Hemavathi

Hemavathi is a small town situated in the Anantapur district of the Indian province of Andhra Pradesh, at a distance of about 156 km from Anantapur district, 36 km from Madakasira, and 70 km from Hindupur, during the period between the 9th and 10th centuries AD, Hemavathi used to be the capital of Pallavas.

It is a repository of a remarkable collection of architecture from Pallava and Chola. Between the 9th to10th centuries AD, under the Nolamba Pallavas, the town of Hemavathi gained tremendous prominence. At this time, during the reign of Pallavas, it was known as Henjeri.

Pallavas created a few fascinating temples in the Hemavathi. Around this fort, there are so many temples that possess marvelous architecture. A few of the prominent temples that included are the Temple of Doddeshwara, the Temple of Virupaksheswara, Temple of Siddeswara, and the Temple of Malleswara. Approximately an area of 15 acres is covered by the temple’s complex.

Amongst these temples, the most striking temple is the Temple of Doddeswara Swamy. It is a commendable structure. The idols are made up of stones that are polished as the metal and when it is struck, it also makes a metallic sound.

Inside the sanctum, a 6-foot Shivalinga is built. At the entrance resides a massive 8×4-foot idol of Nandi which is made up of black granite. There are also some magnificent artworks in the temple. The temple proudly displays artistic figures and photographs on the walls of the temple. The columns of the temple feature the epic scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. ⠀

The other popular attraction here is the temple of Siddeswara. A physical manifestation of Lord Shiva in the pose of meditation is featured here. This idol is an imposing figure of about 5 feet in height and is designed in a way that in all the seasons, the rays of the sun touch the Lord’s face during the sunset.