LORD VENKETESWARA - TIRUPATI

LORD VENKETESWARA - TIRUPATI

Lord Venkateswara or Balaji is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu himself. It is believed that he came to reside on the southern bank of Swami Pushkarni, a tank which passes by Tirumala. The seven hills around Tirumala-Tirupati are also known as Sapthagiri after the seven hoods of Sheshnag – the cosmic serpent. The temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatadri. According one legend, as Saint Ramanuja born in 11th Century AD climbed the seven hills of Tirupati, Lord Srinivas- another name for Lord Venkateswara- appeared before him and gave him his blessings. And after that he is believed to have been blessed to live till the ripe age of 120 years to spread the gospel of Sri Venkateswara. Tirumala and Tirupati, though thoroughly highly sacred places of pilgrimage only, they also offer fullest proof of their pristine beauty of a tourist potentiality and the reason why they remain the abode of many a great saint from time immemorial. Tirumala especially is renowned in many Vedic scriptures to be the abode of a 1000 "Theerthas" or sacred mountain streams and rivulets in its entire green expanse. Many of these have been discovered but they are only about a dozen or so. Many of them are still esoteric basically because of the terrain of the jungle and the lack of people who know a good part of these forests and the lore thoroughly. Even the discovered ones have been able to be discovered because of their Vedic fame since the "beginning" like The Tumburu Theertham and The Akashganga, Paapavinashanam and Kumaaradhaara theertham. Tirumala hills are embedded with such exquisite places that only seen to be believed. Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya (1408-1503) the mystic saint composer of the 15th century is the earliest known musician of South India to compose songs called “sankIrtanas” in praise of Lord Venkateswara, the deity of Seven Hills in Tirumala, India where unbroken worship is being offered for over 12 centuries. Annamcharya is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Venkateswara's. nandaka (Sword). During his long and prolific career, Annamacharya composed and sang 32,000 Sankirtanas, 12 Satakas (sets of hundred verses), Ramayana in the form of Dwipada,SsankIrtana Lakshanam (Characteristics of sankIrtanas), Sringaara Manjari, and Venkatachala Mahatmamyam. His works were in Telugu, Sanskrit and a few other languages of India One of the primary objectives of Tirumala Tirupati Devsthanams (TTD) is to ensure that comfortable accommodation is provided to pilgrims at a reasonable cost. TTD has constructed around 4850+ cottages, guesthouses and choultries both at Tirupati and Tirumala. TTD provides accommodation free of cost to pilgrims who cannot afford to pay for their stay in Tirupati and Tirumala. Further, to ease the demand for accommodation, TTD has built Public Amenities Complexes at both Tirupati and Tirumala, which provide dormitory-type accommodation with lockers, free of cost.   http://www.tirumala.org/maintemple_about.htm http://www.mustseeindia.com/Tirupati/how-to-reach

SARASWATHI TEMPLE - BASARA

SARASWATHI TEMPLE IN BASARA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Basara, abode to Gnana Saraswathi is a small village near Nizamabad city that comes under Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh. Here is located the ancient temple of Gnana Sarasvati - the Goddess of Knowledge. It is believed to be one of the two oldest temples of Goddess Saraswati in India, the other being located in Kashmir. Sited at the convergence of rivers Mangira and Godavari, Saraswati Temple appears serene and pious in the rustic setting.

According to the legends, Veda Vyas did penance on the banks of Godavari. He used to bring fistful of sand daily after bath to make idols of Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali. Since the 6th century, Basar has been a pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. However, the present structure of the temple is believed to have been erected by Chalukya kings. In the sanctum sanctorum, the idol of Goddess Sarasvati adorns the sight, along with Goddess Lakshmi.

In the 17th century, the idols of the temple were reinstated by a chieftain of Nandagiri (Nandeed) subsequent to destruction caused by the Muslim invaders. There is nothing extraordinary about temple's architecture yet its popularity is certainly creditable. Pilgrims from far and near come to pay their homage to the 'Goddess of Wisdom'. Basant Panchami and Navaratri are the major festivals observed at the temple.                                

'Akshara Gnana' is a special ritual, in which devotees bring their children to the temple. The significance of the ritual lies in the fact that it marks the formal starting of child's education. The child is given little bit of turmeric paste to taste, believing that it will clear his/her vocal chords for better learning. The Goddess answers all the prayers of the committed devotees, filling their life with bliss and happiness.

LORD SRI VINAYAKA - KANIPAKAM

    

LORD SRI VINAYAKA -  KANIPAKAM

                                            Kanipakam is a Hindu temple for the god Ganesha located on Aragoondu Road in Irala mandal of Chittoor district

There is an interesting legend about the sthalapurana of this ancient temple which has 1000 years history. About 1000 years back, three physically handicapped blind, dumb and deaf persons were eaking their livelihood by cultivating a piece of land near Viharapuri village. On one day two persons were taking out water with the help of a picot and the thisd person was irrigating the land. After some time water was exausted in the well. One person took a spade and hit a stone inside the well and blood started flowing continuously, when the three handicapped pesons touched the water mixed with blood,  surprisingly they became normal persons. After digging for some time they found an ido   of Lord Sri Vinayaka in the well with an injury on the head oozing with blood. They could not take out the idol as it was growing in size,as they were digging. They informed the villagers about this surprising phenomena. People came running with cocunuts and other pooja materials to worship the Lord Sri Vinayaka. They broke thousands of Coconuts, the coconutwater was spread to an area of one and quarter acre. In the local language it is called as "Kani". That is how the palce was called as "Kanipakam" since then.

Long ago there lived two brothers Sankha and Likhita. They were on a pilgrimage to Kanipakam. As the journey was tiring, the younger brother Likhita felt hungry. Disregarding the advice of the elder brother he plucked a mango from the mango grove. Sankha felt bad and reported this to the ruler of that area and pleaded for punishment for the sin committed during the pilgrimage. Thus Likhita was punished severely being deprived of both arms.                                                                       

Later they took bath in the river near Kanipakam temple. Lo Behold! The chopped arms were restored to Likhita as soon as he had a dip in the sacred waters of the river. These incidents lead the ruler to rename the river as Bahuda (Bahu means human arm). Thus the river beside Kanipakam temple is now known as 'Bahuda River'.                                                                                                        The swayambhu idol of Kanipakam is the up-holder of truth. Day to day disputes between people is resolved by taking a 'special oath'. The people in the dispute take a holy dip in the temple tank and swear before the lord. It is taken as gospel truth.      There are instances when the person who committed that sin voluntarily agrees as soon as he had the dip and much before entering the temple itself. It seems the Lord lawns invisibly on the sinner and makes him repent & feel guilty for his sinful deeds.                                    The Temple is located in the village town of Kanipakam which is 12 km from Chittoor and 70 km from Tirupati.

SRI RANGANATHA SWAMI TEMPLE - RAMESHWARAM

Sri Ranganatha Swami Temple Rameshwaram

At the very tip of the Indian peninsula Rameswaram is situated in the Gulf of Mannar of Tamil Nadu. Rameswaram is very important pilgrim centre of the Indians. Less than 40 kilometers from the Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka Rameswaram is located on an island separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel and is considered to be one of the holiest places in India to Hindus. Pilgrimage place is known as the Varanasi of south visited by both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites. The presiding deity is the Linga Of Sri Ranganatha, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India.

According to Ramayana is one of the great epics of India, this is the place from where Lord Rama, built a bridge Ram Setu across the sea to Lanka to rescue his consort Sita, from Ravana and also were Rama worshipped Shiva to be absolved of the sin of killing Ravana, became the name of the town - Rameswara ("lord of Rama"). On the advice of Rishis (sages), to expiate the sin of Brahmahatya (killing of a Brahmin) (Ravana was a Brahmin the great grandson of Brahma) Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana, installed and worshipped the Sivalinga here.

An auspicious time for the installation of the linga Rama fixed the time and sent Anjaneya to Mount Kailas to bring a lingam and not return in time, Sita herself made a linga of sand. Rama had Anjaneya's lingam (Visvalingam) also installed by the side of Ramalinga To comfort the disappointed Anjaneya. It is believed that the visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory in order to attain Moksha.

In the shape of a conch the religious island is spread in an area of 61.8 square kilometers. The Ramanatha Swamy Temple occupies major area of Rameshwaram. The island is connected to mainland India by the Pamban Bridge.

Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus as a pilgrimage to Benaras is incomplete without a pilgrimage to Rameswaram. The presiding deity here is in the form of a Linga with the name Sri Ramanatha Swamy, it also happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

Architecture of the largest temple corridor is the masterpiece of South India. Starting from the 12th century, different rulers built the Ramanatha Swamy Temple. Twenty two wells where the taste of the water of each well is different from the other are present in the temple premises. The 1219 m pillared corridor consisting of 3.6 m high granite pillars, richly carved and well proportioned is the grandest part of the temple. The perspective presented by these pillars run uninterruptedly to a length of nearly 230 m. A spiritual "Mani Darshan" happens in early morning everyday in Rameshwaram Temple. Made of "sphatik"[a precious stone] "Mani" is in form of "Holy shivling" according to ved this is "Mani" of "Sheshnag".

To get there

By Air: The nearest airport  is at Madurai, 163 km from Rameshwaram. By Train: The railway network connects Rameshwaram to and from Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy and Thanjavur. The 2 km long Indira Gandhi Bridge connects the island of Rameshwaram with the mainland of Mandapam. By Road: Well connected by roads and bus services to all the major cities nearby, especially, Thiruvallur, Kanyakumari, Trichy, Pondicherry, Tanjore and Chennai.

SATYA NARAYANA SWAMY - ANNAVARAM

SATYANARAYANASWAMY TEMPLE:

                                                                                           Annavaram is famous for Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy temple, Located atop the Ratnagiri Hills on the banks of the river Pampa. One of the most popular temples in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is constructed in two storey, the lower one containing an Yantra and higher one housing of the Idol of the Lord.
This temple is dedicated to Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swami and is built atop the Ratnagiri. The temple resembles a chariot. The distance from the foot of the hill there is a path laid out in stone steps. The temple is of recent origin. There is no Sthalamahatmyam (epigraphic record) in the temple. The temple has its own choultries. The river Pampa is considered sacred and runs close to the temple. Devotees bath and then go to the temple since the temple has no tank of its own. There is also a pathasala-school for students. The Satyanaravana Vratham is dedicated to Vishnu Sahasranamam, which has to be performed on the Bhishma Ekadashi day, and Annavaram. The temple is dedicated to Lord Satyanarayanaswami where this Vratham is performed.                  

There is a yantra here based on the Tripad Vibhuti Narayana Upanishad, and is a part of the Devarshi Sakha of Atharvaveda. The shrine is constructed in two stories, the lower one contains the yantra, and the upper one contains the vigrahas of the Lord. The garba griha has four entrances. The center is like a panavattam under the Shivalinga, three peethas are constructed here and on top is the chiseled Beejakshara Samputi of the Yantra. At the apex there is a monolith pillar and on top is the idol of the Lord with the goddess to the right and Shivalinga to the left. The idols are exquisite and covered in gold.

Trikala archana is performed every day both to the Yantra as well as to the idols. Salagramams of great value and efficacy and Sri Chakram in crystal are also worshipped along with the main idols. On the ground floor of the Garbhalaya the idols of Aditya, Ambika, Gananatha and Maheswara are instilled in the four corners and all these with the main idol of Lord Sathyanarayanaswamy in the centre form of the Vishnu Panchayatanas The templeis dedicated to Lord Satyanarayana swami where this Vratham is performed. This temple is dedicated to Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swami and is built atop the Ratnagiri. The temple resembles a chariot. The distance from the foot of the hill there is a path laid out in stone steps. Annavaram Satyanarayana Swami TempleLegend: There is an interesting legend about the discovery of the idol. The Lord revealed himself in a dream, where he told his vigraha was abandoned on a hill without worship and the local people must consecrate again. The local people discovered the idol at the foot of a tree, worship was offered and the idol was installed at the present spot. (The idol was discovered a little to the northeast of the main temple). Festivals: There are many festivals held in this temple including Kalyanam, Devi Navaratri in September, the Swayamvara Vardhanti of Sravana Sudd a Ekadashi Day, Srirama Kalyana, the Kanakadurga Yatra, the Prabha Utsavam, the Teppa Utsavam and the Jalatoranam. There is a vratam called the Satyanarayana vratam, which actually puts into practice, this sacred mantra, and this vratam is one of the most popular and powerful of all the vratams of the Annavaram temple. Hence the Satyanarayana vratam which is specially dedicated to Vishnu Sahasranamam, has to be performed on the Bhishma Ekadasi day, and Annavaram temple which is dedicated to Lord Satyanarayanaswamy, is the very shrine in which the vratam is performed with great sancity. Hence literly thousands of pilgrims flock to the temple on the Bhishma Ekadasi day and perform this Satyanarayana vratam in the direct presence of the Lord. Location:Annavaram near Kakinada, East Godavari. 48-km From Kakinada And About 80-km From Rajahmundry, East Godavari District Main Deity : Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy. Other Deities : Anantha Lakshmi, Satyavathi Devi. Deity: Satyanarayana. The presiding deity is installed along with Shiva representing the oneness of Shiva and Vishnu. The main temple is constructed in the form of a chariot with the four wheels at each of the four corners. In front of the main temple is the Kalyana mantapa, constructed and decorated with modern pieces of architecture. The shrines of Vana Durga and Kanaka Durga are found. Goddess Vana Durga is held in great veneration and the Devi is said to be seen even to this day, In the nights, going about the holy precincts perpetually guarding the Lord.

SRI MAVULLAMMA TEMPLE-BHIMAVARAM

SRI MAVULLAMMA TEMPLE

Sri Jaganmatha Mavullamma Ammavari Temple is in the town of Bhimavaram. The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Mavullamma. Colorful images and sculptures of various deities are engraved on the walls and can also be seen inside the temple complex. It represents the south Indian style of temples. Protector of people from evil spirits. It is believed Jaganmatha (Universal Mother goddess) Sri Mavullamma ammavaru (Mother goddess) is the incarnation of Mahakali (the goddess of Shakthi-Power) in olden days. It is believed that neighbour villagers treated her as their own villages mother goddess, so she is addressed as 'Mavullamma' (Mother goddess of my own village). The temple history of Jaganmatha Sri Mavullamma came to limelight in the year 1880 AD. It is believed that she is laid in Motupallivari street, under couple of pipal and Neem tree. Every year in the month of "Jyesta masa" (third month of auspicious Telugu almanac calendar) on "Paadyami" (new slender crescent moon day), devotees celebrates one month long celebration in these months. There is a festive look every where in and around the town. The Devastanam (Temple committee) and local fruit and vegetable trader's committee felicitates artists, actors, actresses, musicians, great men of all walks of the life.

In 1910 AD floods the Mulavirat (Statue of Mavullamma) partially damaged. Later reinstates by great artist, sculptor Sri Grandhi Narasanna's son Sri Grandhi Appa Rao. He carved the Mulavirat (Mavullamma Statue) from ferocious stature to pleasant present peace form.

It is believed ever since her dwelt the town has been become prosperous. The town gradually developing day by day with her blessings. The people have been living peacefully with her auspicious blessings.

The temple is 1 1/2 kms from Bhimavaram Railway junction. Number of buses and other conveyances are available for the convenience of the devotees.

SRI VASAVI KANNIKA PARAMESHWARI TEMPLE-PENUGONDA

SRI VASAVI KANNIKA PARAMESHWARI
"Kasi of Vysyas", Sri Vasavi Kannika Parameshwari Temple is a holy place for vysyas. Temple is situated in Penugonda, is the birth place of Goddess Sri Vasavi Kannika Parameshwari. The temple is dedicated to Mother Kanyaka Parameshwari and Sri Nagareswaraswamy.
Multi-colored seven-storied tower Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshwari Temple features with beautiful architecture. The temple has several others shrines dedicated to Mahishasuramardini, Bali, Lord Ganesh and Navagrahas.
Vasavi Kanyaka Paratneswari was famous for her beauty. The holy temple enshrining the august triple deities- Sri Nagareswaraswamy, Mother Kanyakaparameswari and Mahishasuramardini.
Sturdy prakars, tall gopuras , spacious courtyards, several minishrines, vast garbagrihas, grand mukhamandapas and many more are main attraction in the temple premises, and temple built with vastu sastra in strict accordance. Facing east, surprising the visitors with its beautiful sculptural pieces a tall tower surmounting over the broad mahadwara adoring on all four sides from top to bottom. A vast courtyard with several buildings housing the office room, choultry and quarters for the staff are also present. There are many mandamus installed with adorable deities Vinayaka, Bali, Navagrahas, besides the exquisitely made colorful statues of Mother Kanyakaparameswari standing in fire -pit with parents by her side in the second Prakara. Nagareswaraswamy shrine is quite spacious, the lingam in the center is masterly planned and tastefully executed.
During 10th –11th Century A.D the king of vysyas, Kusuma Sresti was ruling the kingdom making PENUGONDA as capital city. Kusumamba was his wife. The couple were great devotees of Lord Siva (Nagareswara swamy) as the part of their daily duties. There was no successor to look after the administration of the Kingdom. Approaching Kulaguru (family Teacher) Bhaskaracharya advised them to perform Puthra Kamestiyaga. Within a few days the sign of pregnancy was found with Kusumamba. Kusumamba gave birth to twins, one male the other female on Friday the tenth of vaisaka. Vasavi, the inclination towards art & architecture, adoration music and philosophical approach. And Virupaksha, the features of a powerful king, leadership qualities were clearly visible.
Vimaladitya (Vishnu Vardhana) spotted Vasavi, and made up his mind to marry her. The desire of Vishnuvardhana was like a deathblow to Kusumasresty. Kusumasresti sent a denial message to the king Vishnuvardhana. As a result, the king rose into high anger and sent a Battalion of his army with words to attack mercilessly and to get Vasavi for him. At this crucial juncture, Kusumasresti called for Great Conference of the Chief of all the 18 cities the people of all 714 Gotras. The conference was presided by kusumasresti in the begin presence of Bhaskaracharya. Later on Bhaskaracharya told "we must safeguard our respect even at the cost of our lives".
Vasavi, now entered into scene and told "Why there should be bloodshed among ourselves for the sake of a Girl? It does not look nice to sacrifice the lives of soldiers for our selfish desire. It is better to give up the idea of war. Instead, let us rebel in a novel way. We can control war through non-violence and self-sacrifice. Only people with strong will power and moral strength can participate in this kind of self- sacrifice.
Then Vasavi asked the couples of 102 Gotras as "will you plunge into this holy fire along with me?' everyone of them whole heatedly gave their consent. There was strong faith in the minds of those persons that Vasavi must an incarnation of God. They requested her to show them her real nature or swarupa.
Devi disappeared as soon as the divine words came out of her mouth and people saw her in human form. Then all of them entered into holy fire after meditating upon their Gods. Though Vishnuvardana felt bad Omens, he marched ahead and reached the main entrance of Penugonda. Then his detectives reported what all had happened in the city. He could not bare the great shock and his heart shattered into pieces. He fell down vomiting blood and he was no more.
The self-sacrifice of vasavi and the end of Vishnuvardana was the talk of the town. People condemned the deeds of VishnuVardana and appreciated the epoch maker Vasavi and her non-violent principle.
Vasavi Jayanthi which falls in May, is the major festival celebrated amid much pomp and splendor. Vasavi Matha Athmarpana Day and Devi Navaratrulu are also celebrated with much religious importance. Sri Nageswara Swamy Temple situated nearby is another point of attraction.
Tanuku Railway Station (15 km) and Rajahmundry Airport are the nearest railway station and airport respectively. Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshwari Temple is a highly revered shrine situated at Penugonda, about 15 km from Tanuku, in West Godavari District.