Krishnadeva raya

Srikakulam is the place where Sri krishna devaraya wrote Amukta malyada , story of Godadevi. His statue is erected at the spot where he is supposed to have written this magnum opus . In second photograph a poem from this book which answers the question " why telugu?" . Kings answer : My country( meaning the people of my country ) is Telugu , I am the King of Telugu people .   I speak to many people , don't I know ? Yes! without an iota of doubt  Telugu is the best language of the world . 
This poem can be found in Amukta malyada , chapter 1 , poem 15 .

The remnants of Vijayanagara kingdom at Hampi . This is the place which reverberated with rich telugu poetry . This is the place where  some of the greatest poets on earth composed immortal and classic poetry in Telugu language . Allasani Peddana who wrote Manu charitra , Nandi timmana of parijatapaharanam fame ,Tenali ramakrishna -- classic entertainer whose stories enthrall the children and  the elders even today ( His works are translated into  english language )  , to name only a few . This list is grossly inadequate and  leaves too many brilliant poets , poet laureates including the king Krishna Devaraya who wrote " Amukta malyada " .

It is here that world's largest double star ruby " Neelanjali (1370 carats )" alongwith other innumerable gems was found . This place was rich in all respects , be it the culture , the valour ,  the people , the gems  , the food ,the architecture  to name few . It is recorded history and innumerable writings on the stone , the literature still available all stand as a proof to the golden era of the past . It is said that gems were freely traded in its streets without any fear . Tears roll down at the wanton destruction of this majestic city by the uncultured Muslim invaders of those days .To appreciate and understand  the glory of Vijayanagara , one should know Telugu .
 

The platform from where sriKrishnadevaraya  used to conduct meetings on festival days and give away presents .

If there is one place in India which brings tears to the eyes because of destruction heaped on it by the barbaric , uncultured humans ( if they deserve to be called so ) , it is the hazar rama temple in Hampi .

  

SEA AND SAND

                                           The sea and  the Sand .  Alone in beach la !
                                                                 Robinson crusoe

                                     Kasid beach with sparkling silver sand



Surprisingly this beach is unspoiled  . Not a shed of paper or plastic . Rare to find such places in India . 

LEPAKSHI BASAVAYYA

Basaveswara at Lepakshi . 

Huge monolith , beautifully sculpted to a length of  8.5 meters  and  4.1 meters height . 

Dates back  to the Golden period of Sri krishna devaraya  who ruled  south India  in fifteenth century .

Lepakshi derives its name from mythology ,according to local legend .Lord Rama while searching for mother Sita , found injured Jatayu , the bird who fought with Ravana to save Sita ,  at this place . Rama told Jatayu " LE PAKSHI " , meaning get up. Hence the name LEPAKSHI . The photograph is that of famed Majestic Nandi idol built during the reign of Vijayanagar kings .


Five more  magnificient sculptures from Lepakshi are presented below for your viewing pleasure .