Badi Ekkhelli

Etymology

Zahirabad township was originally named Badi Ekkhelli. The name was changed for Muhammad Zaheeruddin (Zaheer Yar Jung Bahadur) a member of the Sufi Islamic aristocratic family, the Paigah clan, of Hyderabad state. Zaheerudin was the eldest son of Dowlah Bahadur, a follower of the Zoroastrian divinity, Asman. Though the name has been changed, the local name Badi Ekkhelli retains its place among the locals.

Jharasangam

In the vicinity of Badi Ekkeli, there is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva, called "Jharasangam ".This is an old Shiva Temple known as “KETHAKI SANGAMESHWARA SWAMY” situated at Jharasangam Village & Mandal, Medak District. The Shiva Lingam is said to have been established by “Lord Brahma”. It is said that Raja ”Kupendra” king of Surya Vamsha during “Krutha Yug” was ailing from skin disease has not found any remedies ti get cure of his disease. One day in his routine hunting it happened to reach the Kethaki Vanam and found a stream, where he washed his body. After reaching home he found that the skin disease was completely cured and in the same night Lord “Sangameshwara” appeared in a dream, asked the Raja to construct sanitorium over “Shiva Lingam”. The Raja Kupendra constructed the temple over “Shiva Lingam” and converted the stream into a “pushkarini” and it is also called as “Astha Theertha Amrutha Gundam”. It is also called as “Dakshina Kasi”.

Due to historical and religious importance, the people from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh(Telangana Areas) visit the temple and pay homage to Lord, and perform “Gunda Pooja”.

It is also said that Brahma after creating the world came to the spot for meditation. Since the existing “Bhanakara Lingam” has been got installed by Brahma, Pujas are being performed by “Kethaki” Flowers (Generally Kethaki flowers are not used for puja), and also the Pushkarini which is consisting of eight theerthas( Narayana, Dharna, rushi, Varuna, Soma, Rudra, Indira and Datha) the Lord is called as “Kethaki Sangameshwara.

History

Important points in the history of the town include climate related crises such as the drought of 1972 and the Hyderabad Police Action of 1949.

Location

Badi Ekkhelli (Zahirabad) lies 100 kilometres (62 mi) northwest of Hyderabad on the Mumbai highway (National highway 9). It is located at 17.68°N 77.62°E / 17.68; 77.62. Its elevation is 622 metres (2,041 ft) above sea level.

Demographics

In 2001, the census population of Badi Ekkhelli (Zahirabad) was 140,160. Sixteen percent were under six years of age. The rate of literacy was 59.5 percent, higher than the national average. Men were more literate than women (69 percent to 55 percent). The common languages are Urdu, Telugu and Kannada.

Geology

The town is located on red earth.

Economy

Badi Ekkhelli(Zahirabad) is an agricultural area. Farming has struggled due to dry lands becoming fallow and the loss of variety of crop types such as cereals, pulses and oilseeds. The Deccan Development Society (DDS) has assisted local women to become empowered in the economy and in society. In small groups called sangams, they have succeeded in developing food security and charity endeavours. In March 2013, a tractor manufacturer opened near Zahirabad providing employment. Other industries include sugar refining, rubber manufacturing and chemical manufacturing.

RTC Buses

Many RTC buses be it APSRTC or KSRTC run from Badi Ekkeli to various parts of the states of Telangana or Karnataka.

Trains

Trains run from Badi Ekkeli ( Zahirabad ) to Bangalore, Nanded, Shirdi and Pune.

Amenities

Typical of an Indian town of its size, Badi Ekkeli has a number of banks, public and independent schools and colleges, shops, hotels, hospitals and other services.