Amazing Andhrapradesh

Surabhi Drama Company isn't just a theatre group; it's a living, breathing testament to the power of family, tradition, and the enduring magic of storytelling. For over 140 years, this unique theatre company has captivated audiences with their vibrant performances, elaborate sets, and captivating narratives drawn from Hindu mythology and folklore. This blog post delves into the rich history and fascinating story of Surabhi Drama Company. A Humble Beginning: From Puppets to the Stage Origins in Puppetry: The story of Surabhi begins in 1885 in the village of Surabhi, in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. It was here that two brothers, Vanarasa Govinda Rao and Vanarasa Chinna Ramaiah, transformed their family's traditional shadow puppetry (Tholu Bommalata) into theatrical performances. The Birth of Surabhi: Inspired by the epics and Puranas, they created "Keechaka Vadha," their first stage production. The play's success led them to transition from puppet...

  The Bobbili Veena , a magnificent stringed instrument hailing from the town of Bobbili in Andhra Pradesh, India, is more than just a musical instrument; it's a symbol of cultural heritage, exquisite craftsmanship, and the enduring power of tradition. This blog post explores the greatness and importance of this remarkable instrument. Historical Roots: A Royal Patronage Origins in Bobbili: The Bobbili Veena's story is intertwined with the history of the Bobbili kingdom, a prominent Zamindari in the region. The Veena's origins can be traced back to the 17th century, during the reign of the Bobbili Rajas. Royal Support: The royal family were great patrons of the arts, particularly music. They encouraged the development of the Veena and supported skilled artisans, contributing significantly to the instrument's refinement and popularity. Exquisite Craftsmanship: A Labor of Love Unique Construction: The Bobbili Veena is distinguished by its unique construction. It i...

  Introduction Nestled amidst lush green hills in Andhra Pradesh, the Simhachalam Temple is a magnificent shrine dedicated to Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy . This temple is a revered pilgrimage site that beautifully blends Vaishnavite and Shaivite traditions, attracting  lakhs of devotees throughout the year. History of Simhachalam Temple Mythological Origins The temple’s history is rooted in Hindu mythology, primarily in the legend of Bhakta Prahlada and Lord Narasimha . According to the Puranas , the demon king Hiranyakashipu was granted a boon that made him nearly invincible. However, his own son Prahlada , a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, opposed his father’s tyranny. To protect Prahlada, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Narasimha (half-lion, half-man) and killed Hiranyakashipu . After this event, Prahlada built this temple on Simhachalam Hill , where Lord Narasimha is believed to have appeared in his Varaha Narasimha form. Historical Significance The temple has inscrip...