(Last Updated on : 18/09/2010)
The place Khammam has been derived from the name of a temple Narasimhadri, later Stambha Sikhari and finally it was termed as Stambhadri. The vertical rock under the temple is known as Kamba. This very evidence shows the importance laid on temple architecture in this district. Khammam can be called a tribal land with stress laid on the agrarian sector. However, the fact remains that temples and pilgrim tours are considered significant for god-fearing devotees, who visit places like- Jeellacheruvu, Lord Shiva Temple-Kallur, Lord Venugopal Swamy Temple, Peddama Thalli Temple, Sree Seetharamachandra Swamy temple, Sri Lalitha Maha Tripura Sundari Temple. The places of Jamalpuram and Parnashala are considered extremely holy sites for the Hindus. While some of them were built in ancient times of 12th or 14th centuries, some were built in recent times by prominent people holding fundamental positions. Lord Shiva dominates in almost all the shrines, with a few exceptions. The temple structures were mostly of stone.
Gunti Malleshwara Swamy Aalayam Temple
It is built on the river Munera and was called Moudgalya in the past. The Sivalinga is self- manifested and very powerful. There is also an image of Virabhadra, adjacent to it. There is another temple by the name of Narasimhaswamy Aalayam close to it.
Bhadrachalam Rama Temple
This ancient shrine is built on a hill, accessed by a flight of steps. This temple is associated with Bhadrachala Ramadas an ardent devotee of Rama. The temple underwent renovation in the 17th century. Valmiki has sung the story of Sri Ramachandra here.