Sri Amara Naraeyana Temple
Kaiwara
The Sri Amara Naraeyana Temple was a source of great inspiration and comfort all through Sri Naraeyana’s life. It was here that he first developed a curiosity about the Supreme Reality, here that he came to heal the wounds of his parent’s loss and here that he requested the blessings of the Almighty before he began his journey to moksha.
Located in the heart of Kaiwara, the pillared temple is in rich in architectural beauty. The idols in the temple are believed to have been installed by Lord Indra himself, as penance for killing Vrithrasura, the king of demons.
Vaikuntha Guhe
Kaiwara
Located two kilometres from the Sri Amara Naraeyana Temple, the Vaikuntha Guhe is the cave where Sri Naraeyana meditated for three years to achieve moksha.
The premises of the Guhe also houses a yagashala. Built by the Sri Yogi Naraeyana Mutt, the yagashala – a place where rituals and fire-based sacrifices and poojas are conducted – is believed to be the biggest yagashala in India.
Sri Bheemalingeshwara Temple
Kaiwara
The Sri Bheemalingeshwar Temple is located at the foot of the hills in Kaiwara.
According to legend, the Pandava, Bheema slay the demon, Baka in Kaiwara. To make amends for the sin of manslaughter, Bheema installed a linga, the symbol of Lord Shiva, in the town. Called Sri Bheemalingeshwara, the linga can still be found in Kaiwara, along with lingas installed by other Pandavas. Together, the five lingas form the Panchalinga Kshetra.
Bheema-Bakasura Betta
Kaiwara
The hill in Kaiwara is believed to be marked with the knee and footprint of the Pandava, Bheema. The imprints are said to have been created during Bheema’s fight with the demon, Baka, and have led to locals naming the hill ‘Bheema-Bakasura Betta.’
On trekking 500 steps up the hill, one can see the Sri Lakshmana Tirtha and the Sri Chandmundeshwari Temple.
Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara
Alambagiri
The town of Alambagiri, 10kms away from Kaiwara, houses the famous Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara temple. A manifestation of Lord Venkateshwara is ensconced in the heart of the temple.
Its pillared structure, stately towers and carved figurines are not only reminiscent of the Vijayanagara era, but also stand testament to the expertise of ancient temple architects.