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Dharmapuri is situated at a distance of
about 48-km from Jagtial town. It is on the western bank of the Godavari.
It is one of the oldest villages of the State. It is not easy to access
this place as it is in the interior part of the Taluk. It is not only the
oldest village but also considerably a big village owing to its in
accessibility. It was a centre for Vedic studies, and for several
centuries in the past Sanskrit pundits have emerged from this village.
A Prominent Pilgrim Centre
Dharampuri gained its prominence as a pilgrim centre because of the
existence of the shrine dedicated to Narasimhasawamy, an incarnation of
Lord Vishnu. In 'Brahmanda Purana', one can find its name mentioned with
the presiding deity. There is an un-published palm leaf manuscript in
Sanskrit with the title "Dharmapuri Kshetra Mahatmyam"
describing the Puranic story and the greatness of this Lord in great
detail. Dharmapuri there is the image of Lord Brahma, which is very rare
in temples.
The Legend
It is named after 'Dharma', who was very eager to know about the most
important of all the four 'Purusharthas', who met Vishnu Sharma, a pious
man. Vishnu Sharma taught him that there was no salvation in this world
for any one who did not worship Lord Vishnu.
Dharma Varma set out for penance with strong faith and determination. He
was first instructed to pacify Bramha. Lord Vishnu was pleased with Brahma
and Dharma Varma and appeared before them in the shape of Narasimha.
Brahma thereupon requested him to remain there permanently in his 'Soumya
Rupa' and not in 'Ugra Rupa', which is his usual form.
Other Important Temples
Other temples of importance at this place are those of 'Dakshinamurthy',
'Vinayaka', 'Saptha Mathrukas' carved on a single slab of stone, and
'Mahishasuramardini'. The sixty-pillared temple, 'VenugopalaSwami' temple,
Hanuman temple, 'Pochamma' temple, Mahalakshmi temple, and 'Akkapalle
Rajanna' temple are the others that heighten the sanctity of the place to
the Hindus. Dharmapuri, which has a hoary tradition and has been the seat
of famous centres of culture, is thus well worth a visit.
'Kalyanotsavam' of 'LakshmiNarasimha Swami' celebrated during February-March attracts. It is attended by nearly a lakh of pilgrims.
Rail: Nearest railway station is at
Peddapalle on the Kazipet-Balharshah section of the South Central railway.
Road: APSRTC provides regular bus facilities to this place from
Jagtial.
Cottages are available for accommodation in Dharmapuri.
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