ADILABAD DISTRICT-1
Adilabad District is a
district in Andhra Pradesh, India. The district headquarters is at Adilabad
town. A famous
Temple of the Goddess Saraswathi, the Hindu
Goddess of Education, is located here in the town of Basara.The district is
bounded on north by Yeotmal and Chanda district of Maharastra, on the east by
Chanda district, on the south by Karimnagar and Nizamabad districts and on the
west by Nanded district of Maharastra State.
The District Comprises of 52 Mandals and 1743 villages of which 1557 villages
are inhabited and 186 villages are un-inhabitated.
There are 7 Muncipalities in the District. The District is conveniently formed
into 5 divisions 1)Adilabad , 2) Nirmal ,3)Utnoor,
4)Asifabad,5)Mancherial Are a town and a municipality in Adilabad
district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.
BASARA
Located on the banks of river Godavari, the Gnana
Saraswathi Temple at Basara situated about 40 kms from Nizambad district head
quarters and 70 Kms from Nirmal town of Adilabad district. Situated at a
distance of 205 kms (approx) from Hyderabad, the Saraswati temple at Basara is one of the two
famous Saraswati temples in India, the other being in Jammu & Kashmir.
Legend has it
that Sage Vyasa during his stay here used to bring daily three handfuls of sand
after a bath in Godavari and kept it at a place, which transformed as the
images of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali. How ever, according to Brahmandapuranam,
Adikavi Valmiki installed Saraswati and wrote Ramayana here. There is a marble
image of Valmiki and his samadhi near the temple. It is believed
that this temple is one of the three temples constructed near the confluence of
Manjira and Godavari rivers by Ashtrakutas. According to another of thought
‘Bijialudu’ a Karnataka king, who ruled the province of Nandagiri with Nanded
as his capital in the sixth century, constructed the temple at Basara. The
image of Lakshmi stands besides Goddess Saraswati in the sanctum sanctorum. Due to the presence
of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali, Basara is considered as the abode of the divine
trinity on the Bank of the River Godavari which is 40kms from
Nizamabad on Adilabad district border.
Now a days there is heavy
rush of pilgrims coming to Basara to perform “Akshara abhyasam” for the
children. According to the legend Maharishi vyasa and his disciples and sage
Suka decided to settle down in a cool and serene atmosphere after the
kurukshetra war. In the quest for the peaceful abode, he came to Dandaka forest
and pleased with serenity of the region selected this place. After his
ablutions in the river Godavari Maharishi Vyasa used to bring three fistful of
sand and place it in three small heaps and made images Sarada, Laxmi, Gowri
with his mystic power and later conducted . This idol made of sand has its face
smeared with turmeric. Eating a little bit of this turmeric paste, it is
believed, will enhance one’s wisdom and knowledge. Many people, in fact, take
their kids to Basara for “Akshara abhyasam” before commencing formal school
education. Special poojas and celebrations are held at the temple during Maha
Sivarathri, beginning 15 days before (Vasantha Panchami) and continuing 3 days
after the festival. Devi Navarathrulu is celebrated for ten days during Dasara.
Since Maharishi Vyasa spent considerable time in prayers, the place was then
called “Vasara” and turned into Basara due to the influence of the language in
the region.
There is a highest
waterfall situated at Kuntala of Neradigonda mandal, Potchera Waterfall at
Pochara of Boath mandal, the only one holy pilgrimage of Saraswathi
Temple at Basar where the thousands of pilgrimages are visiting every
day.
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CHITTOOR
DISTRICT-3
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List
of 66-Mandals in Chittoor District
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Rivers:
Tourist
Places:
Sri
Govindarajaswami Temple
Location:
Tirupati, Chittoor
Deity:
Lord Vishnu
It
has an imposing gopuram, which can be seen, from a distance. Saint
Ramanujacharya consecrated the temple in 1130 AD. The earliest
records go back to the year 1235 AD. The
Guruparampara accounts of the Vaishnavas ascribe the foundation of
the shrine to Ramanuja. There are two
shrines and not one, in the center of the innermost enclosure.
An outer wall encloses the two shrines. The
shrine to the South is dedicated to Krishna, popularly known as
Parthasarathi, while the shrine to the North belongs to Govindaraja.
The earliest record found is on the innermost gopura and belongs to
the fifteenth year of the Yadavaraya chief, Viranarasingadeva of 1224
AD.
Festivals:
The festivals and functions are similar to those conducted in the Sri
Venkateswara temple. The annual Brahmotsava at this temple is
celebrated in the month of Vaisakha every year. The annual float
festival is also celebrated every year. This Temple is the main
attraction for pilgrims at Tirupati and the biggest in town.
Agastheeswara
Swamy Temple
Location:
Tondavada
Deity:
Lord Shiva
This
shrine lies at the confluence of three rivers Swarnamukhi, Bhima and
Kalyani. Agasthya
Mahamuni installed the Sivalinga and is called Agastheeswara linga.
This temple faces the east and all parivaradevathas (family deities)
are installed in niches. The Dwarpalakas at the entrance are
beautifully sculptured and heighten the grandeur of the hall. It has
three entrances and a grand compound wall. Inside
the second prakaram, there is a separate shrine for Parvati and is
called Vallimata.
There
is a tank outside the compound. The nearby village was named
Tondavada by the kings of Chandragiri, and was used as a rest house
for visitors and keeping elephants. Opposite the Aalaya and in the
middle of the river there is a mantap with statues of Balaji,
Ayyappa, and Ganapati. There is also a small shrine for Rama, Sita,
Lakshman and Anjaneya near the tank.
Sivaalayam
Temple
Location:
Madanapalli, Chittoor
Deity:
Lord Shiva
The
ancient temple enshrines a big Sivalinga and lies on the western bank
of river Bahuda. The recent renovation work has worked wonders for
this temple. It has many Saivate gods installed in mandapams and
small shrines.
Sivaalayam
Temple
Location:
Talakona, Chittoor
Deity:
Lord Shiva
Although
situated amidst a thick forest, infested with wild animals, like
cheetahs, jackals, tigers etc., and inaccessible due to inadequate
means of transport facilities, this reputed Saivakshetra is luring
lakhs of people, particularly on Mahasivaratri festival every year.
Its tourist potential is its special
attraction. The green verdure and awe-some spectacles of
Nature's bounteous beauty greet the eyes sooner than entering the
forest zone, where Lord Mahadev is abiding
in a modest sized Sivaalaya for over centuries, and
conferring solace to the care-worn bhaktas. Although the entire zone
shines resplendent and pulsates with devotional activities, only
during periodical festivals, the attraction it has, is something
unusual. For pure religionists, it is a
spiritual haven and nature-lovers an open air museum. And
above all, for film makers, it has turned out an El Dorado to
shooting films involving wild animals or romantic adventures.
It
lies near Piler in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh commanding
all transport facilities.
It
is located in thick forest, infested with wild animals and inadequate
transport facilities; this temple attracts lakhs of people,
particularly on Mahashivratri festival every year.
Pallikonda
Sivaperuman Aalayam Temple
Location:
Surutupalli, Chittoor
Deity:
Lord Shiva
This
shrine contains a rare icon of Lord Siva that in a reclining posture.
Nowhere does one come such an image of Shiva in ancient or modern
times. It is a jewel in the crown of Saivism and so is the
architecture. This black image is huge and is made with exquisite
craftsmanship. The garbha griha has 18 other deities. Lack of funds
and few devotees has resulted in the temple in dire straits. Next to
lies Parvati`s sannidhi that has a four-foot-high granite image and
around the garbha griha there are many rare sculptures. To its left,
in a smaller shrine lies the Valmikeswara linga, and opposite it
there is another Sivalinga. It has a vast courtyard and beautiful
sculptured images.
Legend:
The Sthalapurana states that Siva after swallowing the poison after
the churning of the oceans felt his head reeling and was dizzy so he
chose to lie down. Here Parvati is seen sitting at His head holding
the neck with her two hands, so that the poison does not come out for
the world would burn down to ashes. The concept and depiction is done
superbly.
Getting
There
It
is accessible by bus from Nagalapuram in Andhra Pradesh or Uthukota
in Tamil Nadu on the main road to Chennai from Puttur (Andhra
Pradesh).
Tiruchanur
Padmavati Temple
This
temple is known as Alamelumangapuram.
Goddess Padmavati
is believed to be a very benevolent goddess who readily forgives her
devotees if they are repent. Devotees are showered with plenty as
soon as they receive her blessings while praying to her, in this
temple. She is sitting in Padmasana holding two lotuses in her upper
hands.
Location:
Tiruchanur
Deity:
Padmavati. Goddess Padmavati is believed
to be a very benevolent goddess who readily forgives her devotees if
they are repent. One is showered with plenty as soon as they receive
her blessings.
An
inscription in the Padmavati Temple tells you the history of
Tiruchanur. Originally there was a temple dedicated to Lord
Venkateshwara. It was difficult to perform the rituals due to space
shortage. So they decided to move it elsewhere. In the 12th century,
the Yadava kings built the Shri Krishna Balaram Temple. In the 16th
and 17th century, two additions were made. The deity of Sundara
Varadaraja was installed and a separate temple was built for Goddess
Padmavati.
Legend:
Padmavati was born in a lotus pond, which is the tank within the
temple premises of Tiruchanur.
There
are many deities within the temple. Padmavati is the consort of Lord
Venkateshwara, the presiding deity of
Tirupati. She is sitting in Padmasana holding two lotuses in her
upper hands. The lower hands represent fearlessness and benediction.
A lot of importance is attached to the elephant that is the celestial
carrier of the goddess. The flag hoisted from the temple bears the
image of an elephant.
Tirupati
Balaji Temple
The
shrine is located on a hill at Tirumala, a group of seven hills known
as Venkatachalam. This temple is located on the seventh peak of
Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) and so the Lord is also called
Venkatachalapati or Lord of the Seven
Hills, which lies, on the southern
banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.
Tirupati
and Tirumala are those places well known to all Indians. Sri
Venkateshwara, the presiding deity of Tirumalaor engadam, is revered
by lakhs of people all over the country. The chief centers of
pilgrimage are Sri Venkateshwara`s temple on the Tirumala hill, the
shrine of Govindaraja in the town of Tirupati and the shrine of
Padmavati, situated in Tiruchanur, three miles to the south of
Tirupati. The Hill on which the temple of Sri Venkateshwara stands
popularly known as Venkatachalam is low and surrounded by many hills
of an altitude.
About
the Deity: Balaji - Krishna The town of
Tirupati Balaji is considered the most sacred place in India. It is
famous for Lord Venkateshwara, the deity who is called Tirupati
Balaji which here means the `lord of Laxmi`. The shrine is located on
a hill at Tirumala, a group of seven hills known as Venkatachalam.
This temple is located on the seventh peak of Venkatachala (Venkata
Hill) and so the Lord is also called Venkatachalapati or Lord of the
Seven Hills, which lies, on the southern banks of Sri Swami
Pushkarini.
The
seven peaks represent the seven hoods of Naag Adisesha. There are
several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in
Tirumala. The Shastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns
clearly say that in Kali Yuga, one will be able to attain mukti only
by worshipping Sri Venkateswara. The benefits of the pilgrimage to
Venkatachalam are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas.
These epics describe the Lord as the bestower of boons. All the great
dynasties from the southern peninsula paid homage to Lord Sri
Venkateswara in this ancient shrine - Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th
century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (10th century), the Pandyas of
Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th - 15th
century AD). They competed with one another while giving endowments
to the temple.
During
the Vijayanagar dynasty the contributions to the temple increased.
Krishnadevaraya had statues of himself and his consorts installed in
portals at the temple, and they can still be seen. After the decline
of the Vijayanagar dynasty, nobles and chieftains from all parts of
the country continued to pay homage and offer gifts. The Maratha
General Raghoji Bhonsle set up a permanent endowment to conduct the
worship in the temple. He also presented valuable jewels including a
large emerald, which is still preserved in a box named after the
General. Among the later rulers who contributed large amounts were
the rulers of Mysore and Gadwal. After the fall of the Hindu
kingdoms, the Muslim rulers of Karnataka and then the Britishers took
over the supervision and under their protective control. In 1843 AD,
the administration of the shrine and its estates were entrusted to
Sri Seva Dossji of the Hatiramji Mutt at Tirumala.
Darshans:
Sarvadarsanam means `darshan for all`. The timings for Sarvadarsanam
are different on different days of the week. For normal days, 18
hours are allotted for Sarvadarsanam and on peak days, it is open for
20 hours. The Sudarsanam token system was introduced to minimize the
waiting time for Sarvadarsanam, Special Darshan and other paid
darshan/sevas. They are available free of cost at the First Choultry
(opposite the Tiru Railway Station), Second Choultry (behind the
Railway Station), Alipiri Bus Stand, Tirupati, Vaikuntam Queue
Complex, Pilgrim Amenities Centre (Near CRO) and near the Rambagicha
Guest House in Tirumala.
Festivals:
Everyday is a day of celebration at Tirumala. The most famous is the
annual festival called `Brahmotsava`, celebrated on grand scale for
nine days in September, and attracts pilgrims and tourists from all
over. The fifth and ninth days of the festival are especially
significant in as much as Garudostavam and Rathotavam takes place on
those days.
Getting
There
Tirumala
can be reached either by vehicle or by climbing on foot. Those
preferring vehicles can avail the buses plying between Tirupati and
Tirumala every 15 minutes. One should purchase the return journey
tickets for Tirumala at Tirupati itself to avoid standing in the
ticket queue at Tirumala. The tickets are valid for three days and
entitle ticket holders to board any bus at any time.
Those
who wish to reach the hilltop by foot can walk up can use either of
the two well-made stone footpaths. From Chandragiri, Tirumala is 5
km, whereas from Alipiri, it is 11 km. Chandragiri is the more
difficult of the two and Alipiri is the more commonly used route.
Usually pilgrims climb up the path as a part of their vow.
Air:
The nearest airport is at Reni Gunta, 15 km from Tirupati. Indian
Airlines operates daily flights from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Chennai
and Bangalore.
Rail:
The famed pilgrim town is well connected to Hyderabad, Mumbai,
Chennai and Bangalore.
Road:
Tirupati is linked to all the major towns and cities of South India
by road. Chennai is 150 km; Bangalore, 250 km; and Hyderabad, 725 km
from Tirupati. Tourist buses ply regularly between the cities.
TEMPLE
ARCHITECTURE
The
temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, which advocates equality and
love, and prohibits animal sacrifice. The gopuram over the sanctum is
covered entirely in gold plate and is known as Ananda Nilayam. The
sanctum holds an awe-inspiring idol of the Lord. There are several
elegantly carved doorways, mandapams and shrines inside the temple
complex. The main door is called the Padi Kavali Maha Dwara, which
has a quadrangular base. A number of stucco figures of gods like
Vaishnava, Hanuman, Kevale Narasimha and Lakshmi Narasimha can be
seen here.
There
is a pradakshinam for circumbulating around the shrine. The main
temple has three prakarams. Between the outermost and middle
enclosure is the second circumbulatory path called Sampangi
Pradakshinam and is currently closed to pilgrims. This path contains
several interesting mandapas like Pratima Mandapam, Ranga Mandapam,
Tirumala Raya Mandapam, Saluva Narasimha Mandapam, Aina Mahal and
Dhvajasthambha Mandapam. After passing through the Padi Kavali Maha
Dvara, you come to an open mandapam called the Krishna Deva Raya
Mandapam or Pratima Mandapam. This mandapam gets its name from the
pratimas or bronze images of the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya
and his two consorts, Tirumaladevi and Chinnadevi facing the shrine
with their hands joined in supplication.
In
the southern wing of the mandapam, is a statue of Venkatapathi Raya
of the Aravidu dynasty, who ruled over Chandragiri around 1570 AD. To
the side are stone statues of Achyutha Raya and his wife
Varadajiamma. This mandapam was built during the later Vijayanagara
rule. It is filled with beautiful pictures of the Vijayanagara
period. Vaishnava symbols or the Urdhvapundras flanked by a conch and
disc are carved at the top of the two main pillars of the mandapam.
The Ranga Mandapam is also called the Ranganayakula Mandapam and is
located in the southeastern corner of the Sampangi Pradakshinam. The
shrine is where the utsava murti of Lord Ranganadha of Srirangam was
kept during the 14th century, when Muslim rulers occupied Srirangam.
The Yadava ruler Sri Ranganadha Yadava Raya constructed it in
Vijayanagar style between 1320 and 1360 AD.
Adjoining
the Ranga Mandapam on the western side, facing the Dhvajasthambha
mandapam is a large complex of pavilions known as the Tirumala Raya
Mandapam or Anna Unjal Mandapam. It consists of two levels, the front
at a lower level and the rear at a higher. Saluva Narasimha
constructed the south or the inner portion of this mandapam in 1473
AD to celebrate the festival for Sri Venkateswara called Anna Unjal
Tirunal. Araviti Bukkaraya Ramaraja, Sriranga Raja and Tirumala Raja
extended the structure to what it is today. Here the utsava murthi
holds his annual darbar or asthanam during the Garudadhwaja - Garuda
flag on the Dhwajastamb to mark the commencement of Brahmotsava. The
mandapam has a complex of pillars in Vijayanagara style - a central
pillar surrounded by smaller pillars, some emit musical notes. The
main pillars have rearing horses with mounted warriors. Some of the
best sculptures are found here in bold relief. The bronze statues of
Todermallu, his mother Matha Mohana Devi and wife Pitha Bibi are kept
in a corner of the mandapam.
The
Aina Mahal is on the northern side of the Tirumala Raya Mandapam and
consists of two parts - an open mandapam in the front consisting of
six rows comprising six pillars each, and a shrine behind it
consisting of an Antarala and Garbhagriha. It has large mirrors,
which reflect images. There is an unjal in the middle of the room
where the Lord is seated and festivals are conducted. The
Dhwajasthambha Mandapam houses the Dhwajastambha (a wooden flagpole
encased in gold) and the Bali Peetha (seat for food offering). A
peculiar feature of the Mandapam is that it is covered (unlike in
other temples) to facilitate the conduct of rituals in all weather
conditions. The relative positions of the Dhwajasthambha and the Bali
Peetha are in accordance with Vaikhanasa Agamic traditions.
The
Nadimi Padi Kavali or Inner Gopuram is the inner entrance to the
temple, which is reached through the Dhvajasthambha mandapam. Its
wooden doors are covered in silver plates and are also called Vendi
Vakili. The doors are smaller than that of the outer Gopuram. There
are numerous inscriptions here, the earliest belonging to the Pandyan
monarch, Jata Varma Sundarapandya. The Vimana Pradakshinam is
commonly used as circumambulatory path around the central shrine. The
vimana over the sanctum can be seen from this pathway. Pilgrims who
have taken a vow of performing Angapradakshinam perform it in the
Vimana Pradakshinam. There is an independent shrine of Sri
Varadarajaswami on the eastern side of the vimana. The idol faces the
west and is standing with a disc and conch in the upper right and
left hands respectively. The lower right hand is in the abhaya pose
and the lower left, in the katyavalambika pose- a giver of boons.
The
Potu or main kitchen where the food-offerings for the main temple are
prepared is to the south of the Varadarajaswami shrine. Inside the
Potu is a small shrine dedicated to Lakshmi and she is also called
Potu Amma (lady of the kitchen) or Madapuli Nachiyar. She is
acknowledged as Vakulamalika, who according to the Puranas was sent
by Varahaswami to be the housekeeper of Sri Venkateswara, when he
resided on the hill. She is also said to have arranged Lord
Venkateswara`s marriage with Padmavathi. She is Lakshmi, and is
worshipped so during Varalakshmi Vratam, in the month of Sravana. An
icon of Lakshmi can be seen at Padi Potu, another kitchen is located
in the Sampangi Pradakshinam. The rice prasadam is prepared in the
inner Potu, while other laddus, vadas appams etc., are prepared in
the Padi potu.
The
main shrine includes the sanctum and three consecutive halls in front
right up till Bangaru Vakili. These are the Snapana Mandapam - a
square hall, Ramar Meda - a rectangular hall, and Sayana Mandapam -
also rectangular in shape, where the Ekanta Seva is performed.
Adjacent to the porch of Bhashyakara Sannidhi on the west side is a
small room called Talapakamara or Sankeertana Bhandara. It was
constructed to preserve the collection of sankeertanas composed by
the Talapaka poets - Talapaka Annamacharya, his son Pedda
Tirumalacharya and grandson Chinna Tirumalacharya, who were the
minstrels attached to the temple. In front of the Potu is a well
called Bangaru Bavi. The site as mentioned in the Vaikhanasa Agamas
was constructed according to Vijayanagara style.
The
Snapana Mandapam is also called the Tiruvilan kovil. It has four
central pillars, with the sculptures of Bala Krishna, Yoga Narasimha
and Kaliayamardhana. One such impressive sculpture is that of Vishnu
seated with four arms - the upper arms hold the chakra and the
shankha. The Lord`s consorts are seated in Sukh asana on either side.
Ramar Meda, is an elevated platform for Rama housed the icons of
Rama, Sita and Laxmana, but has been moved to the sanctum. Utsava
Murthis of Vishvaksena and Garuda have their own shrines.
The
Sayana Mandapam, also called the Ardha Mandapam, is directly in front
of the sanctum. This is as close as the pilgrims can get to the inner
sanctum. The mandapam is connected to the sanctum by a gate called
kulasekhara-padi named after an Alwar saint who wished to be reborn
as the threshold to the Lord`s shrine. This mandapam is used to
perform rituals that cannot take place in the sanctum. The garbha
griha or sanctum is where the main idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara
resides. Sanctum is where the idol of the Lord stands. In between the
sanctum and the Sayana Mandapam, is the threshold called the
Kulasekhara-padi. The idol stands directly beneath the gilt dome
called Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana. Pilgrims are not allowed to enter
the garbha griha.
The
kalyanotsavam or marriage festival is celebrated in the Kalyana
Mandapam. It is similar to the Tirumala Raya Mandapam. To the west is
a small mandapam carried on slender cut-stone pillars and surmounted
by a vimana. To the south is the Yagasala where yagyas related to
Brahmotsavam and other festivals are performed. Close to the Sangeeta
Bhandara in the northern corridor of the Vimana Pradakshinam is the
shrine of Sri Ramanuja and is also called the Bhashyakara Sannidhi.
Ramanuja was the architect of Tirupati and the father of the Sri
Vaishnava community here.
This
shrine was built around the 13th century and it overlooks the western
end of the Tirumamani Mandapam. The Pandyan emblem of two fish and a
hook is carved on the wall next to the entrance. The right hand of
the image has the gesture of exposition (vyakhyana mudra), and the
left hand in boon bestowal (varada hasta), or holding a book (pustaka
hasta). The shrine is prominent during the festival of
Adhyayanotsavam. Special prayers are conducted here during Gandhapodi
Utsavam and Bhashyakara Utsavam. The utsava murthi of Ramanuja is
taken in a grand procession to meet Malayappa near the Padi Kavali.
Sri
Narasimhaswami shrine
Sri
Narasimhaswami shrine is located to the left of the Ramanuja shrine
and hold an idol of Sri Yoga Narasimha. Built in the 15th century, it
is surrounded by a polished mandapam. Dance poses are sculptured on
the pillars. Yoga Narasimhaswami is also known as Girija
Narasimhaswami. He is seated with his hands on his knees, and girdled
by the Yogapatta. A ceremonial bath (Tiru-Manjana) is given to the
idol in the sanctum on Saturdays; and on the fourteenth day of the
bright half of the month of Vaisakha (according to the lunar
calendar) Swati Nakshathram the idol is specially worshipped on
account of Narasimha Jayanti.
The
first glimpse of the Lord is seen from the Tirumamani Mandapam built
by Mallanna or Madhavadasa, Chief of Chandragiri in the 15th century.
16 carved pillars, create a division of the area into three aisles,
support the mandapam. The mandapam serves as an Asthana Mandapam
where Koluvu Srinivasa holds court after Thomala Seva in the sanctum,
he listens to the reading of the almanac, and presides over daily
rations of rice and the recitation of Suprabhatam also takes place
here. There are two massive bells known as Tirumani or Tirumahamani,
which give the mandapam its name. These bells were used during the
Naivedyam in the sanctum.
On
the eastern side of the mandapam is a small shrine dedicated to
Garuda. On the north side is a gangala or large brass vessel covered
with a fabric, for depositing all votive offerings. From the
Tirumamani you can enter the Bangaru Vakili to reach the inner
sanctum. There are two tall copper images of the dwarapalakas Jaya
and Vijaya on either side of the door. The thick wooden door is
covered with gilt plates depicting the dasavataram of Vishnu. The
doorway is in direct line with the Padi Kavali and the Vendi Vakili
and it admits pilgrims to the Snapana Mandapam. The Suprabhatam is
sung in front of this door.
Mukkoti
Pradakshinam is an enclosed path for circumambulation that runs
around the sanctum and the porch. The pradakshinam has walls on three
sides with the eastern wall missing. It is open to pilgrims only
twice a year during Mukkoti Ekadasi and Mukkoti Dvadasi. The doors
are opened on the night of the 11th day after Thiruppavai and closed
on the night of -tiru-dvadasi.
Kapilatirtham
Temple
Location:
Tirupati, Chittoor Deity: Goddess
Laxmi
Legend:
It is believed that one who takes bath in Kapilatirtham and starts
the journey will not face any problems in reaching the temple. This
was the ashram of Kapila maharshi and goddess Lakshmi resided in this
Ashram when she came to earth.
Sri Kalahasti Temple
The
Kalahasti temple is dedicated to Kalahasteswara worshiped as Vayu
Lingam. The Vayu Lingam, represents the element wind out of the five
elements of Agni, Vaayu, Aakasam, Jalam and Prithvi. This is an
important temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple`s main idol is
the vayu (air) linga.
Srikalahasti
Temple in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh is
one of the important ancient Shiva Temples of South India.
Srikalahasti Temple occupies the area between the river bank and the
foot of the hills and is popularly known
as Dakshina Kailasam. This
temple was built during the period of King Krishnadevaraya of
Vijayanagar.
Location
of Srikalahasti Temple
Srikalahasti
is a holy town and a municipality near Tirupati in the Indian state
of Andhra Pradesh. This temple was constructed in the 12th century by
the Chola king, Raja Rajendra. This is an important temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva. This temple`s main idol is the vayu (air) linga.
Kalahasti is surrounded by two hills. The Durgamba temple is on the
north hill and the shrine of Kannabeswara on the south hill is in
memory of the Sage Kannappa, who offered an eye to the Lord. A river
flowing in the north washes the foot of the temple
Legend of Srikalahasti Temple
As
per the legend, the town got its name because of the temple named
after Sri (spider) Kala (serpent) hasti (elephant) after the three
ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. These three animals attained divinity
by worshipping Lord Shiva. The spider was Lord Vishwakarma`s
(architect of the deva ganas) son Oornanabha. He was trying to
replicate Lord Brahma`s creation and thus annoyed Brahma who cursed
him to become a spider. Shiva himself cursed the snake. The elephant
was god Pramadha cursed by Shiva`s wife, Parvati, when he intruded on
their privacy. The Shiva linga here is an amalgamation of the three
animals.
Sanctum Sanctorum of Srikalahasti
Temple
The
main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer among the
Trimurties. The linga here is one of the Panchabhuta lingas (made up
of the five elements) - wind, water, fire, earth and ether. The linga
at Srikalahasti is Vayu linga or one made of wind. Jala linga is made
of water, at Jambukeswara; Jyothir linga is made of fire, at
Arunachalam; Aksha linga is made up of ether, at Chidambaram; and
Prithvi linga, is made of earth, at Sivakanchi - the four elements of
the universe. The main linga remains untouched by human hands; even
the priests do not touch it. Abhishek (bathing) is done by pouring a
mixture of water, milk, camphor and panchamrita. Sandal paste,
flowers and the sacred thread are offered to the utsava-murti, and
not the main linga.
Architecture
of Srikalahasti Temple
The
hill adjacent to temple has still carvings in Pallava style. The
Cholas renovated the old Pallava temple in 11th century. Kulottunga
Chola I constructed the Galigopuram, the main entrance facing south
and Kulottunga III constructed few other temples. In 12th Century
A.D., King Veeranarasimha Yadavaraya built the present Prakaras, and
the four Gopurams connecting the four entrances. According an
inscription of Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara Empire this temple was
constructed in 1516 A.D. In 1529 A.D., King Achutaraya of the
Vijayanagara Empire got his coronation performed here, before he
celebrated in his capital City.
The
marvellous temple architecture represents Chola, Pallava, Pandya and
Krishnadevaraya style of architecture. According to the scriptures,
the Kshetra is praised as Dakshina Kailasam, Dakshina Kashi, Satya
Vrata Maha Bhaskara Kshethram, Sadyomukthi kshetram and also
Rahu-Ketu Parihara Kshethram. It has an enormous, ancient gopuram
over the main gate, which is 36.5 metres (120 feet) high and the
entire temple is carved out from the side of the hill. The temple is
very ornate with elaborately designed pillars, altars, etc.
The
three gopurams are remarkable in their architecture. A
hundred-pillared mandapam is another important feature of this
shrine. The tower was established nearly a thousand years ago. The
various stupas and temple testify to the antiquity of the place.
The
`Rajagopuram` or main gate of the 500-year-old Srikalahasti Temple in
Andhra Pradesh`s Chittoor District collapsed on 26th May, 2010. The
Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana and Linga Purana have a mention about
Srikalahasti. The Skanda Purana says that Arjuna visited this place,
worshipped Kalahastiswara and met the sage Bharadwaja on the top of
the hill. It is believed that Kannappa (also known as Bhakta
Kannappa), a tribal devotee has worshipped Shiva at Srikalahasti.
Tamil saints Nayanars like Appar, Sundarar and Sambanthar praised the
deity in their hymns tevaram.
KANIPAKAM
Kanipakam is a small village on
the bank of Bahuda River.
"Kani"
means wetland and "Pakam" means flow of water into wetland.
According to the legend of the temple there were three brothers and
each one had a handicap. Viz., Dumb, Deaf and Blind. They were
earning out their livelihood by cultivating a small piece of land.
In
olden days water was drawn from the well by way of 'Piccota System'.
As one of them used to irrigate the field through the channels, the
other two used to ply on the Piccota. On one such operation they
found that the water in the well got dried up and they could no
longer continue their job. One of them got into the well and started
digging it up. He was taken aback to see the iron implement hitting a
stone like formation.
Later,
he was shocked to see blood oozing out from it. Within in a few
seconds the entire water in the well, turned blood red in colour.
Thus, startled by this divine sight, all the three became normal
getting rid of their deformities. As soon as the villagers came to
know about this miracle, they thronged to the well and tried to
deepen the well further. But their attempt proved futile because the
'swayambhu' idol (the self-manifested) of Lord Vinayaka emerged from
the swirling waters.
Ultimately
they offered many number of coconuts with all prayers- modesty
kneeling before the new idol afford “MAGALHARATHI” etc. They
declared the ideal of “SWAYAMBHU” and tendered number of
coconuts. The coconuts water flowed into the channel to a distance of
more than one and a quarter acres. The indication of this led to the
modification in the usage of the Tamil word “KANIPARAKAM” and
later pronounced as KANIPAKAM. Even today the idol is in the original
well and the springs of the well are perennial and the eternal.
During the rainy season, the holy water from the well overflows even
today.
Another
striking and strange feature of the idol is that it is still growing
in size. At present, we can see the knees and the abdomen of the
idol. Smt. Lakshmamma, an ardent devotee had offered a 'Kavacham'
(Armour) to the Lord, fifty years ago but today it is out of size and
doesn't fit the idol. The holy water from the well is offered to the
devotees as theertham.
The
legend behind Bahuda River
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'.
Sri
Varasiddhi Vinayaka as up-holder of 'Truth'
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.
Thus
the glory of Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka spread far and wide and the
honorable courts uphold the 'special oath' in their judicial
pronouncements.
