the light baggage

Overview: I always wanted to visit this place called Hemavathi, which is on the thin strip of Andhra Pradesh surrounded by Karnataka on both the sides. Hemavathi was a very popular place during the 8th century and was the capital of Nolamba Pallavas, and was called Hajneri. The Hemavathi temple complex is a huge set of monuments, most of which have been destroyed, but the remains have been preserved in the museum, also within the temple complex. The first structure one would observe is an ash mound at the entrance of the complex, followed by a Dhwaja Stambha. The entrance opens up to a large courtyard with shelters provided for visitors. A small mantapa is built at the temple entrance, probably housed the Nandi bull, which is missing today. The main diety is of Siddheshwara, which has an idol of meditating Shiva. The temple priest was kind enough to explain us about the history of the place. The back of the Siddheshwara temple opens up into another set of temples, with a beautiful