This Jain Tirthankara Hill also called Agilaiah
Gutta, a part of Hanamkonda is a 1000-year-old Jain heritage site, was
developed under the Kakatiya Urban Development Authority (KUDA), for
Rs 1.30 crore under National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana
(HRIDAY) scheme. Now the site is being maintained by the Shri 1008 Shanthinath Digamber
Jain Atishay Kshetra Charitable Trust. (Visitors Entrance Ticket Rs 30)
The site is well-maintained and has a beautiful landscape,
steps, railing, resting benches, and lighting. A Stone torana with a
Tirthankara image at the entrance of the site. On the top of the hill, the
boulder facing Hanmkonda City (North), has the 16th Tirthankara Shri
Shanthinatha and 23rd Tirthankara Shri Parshvanatha beautifully
chiselled in the form of bas reliefs. These Tirthankaras are about 25 feet
tall. The unfinished Tirthankara is also completed during the recent renovation.
In addition this the Tirthankaras, there are three unfinished small caves,
excavated for shrines.
There are natural shelters formed by the boulders. These
natural shelters or the caves with an idol of Mahaveer Vardhaman and a Jinalaya
that served as a research center for teaching doctrines of religion, and medicine.
LEGEND CONNECTED TO THE NAME OF THE HILL
It is said that Agilaiah who was an ayurvedic Dr. and
researcher of the 11th century CE during the rule of the Kalyani Chalukyas,
worked extensively on teaching and propagation of doctrines of religion,
medicine, surgery, etc., the hillock was named after him. The Sirur inscription of the Medak district
mentions Aggalaiah as King Jagadeka’s physician during the Western
Chalukyas also known as Kalyani Chalukyas.
It is sad to note that the shelters are being misused by
the lovers, which restrict to see inside by the heritage enthusiasts.
LOCATION OF THE JAIN TIRTHANKARA HILL: CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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