008/- for one devotee. (All days from 0800Hrs to 2000Hrs).

Veda Parayana Seva:

In this seva One devotee will be allowed to sit in front of goddess Mahalakshmi and will be given Aarthi Dharsan (Mondays to Fridays 0800 to 2000) Rs.250/ per Head

Divya Dharsan Seva:

In this seva one devotee will be permitted for Divya dharsan of Goddess Mahalakshmi. (only Dharsan- No Aarthi) Rs.100/ per head on Saturdays and Sundays and National Holidays.

Abishekam:

In this seva 4 members are permitted for Abisekam, Alankaram and Aarthi Dharsan Rs.3006/- on all days except Fridays (No accommodation).

Rs.5004/- on Fridays (One Non A/c Room accommodation will be given).

The accommodation facilities presently available as below:

NON A/c -Rs.300/- for 2 members (Add Bed-Rs.100/-) Max 3 members permitted in one room.

A/c -Rs.500/- for 2 members (Add Bed-Rs.150/-) Max 3 members permitted in one room.

One can send an advance DD in favour of "Narayani Siddar Peedam Charitable Trust" payable at Vellore and book for your requirements.

For more details one may contact the PROs of Sri Narayani Siddar Peedam at Sripuram at the following cell phone numbers:

+91 9942993009 ( Sri R Baskar), +91 9942993010 (Sri B V Karthik) or +(1 9345136189 (Mrs Srimathi Ramsingh).

The Temple is constructed, managed and maintained by Shri Narayani Amma of Sri NarayaNi Peedam, (known as Amma of Sri Shakti Peetam).

Further details and arrangements can also be made by the Shakti Sri Narayani Peedam at phone numbers (STD code included) : +9104162271202 or +9104162271 844.

Sri Shakti Peetam of Sri Narayani Amma also arrange for your visit and provide hospitality on special and individual requests.

There are numerous state run bus services available from most of the nearest towns to/via Sripuram.

Nearest Railway station:- Katpadi, Chennai-Bangalore rail route. Nearest big town:- Vellore, District headquarters of North Arcot, Tamilnadu (South India). Nearest Airport, Chennai - Meenambakkam (about 135 kms.) or Bangalore (Bengaluru) Airport (180 kms) and from Tirupathi Airport about 100 kms.

Email contact for Sri Narayani Peedam office is : contact@sripuram.org

Here are few suggestions, useful tips, do's and don'ts for a first time visitor:

There is ample car parking space available @ Rs.20/- per vehicle.

Here, the security measures are more stringent as alike Sri Venkateswara Temple of Tirupathi. Long queue makes one exhaust soon, more so during the summer days. It is recommended to take drinking water bottles & towels to fight the thirst and sweat!

Please do not carry your Mobile phones and cameras which are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. Separate counters are there to deposit your cell phones, cameras as also your foot-wear. It is highly recommended not to take it with you to the temple at the first place, as it is not going to help you in any way as you have to deposit the same at the counters before entering the complex. Also do not carry cigarette, or tobacco in any form as this too would be confiscated while frisking and checking.

Dress Code: Only children can visit in half pants and elders and grown up should wear decently and Dhoti/Angavastram is strongly recommended. If you do not have one, as like in Kerala Side, here too these are available on hire. Better you take one with you. For women too, a decent and acceptable dress code is there so do not visit here with your shorts and skirts or with ultra modern dress. Or else, you may even be denied entry!

Security Check: As is in Tirupathi, here too the queue control system exist. A special structures erected to control and regularize the moving crowd is put up that extends up to 3 kms stretch from the temple! From here, you are allowed to move inside the star shaped ( Sri Chakra) corridor of the temple, only after proper security check by the security personnel both men & women; there you will have to undergo strict security checks viz. scanning, frisking and all the sort of personal/belongings etc.

Senior citizens are accompanied by the escorts from the temple are allowed to join in the main queue directly, but no family members are allowed to accompany them. Free wheel chair for physically challenged persons and elderly persons are also available and they are directly taken to the temple by the volunteers of Sri Narayani Peedam. No family members allowed to escort or accompany them, as the Golden Temple authorities arranged to give a very good care for them.

By the time you reach the Sanctum Sanctorum, oh, by now you have walked almost 3 kms distance from the entrance! After taking such a trouble to reach to the inner temple, here is the real hitch.... you're allowed to take Darshan only from a distance of about 100 meters. Beyond this point, one has to pay INR.250/- per head. If one prefers to perform Abhishekam or Archana they need to book well in advance, say at least two months.

At the exit point, the volunteers of the Ashram would hand you prasadam viz. Kum-kum and Sweet rice or pongal. Though the entire system is most organized, one would feel exhausted - that too after you're told to view the Darshan only from a specific distance. But it is more worthy to pay a visit. The landscape, beautiful scenery, tranquil atmosphere, greenish lawns and fine architecture all combined makes one feel worth of the visit.

For those who wish to stay overnight or a couple of days, hotel accommodation can be arranged through the administrators, Sri Narayani Peedam - who maintains a hotel, hospital, Orphans home etc.

SRI UJJAINI MAHAKALI TEMPLE, SECUNDERABAD

2011-07-01T11:31:00.000+05:30

SRI UJJAINI MAHAKALI TEMPLE, SECUNDERABAD

There are several oldest temples in Andhra Pradesh in which exist famous goddess temples like “Kanakadurga“ at Vijayawada , ”Bhadrakali” at Warrangal etc.“ Sri Ujjaini Mahankali” temple in Telangana region at Secunderabad is 191 years old which is visited and prayers offered to the goddess by unending large number of devotees everyday in general and in particularly thousands of devotees in Ashada jathara on principal days which falls on Sunday and Monday. There is no doubt about granting the wishes of devotees by the goddess and devotees fulfilling the vows.

There are no historical records about the existence of this temple. This temple is a symbol of devotion of Shri Suriti Appaiah garu resident of secunderabad as Shri Rama temple at Bhadrachalam is symbol of devotee Bhakta Ramdas of those days.

Shri Suriti Appaiah garu was working in the military in the year 1813.A.D. Shri Suriti Appaiah along with others(Army bearers) was sent to Ujjain as mason. Everyday Shri Appaiah garu visited Mahankali goddess temple and prayed her with utmost devotion during the entire period of his stay at Ujjain.

Shri Appaiah garu became an ardent devotee of the powerful goddess at Ujjain.On one day he has prostrated at her feet and offered prayers expressing gratitude for success of their mission to Ujjain and for showing the way for return journey, also prayed in many respects and expressed his wish that her idol will be installed at Secunderabad for offering prayers for ever. All of them returned to Secunderabad from Ujjain after the goddess felt happy and blessed Shri Appaiah garu for his selfless devotion. She also bestowed kindness on him.

In the month of July 1815, Shri Appaiah garu installed a idol made of wood at the place where the present temple is existing and conducting pujas. He built the walls around the idol and constructed a small temple named “Ujjain Mahankali” temple.

It is said that in those olden days this place was inhabited by trees, insects, rocks and lakes. There was a big well and when repairs were being carried out by digging an idol named “Manikyalamma” was found. The same idol can be seen today in the sanctorum of the temple towards Ujjaini Mahankali’s right side. In the year 1864 A.D Shri Appaiah garu replaced wooden idol and installed the two idols of “Mahankali” and “Mnikyalamma” as per the Hindu sastras and relevant pujas. Later, Shri Sanjivaiah the son of Shri Surirti Appaiah garu collected some amount in his village along with his friends got constructed the mandapam in the year 1900 A.D. Shri Laxmaiah (mesthri and representing of army bearer) son of Shri Sanjivaiah collected some amount and constructed few shops along side the temple entrance as a source of income. In the year 1914 A.D Shri Kistaiah son of Shri Laxmaiah formed a committee to conduct daily pujas and archanas by appointing a brahman(Shri Ogirala Subbaiah garu). Sons of Shri Kistaiah and Chikoti Chandraiah garu, prominent vysyas and their family members continued their efforts for the development of Shri Ujjaini Mahankali temple. In the year 1947 A.D the endowment department of the then state government constituted a committee and arranged a Brahman, Shri Yendapalli Venkataramaiah for the purpose of conducting rituals to the goddess.

In the year 1953 A.D endowment department of the then state government arranged board of trustees though the first founder was Shri Appaiah garu, there is a saying that family members of the army bearers also involved in the establishment of the Ujjaini Mahankali temple. The chairman, president, committee members honorary secretary etc are making necessary efforts to develop the temple further.

Annual Events:

SHRI AMMAVARI JATHARA

In Andhra Pradesh Shri Ammavari jathara has become very popular.

1.Ghatothsavam :

In the month of Ashada on first Sunday this celebration will begin. At the Karbala Maidan Ghatam is decorated with flowers etc and then brought in a procession with music and band in the manner of “Vampuja” for the goddess similar to a bridegroom’s procession. This is called “Yedorkolupu”. On reaching, the Ghatam is kept in the temple.
From the next day onwards, the Ghatam goes to every house, dwelling of each basti/street for fifteen days with a small procession with music and mangal vadyam.

2.Kolupu Potharaju Bali :

Kolupu takes place on completion of 15 days. This is conducted on Sunday. In olden days “animal sacrifice” was made as a custom for goddess. At one stroke the head of the buffalo was cut and fell down. This separated head was kept on the head of a person and went round the temple scattering the bali samagri dancing, jumping, displaying the skill of a potharaju. The entire site was very beautiful to look at when making rounds of the temple. But recently since, 25 years the “animal sacrifice” is prohibited, in its place “Kushmanda Bali” (Gummadikaya Bali) is being done as per the traditional procedure. As per the greatness of goddess “animal sacrifice was done in unlimited number and blood flowed down in various directions. The same night rain would fall and the entire area spread with blood is washed away and the premises got cleaned. (Even today on the day of Jatara rain falls).

3. Rangam :

Rangam is worth witnessing during the period of Ammavari Jatara. Inside the temple in front of the goddess an unmarried woman stand on a unburnt pot looking at the idol with utmost devotion and prayers. The mother goddess immediately responds and pronounce the good events going to take place in the coming year. Thousands of devotees gather near the temple and hear the Rangam with apt attention.

4.Saganamputa(Farewell) :

On Monday the Ghatam is bid farewell with great pomp and show in a procession. At Mettuguda the decoration of the Ghatam is taken away. People who join the Jatara experience in their as a memorable event for ever.

DONATIONS:

Scheme of daily Annadanam :

Daily Sashwata Annadanam scheme was introduced from the month of October, 1996 A.D in the temple of Sri Ujjain Mahakali at Secunderabad. The devotees who join the scheme will have to pay Rs.5516/- (Five thousand on ehundred and sixteen only) to the temple. With the interest earned on this fund, as per the wish of the devotee on one day Abhishekam is performed for the goddess receiving the gothram and names and feeding is done for around 30 persons.

Scheme of Annadanam :

The following schemes of Annadanam are newly introduced for the facility of the devotees of Sri Ujjain Mahankali Ammavaru.

1.Annadanam :

Under this scheme if a devotee pays Rs.5516/- to the temple with the interest earned on this amount around 30 persons will be fed on any one day of the year permanently as desired by the devotee.

2.Nitya Annadanam :

Under this scheme, if a devotee pays Rs.551/- , around 30 persons will be fed on one day in the devotees’ his/her name.

Devotees are requested to avail this opportunity and seek the blessings of the goddess.

Please contact office situated in devasthanam premises for details.

Contact:

SRI UJJAINI MAHAKALI DEVASTHANAM ( Secunderabad)

Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple,
General Bazar,
Secunderabad ,
Andhra Pradesh,
INDIA
PIN - 500 003

Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad

2011-05-03T12:48:00.000+05:30

History of Salar Jung Museum

The Salar Jung Museum was established in 1951. The major portion of the collection of the museum was acquired by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, popularly known as Salar Jung III. In the absence of any direct descendants of Salar Jung III, the Government of India appointed a Committee to administer the Salar Jung Estate. Later on with the idea of perpetuating his name, the Salar Jung Museum was brought into existence on 16th December, 1951 in Diwan Deodi, the residential palace of Salar Jung III and opened to the public by Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India. In 1958, the Government of India took over the museum through a compromise deed. Till 1958 this museum was administered by the Salar Jung Estate Committee. Thereafter the Museum continued to be administered by the Ministry of Scientific Research and Cultural Affairs, Government of India till 1961. In 1961, through an Act of Parliament, the Salar Jung Museum along with its library was declared as an “Institution of National Importance”.

The administration of the museum was transferred to an Autonomous Board, having the Governor of A.P. as its Chairman. The museum was transferred to its present building in the year 1968.

The family of Salar Jungs had assumed such great importance that five of its family members served as Prime Ministers to the Nizams, who were the erstwhile rulers of Hyderabad.

Mir Turab Ali Khan - Salar Jung I, was awarded the title of Salar Jung Bahadur at the age of 13 years. At the age of 24 years he was appointed as Prime Minister by the then Nizam, Nasir-ud- Daulah. He was a great administrator, known for his reforms and also a connoisseur of art. He died in the year 1882.

His eldest son, Mir Laiq Ali Khan was appointed as first Secretary to the Council of Regency and later on as a member of the Council of State. He was appointed as Prime Minister in 1884 A.D. by the then Nizam, Mir Mehboob Ali Khan. He spent most of his time in continuing the social reforms which were discontinued by his father Mir Turab Ali Khan, Salar Jung I. When he was only 26 years old he died at Poona, leaving behind an infant of 24 days, Abul Qasim Mir Yousuf Ali Khan.

When Mir Yousuf Ali Khan became 10 years old, the then Nizam bestowed upon him the family title of Salar Jung Bahadur and restored his Mansab and other titles.

Mir Osman Ali Khan, Nizam VII, selected Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III as his Prime Minister. Due to some difference of opinion, Salar Jung III relinquished the post of Prime Minister in November 1914. Thereafter his entire life he devoted in enriching his treasures of art.

Mir Yousuf Ali Khan was not only a collector of antiques but he also patronized poets, writers and artists, encouraging literary and cultural activities. He continued with his zeal as an art connoisseur till the very end of his life enriching his art collections and died as a bachelor on 2nd March,1949 at the age of 60.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Location

Situated on the southern bank of the river Musi, the Salar Jung Museum is not far from the other important monuments of the old city. The historic Charminar, Mecca Masjid, High Court, State Central Library and the Osmania General Hospital are all within a radius of one mile from the Salar Jung Museum.

How to reach Salar Jung Museum

The Museum has an easy approach by road and rail. The important railway Stations Kachiguda and Nampally are within a distance of three miles. Road transport buses run frequently from all parts of the city to Afzalgunj which is within walking distance from the museum.

At the Museum...

There are 38 galleries in the Museum spread over in three buildings viz., Central Block, Eastern Block (Mir Laiq Ali Khan Bhavan) and Western Block (Mir Turab Ali Khan Bhavan) on two floors. The Central Block with 27 galleries (ground floor 15 galleries, first floor 12 galleries) Even then, the total exhibited art objects constitute a little over 25% of the entire collection.

The museum has many coordinating sections such as the Education Wing, Chemical Conservation Laboratory, Photo section, Display section, Reception and a Sales counter. The museum security is being looked after by CISF.

There are also public facilities such as cloak rooms, restrooms at all cardinal points and a cafeteria run by AP Tourism.

Admission fee

Entrance to the Museum is by ticket, the rate of which is Rs.10/- for general public. Students with identity cards are given 50% concession. Besides, defence personnel in uniform, organized Kisan parties and children below 12 years are also given 50% concession. For foreign visitors the fee is Rs. 150/-.

During 'Children's Week' (14th-20th November) school children upto 12 years of age accompanied by teachers are allowed free of charge. During the 'Museum Week' (8th - 14th January) public is given concession in the entrance ticket.

Publications

To meet the needs of scholars and research students and also interested visitors, the museum has been publishing catalogues on certain important collections of the museum. So far it has come out with catalogues on Persian, Arabic and Urdu manuscripts, special monographs apart from the 'SJM Bi-Annual Research Journal' to facilitate the researchers.

Museum publications, including popular leaflets and picture postcards of the collection are sold at the publication sales counter.

Reading Room

The Reading Room is located in the second floor and equipped with all the daily local papers and magazines in English, Telugu and Urdu. Some foreign magazines are also available for the benefit of the readers.

Facilities to Scholars

The museum has a rich collection of printed books covering various subjects and a rich collection of thousands of manuscripts in Persian, Arabic and Urdu languages. Scholars are permitted to use the library on request by obtaining passes from the reception counter.

Request to the visitors:

Smoking is strictly prohibited.

Avail the cloak room facility located near the booking counter for depositing luggage.

Photography is not allowed inside the museum – deposit your cameras in lockers provided in the cloak room.

    Do not touch the objects on display as they are prone to disfigure.
    Preserve our culture for future generations.
    Try to avoid use of cell phone in the gallery.

Do not carry the notified objects such as knives, scissors, blades, razors, match boxes or lighters.

Cooperate with the security personnel.
Please use garbage box and keep the surroundings neat and clean.

    If you are willing to make a comment or complement please use the suggestion book kept at exit gates.

Holidays

The museum is closed on all Fridays (weekly holiday).

Besides, the museum will remain closed on the following public holidays.

Milad Un Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Mohammad)     Wednesday     16-02-2011@

Holi     Sunday     20-03-2011

Dr. BR Ambedkar's Birthday     Thursday     14-04-2011

Salar Jung Death Anniversar     Thursday     05-05-2011@

Idu’l Fitr (Ramzan)     Wednesday     31-08-2011@

Dassehra     Thursday     06-10-2011

Idu’l Zuha (Bakrid)     Monday     07-11-2011@

Muharram     Tuesday     06-12-2011@

@ Subject to change depending on appearance of Moon

Working hours:

From 10.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M. without interruption.

CONTRACT:

Director

Salar Jung Museum
Hyderabad - 500 002
Andhra Pradesh, India.
Phone: 91 040 24576443
91 040 24523211, 13 Ext: 301
Fax: 040-24572558
Email :salarjung@hotmail.com

Reference: http://www.salarjungmuseum.in

TOURIST PLACES IN HYDERABAD

2011-02-11T15:34:00.001+05:30

Charminar: Cultural Hub

Charminar is always on the top of the mind of any tourist visiting Hyderabad. To say that Charminar is a major landmark in the city is to state the obvious, to repeat a cliché. The great monument is a synonym for Hyderabad and the pivot around which the glory and history of the city have developed. To imagine this 400-year-old city without Charminar is to imagine New York without the Statue of Liberty or Moscow without the Kremlin. Built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1591, shortly after he had shifted his capital from Golkonda to what now is known as Hyderabad, this beautiful colossus in granite, lime, mortar and, some say, pulverised marble, was at one time the heart of the city. This great tribute to aesthetics looks sturdy and solid from a distance but as one moves closer, it emerges as an elegant and romantic edifice proclaiming its architectural eminence in all its detail and dignity. Apart from being the core of the city’s cultural milieu, it has become a brand name.

Charminar is a squarish structure with four towers in the four corners of the square, each of whose sides is 20 metres in length. Every side opens into a plaza through giant arches, which overlook four major thoroughfares and dwarf other features of the building except the minarets. Each arch is 11 metres wide and rises 20 metres to the pinnacle from the plinth. The minarets soar skywards by 24 metres from the roof of Charminar. Each minaret has four storeys, each looking like a delicately carved ring around the minaret. Some Anglophiles call Charminar the Arc de Triomphe of the East. From the ground to the apex, the minarets cover a length of 48.7 metres.

According to Mir Moazzam Husain, a long time official of the UNESCO and a keen student of this historic city, “these minarets may even symbolise the first four khalifs of Islam, but I cannot vouch for this interpretation with any degree of certainty.” At the western end of the roof of Charminar is a beautiful mosque; the oldest in Hyderabad, and the rest of the roof was used as a court in Qutub Shahi times. Atop the great monument are 45 prayer spaces for the devout where they can offer worship in an atmosphere unspoilt by the bustle of the city. East of this space is a spacious verandah with small and large arches in the middle. The first floor has beautiful balconies from where one has a fantastic view of the historic city and its later accretions.

Golkonda: Home of Diamonds

You will have to visit the Golkonda fort, 10 kilometres west of Hyderabad city, to appreciate the majesty and grandeur of the 800-year-old ruins and the architectural glory of those structures, which have survived the ravage of time and rampage by Mughal vandals. One of the most magnificent fort complexes in the country, Golkonda, meaning shepherd hill, was built consecutively by three dynasties, the Kakatiyas, the Bahmanis and the Qutub Shahis, the major contribution coming from the latter. It betrays the confluence of Hindu and Muslim architectural perceptions of the times. It was the capital of the Bahmani kings first and the Qutub Shahis later for sometime, before they shifted the capital to what is now the old city of Hyderabad. The fort has now become a symbol of the composite cultural heritage of the 400-year-old city.

The fort area on the hill is fenced off by a series of high and broad granite walls built in concentric circles, their defences strengthened by several moats and drawbridges. Legend has it that Golkonda was the centre of a flourishing trade in diamonds and that the world-famous Kohinoor diamond came from this market. The rugged and time-ravaged ruins throw up fleeting evidence of a golden age with Golkonda as its essence. The Qutub Shahis expanded the modest structures built by the Kakatiyas in the thirteenth century into a fortress complex that occupied the entire area of the hill and overflowed into the terrain around it. Its outside wall, around ten miles in length, is designed as a first checkmate to any aggression. The width of the wall ranges from 17 to 34 feet broken by 87 semi-circular bastions, 50 to 60 feet high.

Mecca Masjid: A Pilgrimage

Fifteen graceful arches support the roof of the main hall, five on each of the three sides. A sheer wall rises on the fourth side to provide mehrab. The three arched facades have been carved from a single piece of granite, which took five years to quarry. More than 8,000 masons and workers were employed to build this grand mosque. Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah himself laid the foundation stone of the mosque, when he failed to find one person who had never missed his prayers. The king seemed to be the only person who never missed on his prayers ever since he was 12 years of age.

“It is about 50 years since they began to build a splendid pagoda in the town which will be the grandest in all India when it is completed. The size of the stone is the subject of special accomplishment, and that of a niche, which is its place for prayer, is an entire rock of such enormous size that they spent five years in quarrying it, and 500 to 600 men were employed continually on its work. It required still more time to roll it up on to conveyance by which they brought it to the pagoda; and they took 1400 oxen to draw it,” says Tavernier in his travelogue.

As the tourist gets past the main gateway and enters a huge plaza, a large man-made pond of bluish waters greets him. On the edge of the pond are two stone and slab benches and whoever sits on them, according to legend, returns to sit on them again. A room in the courtyard is presumed to house the hair of prophet Mohammed. At the peak of the minarets flanking the masjid is an arched gallery and above that a smallish dome and a spire. Inscriptions from Quran adorn many of the arches and doors. The majesty of the façade of the grand mosque is somewhat obscured by huge walls of wire mesh erected to prevent pigeons from entering the prayer spaces and ruining them.

Birla Mandir: God’s Marble Home

Industrialists Birlas have built a number of temples of architectural magnificence all over the country which, strangely, are referred to as Birla temples and not Lakshminarayan temple or Venkateswara temple. A quarter century ago, they built a temple in Hyderabad entirely in marble brought from Rajasthan and dedicated it to Lord Venkateswara, known as Balaji in the north. The temple, built on a hillock called Kala Pahad, one of the Naubat Pahad twins, lords over its equally celebrated surroundings comprising the imposing Secretariat buildings, the azure-blue waters of Hussain Sagar, the serene and halcyon Lumbini Park, the luxurious Public Gardens dominated by the Asafjahi-style Legislative Assembly complex and the Reserve Bank of India. From the highest level of the temple, the spectacle around is breath-taking, providing a view of the verdure of the city, the incessant flow of traffic on the Tank Bund, crowds thronging the administrative complexes of the government, the newly-built flyovers and the cultural hub of the city Ravindra Bharathi and the NTR Memorial.

The approach to the temple is through a lane opposite the Reserve Bank, and once you trek this small patch, you reach the foot and both sides of a meandering stairway flanked by ornate banisters. On the way are several marble statues representing the Hindu pantheon. The temple manifests a blend of South Indian, Rajasthani and Utkal temple architectures. Before you reach the sanctum, several structures beginning with the baroque canopies at the foot of the stairway, greet you. The main temple is entered through the four-tiered rajagopuram built in the garudalaya style of South Indian temples. Beyond the rajagopuram swings into presence the great Dilwara temple-style gallery dwarfing nearly every other structure by its intricately carved detail.

HITECH (Hyderabad Information Technology Engineering Consultancy) City: Info Hi-Way

The nascent structures coming up in Madhapur area of the 400-year-old Hyderabad city provide a sophisticated contrast to the great and ancient monuments and palaces in the Qutb Shahi capital. It is a consummation of the vision of an information technology crusader unfolding itself in a healthy hurry, comparable to the architectural dreams of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. The structures are a two-phase tribute to a technology that has reduced the world to a global village.

The business like ambience of the HITECH city is in juxtaposition to its equally famous and graceful neighbour Shilparamam, an arts and crafts village, manifesting the simultaneity of two disparate periods in history, and contributing to the variety and contradictions in Indian life and tradition. Both the HITECH city and Silparamam are an evidence of chief minister Chandrababu Naidu's skills in reconciling his respect for the old with his desire to inscribe Andhra Pradesh firmly on the roll of achievers and performers.

HITECH (Hyderabad Information Technology Engineering Consultancy) City: Info Hi-Way

The Indian Business School is affiliated to Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the London Business School. IBS shares expertise and resources with these schools, besides participating in exchange of students and professors. Wharton and Kellogg schools have inducted the latest global management techniques and perceptions into IBS's academic programmes. Faculty members from these institutions now teach at the IBS after designing the school curriculum. Academic, residential and recreational infrastructures provided for students here match those found at the best business schools in the world. The campus structures are a blend of modern and traditional Indian architectures.

State-of-the-art air-conditioned amphitheatres, library, meeting rooms, coffee bars and restaurants mark facilities available at the school. These are in addition to wired classroom conferencing, and hispeed data communication networks. Services such as banking, ATM, infirmary, ISB shop, bookstore, documentation centre etc. are available. The school was inaugurated by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on 2 December 2001, praising it in these words: "The speedy journey of ISB from concept to completion was itself a case study of the world class management capabilities of the new generation of Indians who have promoted it."

HITECH (Hyderabad Information Technology Engineering Consultancy) City: Info Hi-Way

In its fourth year now, the International Institute of Information Technology has a campus of 62 acres, housing such internationally known corporate schools like IBM School of Enterprise-Wide Computing, Signal Tree School of Excellence in Software Development Methodologies, Oracle School of Advanced Software Technology, Satyam School of Applied Information Systems and Motorola School of Communication Technology. A major aim of the institute is to provide a uniquely broad and interdisciplinary IT education of the highest academic quality.

State-of-the-art air-conditioned amphitheatres, library, meeting rooms, coffee bars and restaurants mark facilities available at the school. These are in addition to wired classroom conferencing, and hispeed data communication networks. Services such as banking, ATM, infirmary, ISB shop, bookstore, documentation centre etc. are available. The school was inaugurated by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on 2 December 2001, praising it in these words: "The speedy journey of ISB from concept to completion was itself a case study of the world class management capabilities of the new generation of Indians who have promoted it."

In its fourth year now, the International Institute of Information Technology has a campus of 62 acres, housing such internationally known corporate schools like IBM School of Enterprise-Wide Computing, Signal Tree School of Excellence in Software Development Methodologies, Oracle School of Advanced Software Technology, Satyam School of Applied Information Systems and Motorola School of Communication Technology. A major aim of the institute is to provide a uniquely broad and interdisciplinary IT education of the highest academic quality.

Hussain Sagar: Lake Lustre

Hussain Sagar bridges not only culturally disparate Hyderabad and Secunderabad, known as twin cities all over the country, but constitutes a continuum between history and contemporainty. It was a quiet and placid lake of 24 kilometres built by Hazrat Husain Shah Wali on a tributary of the Musi during the time of that great builder Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah in 1562 to meet the water and irrigation needs of the city. This was much before the historic Charminar overshadowed every other landmark in the city. It is now popularly known as Tank Bund, a truncated version of its original expanse, and has acquired trappings and environs that enhance its appeal to tourists as well as the denizens of the twin cities.

The simple bund that at one time connected the British and Nizam areas of the two cities is today a complex of parks, temples, statuary, sites of entertainment and the capital’s administrative hub, enriching and at the same time ecologically damaging the environs of the shrunken tank. The aesthetically built Secretariat buildings, the NTR memorial, the Lumbini park, the Hyderabad Boat Club, a flyover nearing completion add to the attraction of the southern side of the Tank Bund, while the Secunderabad Sailing Club, the Sanjeeviah Park and the Hazrat Saidani Ma Saheba tomb on the northern side enhance its allure for the tourist. Parallel to the tank bund is what is now known as the lower Tank Bund road, which, though built to reduce traffic congestion, has now become the axis of print media activity.

From the southern side, the lower Tank Bund road is heralded by the famous and very popular Katta Maisamma temple and close to it is the sprawling green lung, the Indira Gandhi Park. A new artery known as the Necklace Road links Lumbini park in Hyderabad with the Sanjeeviah park in Secunderabad. But the centre of attraction literally and figuratively is the monolith Buddha statue in the middle of the ancient lake.

Osmania University: Epic in Granite

Being one of the earliest centres of learning in the South is not the sole distinction of Osmania University. Its eminence is unparalleled in educational architecture in the country and that attracts as many tourists as its academic facilities attract students. Five kilometres of drive from the centre of Hyderabad City brings you through a tree-flanked avenue to a vast pastoral plaza paying tribute to the 2.5 lakh square foot imposing Arts College building, nucleus of Osmania University's 1,500-acre campus, housing a cluster of equally beautiful and impressive buildings of other faculties.

The Arts College edifice is a synonym for architectural uniqueness unspoilt by the arrival of new fangled architectonics. Overlooking the landscape gardens is this majestic structure reached by two flights of wide granite stairs converging and stopping before its awe-inspiring portal that at once is a more eloquent statement on secularism than any other political manifesto. This stately granite giant, an articulate specimen of later Osman Shahi architecture, combines the archetypal characteristics of the Hindu temple styles with those of the Saracenic. Inlaid into this unique form are motifs of medieval Moslem, Arabic, Moorish and even Gothic schools of architecture.

The Arts College was originally Osmania University itself and from here starts a bio-spiritual journey into the world of art and aesthetics revealing itself in sculptured granite. The visitor is mesmerised by the innards of the great welcome arch built in dressed granite, seemingly supported by two soaring, round and polished granite columns. This vertical oblong stands out from the facade and rises higher than the sidewalls and wings of the structure. It is crowned by a trefoil arch, which peaks higher than the walls of the edifice to either side of the portal. The arch houses a semicircular vault with stalactites, resulting in a synthesis of several major architectural themes of iwan, arch and monumental portal.

Paigah Tombs: Marvel in Marble

The Paigah tombs, though a recent discovery, date back to the late eighteenth century and embody unparalleled grace and elegance in marble. Though these stunning tombs are strewn over 30-40 acres, tombs of the Paigahas who had married daughters of the Nizams and their spouses are confined to a two-acre site. It is this enclosure which is now known as Paigah tombs. The Paigah nobles were very close to the Nizams and very powerful and influential, taking care of the security and defence of the state.

The bonds between the Nizams and the Paigah nobility strengthened with the marriage of Fakhr-ud- din Khan with the daughter of the second Nizam. Fakr-ud-din’s descendants married daughters of other Nizams and consequently, in protocol, the Paigahs were considered next only to the Nizams. The tombs are a series of mausoleums built for these Paigahs and immediate members of their families. These structures are specimens of remarkable artistry showing itself off in exquisite inlaid msaic work. Local people claim that the geometrical patterns of the sculptural features of these tombs are unique and not found anywhere in the world.

Abdul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung founded the Paigah nobility and was rendering service to the second Nizam, who ruled between 1760 and 1803. The Nizam conferred on him the title of Shams-ul-umra, meaning the sun among the masses. Tegh Jung was buried in 1786 at the entrance of the complex, now known as Paiga tombs. An iron plaque at the entrance of the complex traces the Paigah lineage and eulogises the marble magnificence of the mausoleums. The Paigahs were also great patrons of arts, literature and sports and commanded the respect of the rulers and the people.

Ramoji Film City, The Dream Factory

Media mughal Ramoji Rao is making a full-fledged Hollywood film, "Quick Sand", not in Los Angeles but in Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. He has recreated the Arizona army base, the barracks, the vehicles, and US military uniforms for the army personnel, and above all, the virtual reality of American landscape. All this in his world-famous Film City. History knows Quli Qutub Shah as the founder of Hyderabad City and posterity will know Ramoji Rao as the architect of the Film City known to everyone who is familiar with the world of films and entertainment. Rao's alchemy factory has produced so far durables like the Margadarsi chit funds, Priya pickles, Ushodaya films and the Eenadu print and TV empires.

The Film City, spread over 2,000 acres of land studded with hills, vales and lakes, has few parallels as both a tourist attraction and major film-making facility. The city looks like the result of a collaboration between P.C. Sorkar and Vishwakarma and is anytime a match to Universal Studios in Hollywood, brick to brick, gizmo to gizmo. It is a place where reality acquires all the attributes of magic and incredibility. Today, it is the filmmakers' first choice as it is a single-window, press-button facility that opens up an unlimited arena of creativity for every major and minor aspect of film production. To quote some directors and producers, the Film City has "all facilities at one place with latest technology and advanced equipment." Its brochure highlights its motto as 'make the magic happen.' However, magic happens spontaneously without human intervention as though it is the main ingredient of the entire project. Yet, everything is real, from the 50 studio floors, the support systems, outdoor locations to the high-tech laboratories, the wealth of technology, the greenery, and the hillscape.

Very need of the filmmaker, imaginary and real, has gone into the planning and execution of this mega project costing hundreds of crores of rupees. Everything that goes into making a film, from raw film to cameras, to processing labs to editing consoles, stage properties, studio floors and even travel arrangements to recreation and past-time is available at the mere mention of it. All this to suit a variety of budgets, whether it is a shoestring art film or a giant formula film. Ramoji Film City is an all-in-one boundless complex offering not just film-making facilities but also customer services, technical expertise, production support personnel and comprehensive technical infrastructures attracting the attention of top film-makers, production houses and leading multinational advertising agencies. A rapid tour of the Film City complex vindicates the claim it makes in its campaign that "Ramoji Film City is geared to service several film and television productions simultaneously. It is one place in the world where you can walk in with a script and walk out, leaving despatch instructions for release of prints or television broadcast masters." The Film City, in company with the Cybercity, has put Hyderabad on the map of the world. In short, it is a film-maker's dream and a tourist's idea of a paradise.

Salar Jung Museum: One-man Wonder

Salar Jung museum is the fantasy of an art visionary come to life which waited for its consummation for another great lover of art Jawaharlal Nehru to visit the historic city of the Quli Qutab Shahs and inaugurate it on 16 December, 1951 when the collections were hurriedly assorted and housed in Diwan Devdi, residence of the Salar Jungs. Every year a million visitors pay homage to this great repository of art and history. The priceless collections were moved in 1968 to a new site from the 100-year-old palace Dewan Devdi of the prime ministers. Legend has that the museum houses art collections of three generations of the Salar Jung family, beginning with Salar Jung, who was prime minister under…

The incomparable treasures of the museum, consisting only of a part of the original collection, are an amazing amalgam of antiquity and modernity, the three Salar Jungs scouring continents for objets d'art and returning home with shiploads of artefacts. It is believed that during the colonial period a lot of the art wealth of the country was shipped to the metropolitan countries and the Salar Jungs are credited with bringing back some of it to enrich the collection. The museum represents, in popular belief, the largest one-man collections of the world. They reflect the stunning range of time and place of these treasures, some of them belonging to different civilisations and dating back to the first century and retrieved from nearly every nook and corner of the world. However, the chief architect of this great and magnificent congeries of art is believed to be Salar Jung III, i.e. Nawab Mir Yusuf Ali khan.

Shilparamam: Festive Time

If its neighbour is distinguished as a centre of excellence in IT education, Shilparamam, a contrast in time and substance to the Cyber Towers, is memorable as a unique achievement in reviving and preserving centuries-old handicrafts and folk forms of theatre and dance. On display at the crafts village is the colourful and magnificent artistry of the countryside in all its splendour. The setting is exquisitely scenic and serene, encompassing 50 acres of greenery, millenia-old rock formations and undulating landscape. The vast expanse of land of this beautiful village is a gift of the Andhra Pradesh government to the South Zone Cultural Centre.

The entire project is conceived as an endless, year-round festival of arts and crafts showcasing the talents and the skills of the rural folk from all parts of the country. You enter the village through a majestic gateway flanked by two life-size terracotta horses. In sections specially provided for them, you can see craftsmen chiselling raw wood into objects of everlasting value, sculpting wonders from stone, harnessing metal into stunning images of gods and goddesses and weaving magic in cotton, silk and gold thread. These live demonstrations of artisanship bring back to the visitor pictures of a bygone era of Dhaka muslin, Kondapalli toys, Bankura horses, gudda-guddis of Punjab, temple arts and a motley of Indian arts and crafts forms which have survived the assaults of both the industrial and cyber revolutions. In short, a visit to the village is an unforgettable spiritual experience for the visitor.

Courtesy: http://www.besthyderabad.com/

Srisaila Mallikharjuna Swamy and Bramarambika Devi

2010-10-19T10:25:00.000+05:30

About The Main Temple

The shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna picturesquely situated on a flat top of Nallamalai Hills, Srisailam is reputed to be one of the most ancient kshetras in India. It is on the right side of the River Krishna in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. This celebrated mountain is also named as Siridhan, Srigiri, Sirigiri, Sriparvatha and Srinagam. It has been a popular centre of Saivite pilgrimage for centuries.

The prominence of this Divya Kshetram is highlighted by the fact that while performing our daily household rituals we specify place of location of our existence with reference to Srisailam.

The presiding Deities of this kshetram Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is one of the eighteen Mahasakthis and both are self-manifested. The unique feature of this kshetram is the combination of Jyothirlingam and Mahasakthi in one campus, which is very rare and only one of its kind.

There is a common belief in vogue that this Holy Kshetram exists from times immemorial. The antiquity and origin of God Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is not known.

The Mallikarjuna Linga is accessible to each and every devotee and anybody can go into the sanctum sanctorum of Mallikarjuna, touch him and perform Abhishekam and Archana himself to recitation of Mantras by Archakas without caste or creed or religion. This clearly reveals that socialistic pattern of society started from this place and it is still in existence.

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DARSHANAM

The timings of the temple is as follow:

From To
4.30 AM 5.00 AM Mangalavadyams.
5.00 AM 5.15 AM Suprabhatam.
5.15 AM 6.30 AM Pratahkalapuja, Gopuja and Maha Mangala Harathi.
6.30 AM 1.00 PM Darshanam, Abhishekam and Archanas by the devotees.
1.00 PM 3.30 PM Alankara Darshanam.
4.30 PM 4.50 PM Mangalavadyams.
4.50 PM 5.20 PM Pradoshakalapuja.
5.20 PM 6.00 PM Susandhyam and Maha Mangala Harathi.
5.50 PM 6.20 PM Rajopachara puja (Parakulu) to Bhramaramba Devi.
6.20 PM 9.00 PM Darshanam, Abhishekam and Archanas.
9.00 PM 10.00 PM Dharma Darshanam.
9.30 PM 10.00 PM Ekantha Seva.
10.00 PM Closure of the temple.

DARSHANAMS

Name of the Darshanams Time Amount Entry for

Suprabhatha Darshanam 5.00 AM 250.00 Couple or Single person

Mahamangala Harathi 5.50 AM 100.00 One Person

Special ‘Q’ Line Darshanam 50.00 One Person

6.30 AM to 1.00 PM & 6.30 PM to 9.00 PM

Free Darshanam in general ‘Q’

6.00 AM to 3.30 PM & 6.00 PM to 10.00 PM

Mahamangala Harathi (Evening) 5.00 PM 100.00 One Person

Quick Darshanam

6.30 AM to 1.00 PM & 6.30 PM to 9.00 PM 100.00 One Person

Note: The Suprabhatam ,Harathi,Darshnam and Abhishekams will be advanced during monday's i.e they will be start from suprabhatam 4.00AM, Harathi 5.00AM, Abhishekam 5.30AM and Darshnam 5.30AM

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ACCOMMADATION

The Devasthanam is having 25 individual cottages, Pathaleswra Sadan with 23 Deluxe Suites, Sivasadanam guest house with 100 rooms, T.T.D Guest House with 10 rooms,Chandeswara Sadanam with 22 rooms and a dormitory Choultry consisting of 7 Halls.

Devasthanam has also constructed a modern complex with 112 suites named as Gangasadan and Gowrisadan. At present this complex is leased out to Tourism Department.

Tariff:

S.No. Cottages & Rooms Rent Per Day
1 Sivasadanam 100
2 Pathaleswara Sadanam(A/C ) 600
3 Chandeeswara Sadan (A/C) 400
Chandeeswara Sadan ( Non A/C) 250
Chandeeswara Sadan (One A/C, One Non A/C) 600
4 T.T.D (A/C) 300
T.T.D Non A/C 100
5 Aditya Cottage 1000
6 Soma Enterprises 1200
7 Eswaramma Cottage 1000
8 Siddeswara Cottage 1200
9 Ramanaidu Cottage 600
10 Cottage (2 A/C & 1 Non A/C ) 1000
11 Cottage (2 A/C ) 800
12 Cottage (1 A/C & 1 Non A/C) 600
13 Bramari Sadanam Hall 200

Besides this there are 40 private choultries consisting of about 1200 rooms and they are also providing accommodation to the pilgrim.

The Department of Tourism is maintaining Punnami Guest Houses consisting above 50 suites.

SRI VARASIDDHI VINAYAKASWAMY - KANIPAKAM

2010-09-17T17:51:00.000+05:30

HISTORY OF KANIPAKAM VINAYAKASWAMY:

SHRINE IN WATER.

Kanipakam is a small village on the bank of Bahuda River.
"Kani" means wetland and "Pakam" means flow of water into wetland. According to the legend of the temple there were three brothers and each one had a handicap. Viz., Dumb, Deaf and Blind. They were earning out their livelihood by cultivating a small piece of land.

In olden days water was drawn from the well by way of 'Piccota System'. As one of them used to irrigate the field through the channels, the other two used to ply on the Piccota. On one such operation they found that the water in the well got dried up and they could no longer continue their job. One of them got into the well and started digging it up. He was taken aback to see the iron implement hitting a stone like formation. Later, he was shocked to see blood oozing out from it. Within in a few seconds the entire water in the well, turned blood red in colour. Thus, startled by this divine sight, all the three became normal getting rid of their deformities. As soon as the villagers came to know about this miracle, they thronged to the well and tried to deepen the well further. But their attempt proved futile because the 'swayambhu' idol (the self-manifested) of Lord Vinayaka emerged from the swirling waters.

Ultimately they offered many number of coconuts with all prayers- modesty kneeling before the new idol afford “MAGALHARATHI” etc. They declared the ideal of “SWAYAMBHU” and tendered number of coconuts. The coconuts water flowed into the channel to a distance of more than one and a quarter acres. The indication of this led to the modification in the usage of the Tamil word “KANIPARAKAM” and later pronounced as KANIPAKAM. Even today the idol is in the original well and the springs of the well are perennial and the eternal. During the rainy season, the holy water from the well overflows even today.

Another striking and strange feature of the idol is that it is still growing in size. At present, we can see the knees and the abdomen of the idol. Smt. Lakshmamma, an ardent devotee had offered a 'Kavacham' (Armour) to the Lord, fifty years ago but today it is out of size and doesn't fit the idol. The holy water from the well is offered to the devotees as theertham. The legend behind Bahuda River.

Long ago there lived two brothers Sankha and Likhita. They were on a pilgrimage to Kanipakam. As the journey was tiring, the younger brother Likhita felt hungry. Disregarding the advice of the elder brother he plucked a mango from the mango grove. Sankha felt bad and reported this to the ruler of that area and pleaded for punishment for the sin committed during the pilgrimage. Thus Likhita was punished severely being deprived of both arms.

Later they took bath in the river near Kanipakam temple. Lo Behold! The chopped arms were restored to Likhita as soon as he had a dip in the sacred waters of the river. These incidents lead the ruler to rename the river as 'Bahuda' (Bahu means human arm). Thus the river beside Kanipakam temple is now known as 'Bahuda River'.

Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka as up-holder of 'Truth'

The swayambhu idol of Kanipakam is the up-holder of truth. Day to day disputes between people is resolved by taking a 'special oath'. The people in the dispute take a holy dip in the temple tank and swear before the lord. It is taken as gospel truth.

There are instances when the person who committed that sin voluntarily agrees as soon as he had the dip and much before entering the temple itself. It seems the Lord lawns invisibly on the sinner and makes him repent & feel guilty for his sinful deeds.

Thus the glory of Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka spread far and wide and the honorable courts uphold the 'special oath' in their judicial pronouncements.

SRI VARASIDDHI VINAYAKASWAMY - KANIPAKAM - DAILY SEVAS AND POOJAS AND ACCOMMODATION

2010-09-15T19:08:00.000+05:30

Details of Daily Sevas:

Suprabatham, Binduteerthaabishekham (4.30 A.M to 5.45 A.M):

Rs.551/- 2 persons allowed. Devotees will be given 5 laddus, ½ Kg of pulihora, 1 shesha vastram, 1 blouse piece, 5 gm silver dollar.

Result:

This Seva is for awaking the swamy, its pleasure to have the first Darshan of Swamiji. This can be experienced only by having first Darshan at early Morning.

Paalabhishekam(7.30 A.M to 8.00 A.M):

Rs. 100/- 3 persons allowed. Devotees should get minimum of 2 litres of milk.

SankataHaraGanapati Vratham(9.00 A.M to 12.00 Noon):

Rs. 151/- 1 or 2persons are allowed. Devotees will be given 2 laddus.

Result:

In Ganeshaporanam, this vratham has prominent role. This vratham was performed by Lord Krishna and Bramha. This Vratham can be performed by the couple those who don’t have children, for Business Development, for overcoming all the frustrations and especially for Court Case Salvations.

Special Abhishekam(9.00 A.M to 10.00 A.M & 11.00 A.M to 12.00 noon):

Rs. 400/- 2 persons allowed in the first instance along with children and 3 persons will be allowed later. Devasthanam will supply Pooja samagri.

Pavalimpu Seva (EkanthaSeva) (9.30 P.M onwords...):

Rs.150/- 2 persons allowed, Devotees should get the pooja samagri.

Result:

Sri Ganapathi and Ammavaru will be rested in Addala Mandapam in the temple. The newly married couples, couples to have the children, the couples with problems in married life can perform this seva and can get the problems solved.

Kalyanotshavam:

1116/-, 1 person or couple will be allowed per ticket. The devotees will be given shesha vastram, 1 blouse piece, 2 laddus and 2 vadas.

Result:

The persons who are having KujaDosham (Objections for their Marriage) can get their problems by performing this seva.

Vunjala Seva:

1116/-, 1 person or couple will be allowed per ticket. The devotees will be given 1 seshavastram, 1 blouse piece, 2 laddus and 2 vadas.

Result:

They devotees will be having chance to keep the lord on their Shoulders and can go round the Temple and they send the lord to Sleep by swinging in the Cradle.

DARSHAN & POOJAS:

Special Entrance Darshan:
Rs. 10/- per head.

Ordinary queue line:
Free

Nijaroopa Darshan
(Morning 7.00 to 7.30,8.30 to 9.00,10.30 to 11.00 and Evening 4.30 to 5.00):
Rs. 25/- per head.

Ganapathi Homam(Before 12.00 Noon):
Rs. 350/- the Devasthanam will supply Pooja samagri.

Result:

In Day to day life there is lot of competition and Objections for all the works, in the same way lot of frustrations in Education, Employment, marriage and Business. By Performing this Homam, One can overcome such Frustrations.

Ganapathi Modaka Pooja (Before 12.00 Noon):

Rs. 300/- Devasthanam will supply Pooja samagri.

Result:

From the past History, we all know that Lord Vinayaka is Very Fond of Kudumulu; all the Hindus celebrate the Occasions by giving the Kudumulu as Food to Lord Vigneswara.

Ganapathi Sahasra Namarchana

(11.30 A.M to 12.00 Noon , 1.00 P.M to 1.30 P.M , 3.30 P.M to 4.00 P.M & 6.00 P.M to 6.30 P.M):

Rs. 150/- Devasthanam will supply Pooja samagri.

Ganapathi Patra Pooja(Before 12.00 Noon):

Rs. 58/- Devasthanam will supply Pooja samagri.

Shodasa Ganapathi Pooja(Before 12.00 Noon):

Rs. 500/- Devasthanam will supply Pooja samagri.

Result:

There are 32 Avatarams of Ganapathi. This pooja will be performed by using 16 of those 32 Avatarams. They will give the prasadams to devotees’ by performing archana to all the 16 Avatarams. Actually we get more peace and happiness by performing archana to one avataram. The result of performing archana to 16 avatarams can be unbelievable.

Moola Mantraarchana(Before 12.00 Noon):

Rs. 300/- per family. It’s performed before 12 in the morning.

Result:

Ganapathi was Very Fond of Coconuts, this seva can be performed by giving 8 Coconuts to ganapathi. By this one can get blessings from Ganapathi and all the problems will be solved, they can live peacefully.

Polangi Seva(Every Thursday):

Rs. 1000/- per family. Every Thursday.

Result:

Sri Ganapathi is decorated by different colour flowers in his Garbalayam and Antralayam. By performing this Seva one can get more wealth through Lakshmi Blessings.

Vahana Pooja:

Rs. 50/- (Auto & Scooter), Rs. 75/- (Four wheelers)

Tala Neelalu:

Rs. 5/- per head. Done near Swami vari Kalyana Katta.

Pramanam:

Rs. 516/- per each Pramanam.Everyday at 5 Pm

Sani Dosha Nivarana Seva:

Rs. 5/- per head.

Navagraha Santhi:

Rs. 50/- per head.

Result:

By this, the people who are having ‘Navagraha Dosam’ they can overcome the Dosam. The children’s who are having the problems in future can be eradicated by this Seva.

Akshrabyasam, Anna Prasana:

Rs. 116/- 2 laddus & 1 Brass dollar will be given. Ticket should be taken before 12pm.

Namakaranam (Naming Ceremony):

Rs. 116/- & 1 Brass dollar will be given.

Subhakaryamula Aahvana Poojalu:

Rs. 51/-

MahaHarati (Kumba Harati): 6.00 P.M to 6.15 P.M daily

Rs.25/-, one person will be allowed, 1 Laddu will be given as Prasadam.

Saswatha Poojas:

Swaswatha Abhishekam:

Rs. 2500/- (Once in a year on a particular day. Date choosen by the devotee).

Saswatha Ganapathi Homam:

Rs. 2500/- (Once in a year on a particular day. Date choosen by the devotee).

Saswatha Pooja:

Rs. 516/- (Once in a year on a particular day. Date choosen by the devotee).

For Nitya Annadanam Rs. 1116/- is the minimum.

Money should be sent through Bank Drafts, Money orders, or personally

To,
Executive officer (EO)
Sri Vara Sidhi Vinayaka Swami Vari Devasthanam,
Kanipakam.

NOTE:

1: Special Pooja will be performed once in a year and prasadam will be sent to the devotees by post i.e., vibhoodi.

2: Nitya Annadanam started from 1991 onwards. Daily afternoon 150 members are provided free meals. Tickets will be issued near the place annadanam takes place. There is a reduction in the tax for those who give donations to annadanam scheme.

3.Donations for development activities, Golden Chariot, Nityaannadanam
are exempted from the income tax under 80(G).

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ACCOMMODATION:

6 Rooms by Kanipakam Devasthanam

14 Rooms by TTD Choultries.

100 Rooms

Construction is in Progress and it will be completing very soon.

The Visa God - Chilkur Balaji Temple

2010-07-02T18:02:00.000+05:30

SRI BALAJI TEMPLE

The Balaji Temple is located at Chilkur in the Hyderabad district. It is 33 Kms away from Mehedipatnam. Approximately 75,000 to 1,00,000 devotees visit in a week. Generally temple gets heavy rush on Fridays and Sundays.

The temple at Chilkur is managed by the hereditary trustee Sri M.V. Soundara Rajan and Sri C.S. Gopala Krishna. The entire family of the archaka, including the women are dedicated themselves to serve the God.

HISTORY

Twenty Five kilometers from Hyderabad off the Vikarabad road and on the banks of Osmansagar is the picturesque village of Chikur with its hoary temple dedicated to Sri Balaji Venkateshwara. From the style, structure and appearance, it can be inferred that the temple was built half a millennium ago. Set in sylvan surroundings, the temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year and is an ideal place for sequestered retreat and meditation. It enjoyed in the past, great days of pomp and glory.

The temple is one of the oldest in Telengana, having been built during the time of Akkanna and Madanna, the uncles of Bhakta Ramdas. According to tradition, a devotee who used to visit Tirupati every year could not do so on one occasion owing to serious ill-health. Lord Venkateshwara appeared in his dream and said, "I am right here in the jungle nearby. You don't have to worry." The devotee at once moved to the place indicated by the Lord in the dream and saw a mole- hill there, which he dug up. Accidentally, the axe struck Lord Balaji's idol covered by the mole-hill below the chin and on the chest, and surprisingly blood started flowing profusely from the "wounds", flooding the ground and turning it scarlet. The devotee could not believe his eyes when he saw this. Suddenly he could not believe his ears also when he heard a voice from the air which said,"Flood the mole-hill with cow's milk. "When the devotee did so, a Swayambhu idol of Lord Balaji accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi(a rare combination) was found, and this idol was installed with the due rites and a temple built for it.

Sri Balaji venkateshwara, the Pratyaksha Daiva in kaliyuga, is thus available at Chilkur to shower blessings on His devotees who for any reason are unable to go to Tirupati. Many devout worshippers flock to the temple, to receive the blessings of the Lord and his consorts throughout the year particularly during the Poolangi, Annakota and Brahmothsavams.

With the earnest desire to revive the former glory and importance of the temple, the idol of Ammavaru was installed in 1963 the year following the Chinese aggression, and when the aggression was unilaterally vacated, Ammavaru was given the name of Rajya Lakshmi, signifying this welcome event. The unique feature of this idol is that lotus flowers are held in three hands and the fourth hand is in such a position towards the lotus feet which signifies the doctrine of Saranagathi.

The temple has been visited by great Acharyas from time to time. A visit to the temple is a must for the Jeer of Sri Ahobila Mutt every time he visits the twin cities, and in the temple is installed the idol of the first Jeer. The Tilakayaths of Sri Vallabhacharya Sampradaya have been regularly visiting the shrine. Jagadguru Sri Sankaracharya of Sringeri Mutt and his disciple graced the efforts of the trustees in improving the temple.

REMEDIES

Vishnu Sahasranama was first composed & recited by Bhishma, when he was on his deathbed. Lord Krishna went to see Bhishma because he was breathing his last. When Bhishma had darshan of Lord Krishna, he started reciting Vishnu Sahasranama immediately. Vishnu Sahasranama means, rosary of thousand names of Lord Vishnu.

He started reciting Vishnu Sahasranama in the order he saw lord's form continuously and successively.

Vishnu Sahasranama is found in Mahabharata, the great epic of India. If confers all the mundane transcendental benefits to the person who chants it. There are so many Sahasranamas of Vishnu, but among them this happens to be the most cardinal and important one because right from Sankaracharyalu there are so many Sages and Saints who have recited and commented in their own way. Even today, it is recited with the fervor and gaiety in all the temples of Lord Vishnu.

The Chanting of following names of Lord Vishnu, immensely helps us in overcoming the obstacles in our daily life.

1. "Om Vashatkaaraaya Namaha" : For Success in Business.

2. "Om Aksharaaya Namaha" : For Success in Studies.

3. "Om Bhuthabhavanaya Namaha" : For Good Health.

4. "Om Paramaathmane Namaha" : For Self Confidence.

Interesting News

2010-03-10T11:33:00.004+05:30

Family reunion’ brings Mukarram Jah to city

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Hyderabad: Former Prince Mukarram Jah, the eighth Nizam of Hyderabad, who arrived here on Sunday, would be spending quiet some time in the city this time round, family sources said. He has been joined here by his former wife princess Esra, son Ezmat Jah and daughter Shahkiyar. It is sort of a family reunion after long time in the city, the source said. Former prince Mukarram Jah, who succeeded his grandfather Mir Osman Ali Khan in 1967, lives in Istanbul, Turkey, while princess Esra in Britain. The children shuttle between Europe and the US. The prince, who is staying at Chiran Palace, Banjara Hills, visited Mecca Masjid and Golconda Fort in the last couple of days. He is expected to visit Chowmohalla Palace and Falaknuma Palace soon. Chowmohalla Palace has been conserved and opened for public a few years ago while Taj Group of Hotels is converting the Falaknuma Palace into a heritage hotel. Part of Falaknuma Palace where restoration and conservation works are going on will be with the prince where he might like to stay during next visits to Hyderabad. The palace itself is likely to be opened as a hotel in the next two to three months, the sources said. Princess Esra had said earlier that the prince misses Hyderabad city a lot and he might want to spend more time here with his two children this time.

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IT firms log into Vizag

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Visakhapatnam: With several investors making a beeline to Visakhapatnam to set up IT units, the port city is fast emerging as a tier-II destination. Software giants like IBM and Microsoft are evincing keen interest to establish units here what with the state government announcing its resolve to develop the ‘city of destiny’ as the ideal base next only to Hyderabad for software and BPO units. A team of IBM representatives from America confabulated with the Andhra University authorities on Tuesday to enquire about the facilities to set up a global centre here. Sources said the IBM team enquired about the manpower, connectivity of rail, road and air, besides availability of power and water facilities. "The city has better connectivity than other cities like Vijayawada and Tirupati," AU registrar Prasada Reddy told the team, it was learnt. The team would meet the district authorities on Wednesday. Sources said another major player in the software industry, Microsoft would sign an MoU with AU on March 12 to train students for its new software, which would be released soon. The company would provide the new software to three lakh students of more than 600 colleges under the AU purview. "The IT major is willing to provide project work to our students and give training to the faculty," VC Beela Satyanarayana said. The city has IT bigwigs like Kenexa, Sutherland and HSBC, which have already established development centre here. Wipro constructed a centre in eight acres of land in the heart of the city and is expected to launch operations in a couple of months as the impact of the global meltdown is decreasing. The government allotted land to 27 companies in the two SEZs on the hilltops at Madhurawada and Rushikonda. Six companies have already started their operations with 2000 staff. "If all the companies launch operations, the manpower strength would cross more than 25,000," Symbiosis Technologies CEO O Naresh Kumar told TOI. Sources said software exports from Vizag was to the tune of Rs 504 crore in 2009.

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HC seeks govt response on bandhs

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Hyderabad: The High Court on Tuesday declined to entertain a petition that sought a direction to the state government to appoint a high-powered committee to study the issue of state bifurcation. "It is a political domain and we do not intend to infringe on that domain," the court said. However, the court entertained a part of the petition that wanted the government to control bandhs in the state. The court sought to know the state government’s stand on bandhs that are frequently causing inconvenience to the people. The division bench comprising Chief Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakru and Justice P V Sanjay Kumar directed the government to clearly state its stance within a week on providing relief to people from recurring bandhs. The bench perused the counter affidavit filed by a top ranking police official and said that what they need is not just a police response, and that they are looking forward to know about the government’s response on this matter. The bench is dealing with a writ filed by one Narayana, who sought a declaration that until article 371-D remained in the Constitution the question of separate Telangana does not arise. Earlier, another division bench refused to go into the said question but admitted the writ petition on the limited question of bandhs and the inconvenience caused to the public. HC issues notice to govt on Vijaynagar monument case: The High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the state and central governments and their archaeology wings to file their replies to the contentions raised in a petition filed by an advocate Gopalakrishna Kalanidhi, who charged the authorities with failure in protecting the monument built by Sri Krishnadevaraya of the erstwhile Vijayanagar empire in Penugonda of Anantapur district. Kalanidhi charged the authorities with negligence and connivance with dubious elements in this regard and cited the allotment of land in this fort to a baba of doubtful credentials. This baba, Sri Kaleswara Swamy, is now going ahead with construction of a huge multi-storied building inside the fort near a place which is said to be the tomb of Mahamantri Timmarusu of the Krishnadevaraya empire. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakru and Justice P V Sanjay Kumar, sought to know the status from the authorities and issued notices to them. HC admits petition against finance company: Justice C V Nagarjuna Reddy of the High Court on Tuesday admitted a writ petition filed by one Kesavulu for ‘clubbing’ of all the cases by various depositors of Nagarjuna Finance. The case of the petitioner is that the deposits were not being collected by the finance company after the revised guidelines of the RBI. He also stated that he was only an employee director of the company and he was exonerated in a contempt case from having to make payments. He also stated that in another matter there was a direction to the police not to arrest him.

Courtesy: Times of India-Hyderabad-Dated 10-3-2010

AP NEWS ON TELANGANA

2010-02-16T17:10:00.001+05:30

JAC nixes TDP proposal

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Hyderabad: The Telangana JAC convener M Kodandaram on Monday turned down TDP’s proposal to hand over 38 resignation letters to him with an assurance that they would meet the Speaker and get them accepted if the Congress MLAs from Telangana region also announce their decision to quit the assembly.

Talking to media, Kodandaram said that handing over the letters to him would not serve any purpose and instead, they should give them to Speaker directly. “I am not the authority to accept them,” Kodandaram said.

He was of the opinion that the TDP should not wait for Congress MLAs. If TDP also resigns than it would become easy to mount pressure on the Congress MLAs, he felt. But TDP leaders N Janardhan Reddy and others feel that it would only result in forcing a by election. “No constitutional crisis can be created by about 50 people resigning from the assembly,” Janardhan Reddy said. On the other hand, the BJP floor leader G Kishen Reddy is understood to have decided to seek an opportunity from the speaker to explain in the assembly why he wants to resign.

According to Kodandaram, since the deadline for the Telangana MLAs to resign was over on Monday evening, the JAC will put pressure on them by organising agitational programmes in front of their houses from Tuesday.

Asked if the JAC would move its office to another place in the wake of Speaker’s decision not to allow any political meetings in the premises of MLA quarters, he said he was yet to receive the orders and would abide by it. Strongly condemning the police lathicharge on students at OU, the JAC leader demanded government to withdraw police forces from the campus immediately.

============================================================================================

CM scares mantris with prez rule

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Hyderabad: Chief minister K Rosaiah is believed to have lost his cool during the cabinet meeting on Monday and told ministers that if they continue to behave in the same manner, the state will soon be under president’s rule.

He is learnt to have expressed his anger and agony over congress MLAs raising slogans during Governor’s address. He said it was an insult to the party and the high command. According to sources, Rosaiah expressed his unhappiness over the failure of ministers to have control on MLAs from their region. “If things go beyond a point, there will be nothing in my hands and do not blame me if president’s rule is imposed,” he is said to have remarked.

Referring to growing differences among the ministers, the CM said: “If regionalism comes to fore or gains primacy among ministers, it is difficult to run the government. Welfare schemes and all other developmental activities will suffer. If none of you are interested let’s get the House dissolved and go home.”

============================================================================================

T-agitators target ministers’ houses

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Hyderabad: Telangana protesters on Monday attacked the houses of several Congress ministers and MLAs to press for their resignations from the assembly.

Raising slogans to the effect that the Congress ministers and MLAs should quit the House and work for Telangana state, the protesters, including ABVP activists, pelted stones, threw cow dung, eggs and tomatoes at the houses of Congress leaders in Warangal, Nalgonda, Khammam, Adilabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Ranga Reddy districts. The only TDP MLA who was targeted by the protesters was K Harishwar Reddy from Parigi in Ranga Reddy district.

In Hyderabad, girls students who suffered injuries due to police action on Osmania University campus, heckled home minister P Sabita Indra Reddy and raised slogans against her when she called on them at Durgabhai Deshmukh Hospital on Monday.

Sources said, these attacks virtually sealed the chances of ministers and MLAs visiting their constituencies and towns in future. The Congress has 52 MLAs from Telangana. Barring a few MLAs who are actively involved in the T movement, ministers and MLAs have stopped the tours in the region for the past three months. Those who ventured out had to face the wrath of the activists.

Largest number of attacks took place in Warangal district where the house of irrigation minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah had become the target of ire along with the houses of MLAs Konda Surekha, M Kavita, T Rajaiah, Gandra Venkataramana Reddy and MLC Rajalingam. The attackers are said to belong to the ABVP.

Around the same time, attacks took place on the houses of minister Komatireddy Venktareddy and Gutha Sukhender Reddy, Lok Sabha member from Nalgonda. The house of MLA T Lingaiah was also targeted by the protesters in Narketpalli.

Similarly T-protagonists attacked the houses of minister P Sudarshan Reddy in Nizamabad district. Reddy is the lone MLA from the Congress from the district. Reddy has been avoiding the district ever since the T-trouble started brewing in the district.

When he first tried to visit the town last week, activists forced him to give an assurance that he would resign from the cabinet if the terms of reference for the Srikrishna commission were against the Telangana. So, the activists today demanded his resignation both from the cabinet and the assembly. Advocates from the town staged a dharna in front of the house of PCC president D Srinivas. Incidentally, DS is not a member of the assembly.

In Khammam, the house of minister R Venkat Reddy was attacked by the members of Progressive Democratic students Union (PDSU), who demanded his immediate resignation.

The activist attacked the house of Athram Sakkum, the lone MLA from the Congress in Adilabad district with tomatoes and stones. They staged dharna in front of the houses of minister D Sridhar and MP Ponnam Prabhakar in Karimnagar district. In Mahbubnagar, windows of minister D K Aruna’s house were damaged by T-activists. Police had to resort to lathicharge to quell the mob. The miscreants attacked the houses of ministers Damodar Rajanarasimha and Sunitha Lakshma Reddy in Sangareddy and Narsapur respectively in Medak district.

Meanwhile, the speaker’s decision on the resignations of Congress MLAs R Damodar Reddy and Ch Mutyam Reddy is awaited. Talking to media, Damodar Reddy said there would be no going back on the resignation despite the attempts to persuade him by the party. “I will not take back my resignation from the assembly,” Reddy said.

Opposition parties boycott Assembly breakfast

The demand for separate T state and the lathicharge on students and mediamen at Osmania University on Sunday night had its impact on the customary breakfast hosted by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the chairman of the council on Monday. The TDP, including opposition leader N Chandrababu Naidu, CPI and BJP on Monday boycotted the customary breakfast. The Congress was divided on this issue as the ministers from Telangana region came for the breakfast while the MLAs decided to keep away. Soon after the chief minister and other leaders came to Jubilee Hall in Public Gardens, where the breakfast was hosted, media representatives raised slogans against the attack on them by police. The scribes demanded suspension of the policemen responsible for the attack. The chief minister called the media persons, offered his regrets over the incident and assured that action would be taken after he receives the report from the human rights commission. He also told them that he would take measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur again in future. TNN

Courtesy: Times of India-Hyderabad- Dt. 16-2-2010

AP NEWS ON TELANGANA

2010-02-15T11:49:00.006+05:30

Blow to KCR as only 15 quit

HYDERABAD

Telangana Joint Action Committee has decided to give MLAs one more day to submit their resignations against the Srikrishna Committee’s terms of reference.

T-JAC TO BOYCOTT GOODS MADE BY ANDHRA AND RAYALASEEMA TRADERS.

Just 15 legislators from five political parties submitted their resignations to the Speaker on Sunday, protesting against the terms of reference to the Srikrishna committee which they say is anti-Telangana. Among them were two Congress legislators, Mr R. Damodar Reddy and Ch. Mutyam Reddy, who face the the threat of party action.

This came as a big blow to the Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, whose ingenious gameplan was to force a constitutional crisis by getting enough number of legislators to resign from the Assembly.

As things stand now, neither the Assembly session nor the functioning of the Srikrishna Committee will be affected by the resignations. Mr Rao had planned to affect both.

Those who resigned include all the 10 MLAs of the TRS, TD's Mr Chennamaneni Ramesh, (who had resigned on December 23 last), Mr Maheswar Reddy of the Praja Rajam and the (The BJP floor leader, Mr Kishan Reddy, announced that he will submit his resignation after the Governor's speech in the Assembly on Monday. The Speaker, Mr N. Kirankumar Reddy, accepted Mr Chennamaneni Ramesh's resignation.

Many TD legislators submitted their resignations to the party leader, Mr Nagam Janardhan Reddy, while the Congress legislators streed clear of the drama.

The Telangana Joint Action Committee has decided to give MLAs one more day to submit their resignations against the Srikrishna Committee’s terms of reference.

“We have decided to announce the names of MLAs who do not submit their papers on February 16 and will launch protest dharnas before their houses and there will be complete non-cooperation from February 28,” said the convener of the Telangana Joint Action Committee, Prof. Kodandaram, The JAC has also decided to boycott all goods produced by Andhra and Rayalaseema businessmen.

Details about the goods and services to be boycotted will be announced later. The Congress high command has reportedly cracked the whip on MLAs threatening to resign or disrupting the sittings of the state Assembly beginning on Monday.

It has taken the resignation of its two MLAs seriously and may expel them from the party for six years.

The former ministers, Mr R. Damodar Reddy (Suryapet), and Mr C. Mutyam Reddy (Dommat), submitted their resignations on Sunday, protesting against the Centre’s attitude towards the formation of Telangana. Mr Damodar Reddy has been in the Congress for three decades.

Mr Mutyam Reddy severed his ties with the Telugu Desam and joined the Congress in the presence of YSR, a year ago. He was given a party ticket and got elected.

According to sources, while two other MLAs, Mr P. Narasa Reddy (Gajwel) and Mr Bikshamaiah Gowd (Aler) had also announced they would resign on Saturday, the PCC chief Mr D. Srinivas, convinced them not to quit. The PCC chief was reportedly informed that orders expelling Mr Damodar Reddy and Mr Mutyam Reddy would be issued in a couple of days.

Mr Srinivas has been calling each legislator personally and convincing him not to resign and obstruct the proceedings of the House.

Mr Srinivas has been specifically told by the party high command to inform legislators that any violation of its directive will be taken seri- ously. “If you resign, what will happen? You will be greeted with bouquets by Telangana activists for a day or two and after that no one bothers about you. The Congress will not re-nominate you, so what is the use?" Mr Srinivas reportedly told each legislator.

The Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, ministers and PCC leaders have been warning MLAs that if a crisis is precipitated by large numbers of resignations, the Centre will have no option but to impose President Rule in the state which will put the Telangana issue on the backburner.

Mr Srinivas has also reportedly asked MLAs and MLCs who have issued statements about their intention to obstruct or boycott the Governor's Address to the Joint Session of the state Assembly on Monday to withdraw such moves.

"How can you object to the policies of your own government? How can you boycott the House being members of the ruling party?" Mr Srinivas asked them.

Sources said the Union urban affairs minister, Mr S. Jaipal Reddy who belongs to Telangana, was also asked by the high command to rein in party MLAs.

A last minute effort by some ministers to pacify the two Congress MLAs to withdraw their resignation did not succeed. It is learnt that the Speaker has decided to accept the 14 resignations pending with him by Monday morning.

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TD awaits Congress lead on resignations

HYDERABAD

Smart strategy blame game The TD can now say it complied with the JAC deadline and criticise the Congress MLAs for not doing so.

The Telugu Desam MLAs from Telangana region have decided to submit their resignations to the Telangana Joint Action committee convenor, Prof. Kodandaram, and not to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

The TD has decided to tread carefully on the issue of resignations. The TD senior leader, Dr Nagam Janardan Reddy, while talking to mediapersons, said, “We have asked Prof. Kodandaram to secure resignations of Congress members before handing over ours to the Speaker."

As many as 28 members of the TD handed over their resignations to Dr Nagam Janardan Reddy on Sunday. The remaining 10 MLAs from Telangana districts would submit their letters on Monday, Dr Janardan Reddy said.

By giving the resignation letters to Joint Action Committee, the TD party ensured that their letters would reach the Speaker’s office only after the Congress members submit theirs’. The TD can now say it complied with the JAC deadline and criticise the Congress MLAs for not doing so.

The TD T-MLAs have also decided not to attend the Budget session starting on Monday as they have already submitted resignations to the JAC. “Only a constitutional crisis would ensure formation of Telangana state. We are ready to resign, Now, it is for the Congress to act,” said Dr Janardan Reddy.

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Prez rule looms large over AP

HYDERABAD

All for T uncertainty The Telugu Desam may create pandemonium in the House; it is yet to be seen if T-Congress members also join.

The Budget Session of the state Assembly will begin from Monday against the backdrop of the two-and-a-half-month Telangana agitation, resignations by a few members, and the possible imposition of President Rule if the proceedings of the Assembly continue to be disrupted and there are more resignations.

The Business Advisory Committee meeting on Monday morning will decide whether it is going to be a full Budget session or a vote-on-account session. If it is a full Budget session, the House has to meet for a minimum of 28 working days and if it is a vote-on-account session, the House can meet for a minimum of five days.

Everything depends on the mood of Monday’s joint session. The Telugu Desam may create pandemonium in the House, and whether Congress members from Telangana also take part in this remains to be seen.

The options are, if the proceedings are disrupted and the Speaker to suspend those unruly members, followed by a House motion, the House proceedings can still continue. But if disruptions are going to occur daily, it may be difficult for the House to function.

Should members from one particular region decide to tender their resignations, that too would make it politically untenable to continue the House, though constitutionally, there is no obligation to discontinue the sitting. The Constitution only requires that a quorum (of 30 members or one-tenth of the total members of the House) has to be maintained for commencing and continuance of the House sitting.

Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle-Hyderabad dated 15-2-2010

AP NEWS ON TELANGANA

2010-02-13T19:16:00.002+05:30

AP can’t come to Terms

City Faces A Bandh Today Too

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh appeared to be set for another spell of unrest with those seeking its bifurcation terming the B N Srikrishna committee’s terms of reference announced by the Centre on Friday as a ‘big betrayal’. And as a protest, yet another bandh has been called on Saturday.

“The terms of reference are baseless, meaningless and mindless. The Centre has betrayed the Telangana people once again as it does not say anything about formation of a separate state,” TRS boss K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) told the media after confabulating with his lieutenants.

“All our 13 elected representatives, including myself, will submit our resignations in the prescribed format to the speakers, beginning with our 10 MLAs on Saturday,” he said.

The month-old Joint Action Committee (JAC) fanning the Telangana fire also rejected the terms of reference saying that it undid Union home minister P Chidambaram’s statement in New Delhi on Dec. 9. “It is a complete betrayal of the people of the region. We have no option but to support the bandh on Saturday and intensify the agitation,” JAC convenor M Kodandaram said. The JAC is slated to meet on Saturday.

It was the Osmania University students’ action committee that announced Saturday’s bandh. But within hours, TRS, Telangana TDP, Telangana JAC of political parties and the BJP announced their support for it.

“With umpteen bandhs in the past few weeks, it remains to be seen how successful would this one be,” remarked a senior cop. He, however, said that police were prepared to tackle troublemakers.

It being a weekend, the APSRTC — which bore the brunt in earlier protests — said it will operate as usual in the morning and cancel services only if vehicles are targeted.

With no clear go-ahead for his desire to divide, KCR took strong exception to the committee clubbing the demand for division with that of those seeking to keep the state united. “The demand for Telangana has been there for the past 60 years. The so-called United Andhra one is hardly 53 days old. The latter is only a counter agitation and not a genuine one. How can both of them be equated?” asked KCR.

But it is the 52 Congress and 39 TDP MLAs from Telangana who are in a bind. While senior leaders such as RS MP V Hanumantha Rao and PCC chief D Srinivas welcomed the terms, other MLAs, barring Nagarjunasagar MLA K Jana Reddy, dived for cover. “They may threaten to resign from the assembly, but will be prevailed upon by the Congress high command,” said one Congress leader.

In the TDP, leaders from Telangana rejected the terms saying that it was an attempt to put the issue in cold storage. The Telangana TDP leaders are maintaining that they will resign if the Congress MLAs do so. “The TRS resignation drama has put pressure on the Congress and TDP MLAs. But if the Congress MLAs do not quit, neither will the TDP leaders,” said one TDP leader.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

To examine the AP situation with reference to the demand for Telangana state as well as maintaining status quo

To review the developments in the state since its formation and its impact on the three regions

To examine the impact of the recent developments on women, children, students, minorities and other weaker sections

To identify the key issues to be addressed while considering the matters mentioned above

To consult all sections of the people, especially political parties, to identify the optimal solutions; and to recommend a plan of action and a road map

To consult representatives of trade and industry, farmers and others with specific reference to all round development of the three regions of AP

To make any other suggestion or recommendation that the panel may deem fit

The Committee is requested to submit its report by Dec. 31, 2010

It’s final: No IPL games in city

Hyderabad: Two days of hectic lobbying by the state government with the powers that be in BCCI have come to a nought with the Indian Premier League finally pulling out all the matches from the city. Just 24 hours ago, CM K Rosaiah was assured by the former BCCI chief and ICC president-elect Sharad Pawar that he will convince the IPL governing council to retain the games in Hyderabad. But with the Telangana supporters reviving their agitation, the IPL delivered an adverse decision. As of now, there are indications that some of these matches could be moved to Vizag which already has two of the seven games. If not for anything, the IPL looks at it as an effort to give Deccan Chargers the feeling of playing at home. Although no decision has yet been taken about the new venue for these games, indications are the Vidarbbha Cricket Association could get some of these games. TNN Dattatreya rejects TOR

Hyderabad: BJP president Bandaru Dattatreya rejected the terms of reference for B N Srikrishna panel on separate Telangana, even as Prajarajyam MLA from Nirmal A Maheshwar Reddy set out from his constituency on Friday to submit his resignation to the Speaker.

Barring the TDP, politicians from Andhra region, including those from the Congress and PRP, welcomed panel’s terms of reference. “When there is a dispute, one always goes for arbitration. The committee is playing such a role and people should appear before the panel and give their views,” said Congress MP (Anakapalli) Sabbam Hari.

But the TDP leaders from the coastal area opposed the terms of reference. Rajya Sabha MP Mysura Reddy saw in it a conspiracy by Chidambaram to divide the state.

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Will events overtake Srikrishna committee?

Ganesh S Lakshman | TNN

Hyderabad: Even as the B N Srikrishna committee is slated to hold its first meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, many Telangana advocates were of the view that the terms of reference not spelling out a timeframe for the creation of the separate state will only trigger a fresh period of unrest in the region. This will render the panel irrelevant in a shortwhile as events will overtake the committee.

Despite the committee being given time only till the end of this year to submit its report, the Telangana ideologists see it as too wishy washy and attempt to be a please one and all. In effect, the terms of reference is being viewed as a desperate attempt by the Centre to wriggle out of the situation it brought upon itself on December 9, 2009, by announcing the process of creating Telangana, analysts proferred. "We had an indication to this effect when the committee was constituted last week without any reference to Telangana. How can the committee come up with a solution from the political parties to resolve the situation when there is no meeting ground between one region which wants to break away and another which is opposing it?," asked one senior Telangana leader, a trifle amused.

If any unrest in the region does not scuttle the meetings of the committee, then it may set about holding wide ranging consultations with political parties, representatives from the industry, trade, trade unions, farmers, women, students, children, minorities and other weaker sections. At the same time, it is also slated to review the progress of the state since its inception with emphasis on how the three different regions fared.

But the crux of the matter is that at the end, it has to either suggest that the state remain united or that Telangana be created. "Therefore, how can it suggest something that would be acceptable to people of all the three regions," wondered one leader. But history appears to be on the side of those against the division of the state as opposed to those seeking Telangana. No committee appointed by the Centre or any state on sensitive issues like this had its report ready by the time stipulated at the time of its constitution. "Therefore, this committee too is likely to see several extensions. But all that depends on whether the committee is still looked upon as a relevant arbitrator when its term ends on December 31 this year," said an analyst.

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IPL pulls out of city

No Twenty20 Matches In Hyderabad Due To Telangana Crisis

K Shriniwas Rao | TNN

Mumbai: The pro-Telangana agitation that left Andhra Pradesh in a mess ever since it gathered steam a couple of months ago, now has the Indian Premier League (IPL) running for cover too. So beleaguered is the league over the susceptibility to violence in the region that as a safety measure, the IPL governing council has decided to shift all the matches out of Hyderabad.

“It is confirmed that all the matches will be shifted out from there,’’ IPL CEO Sundar Raman told TOI on Friday.

Earlier, IPL boss Lalit Modi had thrown enough hints on such a move when he announced that the opening match of the tournament (vs Kolkata Knight Riders), scheduled to be hosted by defending champions Deccan Chargers, had been shifted to the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. “We will have the gala dinner and the opening ceremony along with the first match. There will be guests from all over and we can’t take a chance with that,’’ Modi had said back then.

However, in the ensuing weeks, the IPL was further convinced that the current situation in Hyderabad is not safe for the rest of the matches too. Out of the Chargers’ seven home matches, only five were scheduled to be played in Hyderabad, while the other two were allotted to Visakhapatnam. Once the Telangana issue cropped up, the opener was shifted to Mumbai.

Now, Navi Mumbai will host the Chargers’ opening game on March 12; Visakhapatnam will host two other matches on March 19 (vs Kings XI, Punjab) & 21 (vs Delhi Daredevils). The rest of the matches will be allotted to a yet to be decided venue outside Andhra Pradesh.

TOI has learnt that the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) in Nagpur, which was earlier scheduled to host three home matches of Mumbai Indians, could host these matches.

Recently, while Chargers were busy playing a practice match in Hyderabad, agitators barged into the playfield and uprooted the stumps, thus disrupting the match. That forced the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) to cordon off the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal and host the Duleep Trophy final without spectators for the first three days. These events further bolstered IPL’s decision to shift out.

Disappointed that his efforts have come to a nought, Andhra Pradesh sports minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy said “It is rather unfortunate that even as we were trying to bring the games back to Hyderabad, the situation in the state deteriorated due to the separate state agitationists. The bandh call given for Saturday must have done bigger damage than anything that happended before,” he said.

Asked if he would pursue with his plan of persuading Deccan Chargers to boycott, he said “How can we ask the team to boycott when the situation itself is not good. The team will unnecessarily suffer.’’

Owners of the Hyderabad franchise, Deccan Chargers, are learnt to have accepted the IPL decision.

Courtesy: Times of India-Hyderabad-13-2-2010

AP NEWS ON TELANGANA

2010-02-12T17:54:00.003+05:30

MRPS LEADERS TO BLAME?

T-agitation divided on caste lines

Shiva Kumar Pinna | TNN

Warangal: With the initial enthusiasm slowly waning, the Telangana movement in Warangal district, especially in Kakatiya University, is on a sticky wicket what with students, professors and other agitators divided on caste lines.

Sources attributed it to attempted oneupmanship by the leaders of Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS), academic community and student groups. “With each leader throwing their weight around and trying to gain complete hold of the affairs of JAC, there is much heartburn among the various players involved in the movement,” a professor not wanting to be named said.

The battle for supremacy on caste lines has been brewing among the students for some time. This is why some members of a student organisation had even boycotted the meeting. “With the entry of MRPS, the posturing of the students on the T-issue has taken a completely different route,” a senior professor said.

While the MRPS activists among the student unions are opposed to “dorala Telangana” (Telangana led by feudal lords), some professors and students are openly advocating it which has led to a widening gap among them.

“The slogan is enough to create a rift among the Tprotagonists on the caste lines,” a tribal professor reasoned. An analyst explained that “nobody wants a feudal Telangana, what some of the T-protagonists are saying is that even a “dorala Telangana” is preferable to dominance by coastal Andhras.”

In fact, the discontent among the student groups of the KU Joint Action Committee (JAC) came out in the open during Kakatiya ‘Vidyarthi Polikeka’ (war cry) when the students and MRPS activists almost came to blows leading to the abrupt calling off of the much-publicised meeting for the separate Telangana state.

With the academic community that has been in the forefront of the movement also divided on caste lines, analysts said it could be a m a j o r causative factor for the weakening of the agitation.

Sources said differences among the student leaders of JAC - on the face of things has- reached a point of no return, which could have a direct bearing on the T-stir. “Some academicians of KU took pains to pacify the students to forget the differences and get on with the movement,” a source said.

JAC leader G Siva agreed that the movement has taken a backseat with divisions among the students. “We are working towards sorting out our differences. Hopefully, we will find a common platform,” he explained.

A pharmacy student belonging to a BC community blamed the forward class leaders for the mess. “They are trying to hijack the movement and show us in poor light. We cannot accept their domination,” he shot back.

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Telangana students may cross over to Maoists

Mir Ayoob Ali Khan | TNN

Hyderabad: Increasing number of police officers are veering around to the view that if the Telangana issue is not resolved amicably on an urgent basis, the frustrated and disillusioned students may move over to the Maoists, some of whom are till active in parts of the state.

"I have a feeling that the youth are getting frustrated. The signs are there. They believe that the politicians and the government are not serious in arriving at a solution," a police officer who has dealt with Left-wing extremism (LWE) until recently said.No police officer is willing to discuss the implications of prolonging the T movement, its effects on students and the Maoist activities in Andhra Pradesh on record fearing reprisal from their seniors and the government.

Like any other tricky subject, the nature, scope and future of T movement has also divided the police officers. Some of them claim that the student part of the T movement is being directed by the Maoists sitting away from AP; others say that the Maoists have slowly infiltrated the agitators and are waiting for an opportunity to play key roles in chartering its direction. There are also officers who firmly believe that so far, the agitation has been free from Maoists and their conventional strategies. The student community, which is in the forefront of the agitation, too vehemently denies any link, direct or indirect, with the Maoists.

However, the fact remains that the Maoists avowedly believe in carving out the state of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh. They say that the factors of the past that have contributed to the region remaining backward such as exploitation, oppression and denial of the legitimate rights over land, water, employment etc. can be rectified only through creation of Telangana and handing over power to the traditionally disadvantaged sections of the society. Recounting the history of the T movement, a police officer said when all means of democratic agitations including falling victim to police bullets, formation of a new party and winning of elections in 1971, failed in achieving a new state, the students felt that there was no point in remaining loyal to law.

"They took up arms. That was the birth of Naxalism in Telangana. The situation looks to me similar to the 1969-1971 period. If the students see no hope in continuing with their democratic struggle, there is clear danger that they might walk into the open arms of the Maoists. But unfortunately, the government wants us to treat the T agitation as purely a law-and-order problem which it is not," the officer explained.

Another officer said that after 30 long years, 2009 was the best year for the police since it recorded the lowest number of Maoist related incidents. But 2010 may not be as peaceful. According to him, at least 70 per cent of the students who are involved in the T agitation come from weaker sections and from rural background. Their aspirations, approach to life and means to achieve their dreams are totally different from the urban youth.

One strange factor in this movement is that the students have shunned political leadership. They are taking out their anger against the politicians by publicly abusing and heckling them. Another factor is that their leadership is loose and without much control over the students. Therefore, without leadership, this agitating force could just become dangerous if no solution is found for the T issue on an urgent basis, he noted.

Courtesy: Times of India-Hyderabad-12-2-2010

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T-Congress boycott may lead to Prez rule

HYDERABAD

A high-level meeting was held between the Governor, Mr E.S.L. Narasimhan and the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, at the Raj Bhavan on Thursday afternoon to review the political situation in the state in the wake of a report- ed threat by Telangana Con- gress MLAs to boycott the Assembly Session at the bidding of CWC member and MP, Dr K. Keshava Rao, along with the TRS chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday.

Though there was no communication about the outcome of the meeting, sources said they discussed the “threat perception” from Telangana Congress leaders and finally decided to go ahead and convene the session and face any eventuality. “If the Session will be obstructed, the state is headed for President’s rule” was the summary message of the meeting, sources said.

At one stage they discussed the possibility of converting the 28 day Budget Session to a five day vote-on-account session to approve the Budget for four months. However, they finally decided to go ahead with the Session.

The game plan scripted by the Telangana Congress leaders was told to the Congress high command leaders by Mr Rosaiah on Thursday afternoon and immediately they spoke to the PCC chief, Mr D. Srinivas, to convene an urgent meeting of all T Congress MLAs and tell them about the high command’s decision to treat this as gross violation of discipline and stern action will be taken.

After this, Mr Srinivas held a meeting of Telangana legislators at Gandhi Bhavan on Thursday and told them that it was not proper to obstruct proceedings of the House.

Zero tolerance capital issue: Any reference with regard to consider Hyderabad as common capital for Telangana and Andhra states would not be tolerated at any cost.

Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle - Hyderabad-12-2-2010

Important News for Hyderabadis

2010-02-02T11:04:00.003+05:30

BPS defaulters face demolition squads

TNN, 31 January 2010, 01:31am IST

GHMC Building Penalisation Scheme

HYDERABAD: The GHMC has decided to demolish ‘illegal structures’ of those BPS applicants who have failed to pay the balance penal amount. So far,

nearly 50,000 notices have been served on the applicants demanding payment of the balance amount within a week or face demolition squads.

“Demolitions will begin from Monday. The orders have been given to all assistant city planners,” GHMC chief city planner G V Raghu told STOI.

When the Building Penalisation Scheme was announced in 2008, 2,03,896 applications were received in the Greater Hyderabad limits.

Most of the applicants paid a part of the penal amount at the time of submission of their applications. They were supposed to pay the balance amount at the time of clearance. But since GHMC started regularisation process in July 2009, only 85,949 applicants have made full payment and got their buildings regularised.

As many as 33,688 applications were rejected because the structures were found to have been built either on government land or lake beds or public parks, etc while 84,259 applicants have not come forward to pay the balance amount. The corporation had conducted melas in all circles in August and September 2009 to initiate on-the-spot regularisation proceedings. Yet, the applicants did not come forward to pay the balance amount. “Most of them have paid 10 to 20 per cent of the penal amount. Now, some applicants want to be allowed to pay the balance in instalments, which is not acceptable,” a city planner said.

The scheme has so far fetched about Rs 440 crore to the corporation and another Rs 120 crore is expected. At the GHMC general body meeting a week ago, commissioner Sameer Sharma said efforts were being made to collect the balance penal amount by April.

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Parents losing the battle?

Chitra Nair & Nikhila Henry, TNN, 31 January 2010, 01:28am IST

HYDERABAD: Are city parents fighting a losing battle against fee hikes in schools? It does seem to be the case with a school obtaining a stay order on the government order (GO) that restricted fee hikes in private schools. Now, parents are gearing up for the worst: higher fees in the next academic year.

Parent associations admit they are headed for a long drawn battle which started last year when one school after the other started hiking fees unreasonably. Widespread protests had led to the government issuing an order last August barring schools from increasing fee without the permission of the District Fee Regulatory Committee (DFRC). And just when parents thought that things would fall in place, two schools moved the court.

Earlier this week, a stay on the GO restricting fee hike was obtained by Niraj Public School which had approached the HC. The court has asked the secondary education department, DFRC and school managements to submit their views before the bench in a month’s time.

Legal experts note that the stay on the GO would make the recently commissioned DFRC defunct and parents fear that the school managements will charge exorbitant fees for the coming academic year, admissions for which have already started. Many schools had earlier announced a 20 to 25 per cent fee hike for the coming academic year, 2010-11.

According to parents who have been fighting it out with managements, the stay has come as a rude jolt. “Since the GO is now under interim suspension we might have to surpass many more hurdles. The schools which increased their fee may now penalise parents who have not paid up,” said a parent. Many schools, including Niraj Public School, had moved the court against parents who had not paid the fee.

Parents are even worried that the school managements will now take the stay order as a pretext for punishing students who are still to remit the increased fee. “Many managements prevented their students from writing internal exams just to settle scores with agitating parents. With the GO under suspension for now we are worried that schools might harass our children,” said a parent.

Even officials of district administration who had earlier sent notices to erring schools expressed their helplessness in helping the parents out. “The DFRC will not be able to take any action against schools as a stay order has been obtained on the GO,” said Navin Mittal, district collector. He, however, said that efforts are being made to file a counter within the time specified. The district administration had served notices to over 10 city schools for violating the GO. Meanwhile, legal experts said that the parents will also have to present their view before the court during the next hearing.

Nevertheless, some parents do not feel that they are fighting a losing battle. “In fact we are even prepared to take the fight to the Supreme Court, if need be, since the GO has been framed according to the SC guidelines,” said a parent.

Meanwhile, senior officials of secondary education department maintained that the GO is effective even now as the court order pertains to only those schools which had approached the bench.

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‘Stop showing violence, vulgarity on TV channels’

TNN, 30 January 2010, 01:23am IST

HYDERABAD: Justice T Goplalakrishna on Friday directed local television channels to stop telecasting programmes containing scenes of violence and vulgarity. The judge had earlier issued similar directions in a writ petition filed by Kameshwar Rao, a practising advocate who complained that such indiscreet telecast by channels had adverse effect on viewers.

The interim order which covered a vast variety of genres include visuals in crime teleseries and crime news in the name of Crime Watch, Neralu Ghorallu, etc; visuals of vulgarity and obscenity; visuals of dead bodies, violence against women and children; provocative or instigative speeches; visuals of persons destroying public and valuable property; visuals of innocent people committing or having committed suicide.

The interim order also included contents in scrolls apart from debates which are provocative and unwanted.

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Hope for city’s hassled pedestrians?

TNN, 30 January 2010, 01:14am IST

HYDERABAD: Pedestrians, who are finding it increasingly impossible to get a foothold on footpaths due to the innumerable encroachments on it, may soon find a clear path to tread. The GHMC will soon take up a special drive to clear encroachments on footpaths, including petty stalls put up by vendors or other obstructions like places of worship.

The drive to clear footpaths of encroachments will be taken up in three phases by categorising roads based on the area and pedestrian movement.

“Busy roads where the restoration of footpaths is necessary are being identified by the GHMC town planning, engineering, traffic and transport wings. This will also involve the traffic police. This exercise will be completed in two days,” GHMC commissioner Sameer Sharma told TOI. The GHMC staff have also been asked to prepare a report on the condition of footpaths on important roads.

Though vendors have eaten into footpath space at many places, there are other encroachments that trouble pedestrians. Electric poles, plants, transformers, bus stops and even public toilets have come up on footpaths, leaving no space for pedestrians to walk. As a result, people are forced to walk on the busy roads which is fraught with danger.

For instance, a bus stop constructed on the wide footpath near Hyderabad Public School (HPS) at Begumpet forces schoolchildren and others to walk on the busy road. Similarly, vehicles of shop owners and customers occupy footpaths at several commercial areas like Liberty, RP Road and MG Road.

At some of the busiest roads in the city, including Ameerpet, Erragadda, Abids and Koti, shopkeepers keep their goods on footpaths blocking pedestrian movement on pavements.

“The drive will be taken up on busy roads like Ameerpet, Greenlands, Secunderabad railway station, Imliban bus station, Abids, Nampally station, Raj Bhavan Road and MJ Market in the first phase. Other roads will be taken up in second and third phases,” GHMC additional commissioner (planning) K Dhananjaya Reddy said.

Officials said of about 6600 kms length of roads in GHMC limits, about 1,000 km length are major and busy roads. Though pavements are provided on these roads, they are of no use for pedestrians.

Courtesy: Times of India

ANY TYPE OF PROBLEM - JUST MAKE ONE PHONE CALL

2009-12-13T20:08:00.000+05:30

ANY TYPE OF PROBLEM - JUST MAKE ONE PHONE CALL

We are living in a concrete jungle. People do not have, frankly telling, good rapport with the neighbors, because everybody is very very busy. If people encounter any problem such as day in or day out like health, accidents, etc. people may not dare enough to take assistance from their neighbors due to scanty relationship with their neighbors. To solve all these problems, make a phone call to the relevant problem solving services. Readers of my Blog are requested to note the following telephone numbers and their relevant services for the assistance.

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1) JUST DIAL : Phone Nos. 2444 4444 & 6999 9999

These phone numbers are available 24 hours. Service: We can get information on different areas in the city, products, and different services available, phone numbers. Also, we can get nation-wide information.

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2) POLICE CONTROL ROOM : Phone No. 100

This phone number is available 24 hours. Any difficult problem / situation day or night, assistance can be got.

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3) FIRE SERVICES : Phone No. 101

This phone number is available 24 hours. Any Fire accidents. Any GAS leakage. Assistance can be got.

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4) GREATER HYDERABAD MUNICIPAL CORPORATION :

Phone Nos. 2322 1978 & 155 304

This phone number is available 24 hours. GHMC area: problems related to roads, sewerage and other related problems can be attended and solved.

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5) ELECTRICITY : Phone No. 155 333

This phone number is available 24 hours. Any problem related to electricity can be sorted out. Complaints are recorded and sent to the relevant areas for solving the problem.

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6) CRIME STOPPER : Phone No. 1090

"Crime Stopper" comes under Central Crime Station area. All services are provided through Control Room. During the time of emergency, we can ask any assistance. We can give all information related to crime, to this number.

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7) RAILWAY TRAVELLING: Phone Nos. 139, 1345

To avoid standing in the long lines of ques; To know the status of Railway reservation, availability of seats, latest position of availability of seats / berths.

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8) OLD AGED PERSONS : AASARA : Phone No. 1253

Problems related to health and other social problems encountered by old aged persons are attended to. We can get service from 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM.

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9) HEALTH SERVICES : Phone No. 104

Suddenly during night times if any health problem arises, when no doctor is available or transport is available to go to hospital, if contacted Phone No. 104, details of nearby hospitals' details and first-aid details are given. This phone number is available 24 hours.

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10) MEDICAL EMERGENCY : Phone No. 108

Any accident occurred on the roads, if informed, Ambulance 108, would be readily available with doctors and the patient be attended to immediately and admitted into the hospital. Can be contacted from any type of phone.

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11) ANTI CORRUPTION BUREAU : Phone No. 040 - 2473 2768

For Central government services, Public Sector Undertakings, National Banks’ employees, if any employee asks for bribes or involved in corruption, you can straightaway call CBI on the above phone number and give complaints against the person who asked for bribes or favors.

For State Government services: If anybody faces corruption, or if any employee asks for bribes / favors you may complaint with:

Anti-Corruption Bureau: 040- 2474 0196, 197, 198, 199

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12) CHILD LABOUR: Phone No. 1098

This number works 24 hours. To stop child labor, and take over of orphanage children by the government, contact the above phone.

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13) CRIME AGAINST WOMEN: Phone No. 1091

Atrocities against women. During the emergency also, you can contact the above phone for any sort of help.

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14) TRAFFIC : Phone No. 040-2785 2482

To know and inform about the traffic problems in Greater Hyderabad, you can contact the above phone.

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15) DRINKING WATER SUPPLY: Phone No. 155313

You can complain about the drinking water supply problems. Leakage of pipelines, drainage water problems also can be indicated.

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16) WOMEN PROTECTION - DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: 040- 2320 2355

Husband, parents, brothers or anybody else, women can give complaints to this Phone number. This works under Office of the Collector (Women & Child Welfare Department). Timings: Morning 10.30 AM to Evening 5.00 PM. You can telephone during these timings.

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17) CIVIL SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT:

040- 2332 4184, 2332 6767 & 1800-4252977

For all complaints regarding supply of ration commodities or any problems, we can give complaint to the above numbers.

Toll free Phone Nos.: 100, 101, 104, 108, 1090, 1091, 155333, 1253, 139, 1345, 1098
(All these numbers are free service)

Car Dealers in Greater Hyderabad

2009-09-15T12:35:00.005+05:30

Car Dealers in Greater Hyderabad

Ford Car Dealers

Sundaram Ford,
Plot No. 1261,
Road No. 36
Jubilee Hills,
Hyderabad - 500033

Phone:+91-40-23540781

Honda Car Dealers

Sundaram Honda,
67, M.G. Road,
Ranigunj,
Secunderabad - 500003

Phone:+91-40-27541513

Hyundai Car Dealers

KUN Hyundai,
6-2-953, Ground Floor,
Krishna Plaza
Khairathabad
Hyderabad - 500004

Phone:+91-40-56631177
Fax:+91-40-56631180

Lakshmi Hyundai,
3-5-436/437/438,
Narspur House,
Himayatnagar
Hyderabad - 500029

Phone:+91-40-27668994
Fax:+91-40-27663072

Talwar Hyundai,
S.P. Road,
Secunderabad - 500003

Phone:+91-40-27906000

Lancer Car Dealers

Sureka Auto Pvt. Ltd,
6-1-346/3,
Padma Rao Nagar,
New Bhoiguda
Hyderabad - 500025

Phone:+91-40-55275554

Mahindra Car Dealers

Automotive Manufacturers Ltd,
8571,
R.P. Road,
Secunderabad - 500003

Phone:+91-40-27543554

Maruti Car Dealers

Acer Motors,
A 1, Moti Valley,
Trimulgherry,
Secunderabad - 500015

Phone:+91-40-27740774

Acer Motors,
No. 66,
R.P. Road
Secunderabad - 500003

Phone:+91-40-55335533

R.K.S. Motors Pvt. Ltd,
Saboo Towers,
Raj Bhavan Road,
Somajiguda,
Hyderabad - 500082

Phone:+91-40-23326800

R.K.S. Motors Pvt. Ltd
16-11-19/8/1,
Appaji Complex,
Opp. TV Tower,
Malkapet,
Hyderabad - 500036

Phone:+91-40-24544444

R.K.S. Motors Pvt. Ltd,
R-4/A, IDA Block,
Industrial Estate,
Uppal
Hyderabad

Phone:+91-40-27200193

R.K.S. Motors Pvt. Ltd,
6-3-1119,
Nishant Bagh,
Begumpet,
Hyderabad - 500016

Phone:+91-40-23412419

The Mitra Agencies,
3-6-432,
Himayatnagar,
Hyderabad - 500029

Phone:+91-40-27634444

The Mitra Agencies,
1-8-670,
Near RTC Cross Road,
Industrial Area,
Azamabad,
Hyderabad - 500020

Phone:+91-40-27662481

Varun Motors Pvt. Ltd,
1-10-177,
Varun Towers,
Begumpet,
Hyderabad - 500016

Phone:+91-40-27767676

Varun Motors Pvt. Ltd,
B-11, Co-operative Industrial Estate,
Balanagar,
Hyderabad

Phone:+91-40-23778035

Mercides Benz Car Dealers

Mahavir Auto,
6-2-30/B, Empress Court,
Lakadi Ka Pul,
Khairathabad,
Hyderabad - 500004

Phone:+91-40-55668008

Opel Car Dealers

Kun Automobiles Pvt. Ltd,
H. No. 1-3-1042,43 to 45, V
iceroy Hotel Lane,
Kavadiguda,
Secunderabad

Phone:+91-40-27532385

Skoda Car Dealers

Mahavir Auto,
Raj Bhavan Road,
Somajiguda,
Hyderabad - 500082

Phone:+91-40-55827007

Tata Car Dealers

Autofin Ltd,
No. 140,
P.G. Road,
Secunderabad - 500003

Phone:+91-40-27847112

Concorde Motors,

Ground Floor,Golden Edifice,
Opposite Visweswara Statue,
Khairathabad,
Hyderabad - 500004

Phone:+91-40-55662700

Malik Cars,
6-3-248/3,
Opp. Taj Banjara,
Indralok Complex,
Road No.1,
Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad - 500034

Phone:+91-40-23303752

Toyota Car Dealers

Dobro Toyota,
3-6-327 & 328,
Doshi Chambers,
Basheerbagh,
Hyderabad - 500029

Phone:+91-40-23221303

Harsha Toyota,
Plot No. 37,
Kondapur,
Hyderabad

Phone:+91-40-23113555

Regional Passport Office, Hyderabad

2009-07-10T17:37:00.008+05:30

Regional Passport Office, Hyderabad

Regional Passport Office, Hyderabad was opened in the year 1976 after bifurcating from Passport Office, Madras to serve the people of Andhra Pradesh. The Passport Office was started as a small organization and after 23 years of public service the workload has increased more than 10 fold with corresponding increase in staff strength. Today, it has grown into the second biggest office next to Mumbai office.

In Secunderabad, which is very close to the railway station, bus stop and airport. As the input is increasing considerably and also there was a great pressure from the people of coastal region, Ministry of External Affairs had felt a need to have one more office in Andhra Pradesh. Passport Office, Vishakhapatnam was opened on 17 January 1997 covering 5 coastal districts i.e. Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Vishakhapatnam, East Godavari and West GodavarI districts.

Office Space: We have shifted to our own premises in Secunderabad, which has three floors consisting of 60,432 sq. ft. There is a proposal to construct residential complex within the premises of the new office.

Jurisdiction
Application Collection Centres
Special Features
Computerisation
Application Filing Modes

Jurisdiction Districts of Andhra Pradesh ::

Passport Application Collection Centers in Andhra Pradesh ::

Sl. No: Collection Centers

1 RPO, Hyderabad,
Kummaraguda, Beside Prashanth Theare, Secunderabad.

Districts falling under Collection Centers:

All districts of AP except Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam,
East Godavari, West Godavari & Vizianagaram

2. Vijayawada :

IInd floor, IGMS Complex,
Labbipet, Vijayawada - 10.

Districts falling under Collection Centers:

Guntur, Khammam, Krishna and Prakasham districts

3. Tirupathi :

First Floor,
Maruthi Mansion,
Rayala Cheruvu Cross Roads, Tirupathi.

Districts falling under Collection Centers:

Anantapur, Chittoor, Cuddapah and Nellore districts

4. RPO,
Visakhapatnam

Districts falling under Collection Centers:

Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari & Vizianagaram

5. SPEED POST CENTRES

* Hyderabad GPO
* Secundrabad HO
* Khairtabad
* Tirumalagiri
* Kacheguda

Exclusive Passport Collection Centres in Post Offices (Common Integrated Services) in Twin Cities

* Begumpet
* Pattargatti
* Jamia Osmania

6. Hyderabad Police Commissionerate
Saifabad Traffic Police Station
Opp Prasads IMAX

7. Cyberabad Police Commissionerate
Rayadurgam

8. All District SP Offices

9. E-Seva Centres in Twin Cities (Hyderabad & Secunderabad)

Note: The residents of the districts, falling under Vijayawada and Tirupathi Collection Centers have the option of submitting their applications direct at the respective centres or send their applications by post to Passport Office, Hyderabad

Special Features ::

Special Counters:

Various special counters have been setup at Regional Passport Office, Hyderabad. For instance, special counters are there for ladies, senior citizens, physically handicapped persons, two enquiry counters and one reception counter purely meant for redressing the public grievances and fixing up appointments with the Public Relation Officers and the Regional Passport Officer.

Passport Camps and Passport 'Adalath:'

Passport camps are being held at regular intervals even after bifurcation of Visakhapatnam Office and opening up of PACCs at Vijayawada and Tirupati. Another special feature of this Office is organizing "Passport Adalath" at this office every Wednesday between 2.30 PM - 4.30PM for redressal of various grievances, particularly clearing of heldup cases.

Tele-enquiry:

For the last three years, tele-enquiry is operative in this Office. At present, four telephone lines have been allotted to the tele-enquiry with hunting facility for the convenience of the public. This helps the public to a great extent and reduces lot of inconvenience.

Speed-Post:

All the Passports are being dispatched to the addresses by speed post so as to reach the applicant within 24 hours.

Computerisation:

Processing of applications in this office has been fully computerized, right from accepting fees at the counters till the dispatch of the passports. All the records of last 10 years in index section including PAC, Suspect Index and Emergency Certificates have been fully computerized and almost ready for online indexing.

All reports, statements, reference letters are generated from computers; Pay rolls of this office have also been computerized. Status enquiry of fresh/miscellaneous cases is readily available on computer. Overall computerization has made the processing of the applications simple, accurate and fast.

Regional Passport Office, Hyderabad is primarily responsible for issuance of Indian Passports to the Citizens of India who are residing within its jurisdictional area. In addition to issue of passports, various other miscellaneous services like change of address in passport, additional endorsement regarding Emigration Check Not Required, Police Clearance Certificate, inclusion of spouse' name etc. are also being rendered by this office irrespective of the fact whether the original passport is issued by Regional Passport Office, Hyderabad or not, provided they stay in the area of jurisdiction of RPO, Hyderabad

Modes of Filing Applications ::

Procedure for Applying Passport : MODES OF FILING APPLICATIONS

1. Direct submission at counters & through authorised representatives of applicant.

2. Direct submission at the respective Passport Application Collection Centers viz., Vijayawada and Tirupati,

3. Passport Application Collection Centres at Post Offices.

4. Through Travel Agents approved by IATA and TAAI. Normally public dealing is limited only in the forenoon i.e. from 9.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. Enquiries on status of passport applications can also be had in the afternoon in addition to forenoon meeting time.

5. E-Seva Centres in Twin Cities ( Hyderabad & Secunderabad)

6. Passport Application Collection Centres in all District S.P.Offices.

When applying in person:

all copies of documents have to be self-attested; all original documents to be produced at counter which could be taken back after attestation by counter officials

Fees Structure:

The following all-inclusive fee is to be paid along with the application form, either by Bank Draft in favour of the Passport Officer concerned or in cash. In case of DD, full name of applicant and application number to be written on the reverse of the draft. The Bank Code of Issuing Bank, the Demand Draft Number and date of issue of the Demand Draft should be mentioned.Details of payment of fee may be mentioned in the relevant boxes in the application form.

1. Fresh Passport (36 pages) of 10 years validity = Rs. 1,000/-
(including minors between 15 to 18 years of age, who wish to get a 10 years full validity passport)

2. Fresh Passport (60 pages) of 10 years validity = Rs. 1,500/-

3. Fresh Passport for Minors (below 18 years of Age) of 5 years validity or till the minor attains the age of 18 which ever is earlier = Rs 600/-

4. Duplicate Passport (36 pages) in lieu of lost, damaged or stolen passport = Rs. 2500/-

5. Duplicate Passport (60 pages) in lieu of lost, damaged or stolen passport = Rs. 3000/-

6. Police Clearance Certificate/ ECNR/Additional Endorsements Rs.300/-

7. In case of Change of Address, Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Appearance, Spouse Name, Name of Parents/Legal Guardian = Rs.1000/- [Fresh passport booklet will be issued]

If the application for a new passport is made under Tatkaal scheme, tatkaal fee is to be paid in addition to the application fee mentioned above.

Contact ::

Shri G. Srinivas, I.F.S
Regional Passport Officer
Regional Passport Office,
Kummaraguda,
Secunderabad- 500 003.

Voice : 27704646, 27704747, 27704689
Fax : 040 - 27705656
Tele Enquiry : 27708888

Suggestions & Queries : rpo.hyderabad@mea.gov.in

For full details, go to official website of RPO, Hyderabad:

http://www.ap.nic.in/passport

SRI RAMA SAMETHA VEERA VENKATA SATYANARAYANA SWAMY TEMPLE

2009-07-05T22:05:00.003+05:30

TEMPLE HISTORY OF SRI RAMA SAMETHA VEERA VENKATA SATYANARAYANA SWAMY

As per the puranas the presiding deity of the place blesses the devotees with Anina Varam (Wanted Boon) the place is called Annavaram.

The hillock by the side of the village is considered to be very sacred. Meruvu the Lord of the hills and his consort Menaka did great penance and begot two sons by the grace of Lord Vishnu. One was named Bhadra and the other Ratnakara. Bhadra pleased Lord Vishnu with his devotion and penance and with his grace became Bhadrachalam on which Lord Sri Rama had permanently settled. Ratnakara desired to emulate his brother and succeeded in pleasing Lord Vishnu by his penance to settle on him as Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy, Ratnakara remaining as Ratnagiri hill.

The temple of Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy is the main temple on the Ratnagiri hill. There is also a temple of Sri Rama and the shrines of Vanadurga and Kanaka Durga nearby. The temple of gramadevatha (village deity) is in the village at the foot of the hill.

It is said that Raja I.V.Ramanarayanam,the then zamindar of Gorsa and Kirlampudi estates, having been ordained by the Lord in his dream, traced the idol on the hill, worshipped it and installed it at the present spot on sravana suddha vidhiya of the telugu year Khara, 1891. The hillock it self is about 300ft above sea level, green fields all-round the hills and the pampa river encircling Ratnagiri. About 460 well laid stone steps leads to the top of it.

“The main temple constructed in the form of a chariot with the four wheels at each of the four corners. In front of the main temple is the kalyana mantapa, constructed and decorated with modern pieces of architecture. As we go down the way, we come across Ramalaya and then the shrines of Vana Durga and Kanaka Durga.

The Akriti of any temple is, according to the Agni Purana, merely a manifestation of the Prakriti. According to this the chariot of the temple is intended as a symbol of the Seven Lokas and the seven Lokhas above with, the garbhalaya of the Lord, at the heart’s center ruling over the entire Universe.

The temple at Annavaram has been constructed to depict this idea concretely. The front side of the temple depicts the chariot. The Meru on the floor with the pillar at the center, and the idols at the top are intended to bring forth the idea that the Lord not only remains at the heart’s center but also permeates the entire universe. The wheels depicting the Sun and the Moon serve to remind us that this Juggernaut moves on the wheels of time, and goes on for ever and ever, Thus the Annavaram temple satisfies both the ritualistic values and the spiritual aspirations of the devotees.”

Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Vari Vratham

Sri Satyanarayana Vratham is performed allover world by devotees for wealth, education, prosperity, and offspring, relief from troubles and sickness and success in business. When it came to be known that Lord Satyanarayana had manifested himself on the Ratnagiri hills at Annavaram with unique form combining the Trimurthis Viz., Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. Ekadasi is considered to be very auspicious for the Vratham, it is performed even on other convenient days by the individual devotees. The great popularity behind the Vratham springs form the experiences narrated in stories and legends and also the faith gained by observances in daily life.

The important legend connected with this Vratham was that once Sage Naradha was very much distressed at the misery of marthyas (men in this world) and prayed Lord Vishnu to be informed of a way out for them. The Lord then told him that Satyanarayana Vratham would relieve men of their troubles and would ensure worldly prosperity and salvation after deth. He also narrated that a pious Brahmin of Banaras performed the Vratham first. It was also described how King Ulkamukha of Bhadrasilanagaram, Emperor Tungadhwaja and a community of Gollas in his kingdom, a Vaisya business man named Sadhuvu, and a poor woodcutter of Banaras had performed this vratham and were blessed by Lord Satyanarayana Swamy (Vishnu himself) with all they desired. The vratham has caught the fascination of millions owing to these stories within the understanding of scholars as well as layman. All classes of people took to its performance and it is popular for its efficacy.

How to Reach the Temple

Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamyvari Devasthanam, Annavaram is well connected by both Rail and Roadways. It is Situated at a distance of 3KM from A.V.M Railway Station, the Vijayawada –Visakhapatanam Line of the Southern Railway. Madras to Calcutta, NH-5 Road is going via Annavaram. Regular Bus service is available from all near by towns.

By Road

Devasthanam Buses- 2 buses run from Rajhamndary to up hill both sides by 1pm to 2pm APSRTC Buses.

A.P.S.R.T.C Buses every Half An Hour Via Annavaram to Rajhamandry to Visakhapatanam vise versa.

Every 15 mintus buses available Tuni to Kakinada via Annavaram and surroundings Villages vise versa.

By Train

Most of the trains passing between Kolkatta - Vijayawada line will stop at Annavaram Station
Detailed train timings at Annavaram Station.

By AIR

The nearest Airport is situated at Visakhapatnam. Annavaram is at a 3hrs distance from Visakhapatnam. APSRTC runs buses via Annavaram every half an hour Sri Swamy Vari Vratham

PROCEDURE OF THE VRATHAM

Before the sankalpam (inauguration) the floor is cleaned with cow-dung, a square peace of new cloth is spread over it, after decorating it with muggulu with four of five colours. Rice is spread as a layer upon the cloth and a kalasam of silver, copper, brass or clay is kept and covered with mango leaves or betel leaves and a piece of new cloth. A small image of Lord Satyanarayana Swamy made preferably with gold or silver is kept on the cloth after abhishekam in panchamrutham. Afterwards, Vigneswara, Lakshmi, Parvathi, Siva, Navagrahas and Ashta Dikpalakas are worshipped in order. After wards Lord Satyanarayana Swamy is invoked and worshiped. The Satyanarayana prasadam prepared with plantains, cow’s milk, cow’s ghee, ravva of wheat or sojji and sugar or jaggery is offered to the friends and relatives invited for this sacred vratham. The priest who conducts the puja is given dakshina. Satyanarayana Vratha katha (legend and about the efficacy of the vratham) is recited and listened to with rapt attention by all including those gathered to witness the vratham.

“Kathamva srunuyadyasthu pasyedwam vrathamuthamam
thasya nasyanthi papani Satyadeva prasadithaha”

When one cannot perform the vratham, even witnessing the vratham, or listening to the story would remove the troubles and wash off the sins.

The Satyanarayana Vratham at the temple are generally commenced at 6.00 a.m., and go on upto 6.00p.m,. almost every day. On festival day vrathams have to be conducted even in the nights in spite of elaborate arrangements in spacious halls for as many as 2000 vrathams at a time. The devotees who want to perform pay the requisite fees for the Satyanarayana Vratham, purchase the tickets and get ready for the Satyanarayana Vratham. They are allowed halls where everything is kept ready. A purohit (Pujari) comes to each seat and attends to the reciting of the sankalpam (purpose of the vratham along with the name, gothram.,etc., of the performer). After wards, the purohit stands at the head of the rows and dictates to the performers the detailed process with manthras, etc., as they go on doing the worship to his instructions. Thus the vratham or puja is conducted by batches of devotees at a time. This is somewhat interesting feature here.

Life time / Permanent Schemes

Scheme Amount Periodicity

Nityannadanam Scheme Rs.1000 to Rs.1,00,000 Daily
Swamyvari Shaswata Sahasra Namarchana Rs.25000 Daily
Shaswata Vuchita Prasada Patakam Rs.1116 Once in a Year
Swamyvari Shashwata Kalyanam Rs.16000 Once in a Year
Swamyvari Shashwata Kalyanam Rs.8000 Once in a Year
Swamyvari Shashwata Vishista Vratam Rs.1116 Once in a Year
Swamyvari Shashwata Puja Rs.500 Once in a Year
Copyright: Annavaram Devasthanam, Annavaram
Site is designed by NITPU (NIC), Visakhapatnam

Temple Daily Schedule

Sri Swamy Vari Suprabhata Seva 3:30 AM
Swamy Vari Sarva Darshanam 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Rajabhoga Mahanivedana 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
Swamy Vari Sarva Darshanam 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Swamy Vari Darbaru Seva 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Sri Ammavarla Ekanta Seva 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Temple Doors Close 9:00 PM to 3:30 AM

Darshan

Sri Satyanarayana swamivari Devasthanam is maintaining two different types of Darshan methods for the convenance of the piligrams to witness the deity.

Sarva Darshanam , Seegradarshanam

Sarvadarshanam means 'Darshan for all'. Sarva darshanam is free and allowed between 6:00AM to 12:30PM and 1:00PM to 9:00PM.

Seegradarshanam means 'Darshan with less waiting time'. Piligrams who want to avail seegradarhan, have to purchase a ticket costing Rs. 25/- per head. One packet (100Gms) of bhogam prasadam will be provided for Seegradarshanam ticket. Timings for the seegradarshan is same as sarvadarshanam but allowed through a different queue.

Sri Swamivari / Ammavari Sevas

Swamivari Nitya Kalyanam ---9:30 AM
Swamivari Vratham 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Swamivari Special Vratham 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Vratham at Dwajasthambham 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Swamivari Visishta Vratham 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Kshethra Pattabhishekam on Punarvasu day One Day only
Sri Swamivari Pavalimpu seva 2:00 PM
Sri Swamivari Laksha Patri Pooja 8:00 AM
Sri Ammavari Laksha Kunkumarchana 8:00 AM
Abhishekam on Makha day One Day only

places to visit

In the Temple Complex

The temple sree veera venkata satyanaryana swamy in the main temple on the ratnagiri hill.
The temple Sri sita rama ,as keshatra palakulu

The shrines of vana durga and kanaka durga near by.Godess Vanadurga held in great venaration and devi is said to be seen even to this day in the nights going about the holy precincts perpetually guarding the lord.

The temple of gramadevatha (Village deity ) is in the village at the foot of the hill.

Courtesy: http://indiatemples.net

No delimitation to confusion

2009-03-21T15:53:00.002+05:30

No delimitation to confusion

20 Mar 2009, 0343 hrs IST, TNN

HYDERABAD: A year after delimitation of constituencies and a month before the polls, there is still confusion among voters over their assembly constituencies in the city.

Citizens are doing rounds of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) offices to know their assembly segments and polling stations but are returning confused.

Before delimitation, the city had 13 assembly segments. After the constituencies were recast, Himayatnagar, Asifnagar and Maharajgunj vanished from the poll map , but the number of constituencies increased to 15 with addition of Amberpet, Jubilee Hills, Nampally, Goshamahal and Bahadurpura.

Though four new assembly constituencies were carved out from existing ones, boundaries of all segments were affected in the delimitation exercise, resulting in confusion among voters.

New constituencies like L B Nagar, Uppal, Kukatpally, Serilingampally, Rajendranagar, Malkajgiri, Chevella and Patancheru, which are now in GHMC limits but in Ranga Reddy district, have come into existence.

While the Musheerabad assembly segment had cosmetic changes, all other constituencies were badly affected in the delimitation process. Jubilee Hills and Kukatpally were carved out from Khairatabad, the biggest assembly segment with over 7.5 lakh voters.

Voters of the newly-created Jubilee Hills segment and Khairatabad constituency are the worst affected. Though the name of the constituency is Jubilee Hills, 90 per cent of its jurisdiction is under the Khairatabad assembly segment.

House numbers which begin with 8-1, 8-3 and 8-4 have been allocated to the Jubilee Hills segment, while the rest of Jubilee Hills areas and Srinagar colony continue to be in Khairatabad segment. Some areas in Asifnagar segment were also brought under the Khairatabad segment after delimitation.

Similarly, Monda market, Regimental Bazar and parts of Marredpally, which were in the Sanatnagar assembly segment, have now been shifted to the Secunderabad Cantonment segment. Manikeshwarnagar and Ravindranagar of Seetaphalmandi area were earlier in Musheerabad segment before the delimitation process. But now, they are in the Secunderabad segment.

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ICICI duped of Rs 30 lakh

HYDERABAD

The Commis-sioner’s Task Force team on Friday arrested three persons accused of allegedly cheating the ICICI Bank to the tune of Rs 30 lakh.

The police seized two motorcycles, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a television set, an air cooler, a laptop, a car, eight cellphones, SIM cards and forged documents from their possession.

Kanchumarthi Kalyan Chakravarthy, 29, is the prime accused in the case.

Naseerullah Khan and Pathuri Yugandhar were his accomplices. All are natives of West Godavari district Kalyan Chakravarthy’s younger brother used to work with the ICICI Bank.

He would introduce his elder brother as a business development executive and would assist him in opening accounts with the bank.

While opening accounts for wealthy customers, Kalyan retained a photocopy of application forms containing personal details.

Then he would forge the signatures of account holders. He was able to withdraw Rs 30 lakh. He did not even let his brother know of his unscrupulous activities.

Kalyan has been arrested a number of times in the past but managed to get a bail and restart his operations.

He is also suspected to have withdrawn Rs 48 lakh from the account of a customer, Mr Nimmala Anjaiah, from the Jubilee Hills Branch of ICICI Bank and Rs 16 lakh from the account of Mr Unnam Sambaiah from the Nacharam branch of ICICI Bank.

The arrested persons have been handed over to the Jubilee Hills SHO.

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Chiranjeevi moves SC for common symbol

N. VAMSI SRINIVAS and J.R. PRASAD
DC I HYDERABAD

“Chiranjeevi cannot issue B-form of any other party while continuing as presi- dent of Praja Rajyam.”
The crisis caused by the Praja Rajyam not getting a symbol is so intense that its founder president Chiranjeevi will have to resign and join the party whose symbol it wants to use for all its candidates.

The Praja Rajyam is a “registered party,” but is not yet “recognised” for which it has to win a certain percentage of votes. This, the Praja Rajyam, formed last year, has not done. It is therefore not eligible for a common symbol, all its candidates run the risk of getting different symbols which is a nightmare scenario for any party.

Authorities familiar with the election process suggest that the safe option for PR at the eleventh hour — nominations for the first phase of polls in the state open on March 23 — is to join the party having a common symbol in any other state, set up its state unit and field PR candidates.

In such an event, it will be essential for Chiranjeevi to take over as state party president, if not the entire party, and issue B forms for his candidates to have control over the candidates in the post poll scenario.

“Chiranjeevi cannot issue B-form of any other party while continuing as president of PR, which is only a registered party and notrecognised,” EC sources said.

As a last effort, the party on Thursday approached the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the EC to allot a common symbol for the party. Sources said the PR contended that the matter would come in the purview of the apex court as the decision on the symbol should be taken by the EC.

Inquiries revealed that majority opinion was mobilising in favour of a safe and immediate solution to overcome the crisis irrespective of the criticism the party would be subjected to.

“All that matters finally is getting a common symbol without which it will be a disaster,” a party leader said.

A section of think tank was believed to have suggested that all the PR candidates should file nominations as independent candidates and claim first preference for a symbol in all the constituencies. “As per rules the candidates of a registered party, who file nominations as independents, will have preference over independents,” a close confidant of Chiranjeevi said.

“There is high risk involved in the process because any other registered party can claim the same symbol. In such an event, the allotment will be decided by the returning officers through draw of lots,” EC sources said.

Party sources said Goa’s Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party with the lion symbol and the United Goan Democratic Party with the two-leaves symbol were under consideration along with the Sikkim Democratic Front of the Sikkim Chief Minister, Mr Pawan Chamling, with umbrella sign.

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Inflation at record low, fears of deflation rise

DC CORRESPONDENTS
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI

● COMMODITIES TURN CHEAPER BUT FOOD PRICES ARE STILL ZOOMING

Inflation touc-hed a 30-year historic low of 0.44 per cent for the first week of March, triggering the possibility that it could turn negative in the coming days though the government allayed fears of the country sliding into a deflationary phase.

The huge fall in the rate of inflation — it was 2.44 per cent last week — is being attributed to high inflation at the same time last year (7.78 per cent). The 0.44 figure represents a slower pace of price rise against the same period last year.

The fall in inflation was also attributed to lower prices of primary articles like fuel, commodities.

Food prices, however, continue to be high.

The Bank of Baroda chief economist, Ms Rupa Rege Nitsure, said the base effect will become stronger from here on and inflation will touch zero by March-end.

This could be India’s first deflation since March 1976.

The Crisil principal economist, Mr D.K. Joshi, said inflation will turn negative in the coming days and will remain in that region for two to three months.

“Inflation will again bounce back by the end of 2009,” said Mr Joshi.

When inflation is falling because prices are falling, it can be technically called deflation.

But it is more important, said Mr Siddhartha Sanyal, an economist at Edelweiss Capital Ltd, “to differentiate between structural and statistical deflation.” A structural deflation would mean no demand and no growth, he said.

However, India is growing, even if it may be only six or 6.5 per cent. “So it is more a statistical deflation,” Mr Sanyal said.

“If you take a two-year horizon there would be a price growth of three to four per cent,” he said.

Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle

Telugu Film News

2009-03-04T12:08:00.003+05:30

Wedding bells for Sridevi

Smitha Mathew [March 3, 2009, 6:31:48 PM]

Beautiful actress Sridevi has decided to enter wedlock, joining the list of actors who are getting married this year. Sridevi’s parents Manjula and Vijaya Kumar have arranged her wedding with Rahul, a Hyderabadi software businessman. The engagement ceremony will be on March 18 and Sridevi will wait a little longer before actually tying the knot. The wedding is on 18th June.

Sridevi made her debut opposite Prabhas; despite being beautiful and talented, she could not rise to become a top line heroine.

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Prabhas-Puri Jagannath team up

Smitha Mathew [March 3, 2009, 2:40:57 PM]

Prabhas is teaming up with director Puri Jagannath in a film by producer Adithya Ram who has recently launched the Adithya Ram Movies banner. Shooting is set to commence on March 18. This new flick from Puri Jagannath is said to be action-oriented and the script has been designed to suit Prabhas’ image.

This is Adithya Ram's fourth film; his earlier films are Sandade Sandadi, Khushi Khushiga and Swagatham.

Adithya Ram announced this forthcoming film in a press conference in Hyderabad. He revealed this will be a big budget film with action, romance and comedy elements. Bollywood’s latest sensation Kangana Ranaut will be the leading lady. Puri Jagannath has worked very hard to polish the script; the producer and director are confident that the end product will be an awesome film. The role is tailormade for Prabhas, who has just finished shooting for the action thriller Billa.

====================================================================================

Meistri releasing on March 11

Smitha Mathew [March 4, 2009, 11:27:56 AM]

Dasari Narayana Rao’s Meistri (also spelt Maistri) is all set to release on 11th March. Directed by Suresh Krishna and produced by K. Ramakrishna, Meistri has Dasari Narayana Rao, Mohan Babu and Srihari in important roles.

Speaking to the media at a press conference, Ramakrishna said that this film has realistic characters and that the script is created in a way as to portray real-life incidents on screen. Meistri audio, released on 23rd February, is doing record sales. The trailer, running in more than 300 centres, has already captured the interest of the people.

Meistri is releasing ahead of the general elections and is said to have many references directed at the political situation in Andhra Pradesh.

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Jr. NTR to start his road show on 12th March

Young tiger Jr. NTR is all set to start his political road shows from Nimmakuru village, the native place of Late NTR on 12th March. He is going to canvass for Telugu Desam Party for about one month. NTR will start his tour after paying tributes to Late NTR at NTR Ghat. Chandrababu Naidu and Balakrishna will give a flag to him. For this Jr. NTR has taken break from his film shootings for the past one week and he is busy watching film clippings of Late legend NTR and his political speeches.

The TDP party is pinning high hopes on Jr. NTR as he is known for his powerful dialogues. TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu is using NTR as trump card just before elections commence. He thinks that the road shows of Jr. NTR will help in wide publicity of the party for the coming elections.

The general elections to the 15th Lok Sabha will be held in five phases, on April 16, 23 and 30, and 7th May and 13th May. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N. Gopalaswami, along with Election Commissioners Navin Chawla and S.Y. Quraishi has announced on 2nd March. The counting of votes has been scheduled for 16th May and the results would be announced the same day.

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Allu Arjun’s new film to start on 21st March

The shooting of style star Allu Arjun’s next film in the direction of Guna Sekhar is going to start on 21st March in a special set erected at Ramoji Film City. Guna Sekhar’s credits include ‘Bala Ramayanam’, ‘Sogasu Chuda Tharama’, ‘Manoharam’, ‘Okkadu’ and ‘Arjun’. DVV Danayya is producing the film under Universal Media banner. A new heroine will be introduced with this movie. Mani Sharma is scoring the music for this flick. The shooting of the film will be completed by August.

Currently, Allu Arjun is busy in working for the film ‘Arya-II’ in the direction of Sukumar. Kajal Agarwal is the heroine in this film. Navadeep and Shraddha Das are playing second leads in the movie. V Aditya Babu and Bhogavalli Prasad are producing the film under Aditya Arts banner.

=========================================================================================

Expensive sets for ‘Mahathma’ in RFC

The film “Mahatma” starring Srikanth and Bhavana in the lead roles is now getting ready to shoot the major part of action sequences in specially erected sets at Ramoji Film City. These expensive sets have been designed by the art director Srinivas Raju. This is Srikanth’s 100th film which has been launched recently. The second heroine of the film is yet to be finalized.
Creative director Krishna Vamsi is helming film and C R Manohar is making the film under Golden Lion Productions banner. Srikanth and Krishna Vamsi had teamed up earlier in the blockbuster, 'Khadgam'.

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The new Pepsi Brand Ambassador – Ram Charan Teja

IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, March 03, 2009]

Replacing the stronghold place of Chiranjeevi, his junior Ram Charan Teja has now been signed up as the brand ambassador to endorse Pepsi in Andhra Pradesh.

Statistics derived says that in India, Thums Up is still the market leader in the states of AP, West Bengal and parts of UP. Megastar of Telugu cinema and the now leader of Praja Rajyam party, Chiranjeevi was once the iconic signature of Thums Up and his endorsement influenced the sales largely in those times.

To break into the market, PEPSICO has roped in Ram Charan and he is going good so far campaigning for the youngistaan ads. The company has hired Chiru’s brother Pawan Kalyan and even his nephew in the past to increase the sales but all turned out vain with their competitors reigning in the state.

But, in reality the manufacturers are still not aware of a fact that why people love Thums Up over other colas, in this era of Pepsi and Coke. Among different colas, Thums Up is the only drink that has a spicy flavor which has found patrons in these particular regions.

It would be good if they understand that it’s not because of the endorsers but the product. For now, we will have to wait and see if Ram Charan would live up to his father’s name.

AP Political News

2009-03-04T11:34:00.002+05:30

Poll code ends advertisement war

3 Mar 2009, 0000 hrs IST, TNN

HYDERABAD: The advertisement war between the main players Congress and TDP which has been using animations of animals has come to an end with the model code coming into effect.

Henceforth the state government cannot take any policy decisions and the leaders will have to strictly follow decorum in their comments made against their opponents.

State CEO I V Subba Rao said a task force is being constituted which would keep a hawk eye on the parties and the leaders. The tone and tenor of the speeches should be within the guidelines and mutual respect for opponents during public meetings and statements has been emphasised in the model code.

Rao said the Supreme Court had given certain direction in regard to the issue of television advertisements. Accordingly all parties will have to seek the clearance of election commission before airing them. Any violation of this would be treated as contempt of court.

In Andhra Pradesh, the committee to clear TV advertisements would headed by the additional chief electoral officer. The other two members will be joint collector of Hyderabad and deputy director of Doordarshan.

Defacement of public properties, putting up of banners, hoardings and posters on private properties is not permitted. Even survey results are also not permitted.

Extensive video coverage during polls will also be in place along with rapid response system and the citizens can bring any violation of the code and mistake in the electoral rolls. A toll free number 1100 is being set up for the purpose.

Rao said a meeting with all the political parties will be held on Tuesday explaining to them about the do's and don’t's during the campaign. The model code of conduct will be applicable to all the parties.

The SMS and e-mail campaign of the parties will also have to end before 48 hours of the polling. The citizens can complain about such violations at ceo_andhrapradesh@eci.gov.in.

=======================================================================================

CM begins candidate selection

3 Mar 2009, 0000 hrs IST, TNN

HYDERABAD: With the election schedule out, chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy wants to complete the finalization of candidates for the Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies by end of the week.

Reddy decided to focus attention on the identification of candidates and spent the day at his camp office discussing the probable names to prepare a draft list to be ratified by the state election committee of the PCC on March 4. He was joined by his political advisor K V P Ramachandra Rao and later by PCC president D Srinivas in the exercise.

According to party sources, the meeting would continue on Tuesday as well. It is learnt that the there was no problem in regard to about 160 assembly constituencies. The Monday meeting discussed mainly about the probable names for these 160 constituencies. On Tuesday, they are likely to discuss about 120 seats where the number of claimants are more than two.

The list of 280 candidates would be placed before the state election committee of the PCC on March 4 and after it is ratified, Reddy would go to New Delhi and submit it to AICC.

It is also learnt that the chief minister reviewed the situation arising out of the agitation taken up by Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti (MPRS) activists with some party leaders from the Madiga community who called on him at his camp office. Reddy is understood to have told them that they should go to the people and explain to them how the Congress government had set the process of reservation in motion. The state assembly had passed a resolution recommending sub categorisation of Madigas.

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TDP, Left to complete seat-sharing

3 Mar 2009, 0055 hrs IST, TNN

HYDERABAD: The TDP and Left parties have decided to complete the process of seat-sharing in the next two days so that they can kickstart the joint campaign.

Leaders of the two Left parties met TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday evening and discussed the claims and counter claims being made by each party on certain seats. They also reviewed the arrangements being made for the joint public meeting by alliance partners on March 9 on the city outskirts.

Sources point out that the Left party was demanding about 35 seats each while the TDP was willing to share only 35-40 seats with the two Left parties. The TDP, Left and TRS are locked in a controversy over certain seats particularly in the Telangana region. In many areas in Nalgonda, the Left, the TDP and the TRS are having common claims.

For example, the TRS wants to contest from Bhongir and Suryapet which are considered to be strongholds of the TDP. Bhongir is represented by Uma Madhav Reddy, wife of slain TDP minister A Madhav Reddy. Similarly, Suryapet also has been a TDP bastion till 2004 when Congress wrested the seat.

The Alair seat is presently held by TRS but TDP leaders are putting pressure to get it back. Former minister M Narsimhulu is the contender from this seat.

In the Krishna district and in the north coastal region, the TDP and Left are eyeing certain constituencies. The TDP is insisting that whichever party had won in 2004 should contest from the same seats and no fresh claims on these seats be made.

In case of other seats, they should go by the number of votes polled by each party in the last elections, the image of local candidates and the winning chances. Any miscalculation could become advantageous to the Congress party.

But the Left is unhappy over the TDP's delaying tactics. According to the Left party leaders, they had mediated between TRS and TDP to break the stalemate and made TDP agree over the number of seats it would concede to TRS before TRS made the final announcement to join the alliance. But when it came to finalising seats for Left parties, TDP had been dragging the matter and testing their patience.

However, Naidu told the media that the issue would be sorted out in the next two days and a joint announcement would be made on the issue. The CPM state secretary B V Raghavulu also endorsed the view. He said, in case there are some seats where no agreement can be arrived at the state level, the central leadership of Left parties will talk to Naidu and take a decision.

======================================================================================

Maganti Babu to join TDP on March 6

4 Mar 2009, 0332 hrs IST, TNN

ELURU: In what could be seen as a direct attack on the Congress party for being overtly "Reddy-friendly," former minister Maganti Venkateswara Rao (Babu) has alleged that Kamma caste leaders have always felt insecure and are given a raw deal in the party.

Maganti, who resigned from his ministerial post after the Congress candidate's defeat in the ZPTC elections in Denduluru, said he would join the Telugu Desam Party on March 6. He said he was cheated by the Congress fair and square.

"When chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy asked me to resign from the cabinet for the Denduluru ZPTC poll debacle, I did it without batting an eyelid in order to improve the image of the party in the district. But, I have realised that I was made a scape goat by the party leadership," he said. "Hence, I had decided to quit the party and join the TDP," he added.

Maganti claimed that despite Kamma caste people's apprehensions, he had stuck with the party as his father and forefathers had a long association with the Congress. "But now, I have come to a conclusion that Kammas will never be recognised in the Congress," he charged.

Asked whether the TDP has offered him a seat, he said the TDP has extended an invitation to him to contest from Eluru Lok Sabha seat.

SRI KAALAHASTHREESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE - SRI KALAHASTHI - HISTORY-POOJAS-OTHER INFORMATION

2009-02-13T21:58:00.008+05:30

SRI KAALAHASTI

Sri Kalahasti is one of the most sacred Siva kshetras. It is in Srikalahasti mandalm of Chittoor district. It is about 60 kms from Tirupati . The presiding diety is Srikalahasteeswara. The temple is connected by train and it halts at Srikalahasti railway station. The A.P.S.R.T.C has provided number of buses from different routes to reach Kalahasti. Private taxis also take the pilgrims to the devasthanam.

History of the temple in Brief

SriKalahasti is named after the staunch devotees of Lord Shiva. They were the Spider(Sri), the Serpent(Kala) and the Elephant(Hasti). Appeased with their unflinching devotion, Lord Shiva gave them a boon that their names be merged with the Vayulinga and called as SriKalahasteewara. There are several other legends connected to the glory of the temple. Prominent among them is of Parvati who was cursed by Lord Shiva to discard her heavenly body and assumed the human form. To get rid off the above curse Parvati did long penance here. Pleased with her deep devotion Lord Shiva again restored her body hundred times better than her previous heavenly body and initiated various mantras including Panchakshari. Consequent of this, Parvati gained Shiva Gnanam and came to know as Gnanaprasunamba. Cursed to became a ghost Ghanakala prayed at Srikalahasti for 15 years and after chanting Bhairava Mantra many times Lord Shiva restored her original form. Mayura, Chandra and Devendra were also freed from their curses after taking bath in Swarnamukhi and prayed at Srikalahasti. To Bhakta Markandeya, Lord Shiva appeared in Srikalahasti and preched that a Guru alone could make esoteric teachings and, therefore he is Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. At Srikalahasti, Lord Shiva tested the unshakable devotion of Kanna (Later became Bhaktha Kannappa) before the sages gathered at Srikalahasti. With his divine power, Lord Shiva created a Tremour and the roof tops of the temple began to fall. All the sages ran away from the scene except Kannappa who covered the Linga with his body from any damage. In another incident, Kannappa plucked out one of his eyes and placed in the eye of Linga which was oozing with blood and tears. When the tears and the blood were still trickling from another eye, Kannappa decided to remove his second eye and placed one of his feet on the spot of the right eye of the Shiva Linga. Before he could pull out his second eye with the arrow, Lord Shiva appeared and restored his eye while granting him a boon to occupy a place close to him.

Importance of the temple

Srikalahasti is a very sacred Kshetram where the Lord Shiva's consort Parvati did penance and gained with his blessings a body hundred times better than her previous heavenly body and learned Panchakshari Mantra to become Gnanaprasunamba. It is the place where Sri(Spider), Kala(Serphant) and Elephant(Hasti) were granted boons by Lord Shiva to merge their names with Vayu Linga and called the place as Srikalahasteeshwara. In this holy place Ganakala, Mayura, Chandra and Devendra washed off their sins after taking bath in Swarnamukhi and offerrd prayers. Bhakta Markendeya was taught by Lord Shiva that a Guru could make esoteric teachings and therefore he is Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. Bhakta Kannappa was granted a boon by Lord Shiva in this Kshetra who occupy a place close to him. Mahasivaratri is an important festival when, Lakhs of people offer prayers to seek the blessings of the Lord to attain Mukti.

OM SRIKALAHASTI EASWARA NAMAHA

Lord Siva as Vayulingam in South India A.P.

Introduction

Sri Kalahasthi is presided by a naturally formed Vayulingam .This area is reputed as Rahu Ketu Kshetra.The shivling here is covered by a nava graha kavacha with 27 stars marked on it .this represents the nine planets including rahu and ketu and the 27 constellations.The very atmosphere is sanctifying .While temples all over the world are closed during an eclipse special abhishekams and pujas are performed to SriKalahasthieaswara. The vayulingam is observed inside the sanctum sanctorum on the basis of the ever fluctuating flame of the lamp placed inside the sanctum sanctorum.

Sarp Dosh or Kal Sarp Yoga

People from all over with sarp dosha or kal sarp yoga flock to this place to offer prayers and inspire many more to come here and obtain the blessings of Lord Siva.

The temple authorities have made elaborate arrangements for devotees offering prayers and the costs are extremely nominal

Fees

Entry fees Rs 2 per person. Sarvadarsanam

Special entrance Rs 20 per person per temple -There are two temples for which there is a charge inside the temple complex-one for Srikalahasthieaswara and one of Ammavari Gnanaprasunambika Devi.

Sarp Dosh Pooja Rs 200 per person -3 persons are allowed inside the temple on the basis of one ticket of Sarp Dosh Pooja. This includes the price of the samagri for the sarp dosh pooja.

Time

The temple remains open from 6 AM in the morning till 9 PM in the evening

It is considered best to offer prayers during Rahu kalam time(one and a half hours) as under

Monday 7.30 AM to 9 AM

Tuesday 3PM to 4.30 PM

Wednesday Noon to 1.30PM

Thursday 1.30PM to 3 PM

Friday 10.30 AM till Noon

Saturday 9 AM to 10.30 AM

Sunday 4.30PM to 6 PM

What is sarp dosha

Sarp dosha occurs if a persons planets fall on one side of Rahu (head of a snake )and ketu (tail of a snake ) or if the moon is in the eighth house from rahu .There are several other methods in which this dosh occurs and it requires an astrologer -a real good one (I would say a super specialist) to diagnose such dosh.Sarp dosh or Kal Sarp Dosh results in

* unhappy or no marriage
* spouse prone to fighting
* endless struggles in life
* No children
* Lack of peace of mind
* Enmity in family or society etc.

Prayers

Prayers should be offered as many times as the number of houses are affected by rahu and ketu .One should preferably go out of town for the night and come back and offer prayers again . Prayers are offered first to Patal Vighneshwara Lord Ganesha and then again to Lord Ganesha .The two silver snake icons after prayer have to be put into the kanuka ( offering box ) of Lord Sri kalahasthieaswara. One should be alert during the prayers and should take a seat next to a person who understands your language as well as the local dialect -tamil or telugu. YOU MUST KNOW YOUR NAME (!) ,YOUR GOTRA AND THE CONSTELATION UNDER WHICH YOU WERE BORN AS THE PRIEST WILL ASK THIS INFORMATION AND IN THIS ORDER.Apart from the samagri given by the temple authorities some people sell lotus flowers (Rs 20) and the priests also ask for a fees or a dakshina -these days they specify Rs 31 minimum.

Charity

Charity in form of food to the hungry or needy is called for and one may get food packets distributed to the poor at the entrance to the temple .Annadan or charity of food after the prayers have been offered .Coconut is a semblence of ones own head being offered to the Lord or the Goddess and breaking it symbolises ones own head .Some bilva leaves are also offered to Sri Kalasthieaswara. There are a no. of other statues inside the temple complex and one should pay obeisance to as many as possible.( but to Lord Shani one must.)

Anusasana parva 13.63.3-6

Legend of Swarabhanu

The legend of Swarabhanu needs to be mentioned here as he was a demon and tried to partake the nectar by deceit but was observed by the sun and the moon and Lord Vishnu slaughtered Swarabhanu and since he had had the nectar or amrit he became immortal with two bodies -rahu and ketu. These are the shadow planets or the unseen planets and even western astronomers have placed the intersection of the moons orbit by the earth as somewhat a shadow.

As rahu and ketu are unseen yet they manifest themselves and made themselves known to us through some mysterious force similarly it is vayu that pervades every where yet we cannot see.Some people regard Lord Siva and Parvati as rahu and ketu respectively .Vayu or air pervades everywhere yet we cannot see it but can feel it similarly the vayulingam at Srikalahasthi is the Vayulingam one that is every where but which can be felt but not seen .Lord Siva has 12 Jyotirlingas mainly Kedarnath,,Rameshavaram, Somnath, Mallikaarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Mamleshwar or Parmaeshwar, Vaidnath, Bheemashankar, Nageshwar, Vishavanath, Triambakam, Dhushmeshwar.

The panchbhootas or the five elements have five lingas that is air, water, earth, ether and Vayu.The vayulingam is at Srikalahasthi Andhra Pradesh .

Location -how to reach

Sri kalahasthi is only 60 kilometeres from Tirupati and about 135 Kilometeres north of Chennai or Madras.It is a small town with about 20,000 people and some lodges and choultries and dharamshalas.The nearest railheads are Renugunta and Gudur about 50 kilometeres on each side.Kalahasthi has a small railway station but it is well connected by bus to Chennai or Madras and also to Tirupati.

Food

No north Indian food is available in the town and most restaurants do not even serve tea. Food is sumptuous and wholesome -the south Indian food. Good place to eat near the temple are Bheemas and a couple of other restaurants with a similar menu and rates.Parts of these restaurants are air conditioned as well .One can eat lunch/dinner for Rs 20 and Kings breakfast for a similar sum -all south Indian .Drink your own water and as far as possible eat fried or steamed vadas or idlies .

Stay

A good place to stay is the MSM LODGE -about half a kilometer from the temple . They have rooms with TV and some AC rooms as well. A single room (Non AC -NoTV)is Rs 100 for 24 hours and double for Rs 175 .WC are mostly Indian style (-preferable as chances of hepatitis infection is lesser in such cases.) .Free choultries (dharam shalas are in plenty near the temple) and even some lodges and cheaper places to stay.

Communication and Language

Nobody speaks Hindi and even english speaking people are very rare in Kalahasthi and communication can be a real problem for a tourist. Even instruction inside the temple are given in Tamil or may be Telugu.

Plenty of International telephone booths, fax centers and even E mail -cybercafes are there in Kalahasthi.

Shopping

Tit bits as icons ,bell metal items etc may be purchased .One item I recommend is a tape by Shiva audios called Dakshina kasi -Suprabhatam and sthothras by Shiva audio company ,kalahasthi . It has two women singers -Lalita nad Malathi singing praises to Lord Siva.This also includes the SIVA SATHANAMA STOTRAM by Adi Shankara Charya .This tape is in Sanskrit.

About the temple in brief (Best book on the temple -Srikalahasthieaswara Mahima by Pavani Sitaramaiah )

The name Kalashathi is derived from the staunt devotees of Lord Siva -

1. Sri -the spider
2. Kala-the snake
3. Hasthi-the elephant

These devotees were so dear to the Lord that they are forming a part of the Vayuingam with an eternal message that the Lord considers all as equal and even animals can attain him.Doing and contemplating the unknown and endeavoring to grasp the significance of the omniscient Vayu-the air of our being and becoming Pranavayu -though present everywhere yet to grasp it is ever eluding !!!

The other place of prominence is for his devotee Bhakat Kannapa.He was a hunter who used to pray to the Lord in his own manner -by offering him meat and water which he carried in his mouth .No priest could stop him since he was a hunter and lost his temper very fast.Yet when he saw that one of the eyes in Sivalingam was red he took out both his eyes and offered them to the Lord.

The holy river Swaranmukhi flows northwards from the temple into the sea.

The place is also known as Dakshin Kashi or Dakshin Kailash.A visit to this place is a must for the spiritual aspirants (though all priests are commercial in nature)

Architecture

The temples architecture and design is beyond description and is based on the nervous system of the body and is also linked very closely to the Isopanishad -the very essence of Hinduism. Dakshinamurthy and the statues have a meaning for the seeker IF only one has the inquisitiveness and the brains and the patience to understand what the sages and the artists wanted to convey. Our sages endeavoured to convey to us the meaning of great truths indirectly (Paroksha ) by means of stories, edicts , riddles, sculptures, paintings etc. and left the individuals to contemplate and draw their own conclusions as best as they could. It can only be experienced and no words can describe a visit to this small dusty town of SriKalahasthi.I find myself at peace after a visit here.

Dakshinamurthy is supposed to have a lot of divine powers and is considered the preceptor of all the worlds ,the healer of the diseases associated with birth as well as the repository of all learning.

Temple Address:
Sri Kalahastiswaraswamy vari Devastanam
SriKalaHasti
Chittoor District. Andhra Pradhesh
PIN: 517644

Telephone: 08578-221655, 222787

Temple Executive Officer Info:

Phone: (8578)221140, 221185, 221336, 222430, 222510,

Address:
1) The Executive Officer, Sri Kalahastheeswar Devasthanams,Near E.O.Quarters, SriKalaHasti, PIN 517640
2) The Executive Officer, Sri Kalahastheeswar Devasthanams,Inside Temple Office, Sannidhi Street SriKalaHasti, PIN 517640

CINEMA HALLS IN GREATER HYDERABAD

2009-02-12T17:10:00.000+05:30

CINEMA HALLS IN GREATER HYDERABAD

Ramakrishna 70mm
Near GPO
Abids, Hyderabad - 500001
Tel: 24741699
Tele Booking : 1255321 / 27664321

Ramakrishna Glitterati
Near GPO
Abids, Hyderabad - 500001
Tel: 24740277

Santosh 70MM
Abids, Hyderabad

Sapna
Abids , Hyderabad

Skyline
LaneAdjacent to Hotel Shanbagh,
Basheerbagh, Hyderabad
Tel:23222633,55591606
TeleBooking:32963722

Sterling
Basheerbagh, Hyderabad
Tel: 23222633
TeleBooking:32963722

Padmavati Cineplex
Kachiguda, Hyderabad - 500027
Tel: 27567208

Maheshwari 70mm
Near Kachiguda Cross Roads
Kachiguda, Hyderabad - 500027
Tel: 24754447

Parameshwari 35mm
Near Kachiguda Cross Roads
Kachiguda, Hyderabad - 500027
Tel: 24752433

Tarakarama 70mm
Kachiguda, Hyderabad - 500027
Tel: 24753383

Venkataramana Megaplex
Kachiguda, Hyderabad - 500027
Tel: 27567208

Shanti
Lane Opposite YMCA
Narayanaguda
Hyderabad - 500029
Tel: 23223580

Srinivasa 35mm
Narayanaguda, Hyderabad -
Tel: 27637556, 27631313

Venkatesa 70mm
Narayanguda, Hyderabad
Tel: 27634144

Shalimar-35MM
Ramkoti, Abids,
Hyderabad

Shalimar-70
Ramkoti
Hyderabad

Kumar -70
Near Kachiguda Rly Station
Hyderabad

Deepak 70mm
Narayanaguda, Hyderabad
Tel: 23221807, 23222807
Tele Booking : 30421087

Kiran Picture Palace (Alwal)
West Venkatapuram
Alwal, Secunderabad - 500010
Tel: 2796-0022, 9440602722

Narthaki 70mm
Alwal, Secunderabad - 500010
Tel: 27862315

Lakshmi Kala Mandir (Alwal)
Alwal, Secunderabad - 500010
Tel: 27860490, 27960022

Raghavendra 35mm
Narsimha Reddy Nagar
Malkajgiri, Hyderabad - 500047
Tel: 27052830, 27058925

Raghavendra 70mm
Narsimha Reddy Nagar
Malkajgiri, Hyderabad - 500047
Tele Booking : 9849828001

Ramachandra 70mm
Malkajgiri, Hyderabad - 500047
Tel: 27242385

Sri Sai Ram 70mm
Malkajgiri, Secunderabad - 500047
Tel: 27053884

Suresh 70mm
Seethaphalmandi,
Secunderabad - 500361
Tel: 27503385

Satyam 70mm
Ameerpet, Hyderabad - 500016
Tel: 23730315
Telebooking : 66612516 / 17/ 18

Gokul
8-3-166,Erragadda,
Hyderabad
Tel: 23814612

Lakshmikala (Moosapet)
Near Bharatnagar
Moosapet, Hyderabad - 500018
Tel: 23814512

Shashikala (Moosapet)
Moosapet, Hyderabad - 500018
Tel: 23814512, 23814353

Sri Ramulu (opp. Bharatnagar)
Moosapet
Hyderabad

Vijayalakshmi
Ameerpet, Hyderabad - 500016
Tel: 23402033

PVR Cinemas
Hyderabad Central,
Punjagutta, Hyderabad
Online Ticket Booking
www.pvrcinemas.com
Dail 505787 * from your Mobile to Purchase Tickets
(for Airtel, Hutch & idea Subscribers only)

Vimal 70mm
Opposite Police Station
Balanagar,
Hyderabad - 500037
Tel: 23773314, 23771133
Tele Booking : 23771828

Bhujanga
Jeedimetla,
Hyderabad - 500855
Tel: 23092788

Ranga 70mm
Jeedimetla,
Hyderabad - 500855
Tel: 23092888

Sha (HMT)
HMT Road
Chintal, Hyderabad - 500054
Tel: 23095103

Shahenshah (HMT)
HMT Road
Chintal, Hyderabad - 500054
Tel: 23095103

Kalyani (Bowenpally)
Old Bowenpally, Hyderabad
Tel: 27755053

Easy Movies at Cine Planet Kompally
Dail 1255321 / 27654321

Konark 70mm
Dilsukhnagar,
Hyderabad - 500036
Tel: 24065595

Rajadhani Deluxe
Dilsukhnagar,
Hyderabad - 500036
Tel: 24045437, 24045759

Venkatadri 70mm
Dilsukhnagar,
Hyderabad - 500036
Tel: 24068332

Megha 70mm
Dilsukhnagar,
Hyderabad - 500000
Tel: 24151733

Rajadhani 70mm
Near Dilsukhnagar Bus Depot
Dilsukhnagar,
Hyderabad - 500036
Tel: 24045437, 24045759

Shivani 70mm
Opposite Fruit Market,
Near Guntur Vikas
Kothapet, Hyderabad - 500035
Tel: 24045656

Shalini 70mm
Opposite Fruit Market,
Kothapet, Hyderabad - 500035
Tel: 55309959

Mahalaxmi 70mm
Near Kothapet Crossroads
Kothapet, Hyderabad - 500035
Tel: 24140999

Mahalaxmi 35mm
Near Kothapet Crossroads
Kothapet, Hyderabad - 500035
Tel: 24140999

Ganga 70mm
Gaddiannaram,
Hyderabad - 500036
Tel: 24067455, 24067444

Sree Ramana 70mm
Amberpet, Hyderabad - 500016
Tel: 27600210

Sree Ramana Digital
Amberpet, Hyderabad - 500016
Tel: 27420210

Sharada (Saroor Nagar)
Saroor Nagar,
Hyderabad - 500035
Tel: 24140379

Sampoorna
Vanasthalipuram,
Hyderabad - 500661
Tel: 24021257

Sushma
Vanasthalipuram,
Hyderabad - 500661
Tel: 24020600

Yadagiri
Fully Renovated
Santoshnagar
Hyderabad

Vishnu 70mm
Vanasthalipuram,
Hyderabad - 500000
Tel: 24121373

Amaravathi 70mm
Opp. Dwaraka Hotel
Lakdi-ka-Pul, Hyderabad - 500004
Tel: 23232108, 23397925

Sensation Sunshine
Khairatabad, Hyderabad - 500004
Tel: 23240081, 23233455

Sensation Insomnia
Lakdi-ka-Pul, Hyderabad - 500004
Tel: 55534411/22/33, 9885444444

Prasads IMAX
Prasad Media Corporation Ltd,
NTR Gardens
Hyderabad - 500063
Tel: 2344-8888

Prasad's Multiplex
NTR Gardens
Hyderabad - 500063
Tel: 23448888
Tele Booking: 23448989

Shiva Parvathi 70mm
Opp KPHB,
Hyderabad - 500072
Tel: 23057840

Mallikarjuna 70mm
Near KPHB
Hyderabad - 500072
Tel: 2389-2277

Arjun 70mm
Opp KPHB, Hyderabad - 500000
Tel: 23156735

Vishwanath 70mm (KPHB)
Opposite KPHB Colony
Kukatpally, Hyderabad - 500072
Tel: 23050966, 23051797

Bhramarambha
Kukatpally, Hyderabad - 500037
Tel: 23892288

Sai Ranga 70mm
Miyapur, Hyderabad - 500138
Tel: 23042888

Jyothi 70mm
R C Puram
Near BHEL, Hyderabad -
500032
Tel: 23033377

Sridevi (BHEL)
Chandanagar, R C Puram
BHEL, Secunderabad - 500032
Tel: 23033999

Geet 70mm(R C Puram)
Ramachandrapuram,
Hyderabad - 500032
Tel: 08455-240702

Rukmini (Patancheru)
Patancheru, Hyderabad -
502319
Tel: 55343622

Venkateswara
Patancheru,
Hyderabad - 502319
Tel: 911242287

Amba 70mm
Near Mehedipatnam Bus Depot
Mehedipatnam, Hyderabad
Tel: 23514455

Milan
Mehedipatnam, Hyderabad -
500028
Tel: 23530741

Galaxy
Toli Chowki,
Hyderabad - 500008
Tel: 23561361

Pratap 70mm
Langar House, Hyderabad
Tel: 23513134

Glory Cinema
Mallepally, Hyderabad - 500001
Tel: 55532908

Menaka
Near Charminar
Lal Darwaza, Hyderabad - 500002
Tel: 24521281

Prakash (Mangalhat)
Agapura
Mangalhat, Hyderabad - 500001
Tel: 24800210

Shama
Jahanuma, Hyderabad - 500002
Tel: 24464409

Sri Rama 70mm (Bahadurpura)
Bahadurpura, Hyderabad - 500264
Tel: 24476433

Apsara
Lal Darwaza, Hyderabad - 500002
Tel: 24520366

Krishna
Gulzar House
Charminar, Hyderabad - 500002
Tel: 24522555

Metro 70mm
Bahadurpura, Hyderabad - 500264
Tel: 24469510, 24469511

Pallavi
17-1-178/78, Srinagar Colony
Saidabad, Hyderabad - 500659
Tel: 24532520, 24072520

Shanti Deluxe
Shalibanda, Hyderabad - 500002

Sudha
Shah-Ali-Banda, Hyderabad - 500265
Tel: 55221606

Indra (Karmanghat)
Karmanghat, Hyderabad - 500660
Tel: 24143131

Nagendra 70mm (Karmanghat)
Karmanghat, Hyderabad - 500660
Tel: 24143141

Sri Lakshmi Deluxe
Karmanghat, Hyderabad - 500059
Tel: 55794971

Swapna 70mm
Katedan,
Hyderabad - 500052

Swapna 35mm
Katedan,
Hyderabad - 500052

Phalini
17-2-314/1/1, Kurmaguda
Saidabad, Hyderabad - 500001
Tel: 55309950

Devi
RTC X Roads
Chikkadpally, Hyderabad - 500020
Tel: 27637811

Mini Odeon
RTC Cross Roads
Chikkadpally, Hyderabad - 500020
Tel: 27651437

Odeon 70mm
RTC X Roads, Hyderabad - 500020
Tel: 27668885

Odeon Deluxe
RTC X Roads
Chikkadpally, Hyderabad - 500020
Tel: 27668163, 27651438

Sandhya 35mm
RTC X Roads, Hyderabad - 500020
Tel: 27617928

Sandhya 70mm
Opposite Bawarchi Restaurant
RTC X Roads, Hyderabad - 500020
Tel: 27672423

Saptagiri
RTC X Roads, Hyderabad - 500020
Tel: 27613116

Sri Mayuri 70mm
Old Sangam Complex, RTC X
Roads, Chikkadpally, Hyderabad -
Tel: 27607570

Sudarshan 35mm
RTC X Roads
Chikkadpally, Hyderabad - 500020
Tel: 27634367

Sudarshan 70mm
RTC X Roads
Chikkadpally, Hyderabad - 500020
Tel: 27634308

Usha Mayuri
Near Golconda Crossroads,
Musheerabad, Hyderabad - 500048
Tel: 27651052, 27611475

Sri Sai Raja 70mm
Musheerabad, Hyderabad - 500048

Anand
Opposite Wesley Boys College
S P Road, Secunderabad - 500003
Tel: 27908405, 27816405

Manju 70mm
Opp Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium
S D Road, Secunderabad - 500003
Tel: 27812977, 55219676,
55329383/84

Manohar 70mm
Station Road, Secunderabad -
Tel: 27700853

Prashant 70mm
Near Clock Tower
S D Road, Secunderabad - 500003
Tel: 27701042

Sangeet 70mm
S D Road, Secunderabad - 500003
Tel: 27703864, 55319552,
55319553
Tele Booking : 66319552-53

Tivoli
Paradise, Secunderabad - 500003
Tel: 27844973, 27846747

Rajeshwar 70mm
Monda Market Street,
Secunderabad - 500003

Anjali
3-2-276, New General Bazar
S D Road, Secunderabad - 500003
Tel: 55532239

Lamba
Near Paradise Bus Stop
Paradise, Secunderabad - 500003
Tel: 27844311, 55219000

Sridevi (Chilkalguda)
Chilkalguda,
Secunderabad - 500025
Tel: 27617068

Aaradhana 70mm
Osmania University Campus
Tarnaka, Hyderabad - 500017
Tel: 27018011

Radhika
Kapra, Secunderabad - 500762
Tel: 27121078

Shiva Shakti (Kapra)
Kapra, Secunderabad - 500762
Tel: 27122550

Sharada (Kapra)
Kapra, Secunderabad - 500762
Tel: 27122484

Ram 70mm
Lalapet, Secunderabad - 500017
Tel: 27053592

Srikrishna Chitra Mandir (Uppal)
Uppal, Hyderabad - 500039
Tel: 27170201

Sri Krishna Cinema
Nagaram

Srinivasa (Uppal)
Uppal, Hyderabad - 500039
Tel: 27174852, 27204852

Rajya Lakshmi (Uppal)
H No 2-1-39, Rajnagar Colony
Uppal, Hyderabad - 500013
Tel: 27203831, 27152831

SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE-TIRUMALA TIRUPATHI: PACKAGE TOURS IN TIRUPATHI

2009-02-12T10:44:00.002+05:30

PACKAGE TOURS:

TTD has introduced a package tour to take you to the temples around Tirupati. The bus starts from the Central Reception Office, Tirumala at 0600 hrs every day and returns the same day at 1320 hrs to Tirupati.

You will be taken to these temples:

* Sri Venugopalaswami Temple, Karvetinagaram

* Sri Vedanarayanaswami Temple, Nagalapuram

* Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple, Narayanavanam

* Sri Padmavathi Temple, Tiruchanoor

The bus fare is:

* Rs 50.00 for adults (which includes special darshan)

* Rs 25.00 for children

Note : Pilgrims who make use of this facility are given annaprasadam.

Alayadarsanam:

TTD has introduced the Alayadarsanam facility to enable pilgrims to visit the sacred shrines in and around Tirupati. These buses operate on a daily basis and start at 0600 hrs, 1000 hrs and 1400 hrs, from the choultry behind the Tirupati railway station.

You will be taken to these temples:

* Sri Padmavathi Temple, Tiruchanoor

* Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami temple, Srinivasa Mangapuram

* Sri Agastheeswaraswami Temple, Thondavada

* Sri Hare Krishna Temple, Tirupati

* Sri Kapileswaraswami Temple, Tirupati

* Sri Kodanda Ramaswami Temple, Tirupati

* Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, Tirupati

The bus fare is:

* Rs 20.00 for adults (which includes a special darshan)

* Rs 10.00 for children

The bus that starts at 1400 hrs will halt at the Regional Science Centre.

'Travel as you Like' Bus Service

APSRTC runs a daily 'Travel as you like' bus service from Tirumala to Papavinasanam, covering important places on the way like Akasha Ganga and Japali Venugopala Swamy temple.

* Fare: Rs. 8.00 per head

* Frequency: Every 30 minutes, from 0500 hrs to 1945 hrs.

Direct Bus Service to Sri Padmavathi Temple, Tiruchanoor:

There is a direct bus service from Tirupati to the Sri Padmavathi Temple, Tiruchanoor.

* Fare: Rs.17.00 per head

* Frequency: Every 30 minutes, from 0500 to 2000 hrs.

SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE-TIRUMALA TIRUPATHI: WEEKLY SEVAS

2009-02-12T10:11:00.003+05:30

Day-wise programme at Sri Venkateswara Temple:

Sevas Performed for the Main Deity:

VIVESHA POOJAS / WEEKLY SEVAS:

MONDAY
===========================================================
Seva: Vishesa Pooja
Time: 06.00 hrs.
Cost perTicket (INR): Rs. 3,000/-
No. of Persons allowed: FIVE
Prasadam/Bahumanam:

A silk duppata, a blouse piece, 5 big laddus and 5 vadas

===========================================================

TUESDAY
===========================================================
Seva: Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana
Time: 05.30 hrs.
Cost perTicket (INR): Rs. 2,500/-
No. of Persons allowed: TWO
Prasadam/Bahumanam:

A vastram, a blouse piece, 5 big laddus and 5 vadas

==========================================================

WEDNESDAY
===========================================================
Seva: Sahasra Kalasabhishekam
Time: 05.30 hrs.
Cost perTicket (INR): Rs. 5,000/-
No. of Persons allowed: SIX
Prasadam/Bahumanam:

A silk duppata, a blouse piece, 7 big laddus, 7 vadas,
5 appams, 5 dosas, Pulihora, Chakkera Pongal and Payasam

==========================================================

THURSDAY
===========================================================
Seva: Tiruppavada Seva
Time: 05.30 hrs.
Cost perTicket (INR): Rs. 5,000/-
No. of Persons allowed: SIX
Prasadam/Bahumanam:

A silk duppata, a blouse piece,7 big laddus, 7 vadas, 5 jilebis,
appam, dosa,Tene-tola, Pulihora

==========================================================

FRIDAY
===========================================================
Seva: Abhishekam
Time: 03.30 hrs.
Cost perTicket (INR): Rs. 750/-
No. of Persons allowed: ONE
Prasadam/Bahumanam:

2 vadas and 2 small laddus

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seva: Civet Vessel
Time: 03.30 hrs.
Cost perTicket (INR): Rs. 300/-
No. of Persons allowed: ONE
Prasadam/Bahumanam:

1 vada and 1 small laddu

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seva: Musk Vessel
Time: 03.30 hrs.
Cost perTicket (INR): Rs. 150/-
No. of Persons allowed: ONE
Prasadam/Bahumanam:

1 vada and 1 small laddu

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seva: Nijapada Darsanam
Time: 05.30 hrs.
Cost perTicket (INR): Rs. 200/-
No. of Persons allowed: ONE
Prasadam/Bahumanam:

1 small laddu

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seva: Vastralankara Seva
Time: 03.30 hrs.
Cost perTicket (INR): Rs. 12,250/-
No. of Persons allowed: Two
(the couple will be allowed for Abhisekam)

Prasadam/Bahumanam:

A duppata, a blouse piece.
2 big laddus and 2 vadas

==========================================================
For periodical SEVAS, please refer TTD Website.

http://www.tirumala.org/sevas_per.htm

Notes

To reserve seva tickets in advance, you can send a Demand Draft drawn on any nationalised bank, at least three months in advance, in favour of The Executive Officer, Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams, Tirupati, to the following address:

The Peishkar
Sri Venkateswara Temple
Tirumala - 517 504.

For all details regarding Arjitha Sevas, please dial +91-0877-2279277.

SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE-TIRUMALA TIRUPATHI- TIMINGS FOR SEVAS AND SARVA DARSHANAM

2009-02-11T20:05:00.002+05:30

Saturdays and Sundays

Time Sevas (Rates)

0300 - 0330 hrs Suprabhatam (Rs. 120.00 per head)
0330 - 0345 hrs Suddhi
0345 - 0430 hrs Tomala Seva (Arjitham - Rs. 220.00 per head)
0430 - 0445 hrs Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam
0445 - 0530 hrs (Archana) First Archana Sahasranama Archana (Rs. 220.00 per head)
0530 - 0630 hrs Archanantara Darsanam (Rs. 200.00 per head)
0630 - 0700 hrs First Bell, Bali and Sattumura
0700 - 0730 hrs Suddhi, Second Archana (Ekantam), Second Bell, etc.
0730 - 1900 hrs Sarvadarsanam
1200 - 1700 hrs Kalyanotsavam, Brahmotsavam, Vasanthotsavam, Unjal Seva
1730 - 1830 hrs Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva
1900 - 2000 hrs Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams (Ekantam) and Night Bell
2000 - 0100 hrs Sarvadarsanam
0100 - 0130 hrs Suddhi and preparations for Ekanta Seva
0130 hrs Ekanta Seva (Rs. 120.00 per head)

Notes

* Sarvadarsanam may continue beyond 0100 hrs subject to demand.
* The seva rates may change from time to time.

===================================================================

Mondays

Time Sevas (Rates)

Special Seva - Vishesha Puja: 0730 - 0900 hrs

0300 - 0330 hrs Suprabhatam (Rs. 120.00 per head)
0330 - 0345 hrs Suddhi
0345 - 0430 hrs Tomala Seva (Rs. 220.00 per head)
0430 - 0445 hrs Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam
0445 - 0530 hrs (Archana) First Archana i.e., Sahasranama Archana (Rs. 220.00 per head)
0530 - 0630 hrs (AAD) and Archanantara Darsanam (AAD) (Rs. 100.00 per head)
0630 - 0700 hrs First Bell, Bali and Sattumura
0700 - 0730 hrs Suddhi, Second Archana (Ekantam) and Second Bell
0730 - 0900 hrs Visesha Puja (Rs. 3000.00)
0730 - 1900 hrs Sarvadarsanam
1200 - 1700 hrs Kalyanotsavam, Brahmotsavam, Vasanthotsavam, Unjal Seva
1730 - 1830 hrs Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva*
1900 - 2000 hrs Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams (Ekantam) and Night Bell
2000 - 0100 hrs Sarvadarsanam
0100 - 0130 hrs Suddhi and preparations for Ekanta Seva
0130 hrs Ekanta Seva (Rs. 120.00 per head)
Notes

* Sarvadarsanam may continue beyond 0100 hrs subject to demand.
* The seva rates may change from time to time.

========================================================================

Tuesdays

Time Sevas (Rates)

(Special Seva: Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana)
0630 - 0730 hrs

0300 - 0330 hrs Suprabhatam (Rs. 120.00 per head)
0330 - 0345 hrs Suddhi
0345 - 0430 hrs Tomala Seva (Arjitham Rs. 220.00 per head)
0430 - 0445 hrs Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam
0445 - 0530 hrs (Archana) First Archana i.e., Sahasranama Archana (Arjitha Rs. 220.00 per head)
0530 - 0630 hrs (A.A.D) and Archanantara Darsanam (AAD) (Rs. 100.00 per head)
0630 to 0700hrs First Bell, Bali and Sattumura
0700 - 0730 hrs Suddhi, Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana (Rs. 3500.00, Second Bell
0730 - 1900 hrs Sarvadarsanam
1200 - 1700 hrs Kalyanotsavam, Brahmotsavam, Vasanthotsavam, Unjal Seva
1730 - 1830 hrs Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva
1900 - 2000 hrs Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams (Ekantam) and Night Bell
2000 - 0100 hrs Sarvadarsanam
0100 - 0130 hrs Suddhi and preparations for Ekanta Seva
0130 hrs Ekanta Seva (Rs. 120.00 per head)

Notes

* Sarvadarsanam may continue beyond 0100 hrs subject to demand.
* The seva rates may change from time to time.

==================================================================

Wednesdays

Time Sevas (Rates)

(Special Seva: Sahasrakalasa Abhishekam
0630 - 0830 hrs)

0300 - 0330 hrs Suprabhatam (Rs. 120.00 per head)
0330 - 0345 hrs Suddhi etc.
0345 - 0430 hrs Tomala Seva (Rs. 220.00 per head).
0430 - 0445 hrs Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam inside Bangaru Vakili.
0445 - 0530 hrs (Archana) 1st Archana i.e., Sahasranama Archana (Rs. 220.00 per head)
0530 - 0630 hrs (A.A.D) and Archanantara Darsanam (AAD) (Rs. 100.00 per head)
0630 - 0700 hrs 1st Bell, Bali, Sathumora and preparations for Sahasrakalasa Abhishekam
0700 - 0900 hrs Sahasrakalasa Abhishekam (Rs. 5000.00) Second Archana (Ekantam) and Bell
0900 - 1900 hrs Sarvadarsanam
1200 - 1700 hrs Kalyanotsavam, Brahmotsavam, Vasanthotsavam, Unjal Seva
1730 - 1830 hrs Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva
1900 - 2000 hrs Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams and Night Bell
2000 - 0100 hrs Sarvadarsanam
0100 - 0130 hrs Suddhi and preparations for Ekanta Seva
0130 hrs Ekanta Seva (Rs. 120.00 per head)
Notes

* Sarvadarsanam may continue beyond 0100 hrs subject to demand.
* The seva rates may change from time to time.

=======================================================================

Thursdays

Time Sevas (Rates)

(Special Seva: Tiruppavada - 0630 - 0800 hrs
and Poolangi Alankaram - 2100 - 2200 hrs)

0300 - 0330 hrs Suprabhatam (Rs. 120.00 per head)
0330 - 0345 hrs Suddhi
0345 - 0430 hrs Tomala Seva (Rs. 220.00 per head)
0430 - 0445 hrs Koluvu and Panchanga Sravanam inside Bangaru Vakili
0445 - 0530 hrs (Archana) 1st Archana i.e., Sahasranama Archana (Rs. 220.00 per head)
0530 - 0630 hrs (AAD) and Archanantara Darsanam (AAD) (Rs. 100.00 per head)
0630 - 0700 hrs 1st Bell, Bali and Sattumura
0700 - 0800 hrs Sallimpu, Second Archana (Ekantam), Tiruppavada(Rs.5,000.00), Second Bell
0800 - 1900 hrs Sarvadarsanam
1200 - 1700 hrs Kalyanotsavam, Brahmotsavam, Vasanthotsavam, Unjal Seva
1730 - 1830 hrs Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva
1900 - 2100 hrs Pedda Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams, Poolangi Alankaram and Night Bell
2100 - 0100 hrs Poolangi Alankaram and Sarvadarsanam
0100 - 0130 hrs Suddhi and preparations for Ekanta Seva
0130 hrs Ekanta Seva (Rs. 120.00 per head)
Notes

* Sarvadarsanam may continue beyond 0100 hrs subject to demand.
* The seva rates may change from time to time.

======================================================================

Fridays

Time Sevas (Rates)

(Special Seva: Abhishekam) 0430 - 0600 hrs

0300 - 0330 hrs Suprabhatam (Rs. 120.00 per head)
0330 - 0430 hrs Sallimpu, Suddhi, Nityakatla Kainkaryams, Morning I Bell and preparation for Abhishekam
(holders of Rs. 12,250.00, Rs. 750.00, Rs. 300.00 and Rs. 150.00 tickets will be admitted).
0430 - 0600 hrs Abhishekam and Nijapada Seva (Rs. 100.00 per head).
0600 - 0700 hrs Samarpana
0700 - 0800 hrs Thomala Seva and Archana (Rs. 420.00 per head).
0800 - 0900 hrs Second Bell, Bali, Sattumura, etc.
0900 - 2000 hrs Sarvadarsanam
1200 - 1700 hrs Kalyanotsavam, Brahmotsavam, Vasanthotsavam, Unjal Seva
1800 - 2000 hrs Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva at Kolimi Mandapam and Procession along the Mada streets.
2000 - 2100 hrs Suddhi, Night Kainkaryams, Night Bell, etc.
2100 - 2200 hrs Sarvadarsanam
2200 - 2230 hrs Suddhi and preparations for Ekanta Seva
2230 hrs Ekanta Seva (Rs. 120.00 per head)
Notes

* Sarvadarsanam may continue beyond 2200 hrs subject to demand.
* The seva rates may change from time to time.

========================================================================

SARVA DARSANAM:

=========================================================================

Saturday & Sunday : 07.30 to 19.00 hrs & 20.00 to 01.00 hrs
(may continue beyond 01.00 hrs subject to demand.

=========================================================================

Monday : 07.30 to 19.00 hrs & 20.00 to 01.00 hrs
(may continue beyond 01.00 hrs subject to demand.

=========================================================================

Tuesday : 07.30 to 19.00 hrs & 20.00 to 01.00 hrs
(may continue beyond 01.00 hrs subject to demand.

=========================================================================

Wednesday : 09.00 to 19.00 hrs & 20.00 to 01.00 hrs
(may continue beyond 01.00 hrs subject to demand.

=========================================================================

Thursday : 08.00 to 19.00 hrs & 21.00 to 01.00 hrs
(may continue beyond 01.00 hrs subject to demand.

=========================================================================

Friday : 09.00 to 20.00 hrs & 21.00 to 22.00 hrs
(may continue beyond 22.00 hrs subject to demand.

=========================================================================

SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE-TIRUMALA TIRUPATHI-DARSHAN

2009-02-11T18:44:00.003+05:30

Darshan at Sri Venkateswara Temple

As more than fifty thousand pilgrims visit the Sri Venkateswara Temple every day, TTD has organised efficient systems to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims.

* Vaikuntam Queue Complex
* Sarvadarsanam
* Special Darshan
* Sudarsanam Token System
* Special Darshan for the Physically Disabled and the Aged
* Darshan Timings

The entrance for darshan is through the Vaikuntam Queue Complex. The complex is a series of inter-connected halls that leads to the main temple. An efficient queue system ensures that pilgrims move in an orderly fashion through the Queue Complex, towards the main temple.

The halls in the Queue Complex are clean, spacious and airy.TTD provides a wide range of facilities in the Queue Complex:

* Canteens selling food packets at subsidised rates.
* The Andhra Pradesh Dairy Development Corporation selling fresh milk
* Medical aid
* Sale of photographs, calendars and other TTD publications
* Toilets
* Closed Circuit Television, through which devotional programmes and music are relayed
* Cloak rooms near the Vaikuntam Queue Complex entrance
* Places where footwear can be deposited, free of cost (at the entrance)

There are officers to look after the facilities in the Vaikuntam Queue Complex, regulate the queues and attend to complaints.

Sarvadarsanam

Sarvadarsanam means 'darshan for all'. The timings for Sarvadarsanam are different on different days of the week. Please refer the weekly temple programme for the timings.
On normal days, about 18 hours are allotted for Sarvadarsanam and on peak days, it is open for 20 hours.

Around 50,000 pilgrims visit the main temple every day.

Special Darshan

The entrance for Special Darshan is through the PPC (Queue Complex). The queue merges with the Sarvadarsanam queue at Bangaruvakili. Pilgrims who use this queue will have a shorter waiting time.

There are two categories of special darshan, with tickets costing Rs. 40.00 and Rs. 50.00 per head.

The darshan timings are the same as that for Sarvadarsanam.

Sudarsanam Token System

The Sudarsanam token system was introduced to minimise the waiting time for Sarvadarsanam, Special Darshan and other paid darshan/sevas. Some of its features:

* The tokens are available free of cost at the First Choultry (opposite the TiruRailway Station), Second Choultry (behind the Railway Station), Alipiri Bus Stand, Tirupati, Vaikuntam Queue Complex, Pilgrim Amenities Centre (Near CRO) and near the Rambagicha Guest House in Tirumala.

* The time of darshan is indicated on the tokens.

* Pilgrims can enter the Vaikuntam Queue Complex at Tirumala at the time indicated on the tokens

* They can have darshan within two hours of entering the Queue Complex.

* As this system saves on waiting time, it provides pilgrims with enough time to visit temples in the vicinity like Sri Govindarajaswami Temple and Kapila Teertham at Tirupati, Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple at Tiruchanur and Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami Temple at Srinivasa Mangapuram.

* To help TTD keep a track of the number of pilgrims and ensure their smooth flow, one token is issued per head. Collective tokens for groups are not issued. Some precautions for you to take:

* Collect your Sudarsanam token only from TTD-run counters. Tokens issued by others are not valid.

* Keep the token tied to your wrist till you finish darshan.

* Do not exchange tokens.

* Do not trust touts.

Special Darshan for the Physically Disabled and the Aged

This special darshan is arranged for the physically disabled and the aged through a separate gate at the Maha Dwaram,the main temple entrance. If necessary, such pilgrims can be accompanied by an attendant.

SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE-TIRUMALA TIRUPATHI: SEVAS

2009-02-11T18:29:00.003+05:30

Arjita Vasanthotsavam

This seva is conducted in the Vaibhavotsava Mantapam as an arjitam. The seva is offered to Sri Malayappa swami and His consorts daily. Perfumeries are lavishly used to create an ethereal atmosphere. The veda pandits chants Purusha suktam, Sri suktam and other vedic hymns. Abhishekam is done to the Lord and His consorts with sacred water. Later abhishekam is performed with milk, curd, honey and turmeric. Finally, sandal paste is applied to Sri Malayappa Swami and consorts. The duration of the seva is about one hour.

Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva

SAHASRA DEEPALANKARA SEVA

Every day evening at 5:30 p.m. Sahasra deepalankarana seva is performed in the Unjal mantapam located on the south eastern corner of the Srivari Temple.

Sri malayappa swami along with Sridevi and Bhudevi are taken out in procession to the mantapa, where one thousand wick lamps are lit. In the midst of vedic chanting and singing of Annamaya Sankirtanas, the Lord seated aon an unjal is rocked gently. The grihasthas who purchased tickets for performance of this seva are given Vastra bahumanam.

Ekanta Seva

Ekanta Seva is the last ritual among the daily sevas. Sarvadarsanam comes to a close with Ekanta Seva. Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthi, the silvar image of the main deity is seated in the Sayana Mantapam in a golden cot. During Ekanta seva, a descendant on Annamacharya sings lullabies to put the Lord to sleep. This seva is also known as panupu seva. Tarigonda vengamamba's harati (in a plate inlaid with one of the dasavataras on each day with pearls) is offered to the Lord. Bhoga Srinivasa occupies the cot for eleven months in a year and in the twelfth month of Dhanurmasa (Margali) Sri Krishna is put to sleep.

SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE-TIRUMALA TIRUPATHI: SEVAS

2009-02-11T17:51:00.005+05:30

KALYANOTSAVAM

Srivari Kalyanotsavam is performed to the utsava murti of the Lord Sri Malayappa swami and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi in the marriage hall in the Sampangi Pradakshinam. Refrence to this Seva conducted on special occasions are found in the inscriptions of the 15th century. The wedding cermony is held amidst recitation of the vedic mantras and pronouncing the family pedigree of the brides and bridegroom. The idols of the Lord and his brides face each other with a screen in between. They are allowed to see each other only at the appropriate auspicious moment when the screen is removed. The priests perform homas. A purohit conducts the marriage and an archaka is consecrated to perform other rituals on behalf of the bridegroom. This seva is not performed on important festivals like Srivari Brahmotsavam. Pavitrotsavam, Pushpayagam etc. and on the days of solar and lunar eclipses. The grihasthas who participate in the seva are given prasadams and clothes. The duration of the seva is about one hour.

Pratyeka Kalyanotsavam

In terms of rituals, Pratyeka Kalyanotsavam is the same as Kalyanotsavam.

Arjitha Brahmotsavam

The Brahmotsavam is performed dailu in an abridged manner in the vaibhavotsava Mantapam, opposite Srivari Temple. Sri Malayappa Swami is seated on Peddasesha Vahanam, Garuda Vahanam and Hamumantha Vahanam and offered worship. This seva is conducted only after the Kalyanotsavam.

Dolotsavam (Unjal Seva)

DOLOTSAVAM

Sri Malayappaswami, Sridevi and Bhudevi are seated in an unjal (Swing) in the Aina Mahal (Addala Mantapam) opposite Ranganayaka mantapam. it is enchanting to see the gorgeous reflections of the Lord's glorious presence every where. The deities are swung to the accompaniment of Veda parayanam and mangalavadyam. This is an arjita seva an the devotees are admitted on payment of requisite fee.

SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE-TIRUMALA TIRUPATHI: SEVAS

2009-02-11T17:40:00.004+05:30

Suprabhatam

'Suprabhatam' is the first and foremost seva at Tirumala, Suprabhatam signifies the ritual performed at Sayana Mandapam to wake up the Lord from His celstial sleep, amidst chanting of the hymns.

Every day in the early hours acharyapurushas sing the hymns beginning with 'Kausalya Supraja Rama' while adecendant of Tallapaka Annamacharya recites Annamayya's matin songs. 'Suprabhatam' hymn consist of Suprabhatam, Stotram, Prapattithe and Mangalasanam composed by Prativadi Bhayankara Annan, a disciple of the celebrated vaishnava preceptor Manavala Mamuni. Archakas, jeeyangars, temple authorities and the grihasthas who purchased tickets for 'Suprabhatam' darsan worship the Lord delightfully during this seva. Immediately after completing the 'Suprabhatam', Bangaru Vakili is kept open. 'Suprabhata seva, tickets can be booked in advance. The ritual last for over 30 minutes.Suprabhata seva will not be performed in Dhanurmasa. Instead, 'Tiruppavai' is recited during this time. The worship of Lord Venkateswara during Suprabhatam is considered highly meritorious.

Thomala Seva

The presiding deity of Lord Srinivasa, festival deities and other deities are exquisitely decorated with floral and tulasi garlands during this seva. 'Thomala' denotes the decoration of the deities with garlands.

The grihasthas who have paid the requisite amount can have darsan of the Lord during Thomala seva. However, the priests decorate the main deity of Lord Venkateswara with flowers brought by Ekangi or flowe specially brought from Flower room by Jeeyangar. The seva is performed for 30 minutes. This seva in conducted as arjita seva on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It is held in ekantams during the rest of the week.

Sahasranama Archanantara

Archana to the main deity Lord Venkateswara is performed amidst chanting of one thousand name of the Lord. This occurs immediately after 'Suprabhatam' and Thomala seva. Devotees who have bought tickets for this Archana can take part in the seva.

The archakas offer tulasi leaves sent by the Jeeyangar to the Lotus Feet of the Lord while one thousand names are being chanted. Later, the tulasi leaves kept on the Lord's Feet are placed at the Lotus Feet of Maha Lakshmi seated in his chest amidst chanting of 'Mahalakshmi Chaturvimsati' (24 names of the Goddess). The ritual lasts for 30 minutes.

The Lord also receives second and third archanas later in the day. However, these are done in 'ekantam, and devotees are not allowed for darsan during thesr services. Sahasranama Archana is an arjita seva on Tuesday, Wednesday and thursday and on Friday, Saturday Sunday and Monday it is performed in ekantam.

Immediately after Archana piligrims who purchased tickets for Archanantra Darsan are allowed for darsan.

SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE-TIRUMALA TIRUPATHI

2009-02-11T17:16:00.004+05:30

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

e-Darshan Counters

Nearly 40,000 pilgrims are visiting daily to have darshan of Lord Venkateswara. To reduce the waiting time in the queue lines TTD has introduced e-Darshan facility wherein the pilgrim is provided with Darshan slot remotely before actually the pilgrim reach Tirumala. This system was started with token system and replaced with Biometric system which is now under operation. These e-darshan counters were established in most of the TTD Kalyanamandapams and Information Centres in all most all Andhra Pradesh and outside Andhra Pradesh. Pilgrims are permitted to enter the Vikuntam Queue Complex-I, according to the time slot provided to them.

e-darshan counter in Hyderabad:

TTD Information Centre,
e-Dharshan Counter,
Balaji Bhavan,
Liberty Circle,
Opp Stanza complex,
Himayat Nagar,
Hyderabad,
Andhra Pradesh

Ph: 040-23220852
Ph: 040-23220552

The daily sevas performed at the Sri Venkateswara temple are given in chronological order.

You can purchase tickets for these sevas from the Vijaya Bank counter at the entrance to the Vaikuntam Queue Complex. You can also book sevas and paid accommodation online.

Day-wise programme at Sri Venkateswara Temple:

Sevas Performed for the Main Deity:

===========================================================
Seva: SUPRABHATAM
Time: 02.30 hrs.
Cost per Ticket (INR): Rs. 120/-
No. of Persons allowed: One
Prasadam/Bahumanam: 2 Small Laddus

(Children below 10 years are not allowed)

==========================================================
Seva: TOMALASEVA
Time: 03.30 hrs.
Cost per Ticket (INR): Rs. 220/-
No. of Persons allowed: One
Prasadam/Bahumanam: 2 Small Laddus

Note: Tickets will not be available for Monday for the months of May,
June and July.

(max. no. of tickets issued=200)

==========================================================
Seva: ARCHANA
Time: 04.30 hrs.
Cost per Ticket (INR): Rs. 220/-
No. of Persons allowed: One
Prasadam/Bahumanam: 2 Small Laddus

Note: Tickets will not be available for Monday for the months of May,
June and July.

(max. no. of tickets issued=200)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seva: ARCHANANTARA DARSANAM (expect on Fridays)
Time: 04.30 hrs.
Cost per Ticket (INR): Rs. 200/-
No. of Persons allowed: One
Prasadam/Bahumanam: 1 Small Laddu

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seva: EKANTHA SEVA (After Sarvadarsanam)
Time: 22.00 hrs.
Cost per Ticket (INR): Rs. 120/-
No. of Persons allowed: One
Prasadam/Bahumanam: 2 Small Laddus

* Ekanta Seva will be performed as a private seva, if there is a heavy
rush of pilgrims.

===========================================================

Sevas Performed for the Usthava Murthi:

==========================================================
Seva: KALYANOSTHAVAM
Time: 10.00 hrs.
Cost per Ticket (INR): Rs. 1,000/-
No. of Persons allowed: TWO
Prasadam/Bahumanam:

Vastra Bahumanam (one silk dupatta and
one cotton blouse piece),1 big laddu,
1 small laddu, 5 vadas

==========================================================
Seva: ARJITHA BRAHMOTSAVAM
Time: 12.30 hrs.
Cost per Ticket (INR): Rs. 1,000/-
No. of Persons allowed: FIVE
Prasadam/Bahumanam:

One uttariyam and blouse piece.
5 small laddus

=========================================================

Seva: DOLOTSAVAM (UNJAL SEVA)
Time: 13.30 hrs.
Cost per Ticket (INR): Rs. 1,000/-
No. of Persons allowed: FIVE
Prasadam/Bahumanam:

One uttariyam and blouse piece.
5 small laddus

==========================================================
Seva: VASANTHOTSAVAM
Time: 13.30 hrs.
Cost per Ticket (INR): Rs. 3,000/-
No. of Persons allowed: TEN
Prasadam/Bahumanam:

==========================================================

Seva: SAHASRA DEEPALANKARANA SEVA
Time: 17.00 hrs.
Cost per Ticket (INR): Rs. 1,000/-
No. of Persons allowed: FIVE
Prasadam/Bahumanam:

One uttariyam and blouse piece.
5 small laddus

==========================================================

Notes:

1. Payment for advance reservation for sevas can be made through DDs sent atleast three months in advance, in favour of Peishkar, Sri TT Tirumala. For all details regarding Arjita Sevas, please dial +91-877-2279277 .

2. Advance reservations are not allowed for Archanantara Darsanam and Ekanta Seva.

3. To reserve seva tickets in advance, you can send a Demand Draft drawn on any nationalised bank, in favour of The Executive Officer, Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams, Tirupati, to the following address:

The Peishkar
Sri Venkateswara Temple
Tirumala - 517 504.

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2009-02-11T14:54:00.000+05:30

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MARRIAGE BUREAUS IN HYDERABAD

2009-02-11T14:52:00.000+05:30

MARRIAGE BUREAUS IN HYDERABAD

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Shubha Lagnam Marriage Bureau
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