Saturday, April 28, 2012







ADILABAD DISTRICT-1

Adilabad District is a district in Andhra Pradesh, India. The district headquarters is at Adilabad town. A famous


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List of 52-Mandals in Adilabad District
Adilabad • Bela • Boath • Dilawarpur • Jainad • Kaddampeddur • Khanpur • Kuntala • Mamda • Narnoor • Rebbana • Talamadugu • Tiryani • Asifabad • Bellampalle • Chennur • Gudihathnur • Jainoor • Kagaz Nagar • Kotapalle • Laxmanchanda • Mancherial • Nennal • Sarangapur • Tamsi • Utnur • Bazarhathnoor • Bhainsa • Dahegaon • Ichoda • Jaipur • Kasipet • Kouthala • Lohesra • Mandamarri • Neradigonda • Sirpur (T) • Tandur • Vemanpalle • Bejjur • Bheemini • Dandepalle • Inderavelly • Jannaram • Kerameri • Kubeer • Luxettipet • Mudhole • Nirmal • Sirpur (U) • Tanur • Wankdi

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
List of 66-Mandals in Chittoor District
B Kothakota • Baireddi Palle • Bangarupalem • Buchinaidu Khandriga • Chandragiri • Chinnagottigallu • Chittoor • Chowdepalle • Gangadhara Nellore • Gangavaram • Gudi Palle • Gudipala • Gurramkonda • Irala • K V P Puram • Kalakada • Kalikiri • Kambhamvaripalle • Karvetinagar • Kuppam • Kurabalakota • Mandanpalle • Mulakalacheruvu • Nagalapuram • Nagari • Narayanavanam • Nimmanapalle • Nindra • Pakala • Palamaner • Palasamudram • Pedda Panjani • Peddamandyam • Peddathippasamudram • Penumuru • Pichatur • Pileru • Pulicherla • Punganur • Puthalapattu • Puttur • Rama Kuppam • Ramachandrapuram • Ramasamudram • Renigunta • Rompicherla • Santhi Puram • Satyavedu • Sodam • Somala • Srikalahasti • Srirangarajapuram • Thamballapalle • Thavanampalle • Thottambedu • Tirupati Rural • Tirupati Urban • Vadamalapeta • Varadaiahpalem • Vayalpad • Veduru Kuppam • Venkatagiri Kota • Vijaya Puram • Yadamari • Yerpedu • Yerravaripalem

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.


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