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Wednesday, 20 April 2011
LORD VENKETESWARA - TIRUPATI
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.
Monday, 18 April 2011
LORD SRI VINAYAKA - KANIPAKAM
Kanipakam is a Hindu temple for the god Ganesha located on Aragoondu Road in Irala mandal of Chittoor district
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'.
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SRI RANGANATHA SWAMI TEMPLE - RAMESHWARAM
Sri Ranganatha Swami Temple Rameshwaram | ||
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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. | ||
Sunday, 17 April 2011
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.
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
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SRI MAVULLAMMA TEMPLE-BHIMAVARAM
SRI MAVULLAMMA TEMPLE | |||||
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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
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"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. | |||||||||
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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. | |||||||||
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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. | |||||||||
Friday, 15 April 2011
FAMOUS TEMPLE-DWARKA TIRUMALA
FAMOUS TEMPLE - DWARAKA TIRUMALA “Dwaraka Tirumala” is an ancient holy place and a popular pilgrim center in Andhra Pradesh of South India. Dwaraka Tirumala is nearer to 'Eluru', the head quarters of West Godavari District, which is 42 KM away from Eluru. Dwaraka Tirumala is situated at 15KM distance from Bhimadole Junction, which is in between Vijayawada and Rajahmundry State Highway and Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam main Railway line.
Sthala Puranam :
This pilgrimage centre is called "Dwaraka Tirumala" after the great saint, "Dwaraka" who located the self manifested idol of Lord "Sri Venkateswara" after severe penance in a ‘Valmikam’. The devotees call Sri Venkateswara as Kaliyuga Vaikunta Vasa. This place is also called “Chinna Tirupati”.
The devotees who wish to go and offer their donations, or tonsures or any other offerings to Lord Venkateswara, Lord of Tirumala Tirupati, called as “Pedda Tirupati”, due to some reason, if they are unable to go there, they can offer their donations, prayers and worship in Dwaraka Tirumala temple.
Dwaraka Tirumala is a famous temple from the ancient times. According to some Puranas, the temple is popular even in Kruta yuga and is still attracting the devotees. According to Brahma Purana, Aja Maharaja, the Grand father of Lord Sri Rama also worshiped Lord Venkateswara for his marriage. On his way to the ‘Swayamvaram’ of Indumati, he passed by the temple. He did not offer prayers in the temple. The bride Indumati garlanded him, but he had to face a battle with the kings who came to the Swayamvaram. He realized that the battle was thrust on him for ignoring the temple on the way. After realizing this, Aja Maharaja prayed to the Lord Venkateswara. Suddenly the kings stopped the battle.
It is a great wonder to see two main idols under one Vimana Sikharam. One idol is a full and complete statue. The other is a half statue of the upper portion of the form of the Lord. The upper potion of the form is a self-manifested idol located by Sage "Dwaraka". The saints of the yore felt the prayers to the Lord are not complete without worshipping His holy feet. So, the saints joined together and installed a full statue behind the self-manifested idol, to worship the feet of the Lord according to Vaikhanasa Agamam.
It is believed that the prayers to the smaller statue of the Lord will lead to Moksha, and the big form stands for Dharma, Artha and Kama. The Tiru kalyanotsavam is celebrated twice a year. One for the self manifested idol in the month of “Vaisakha” and the other for the installed idol in the month of "Aswayuja". MAGNIFICIENCE OF THE SANCTUM SANCTORUM.
On entering the sanctum sanctorum, one feels a most inspiring and enchanting experience. The presiding mythological deity Lord Venkateswara is visible upto the Bust size and the lower portion is imagined to be in the earth. The holy feet are said to be offered to Bali Chakravarthi in “Patala” for his daily worship. The full size idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara standing at the back of the main idol is said to have been installed by the great social reformer Srimad Ramanuja of the 11 th century. The idols of Padmavathi and Nanchari are installed in the Arthamandapa facing east. This is a full equipped shrine to be a Divyasthala. COMBINATION OF SIVA AND VISHNU ON ADISESHA:
The most peculiar aspect here is that the hill appearing to be a serpant in form, even to the naked eye, confirms the mythological version that Anantha, the serpant king has taken up this terrestial form of serpant hill and is carrying God Mallikarjuna on the hood and Lord Venkateswara on the tail, thus creating a happy and harmonious compromise of Vaishnavism and Saivism at a single place.
RENOVATION AND ORIGIN OF THE PRESENT STRUCTURE:
The main temple is a masterpiece of South Indian Architecture with its five-storied main Rajagopuram facing the south and three other gopurams on the other three sides. The Vimana is in the Nagara style and old Mukhamantapa is extended to a great extent to suit the present day needs. There are several temples of Alwars attached to the Prakara on all sides. The whole spacious compound has been paved with stone and flower trees are grown in an order as if to feast the eye of the pilgrims.
PLACES TO SEE IN THE TEMPLE
- Sri Swamyvari Temple
- Anjaneya Swamyvari and Sri Garuda Swamivari Temples
- Sage ‘Dwaraka’ Statue
- Alwar Temples
- Deeparadhana Temple
- Four corner Mandapams
- Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya Statue
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