TEMPLES IN ANDHRA PRADESH

INDIA is a land of Relegion.south indian Temples are paticularily fmaous not only for sancity buat also for the architectural beauty.Andhra Pradesh is sancified by three rivers,Godhavi,Krishna and Pinakini, on the banks of which we have several Punya Theerthas attracting from time immemorial,Visitors from far and near.The temples serve as centers of relegious worship,as centers for propagation og Hindu Dharma for the encouragement of the study of Sanskrit language ,for the study andAdhyayana of the vedas,for the exposition of Purrans,for the performances of harikathas,for encouragement of poetry,painting and sculpture and for the propafation of wholesome music.Some ofthem large surpluses have also been able to maintain institutions of public utility like Orphanages,Libraries,Reading Rooms,Colleges,High schools etc.. so necessary in a welfare state .starting from the sun temple at Arisavalliin Srikakulam District in the north,to the famoys temple of lord Venkateswara of Tirupati in Chittore district in the South,there are numerous temples both along coast and in hinterland.Some of the temples are legendry but many have history that can be traced to thousands of years.There are,of course ,several with a mediveal origin as well,while templet of contemporery origin are also not wanting.By and large brought it.Even if the retain their past glory,as also the power that brought it.Even if the fairly well-known temples are listed out,their number will run in to a few hundreds dotted all over the state.The following paas,therefore give brief account of a few well known templea of Andhra Pradesh