consists of a main building with a fine dome, flanked by 24 smaller temples on both sides. It is surrounded by a high wall, and may be ascended by steps from near the bank of the Godavari. The sacred jewels are said to be of great value. H. H. The Nizam annually contributes £ 1300 towards the maintenance of the temple. Twenty miles from Bhadrachalam is Parnasala, another shrine of great antiquity. There are also in it court houses, a town school, a jail, a post office, and a police station. About 20,000 people, chiefly from the coast attend the fair held there every April, when English and country cloth, sugar, opium, spices, hardware, &c., change hands to the value of about £ 5000.
The illustrious family from which the Rajah Sahib has sprung dates its origin to a time many centuries ago. One of the most well-known princes of the family in olden days was the recipient of the title of Aswa Rao from Maharajjah Pratapa Rudra who held sway over Warangal before the Mahomedans conquered Southern India. It would appear that the Maharajah had a horse of the best mettle, and it was ungovernable; but in spite of this defect in the animal, the Maharajah on account of the excellence of the breed conceived a great liking for it. The Prince tried the horse and rode it so well that the Maharajah was agreeably surprised and conferred on him the title of Aswa Rao (aswa meaning a horse, and Rao meaning king). From that time forward the titles has became hereditary.
After the Hindu kingdom of Prataparudra was over-thrown by the Mohammadan Emperor of Delhi, the ASWARAOS became independent for sometime. When Tamerlane invaded the country and ascended the throne
