Sri Jogulamba Devi Temple, Alampur
Alampur, Jogulamba Gadwal district, on the Tungabhadra river near the Andhra Pradesh border · Goddess Jogulamba (a form of Shakti), with Lord Bala Brahmeswara (Shiva) in the same complex
The only Shakti Peetha in Telangana, beside the 7th–8th century Navabrahma temples and the gateway to Srisailam.
Alampur is a small town on the Tungabhadra river, about 220 km from Hyderabad and 28 km from Kurnool. Its Jogulamba temple is counted among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, the sacred sites linked to the goddess Sati, and is the only one in Telangana. The same complex has the Bala Brahmeswara Swamy temple, and nearby stand the Navabrahma temples, a group of Shiva temples built by the Badami Chalukyas. Alampur is also known as Dakshina Kasi and as the western gateway to Srisailam.
Timings
- Darshan hours: Not confirmed. Visitor guides give two different patterns (approx. 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM, or 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 8:30 PM). Check at the temple office (085022 41327 is listed in a public guide).
Darshan types and costs
- General darshan – Free. No entry fee is reported. Crowds are small on most days.
Sevas and costs at Sri Jogulamba Devi Temple, Alampur
Sri Jogulamba seva – approx. ₹50 (visitor guide, confirm)
When: During darshan hours
A short pooja in your name to the goddess.
How to book: Temple ticket counter.
Persons allowed: Per ticket
Price from a third-party guide; confirm at the counter.
Kumkuma archana – approx. ₹50 (visitor guide, confirm)
When: During darshan hours
The priest offers kumkum while chanting the goddess's names in your name.
How to book: Temple ticket counter.
Persons allowed: Per ticket
Price from a third-party guide; confirm at the counter.
Sahasranamarchana – approx. ₹216 (visitor guide, confirm)
When: During darshan hours
Worship with the 1,000 names of the goddess.
How to book: Temple ticket counter.
Persons allowed: Per ticket
Price from a third-party guide; confirm at the counter.
Friday Vishesha pooja – approx. ₹150 (visitor guide, confirm)
When: Fridays
A special Friday worship of the goddess.
How to book: Temple ticket counter.
Persons allowed: Per ticket
Price from a third-party guide; confirm at the counter.
Chandi Homam – approx. ₹750 (visitor guide, confirm)
When: On a date fixed with the temple
A fire ritual (homa) with Devi Mahatmya verses.
How to book: Temple office. One guide says only men may take part in this homam; ask the office.
Persons allowed: Per ticket
Price and rule are from a third-party guide; confirm with the temple.
How to book darshan
Sevas can be booked at the temple counter. The Endowments Minister launched online booking of arjita sevas and darshan for this temple in February 2023, but we could not confirm the current web address. Ask at the temple office, and book only on a site that the temple itself points you to.
- Visit the ticket counter at the temple and pick the seva from the board.
- Give the name and gotra of the person for whom the seva is done and pay at the counter.
- Keep the receipt. For homams, ask the office to fix a date in advance.
Booking safely
- Look-alike 'puja booking' and room-booking websites. The Endowments Minister launched an official site in 2023, but its address was not stated in the report, so check with the temple office before paying online.
Buy sevas at the temple counter and keep the receipt. Pay online only on a site that the temple office confirms.
Prasadam and offerings
- Prasadam – Varies. Sold or given at the temple; ask at the counter. Laddu prasadam is prepared for the Brahmotsavam.
- Vehicle pooja: A visitor guide lists a vehicle pooja at the temple (approx. ₹50 for a two-wheeler, ₹75 for a three-wheeler, ₹100 for a four-wheeler). Confirm at the counter.
Dress code
Modest, traditional clothes. One guide says modern clothes such as shorts are not acceptable.
Temple etiquette
- Leave footwear outside and keep silence in the sanctum.
- The Navabrahma temples are protected monuments. Do not climb on the carvings or write on the walls.
Why it matters
Jogulamba is traditionally listed as the place where Sati's upper teeth (some say jaw) fell, which makes the temple a Shakti Peetha. Different lists place it as the fifth of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.
Devotees come to worship the goddess and Lord Bala Brahmeswara together. Alampur is traditionally called the western gate (paschima dwaram) of Srisailam, so many pilgrims visit it before or after Srisailam.
In July 2026 the Jagadguru of Sringeri Sharada Peetham installed a Sri Chakra Maha Yantra in the sanctum, which Telangana Today reported.
History
7th–8th century: Navabrahma temples
Nine Shiva temples were built nearby by the Badami Chalukyas. Eight survive. They are protected by the ASI.
7th century (reported): Original Jogulamba temple
Sources say the original temple was built in the 7th century. Dates given for the first building vary slightly between sources.
1390: Destruction
The temple is reported to have been destroyed by the Bahmani sultans in 1390. The main image was moved to the Bala Brahma temple in the Navabrahma complex and worshipped quietly there.
2005: Rebuilding
The temple was rebuilt at its old site by the Endowments Department and the idols were installed there on 13 February 2005, according to published accounts.
July 2026: Sri Chakra Maha Yantra
The Sringeri Jagadguru, Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam, installed a Sri Chakra Maha Yantra in the sanctum.
Architecture
The present Jogulamba temple is a modern rebuilding. The Bala Brahmeswara temple and the Navabrahma group beside it are the old Chalukya stonework.
The Navabrahma temples are small stone temples built in the early Chalukya style with carved pillars and ceilings. Ask the ASI staff on site which ones are open and which are being repaired. A restoration programme was announced in 2026.
What to see
- Jogulamba sanctum: The goddess shrine, rebuilt in 2005, with the Sri Chakra installed in 2026.
- Bala Brahmeswara temple: The old Shiva temple in the same complex, where the goddess's image was kept safe after 1390.
- Navabrahma temples: The ASI-protected group of early Chalukya Shiva temples a short walk away.
How to cover the temple
The usual route is Jogulamba and Bala Brahmeswara in the main complex, then the Navabrahma temples nearby. Allow three to four hours.
- Goddess Jogulamba: Join the queue for darshan of the goddess in the rebuilt temple. The Sri Chakra installed in July 2026 is in the sanctum.
- Bala Brahmeswara Swamy: Worship Shiva as Bala Brahmeswara, the old temple where the goddess's image was kept safe after 1390.
- Navabrahma temples: Walk to the nearby Chalukya temples, protected by the ASI. This is the usual order but not a fixed rule.
- Prasadam and onward travel: Collect prasadam at the counter. Alampur is called the western gate of Srisailam, so many pilgrims go on to Srisailam.
Customs and traditions
Visiting Alampur before Srisailam
Alampur is traditionally called the western gateway (paschima dwaram) of Srisailam.
Pilgrims often worship at Alampur before going on to the Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga at Srisailam.
No ritual is required. It is a custom of the route.
For elders and differently-abled visitors
Access: Easy. The complex is on level ground in a small town and the queue is short on most days. The main difficulty is the long road journey from Hyderabad. On festival days, expect a crowd.
- One visitor guide says wheelchair help is available near the entrance. Confirm at the temple office.
Waiting time
Usually short outside festivals (approx. under an hour).
Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams and Dasara Navaratri. About 30,000–50,000 devotees were expected in 2025.
Best time to visit
October to February is cooler. Maha Shivaratri (February–March) and Dasara Navaratri (September–October) are the busiest times.
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams (February–March (in 2025: 25 February to 1 March))
Rudrabhishekam, the celestial wedding of Jogulamba and Bala Brahmeswara and two Rathotsavams. In 2025 the temple expected 30,000 to 50,000 devotees and prepared about 20,000 laddus.
Dasara Navaratri (September–October)
Special alankaras and pooja for the goddess.
How to reach Sri Jogulamba Devi Temple, Alampur
- By air: Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport) is the nearest large airport, about 220 km by road.
- By rail: Alampur Road station is about 9 km from the temple, according to a visitor guide. Kurnool City is about 28 km away.
- By road: About 220 km from Hyderabad on the Hyderabad–Kurnool highway (NH44), then a short road to Alampur. Buses run from Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar and Kurnool.
Road safety
A long but easy highway drive of about 220 km from Hyderabad on NH44, then a short town road. There is no climb. The main risks are highway fatigue, trucks, and floods on the Tungabhadra and Krishna in heavy monsoon years.
A short town road from the highway to the temple complex, with a bus station nearby and limited parking at festival time.
Where to stay
Basic lodging exists in Alampur, including Haritha Alampur and a satram, according to a visitor guide. Kurnool offers more choice.
- Haritha Alampur (Telangana Tourism) – Check with the operator. Contact the operator before travel.
Suggested plan
Half-day plan
- Reach Alampur in the morning.
- Darshan at Jogulamba and Bala Brahmeswara.
- Walk to the Navabrahma temples.
- Eat lunch at a local restaurant and continue to Kurnool or Hyderabad.
Tips
- Confirm darshan hours by phone because listings differ.
- Carry cash for sevas at the counter.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jogulamba a Shakti Peetha?
Yes. It is traditionally listed among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, and it is the only one in Telangana.
Why was the temple rebuilt in 2005?
Published accounts say it was destroyed in 1390, and the image was kept safe in the Bala Brahmeswara temple until a new temple was built on the old site.
Temples nearby
- Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matha, Mantralayam – Mantralayam, on the Tungabhadra river, Kurnool district (about 87 km by road)
- Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Varla Devasthanam – Srisailam, Nandyal district (about 120 km by road)
- Ahobilam Nava Narasimha Kshetram – Ahobilam, Allagadda mandal, Nandyal district (Nallamala forest, Eastern Ghats) (about 142 km by road)
- Chilkur Balaji Temple – Chilkur, Moinabad mandal, Ranga Reddy district (near Hyderabad, on the Osman Sagar side) (about 215 km by road)
- Sri Virupaksha Temple, Hampi – Hampi Bazaar, Hampi, Vijayanagara district (formerly Ballari) (about 269 km by road)
- Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Yadagirigutta – Yadagirigutta, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district (about 283 km by road)
More Devi (Durga & Shakti) temples
- Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam (Kanaka Durga Temple) – Indrakeeladri hill, Vijayawada, NTR district
- Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple – Madurai, Madurai district
- Sri Chamundeshwari Temple – Chamundi Hills, Mysuru, Mysuru district
- Gangotri Temple (Shri Ganga Mata Mandir) – Gangotri, Uttarkashi district, on the Bhagirathi river (approx. 99–100 km from Uttarkashi)
- Yamunotri Temple (Shri Yamuna Mata Mandir) – Yamunotri, Uttarkashi district, below the Bandarpunch massif, approx. 6 km above Janki Chatti
- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine (Holy Cave), Trikuta Hills – Trikuta hills above Katra, Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir
All Devi (Durga & Shakti) temples
Managed by
No official website: A temple website was launched by the Endowments Minister in 2023, but its address was not stated and the one named in blogs (srijogulamba.com) blocked our check, so we have not linked it.
Sources
- Telangana Today – Sri Chakra Maha Yantra pratishtha at Jogulamba Shakti Peetham (July 2026)
- Deccan Chronicle – Alampur's Nava Brahma temples to undergo restoration
- Telangana Today – Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams at Alampur (2025)
- Deccan Chronicle – Online booking facility opens at Jogulamba temple (Feb 2023)
- Wikipedia – Jogulamba Temple, Alampur
- Yatradham – Jogulamba temple timings and seva list (third-party guide)
Last checked: 2026-10. Timings and fees change – confirm with the temple before you travel.