Balaji Temple,Chilukuru

Balaji Temple is located at Chilukuru near by Rangareddy Dist.(Hyderabad) nearly 30 KM distance in the banks of Osmania sagar Lake.It is one of  the most  ancient Temple in Hyderabad,and also is one of the oldest temple in Telangana with most popularity built by Akkanna and madhanna. . Chilukuru Balaji Temple is also called as Visa Balaji Temple because in this temple particularly popular with devotees who want to get visas for going overseas.

 

An important feature of the temple is that,the temple is not offering the Hundi.The temple planning(building) suggests that, it was constructed nearly half a millennium ago.A lot of young people are coming to this temple and praying their respects to the god.The inside of the temple,Sri Balaji Venkateswara with Sridevi and Bhoodevi are associated with him. Lord Venkateshwara, enshrine the Chilukuru Balaji temple,is thought that, his blessings on all the devotees who are unable to visit Tirupati.For those people visit this temple,especially during the Brahmothsavams, Poolangi and Annakota

The devotee had a keen wish to re-establish the greatness and importance of this temple was the idol Ammavaru came to the chilukuru Balaji temple in 1963. then later named as Rajya Lakshmi ammavaru. The image of Rajya Laxmi ammavaru is the control of lotus flower with her three hands and the fourth hand lies in a position of lotus feet. This indicates the doctrine of Saranagathi.

According to Legend,Some people are have an idea to visit the Thirupati at Thirumala but having some health problems are some other reasons,for those people Lord Venkateswara Moved by the devotion,Balaji will appeared to him in a dream and told him as Balaji temple was near by jungle.so he founded the idol of Lord Balaji together with Bhoodevi and Sridevi.is said to spell of rain with his blessings. 

Instead,tradition was Pradakshinas(make rounds of the temple) are the fee to pay the balaji.The general Procedure was,first do the 11 pradakshinas and then express the wish.after that,the disciple shall promise to take 108 more pradakshinas if the inclination is granted. It is the general procedure to get a Visa.

 
 

Ayyappa Swamy Temple,Sabharimal

                   Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is one of the most famous and olden Temple in India.Ayyappa Temple is Located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. The shrine of Sabarimala is one of the most remote shrines in southern India yet it still draws three to four million pilgrims each year. Surrounded by mountains and dense forest Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe.The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad. The temple is located on a hillock in the midst of a vast valley surrounded on all sides by to the mountain ranges covered with lush tropical forests.

Sannidanam:

         Sanidanam is a central Shrine of the Sabarimala temple.According to Legend,The Temple of Shabharimala and the diety of Ayyappa have always been regarded as the Pandalam Raja’s very own,and it is not considered proper to proceed to the temple without the King’s Knowledge and permission,a representative of the king sits even today,on a raised platform at the base of the Neelima Hill. The Layout of the Ayyappa temple is believed to have originated from the specific instructions of the Lord himself,who wanted Malikappurathamma,on his left a few yards from sannidhanam,and his trusted lieutenants Vavur and Kadutha to be positioned as his guards at the foot of the holy 18 steps.

      The Shrine and the golden flag-staff, Originally made of rock the Sannidhanam is now gold-plated and has intricate designs on its outer walls. Climbing the Sacred steps ,the pilgrim reaches the focusing point of is austerities. This exemplifies the unique feature of the temple. The temple is open to all faiths. The divine qualities like equality, fraternity, tolerance, humanity etc.. are shining well in the pilgrims. The doors within open to Eternity and the reassuring Grace Divine ,which makes him more free,harmonious and peaceful. Now the pilgrim moves towards the shrine of Lord Ganesha , known as Kannimoola Ganapathi and the shrine of Lord Kaarhikeya for worship. Then he proceeds southwards to worship the Divine Mother , Maalikappurath –amma ,whose shrine is located a little away towards the left side of Lord Ayyappa’s shrine. The main offering here is the rolling of the coconut around the shrine .Behind the shrine of Maalikappurath-amma, a little away towards the east is a structure called Manimandapam ,where the reprersentative of the  kingof Pandalam takes rest on his arrival in sabarimal . Close to it are the seats of the deities kochu kadutha Swami and Karuppa Swami. The coconut filled with ghee is takenout from it .He breaks the coconut and drains out the ghee into a vessel . Carrying this vessels ,he joins a separate queue meant foe Neyyabhishekam. The pilgrims on their sojourn to Sabarimala worship at Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and conduct "Petta Thullal". They also worship in the mosque at Erumeli as a part of their pilgrimage.

     

         At the first sight of the Patinettampadi, the holy eighteen steps, a full throated cry goes up from the devotees, "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!" It is the realisation of a mission .

Homakunda:There used to be a large homakunda in front of the shrine, which burned constantly, fed by the coconut shells thrown by the devotees, after offering the ghee. As the coconut shells gets consumed by the fire, the sins of the devotees are believed to be cleansed. Due to the growing crowds in the temple, the homakunda has now been shifted to a location below the temple.

Bhasma Kulam: About a 100 metres away is the shrine of Malikappurathamma. En route to the shrine is the temple tank, Bhasma Kulam, in which hundreds of devotees take a holy bath in memory of the tapaswini Sabari who entered a fire to end her mortal life. It is after her that the peak is named Sabarimala.On account of the number of people who bathe in the tank, the water is frequently drained out and refilled with fresh water.

Malikappurathamma: The Malikappurathamma temple houses the shrines of the Devi and Kaduthaswamy. Devotees also worship a trident and lamp here, and offer coconuts. The coconuts are not broken, however, but are just rolled on the ground .

           The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January. Mandala pooja (December12,2011) A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non vegetarian food and carnal pleasures. Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings.

          

         Makaravilakku(Jan.15th,2012) are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April). To the left of this temple are the shrines of the snake god and goddess, Nagaraja and Nagayakshi. Here, tribals beat on drums, play stringed instruments and sing sarppa pattu to protect devotees and their progeny from the harmful effects of snakebites.

Legend:

           The asura princess Mahishi was burning up with anger at the trick the gods had pulled on her brother,the asura king Mahishasura. As Mahishasura was blessed with invulnerability to all men,the gods had sent goddess Durga,to kill him.Thus,Mahishi began performing a fearsome set of austerities, and pleased the creator god Brahma.She asked for the boon of invulnerability, but Brahma said it was not possible so Mahishi planned and asked invulnerability to all men except by the son of Shiva and Vishnu. He granted her the boon of ruling the universe and being invulnerable except by the son of Shiva and Vishnu. Since such a person did not exist, she thought she was safe and began conquering and plundering the world.

          The gods implored Shiva and Vishnu to save them from this catastrophe. Vishnu found a possible solution to the problem. When Vishnu had taken on the Kurma Avatar, he also had to manifest himself as Mohini, the enchantress, to save the nectar of immortality from the demons who were not willing to share it with the gods. If he became Mohini again, then the female Mohini and the male Shiva could have the divine child who would combine their powers and beat Mahishi.

            Shiva called to Lord Vishnu for help. He hid himself in a peepal tree as Bhasmasura ran here and there searching for the god. Vishnu became aware of the events, and decided that he would take the female form Mohini, "the Enchanting", and try to trump the asura's powers. He earnestly tried to court her. So Vishnu instructed Bhasmasura to hold his hand over his head, and vow fidelity. With this act, Bhasmasura was reduced to ashes.

           Vishnu found Shiva and explained the whole affair to him. Shiva asked if he too could see Vishnu in this female form. When Vishnu appeared thus, Shiva was overcome with passion, and united with her. The two gods thus became "Harihara Murthi", that is a composite form of Shiva and Vishnu as one god.

            It is believed Sri Ayyappa merged to sri dharma sastha. Lord Vishnu gifted the new-born deity with a little bejeweled bell necklace, so this god is called Manikanthan Swamy. He is also called as Shasthappan by most South Indian communities.In most Tamil versions of the story, the legend ends with the birth of the god, and with his passage around the region. But in Kerala, the story continues with Ayyappan's adoption by the Pandalam Raja, and the subsequent encounter with Mahisi.

           King  Rajasekhara was very talented,courageous and just in his deeds.People were living happily and prosperously during his regime.However the king was very unhappy that he had no children and his subjects also worried that he had no heir to inherit his kingdom.As per the wish of the queen,both of them payed Lord Shiva for blessing them with a child.

Kaduthaswamy and Karuppaswamy:

 

     At the foot of the Patinettampadi are the two shrines of Kaduthaswamy and Karuppaswamy, who stand like dwarapalakas or guardians of the holy steps, to ensure that they are not polluted by those who tread on them without fulfilling the rigid austerities required of them. They are also believed to protect the devotees from the evil spirits of the forests.

History:

             Ayyappan also known as Ayyan who belonged to tha VellalarKulam.He was the army chief of the Pandalam Family,lived with his uncle Perisseri of Erumeli,Kottayam dist,Kerala. Ayyan was instrumental in the defeat of Udayanan, who attacked Sabarimala and tried to demolish the ancient Sastha temple in the thick forest of present Pathanamthitta district. Meanwhile the Royal family of King Pandya had migrated from Tamilnadu about 800 years back. The King reconstructed the destroyed Sastha temple at Sabarimala with the help of Ayyan, Vavar, a Muslim youth from Kanjirappally, Kadutha, a Nair youth from Muzhukeer, Chenganoor, Alapuzha dist.After the demise of Ayyappan people thought that he was the avathar of Lord Sastha and began to worship him. Later Ayyappan and Sastha became synonymous.Some say that Ayyappan was the son of a Brahmin but Nalankal Krishna Pillai in his book "Mahashekthrangalkkumunpil" states that Brahmins never had the name Ayyappan .

             In the age old "Elavarsevampattu" it was clearly mentioned that Ayyan(Ayyappa) belonged to "Vellalar kulam, Near Erumeli, Kottayam, Kerala.There still exists a vellala house called Puthenveedu in Erumely. In the same compound there is a 300 year old, thatched, depleted, mud house, the house of Perissery Pillai, Ayyappan's uncle and the Vellal Chieftain of Erumeli. There even today one can see the ancient sword used by Ayyappan to kill the monstrous Eruma- mahisham. The place where the "eruma" was killed became Erumakolly and later Erumeli.

           Sabarimala pilgrimers ,Ayyappans, conduct the Erumeli Pettaithullal (Pettatullal is painting the face with colours and dancing with wooden weapons to make one look odd. The essence of this practice is to give up ones ego and surrender to Lord Ayyappa. )This is to commemmorate the killing of mahisham by Ayyan and is celelebrated during the month of December-January every year

Golden 18 Steps:

The Ayyappa Temple contains the 18 Golden Steps,Those are Built on a plateau about 40 feet high,the Ayyappan temple commands a lofty view of the mountains and valleys al around. The ancient temple has been rebuilt after a fire in 1950, consisting of a sanctum sanctorum with a copper-plated roof and four golden finials at the top, two mandapams, the belikalpura which houses the altar,and the flag-staff. Replacing the earlier stone image of the deity is a beautiful idol of Ayyappa in panchaloha, an alloy of five metals, about one and a half feet.

1. First 5 steps signify the five indriyas or the senses(eyes,nose,ears,skin and tongue).
2. The 8 steps are the Raagas(tatwa,Kama,Krodha,moha,lobha,madha,mastraya and ahamkara).
3. The Next 3 the gunas(satwa,rajas and thamas)
4. Last Steps are followed by Vidya and Vaydya.

          An Ayyappa devotee crosses the Pathinettaam padi only twice during his sojourn on Sabarimala - for entering the temple and to go downhill. Before ascending or descending the steps, pilgrims break coconut as an offering to the steps. One needs to have the sacred Irumudi on head while going up or down the 18 steps and while descending the steps the devotees climb down backwards facing the sanctum sanctorum.

Makara Jyothi:

           The most important occasion at Sabarimala is the Makara Jyothi (usually on January 14th). Thiruvabharanam or the sacred jewels of the Lord Ayyappa arrives at Sabarimala in three boxes. On the arrival of the jewel boxes the whole mountain reverberates to the chanting of 'Saranam Ayyappa' by millions of devotees gathered there to watch the event.

             The Thiruvabharanam box - still the private property of the Pandalam royal family,It contains a diamond crown, golden bracelets, necklaces and a sword. The priests adorn the Lord with these and perform arathi., The Royal Family starts its journey two days before Makara Jyothi day from Pandalam. The person who carries the box dances in a peculiar trance. Thiruvabharanam travels through Valiakoikkal Sastha temple at Pandalam, Ayiroor Puthia Kavu Temple, Perunattil temple, Vlakkai, Nilaikkal Siva temple, Vellachimala, Pamba and Sabari Peedam before reaching at Sannidhanam around 6.00 PM on the Makara Jyothi day. Every year a Garuda hovers and flies above the Thiruvabharanam boxes as if to guard them.

Makara Vilakku Festival:

             After the Makara jyothi, that night Malikappurathuamma, mounted on an elephant comes in a procession to the Patinettampadi (18 Golden steps ) and returns back to her abode. This is the beginning of the Makara Vilakku festival. This festival lasts for seven days.

Even some who leave Sabarimala after witnessing the Jothi observe fasting till the Makara Villaku and Kuruthi pooja is complete at Sabarimala.

Other festivals :

1. Onam
2. MandalaPooja
3. Pankuni Uthram
4. Vishu

  

The Ayyappa pooja procedure is as Follows:

1. Ganapathy Pooja

     (Offer workship to Ganesh's Photo / Idol / Deepam)

2. Sri Ayyappan Pooja

    Ayyappan Mala Mantram-(Mantram to wear the mala)

    Ayyappan Astottaram

    Ayyappan Saranam- (108 saranams)

    Ayyappan Moola Mantram

    Ayyappan Gayathri

    Ayyappan Namaskaram

    Harivarasanam

Mantram for taking off mala: (This has to be recited after coming home from Sabarimala and before removing the Sacred Mala).

108 Sharana Ghosham:

Say 'Saranam Ayyappa' after saying each line.

1. Swamiyae

2. Harihara sutane

3. Kannimoola ganapati bhagavaanae

4. Shakti vadivelan sodaranae

5. Maalikappurattu manjammadevi lokamathavae

6. Vaavar Swamiyae

7. Karuppanna Swamiyae

8. Periya kadutta Swamiyae

9. Siriya kadutta Swamiyae

10. Vanadevata maarae

11. Durga bhagavati maarae

12. Achchan kovil arasae

13. Anaatha rakshakanae

14. Anna dhana prabhuvae

15. Achcham tavirpavanae

16. Ambalathu arasanae

17. Abhaya daayakanae

18. Ahandai azhippavanae

19. Ashtasiddhi daayakanae

20. Andinorai aadarikkum deivamae

21. Azhutayil vaasanae

22. Aaryangaavu Ayyaavae

23. Aapad baandhavanae

24. Ananda jyotiyae

25. Aatma swaroopiyae

26. Aanaimukhan thambiyae

27. lrumudi priyanae

28. lnnalai teerppavanae

29. ega para suka daayakanae

30. idaya kamala vaasanae

31. Eedillaa inbam alippavanae

32. Umaiyaval baalakanae

33. Oomaikku arul purindavanae

34. Oozhvinai akatruvonae

35. Ookkam alippavanae

36. Engum niraindoenae

37. Enillaa roopanae

38. En kula deivamae

39. En guru naathanae

40. Erumeli vaazhum kraada -shaastaavae

41. Engum nirainda naada brahmamae

42. Ellorkkum arul puribavanae

43. Aetrumaanoorappan maganae

44. Aekaantha vaasiyae

45. Aezhaikkarul puriyum eesanae

46. Aindumalai vaasanae

47. Aiyyangal teerppavanae

48. Opillaa maanikkamae

49. Omkaara parabramamae

50. Kaliyuga varadanae

51. Kan.kanda deivamae

52. Kambankudiku udaiya naathanae

53. Karunaa samudramae

54. Karpoora jyotiyae

55. Sabari giri vaasanae

56. Shatru samhaara moortiyae

57. Sharanaagata rakshakanae

58. Sharana ghosha priyanae

59. Shabarikku arul purindavanae

60. Shambhukumaaranae

61. Satya swaroopanae

62. Sankatam teerppavanae

63. Sanchalam azhippavanae

64. Shanmukha sodaranae

65. Dhanvantari moortiyae

66. Nambinorai kaakkum deivamae

67. Narttana priyanae

68. Pantala raajakumaaranae

69. Pambai baalakanae

70. Parasuraama poojithanae

71. Bhakta jana rakshakanae

72. Bhakta vatsalanae

73. Paramashivan puthiranae

74. Pambaa vaasanae

75. Parama dayaalanae

76. Manikanda porulae

77. Makara jyotiyae

78. Vaikkathu appan makanae

79. Kaanaka vaasanae

80. Kulattu puzhai baalakanae

81. Guruvaayoorappan makanae

82. Kaivalya pada daayakanae

83. Jaati mata bhedam illathavanae

84. Shivashakti Aikya svaroopanae

85. Sevippavarku aananda moorthiyae

86. Dushtar bhayam neekkubavanae

87. Devaadi devanae

88. Devargal tuyaram teerppavanae

89. Devendra poojitanae

90. Naaraayananmynthanae

91. Neiabhisheka priyanae

92. Pranava svaroopanae

93. Paapa samhaara moortiyae

94. Paayaasanna priyanae

95. Vanpuli vaagananae

96. Varapradaayaganae

97. Bhaagavatottamanae

98. Ponambala vaasanae

99. Mohini sutane

100. Mohana roopanae

101. Villan villaali veeranae

102. Veeramani kantanae

103. Sadguru nathanae

104. Sarva rokanivaarakanae

105. Sachithananda sorupiyae

106. Sarvaabheestha thayakanae

107. Saasvatapadam alippavanae

108. Patinettaam padikkutaiyanaadhane

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa

Om Adiyen terindum teriyaamalum seida

sakala Kutrangalaiyum poruttu kaattu rakshittu

arula vendum, Shree satyamaana ponnu

patinettaam padimel vaazhum om Shree

Harihara sutan kaliyugavaradan aananda

chittan ayyan Ayyappa Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.

Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Temple,Penugonda

            Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshwari temple is located  in Penugonda,West Godavari District.Penugonda is a Birth Place of Goddess Sri Vasavi Kanyaka arameswari Devi. This Temple is considered as the “Kasi of Vysyas” and is a holy place for vysyas.The Birth Place of Vasavi Matha. The holy Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari temple which finds mention in various ancient religious texts. Penugonda is 35km from Tadepalligudem, 15km from Tanuku, 15km from Palakollu, 50km from Rajahmundry.

            Inside the Temple you can also find other three shrines of Sri Nageswara Swami, Mother Kanyaka Parameswari and Goddess Mahishasuramardini.The temple is one of the marvels built in those times with tall gopuras, spacious courtyard, vast garbha griha, the grand mukhamandapas, the sturdy prakaras and the gracious idols of the Gods adorning the walls of temples. The temple was built in strict accordance with Vasthu sasthra.It faces east and a tall tower surmounting over the broad mahadwara beckons the visitors with its beautiful sculptural pieces adoring it from top to bottom and on all four sides too.In the second Prakara.there are many mandapams installed with adorable deities,like Vinayaka,Bali,Navagrahas,besides the exquisitely made colorful statues of Mother Kanyakaparameswari standing in fire –pit with parents by her side.  As you enter, you are into the first prakara that has a vast courtyard with several buildings- Office room, choultry and quarters for the staff.

           The garbha griha of Nageswaraswamy is quote spacious,and its spick and span together with the elevated vedth for the lingam in the center is masterly planned and tastefully executed.The imposing ling installed on a broad,high pedestial adorned with colorful garlands and the triple lines studded with diamonds is so captivating that the devotees raise their hands in veneration the moment it gleams into their sight.And feel transported to Kailas for a while.Its size and sheen are its plus points.The other two garbha grihas frankling this housing Mahishasuramardhini and Vasavambha are grand,and the icons beautified with dazzling jewels and colorful outfit mesmerizes the adorers.A single darsan leaves unforgettable impression on the minds of the devotees and beckons repeated visits on and on.

              As Goddess Vasavi from Vysyas cast front the temple place Vysyas inaugurated Honarable Sri. Potti Sriramulu statue, who has done hunger strike for the Andhara Pradesh state. We can find Astalaxmi temple beside Vasavi temple. Vysyas are running Arya Vysya Samasam near the temple for Vysyas who visits this place and travels from long distances.

History:

                  The land of Vysyas with its capital Penugonda, known as garden of peace plunged in sorrowDuring the middle of tenth century, the two tall temple gopurams of Sri Nagareswara and Sri Janardhana exhibited the tolerance and amnity between the two great religions Saivism and Vaishnavism. It was during this time; Kusuma Sresti was ruling the city of Penugonda. His rule was considered as a golden era. His wife was Kusumamba, they were an ideal couple and great devotees of Sri Nagareswara. Penugonda was a part of Vengidesha, which was ruled by Challukya King, Vishnu Vardhana.

                 They had spent many happy years of their married life, but had a worry because they didn't had any children. They performed putrakameshti yagam and were blessed by Goddess Sarvani with twins, a boy and a girl. Twins were born in the month of vaisaka at twilight during coincidences of Uttara and Kanya nakshatra. They named the boy as "Virupaksha" and the girl as "Vasavamba". Sri Baskaracharya was the teacher and guiding star of the community. Vysyas took his advice on religion, cultural and social matters. Under his guidance, Vasavi learnt all the fine arts and got mastery over philosophical subjects and Virupaksha learnt horse riding,martial arts,Vedas,fencing and other qualities to rule the country.

                Once, Vishnu vardhana went trip to extend his empire. On the way, he visited city of Penugonda and was welcomed by King Kusuma Sresti. The people looked at him with awe and reverence. Among the crowd, Vishnu Vardhana spotted Vasavi who was glittering with her beauty after when Manmatha (god of love) threw his sweet arrows on him, which influenced him a lot. His hawkish eyes again and again sought for the enchanting figure of Vasavi. He made up his mind to marry her and sent his ministers to talk to Kusuma Sresti..

                  Kusuma Sresti was neither in a position to accept nor to deny. He could not show any anger or disturbed mind and told the ministers that Vysya community has certain norms to follow regarding the marriage of its daughter. The minister’s response is that the king wanted to marry Vasavi and that should take place. He consulted with the Vysya elders to discuss the situation. They all decided to give most importance to the views of Vasavi. She expressed her feelings to be a virgin throughout her life and intended to meditate upon endless problems.

                 The King Vishnu Vardhana rose into anger when heard the denial of Kusuma Sresti to give his daughter. As a result, he sent his big army to attack Penugonda and to get Vasavi. There was a big fight and the brave Vysyas defeated Vishnuvardhana's army by using the techniques of Sama, Dhana, Veda and Dhanda. At this stage, Vasavi decided to enter the Homagundam to stop the atrocities. She indicated she will be the first one to enter the homogundam and others may follow her, such a noble act will glorify the peace loving Arya Vysysa sect of generation.

                   On the banks of Godavari, 103 Agnigundas were constructed and then filled it with sandalwood, ghee and herbs was spread in to that. Everyone decided to act in accordance with Vasavi. The couples of 102 Gothras were joining Vasavi to plunge into the holy fire.All the people realized that Vasavi was the incarnation of Goddess Parvathi. Vasavoi smiled and revealed her true self the Vishwa roopa dharsan of Kanyaka Parameswari, the incarnation of Dharmaraksha and Ahimsa.

                 When Vasavi entered the homagundam of raging fire, suddenly the fire became a cool breeze and Agni Deva came out with folded hands and said that he could not bear Vasavi who was hotter than him. Vasavi told Agni Deva that she do not want to perform Agni pariksha, she would grow cooler to him and he can transport her and others to Kailash through her transplanatory prowess. She performed Agni Pravesam to reach kailash and others followed her.

               After the sudden demise of Vishnuvardhana, his son Prince Rajaraja Narendra visited the land of Penugonda with a retinue of peace loving citizens. Vasavi was worshipped as Kanyakaparameswari. The first temple for Vasavi was built in Penugonda.

Famous Temple Near to Vasavi Temple:
Sri Nagareshwara Swamy temple:

           The other Famous Temple is Nagareshwara Swamy temple,it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the rarest feature of this temple is  here we can find 2 bulls(Nandi) in front of the lord (Normally there will be only one bull in front of the lord.)

Saraswathi Temple,Basara.

              Basara, is a famous temple for  Goddess Saraswathi(Goddesses of Learning), is a village situated on the banks of river Godavari. It is one among the two oldest temples dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi in India (the other is in Jammu&Kashmir). Saraswathi Devi is regarded as "Gnana Dayini", the one who bestows knowledge and wisdom. The temple at Basar is also the abode of Goddess Lakshmi and Kali, but the presiding deity is 'Gnana Saraswathi Devi. Saraswathi is the Hindu Goddess of knowledge and learning.
Children are brought here for the ceremony of Akshara puja to start their education with the blessings of the Goddess of Knowledge.The Vedavathi Sila, the Ashtateertha are other places of interest around Basar. Thousands of devotees bath in the river Godavari & seek the blessings of the Goddess during the Mahashivarathri, Dassera navratris and Vasantha panchami.

Location:

             Basara Temple is situated 200 Kms from Hyderabad,A.p. Sri Gnana Saraswathi temple at Basara on the banks of river Godhavari is the only template in South India dedicated to the Goddess of learning.On the way to Basara,You can halt at some places like a rock garden lush with greenery on the jankampet tank bund,now known as Asok Sagar.This is a new attraction along with water boating in the serene water of the tank and lake-side restaurant that are provided for tourists.

Legend:

 

             After the Mahabharata war, sage Veda Vyasa embarked on a pilgrimage in search of peace. He reached the serene Kumaranchala hills on the banks of river Godavari and meditated and propitiated the Goddess who eventually appeared before him and granted her presence in the form of the divine trinity. The Goddess ordered the sage 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.

           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. 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.

Saraswathi Vandanam:

Yaa Kundendu tushaara haara dhavalaa,
Yaa shubhravastraavritha
Yaa veenavara dandamanditakara,
Yaa shwetha padmaasanaa,
Yaa brahmaachyutha shankara prabhritibhir
Devaisadaa Vanditha (poojitaa)
Saa Maam Paatu Saraswatee Bhagavatee Nihshesha jaadyaapahaa.

               May that Goddess - Bhagavathi - the blessed Saraswathi presiding deity of learning and remover of our lethargy, laziness and ignorance, protect us. She is pure and white like the jasmine, the full moon and the garland like formation of dewdrops. She is dressed in a spotless robe. She has in her hand, the auspicious instrument veena. She is seated on a white lotus. She is the one who is always respected by Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, Shankara the annihilator and other Gods.

Saraswathi - Before Study:

Saraswathi Namasthubyam,
Varadey Kaamarupinee!
Vidhyarambham Karishyami,
Sidhir bhavathu mey sada !

              Oh ! Goddess, Saraswathi, my humble prostrations unto Thee, who are the fulfiler of all my wishes. I start my studies with the request that thou will bestow Thy blessings on me

 Saraswathi Shloka
Gnanananda Mayam Devam
Nirmala Spatika Kruthim
Aadharam Sarva Vidyanam
Hayagrivam Upasmahe

 

                  promise myself before Hayagriva, the Deva who is the personification of Jnana(knowledge) and Happiness(Ananda), who is very pure, and who is the basis of all learning. The other important sloka is one to Goddess Saraswati, the God of learning.

Manikhya veenam upa laalayanthim,
Madalasam manjula vag vilasam,
 Mahendra neela dyuthi  komalangim,
Mathanga kanyaam manasa smarami.

                    I meditate on the daughter of sage Matanga, Who plays on the jewel studded Veena, Who is most pretty and who speaks sweetest words, Who is worshiped by Indra , the king of devas, And who has perfectly pretty form.

Saraswathi Mahabhage
Vidye Kamala lochane
Vidhya roope vishaalakshi
Vidyam dehi namosthuthe

Utsavams:

Four utsavams are performed at Basara temple during the Year.

1.      Vasantha Panchami.

2.      Maha ShivaRathri.

3.      Vyasa Pournima.

4.      Dassera Navarathri.

 1.Vasantha Panchami:

              This is an important bathing day. All Hindus observe it. It is also known as Magh Sukla Panchami as it falls in the month of Magh (January-February). This is the festival that marks the first day of spring. Vasanta means the spring season, which is very congenial for doing vigorous Yoga Sadhana. Men, women and girls wear yellow cloth. The yellow colour is a sign of auspiciousness and spirituality. It represents the ripening of the spring crops. Even the food is coloured yellow by using saffron. All the folk get together and sing songs connected with spring. All get up in the early morning, take bath and worship the sun, Mother Gang, the Deity of the sacred river Ganges, and the earth.

            On this memorable day, Lord Shiva burnt the god of love, Cupid. The gods had sent Cupid to tempt the Lord while he was absorbed in Samadhi, in order to beget a powerful son who would be able to destroy the wicked demon Tarakasura. Cupid discharged an arrow at Lord Shiva from behind a tree. Shiva became very greatly enraged. He opened His third eye and reduced Cupid to ashes More details of this story are given in the chapter on Skanda Sashti. The Bengalis call this festival Saraswathi Puja. They worship the Goddess Saraswathi on this day. The image of the Goddess is taken in procession and immersed in the holy Ganges.

2.Maha Shivarathri:

              

               MahaShivarathri is One of the hindu festival which is celebrated every year in reverence of Lord Shiva.It is also Known as Padmarajarathri.It is celebrated in Maagha or Palguna month of the Hindu Calender.The Festival is Principally celebrated by offerings of Bael or Bilva/Vilvam leaves to Lord Shiva.Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Lord Shiva, occurs on the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna. It falls on a moonless February night, when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction. Shivratri is the night when he is said to have performed the Tandava Nritya or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.

3.Vyasya Pournima:

            The festival is common to all spiritual traditions in Hinduism, Guru Purnima is a festival traditionally celebrated by Hindus and Buddhists.On this day, disciples offer puja or pay respect to their Guru. It falls on the day of full moon, Purnima, in the month of Ashadh (June–July) of the Shaka Samvat, This festival is celebrated by Buddhists in the honor the lord Buddha who gave His first lecture on this day at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India. While Hindus celebrate it in the honour of the great sage Vyasa, who is seen as one of the greatest gurus in ancient Hindu traditions, and a symbol of the Guru-shishya tradition. Vyasa was not only believed to have been born on this day, but also to have started writing the Brahma Sutras on ashadha sudha padyami which ends on this day.

4.Dassera Navarathri:

         Navarathri  is a festival dedicated to the worship of a Hindu diety Shakti.The word Navarathri means nine nights in Sanskrit,Nava means nine and rathri meaning nights.During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped.The 10^th day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or Dassera.

         Navarathri is celebrated five times a year. They are Vasanta Navaratri, Ashadha Navaratri, the Sharada Navaratri, and the Paush/Magha Navaratri. Of these, the Sharada Navaratri of the month of Puratashi and the Vasanta Navaratri of the Vasanta kala are very important.

Places to visit:

Here is the list of places to visit near Basar apart from Sri Gnana Sarawathi Devi Temple.

1. Sri Mahankali Temple
2. Sri Dattatreya Temple
3. Sri Vyasa Maharshi Guha
4. Sri Vedavathi Shila ( Sri Vedavathi stone)
5. Godavari river
6. Lord Shiva temple at river Godavari  bank

Basara Temple Timings: 

4:00 AM                                   TempleOpens
4:00 AM to 4:30 AM               TemplePooja, Issuance of Abhishekham  Tickets
4:30 AM  to 7:30 AM              Abhishekam, Alankarana, Harathi, Prasadam
      
7:30 AM  to 12:00 Noon          Archana and  Sarva Darshan and other poojas 
12:00 to 12:13 PM                   Nivedana and Harathi
12:30 PM  to 2:00 PM             Remains Closed  
2:00 PM  to 6:30 PM               Archana and Sarva Darshan and other poojas
6:30 PM  to 7:00 PM               Devasthanam Pradosha Pooja
7:00 PM  to 8:30 PM               Maha Harathi andDarshanam
8: 30 PM                                   Temple will be closed

Sree veera venkata satyanarayana swamy,Annavaram.

 
          Annavaram is the holy place of Lord Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy, the presiding deity located in East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh in India. The temple is about 3 hours(125 km)drive from Visakhapatnam and is well connected with Road and Rail network,and 40km from Kakinada,and 80 km from Rajamundry.

History:

          As per the puranas,the presiding diety of the place blesses the devotees with AninaVaram,which is the place is called Annavaram.The Small hill by the side of the village is considered to be sacrosanct.Meruvu the Lord of the hills and his consort Menaka did great penance and begot two sons by the grace of Lord Vishnu.One was named Bhadra and the other Ratnakara. Bhadra pleased Lord Vishnu and with his grace became Bhadrachalam on which Lord Sri Rama had permanently settled. Ratnakara desired to emulate his brother and succeeded in pleasing Lord Vishnu by his penance to settle on him as Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy, Ratnakara remaining as Ratnagiri hill.

          The temple of Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy is the main temple on the Ratnagiri hill. There is also a temple of Sri Rama and the shrines of Vanadurga and Kanaka Durga nearby. The temple of gramadevatha (village deity) is in the village at the foot of the hill. It is said that Raja I.V.Ramanarayanam,the then zamindar of Gorsa and Kirlampudi estates, having been ordained by the Lord in his dream, traced the idol on the hill, worshiped it and installed it at the present spot on sravana suddha vidhiya of the telugu year Khara, 1891. The hillock it self is about 300ft above sea level, green fields all-round the hills and the pampa river encircling Ratnagiri. About 460 well laid stone steps leads to the top of it.

           The Akriti of any temple is, according to the Agni Purana, merely a manifestation of the Prakriti. According to this the chariot of the temple is intended as a symbol of the Seven Lokas and the seven Lokhas above, with the garbhalaya of the Lord at the heart’s center ruling over the entire Universe. The main temple 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. As we go down the way, we come across Ramalaya and then the shrines of Vana Durga and Kanaka Durga.

            The temple at Annavaram has been constructed to depict this idea concretely. The front side of the temple depicts the chariot. The Meru on the floor with the pillar at the center, and the idols at the top are intended to bring forth the idea that the Lord not only remains at the heart’s center but also permeates the entire universe. The wheels depicting the Sun and the Moon serve to remind us that this Juggernaut moves on the wheels of time, and goes on for ever and ever, Thus the Annavaram temple satisfies both the ritualistic values and the spiritual aspirations of the devotees. he most distinctive feature of Annavaram is the shrine to Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy situated upon the Ratnagiri Hills. The land of the Annavaram is considered to belong to both Lord Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swami Temple and Goddess Anantalaxmi Satyavathi Ammavaru.

            The popularity and importance of the temple is increasing among pilgrims and this place is considered as second only to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Festivals are celebrated year-round at this temple with great pomp and show. Some of the popular festivals celebrated are the Kalyanam festival in May, the Devi Navaratri festival in September, the Swayamvara Vardhanti of Sraavana Suddha Ekadashi Day, Srirama Kalyana, Kanakadurga Yatra, Prabha Utsavam, Teppa Utsavam and Jalatoranam.

Darshan:

            Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swami Temple is maintaing two different methods for the convenance of the piligrams to witness the diety.
1.Sarva Darshan
2.Seegradarshan

Sarvadarshanam:

         It means “Darshan for all”. Sarva darshanam is free and allowed between 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:00PM to 9:00 PM.

Seegradarshanam:
       
         It means “Darshan with less waiting time”. Piligrams who want to avail Seegradarshana,have to purchase a ticket costing Rs.25/-per head.One packet(100Gms) of bhogam Prasadam will be provided for  Seegradarshanam ticket.Timings for the Seegradarshan is same as Sarvadarshanam but allowed through a different queue.

Places to Visit in the Temple Complex:

·         The temple of sree veera venkata satyanarayana swamy in the main temple on the Ratnagiri hill.

·         The temple of sri rama,as keshatra palakulu.

·         The shrines of vana durga and kanaka durga near by Godess vanadurga held in great veneration and devi is said to be seen even to this day in the nights going about the holy precints perpectually guarding the lord.

·         The temple of gramadevatha(Village deity-Nerellamma) is in the village at the foot of the hill.

Adopted Temples:

·        Sri Bhuvaneswari temple ,kovvuru,West Godavari District.

·        Sri VenuGopala Swamy Temple, Gedhanapalli.

·        Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple,Sankhavaram.

·        Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple,Yeleswaram.

Location:

             Theere are many parking places for private vehicles on the hill surrounding the temple.well equipped lodge facilities are available.Free darshanam is with normal queue and special darshanam with additional fees of either INR 25/- or  INR 116/- are also available.Prasadam counter is available on the national highway for those who are not able to visit the temple. This temple is located at a hill top.

           Vehicles are allowed to climb up the hill. At the top of the hill there are guest houses available. Many marriages take place here so during this seasons you may have to book in advance if you a plan to stay here. There is a facility of quick Darshan in busy seasons. The main building has two floors. The ground floor is for Pada darshan or to view the feet of the god. The first floor is the upper part of the Lord Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy.

           From this hill top you can get a panoramic view of the surrounding green fields and villages. There is a river water barrage with boating facility and it can be visited while going up or while returning from the temple, near the main entrance of the hill. This place is called Pampa Sarovara. Boat rides are a memorable experience for visitors.

           Inside the main temple complex, photography is not allowed. However, around the temple there are many panoramic views available for viewing and enjoying nature's beauty.
From Anavaram:

·        Vizag-------------125KM

·        Kakinada---------40KM

·        Rajahmundry----80KM

           Other places near Annavaram important to tourism include Samalkot, Thalupulamma Thalli and Draksharama. Travelers interested in visiting Simhachalam in Visakhapatnamcan can reach it as APTDC has arranged bus service directly from Annavaram to Simhachalam (the hill near the temple).

Sevas:

1.Sri Swamy Suprabatha Seva
2.Sri Swamivari Vratham
3.Sri Swamivari Special
4.Sri Swamivari Vratham at Dwajasthambham
5.Sri Swamivari Visishta Vratham
6.Sri Swamivari Nitya Kalyanam.
7.Sri Swamivari Vratham After 'Pooja' prasadam send by Post
8.Sri Sitaramula (Kshethra Palakulu) Pattabhishekam on the lunar star day of Punarvasu in Sri Swamivari Temple
9.Sri Swamivari Pavalimpu seva
10.Sri Swamivari Laksha Patri Pooja
11.Sri Ammavari Laksha Kunkumarchana
12.Sri Swamivari Abhishekam on the lunar star day of Makha.

The Procedure Of The Vratham :

            Before the sankalpam (inauguration) the floor is cleaned with cow-dund, a square piece of new cloth is spread over it, after decorating it with muggulu with four of five colours. Rice is spread as a layer upon the cloth and a kalasam of silver, copper, brass or clay is kept and covered with mango leaves or betel leaves and a piece of new cloth. A small image of Lord Satyanarayana swamy made prerferably with gold or silver is kept on the cloth after abhishekam in panchamruham. Afterwards, Vighneswara, Lakshmi, Parvati, Siva, Navagrahas and Ashta Dikpalakas are worshipped in order. After wards Lord Satyanarayanaswamy is invoket and worshipped. The Satyanarayana prasadam prepared with plantains, cow's milk, cow's ghee, ravva of wheat or sojji and sugar or jaggery is offered to the Lord as naivedyam and distributed to the friends and relatives invited for this sacred vratham .The priest who conducts the puja is given dakshina. Satyanarayana Vratha Katha (legend about the efficacy of the vratham) is recited and listened to with rapt attention by all including those gathered to witness the vratham. It is said.

“Kathmva sruyadyasthu pasyedwam
Vrathamuththamam
Thasya nasyanthi papani Satyadeva   
Prasadithaha.” 

When one cannot perform the vratham, even witnessing the vratham, or listening to the story would remove the troubles and wash off the sins. The Satyanarayana Vrathams at the temple are generally commenced at 6-00a.m., and go on upto 6-00p.m., almost every day. On festival day vrathams have to be conducted even in the night s in spite of elaborate arrangements in spacious halls for as many as 1,500 vrathams at a time. The devotees, who want to perform vratham, pay the requisite fees for the Satyanarayana Vratham, purchase the tickets and get ready for the Satyanarayana Vratham. They are allowed one by one to the rows of seats in the vratha halls where everything is kept ready. A purohit, (or pujari) comes to each seat and attends to the reciting of the sankalpam (purpose of the vratham along with the name, gotram,etc., of the performer). After wards, the purohit stands at the head of the rows and dictates to the performers the detailed process with mantras, etc., as they go on doing the worship to his instruction. Thus the vratham or puja is conducted by batches of devotees at a time. This is a somewhat interesting feature here.

Sri Swamy Vari Kalyanam :

     Formerly, the kalyanam of the Lord was being performed on Megha Suddha Ekadasi (January -February). But now -a-days it is celebrated for six days beginning from Vaisakha Suddha Ekadasi (April-May). This change seems to have been made to suit the convenience of visiting pilgrims. The programme of rituals that are observed during the festival are as follows:

Vaisakha Suddha Dasami:Making up Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayanaa swamy as bridegroom; Vighneswara puja, giving vayanams to muthaiduvas; in the night Rama and Sita go out into the village on silver Anjaneya Vahanam to invite devotees of the village and pilgrims from outside to witness Satyanarayana swamy's marriage celebrations.

Ekadasi: Flage hoisting; bringing mangalasuthram, procession of Lord Satyanarayana swamy on silver Garuda Vahanam and of Sri Rama and Sita on silver Gajavahanam; Kalyanamahothsavam.

Dwadasi:Prathamahomam in the morning; asthanaseva in the afternoon, procession on Ravana Vahanam in the night.

Triodasi:Sri Veerak Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy's Kalyanasadasyam, Sri Rama sabhapathi, Panditasabha; mahadasirvadam; sabhasathkaram, procession on ponnavahanam in the night.

Chathudasi:Lord's Viharam in the garden on the north of Ratnagiri and return to Ratnagiri, mahanivedana; special Veena performance in the presence of the Lord; car festival at night.

Purnima:Chakra teertham and nakabali etc.,

Bahula Padyami:Pushpayagamahothsavam; conference of poets and scholars and music purty.

The following slokam is used at the temple as yanam :
                    
                     “Namovangmanasatheetharupayamisthasakthaye
                       Adimadhyanthahinaya nigunaya gunathmane
                       Sarvesha madibhuthaya bhaktha namarthinasane”
  
            The offerings by devotees are made in the form of cash, silver and gold jewellery and copper coins in the hundi that is kept in the upper sanctum. Cloth, rice, Jaggery, sugar,ghee,etc., and also cows and claves are handed over to the temple authorities. The pilgrims with vows, and most of them are so, remove their hair here as a sort of offering as is the practice in Tirupathi. A bath in the rivulet Pampa is believed to be efficacious and is not missed by the devotees. During the summer months, when there would not be enough water in it, the wells on the banks of Pampa are resorted to while climbing the steps to the hillock some of the devotees cocoanuts also.

The Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam.

              The Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple at Bhadrachalam The most famous temple in the country dedicated to Lord Rama, is situated on the left bank of the Godavari river. It is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, considered to be one of the greatest holy shrines in South India with a very rich and unique historical background. Bhadrachalam is closely connected with the life of the 17th century saint composer Kancharla Gopanna, popularly known as Bhakta Ramadas, a fervent devotee of Lord Sree Rama.,Bhaktha Ramadas is said to have used money from the government treasury to build this temple, and was imprisoned in a dungeon at Golconda. Lord Rama is said to have miraculously given the Sultan the money spent by Gopanna, after which he was released. Gopanna then became Bhadrachala Ramada’s and went on to compose innumerable number of songs in Telugu in praise of Rama.
             The temple at Bhadrachalam has the Archa Murthys of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana and are considered to be Svayambhu Murthys (self-manifested ones).Srirama appeared in a dream to a woman called Pokala Dammakka and informed here about the existence of vigrahas on Bhadragiri hills. To her surprise she found the "Vigrahas" and put up a modest structure.Dhammakka, cleared jungle and offered puja to the deities.
            Bhadrachalam and Vijayanagara are sites said to have been closely associated with the Ramayana. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are said to have stayed at Parnasala, 35 km away from Bhadrachalam. Rama is said to have crossed the river Godavari on his way to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita, at the spot where the Bhadrachalam temple stands, on the northern bank of the river. Legend has it that the son of Meru and Menaka, Bhadra, performed penances towards Rama here. Kabirdas, a Muslim by birth is also closely associated with this temple. It is believed that the images of the deities miraculously disappeared when Kabir was refused entry into the temple and that they reappeared miraculously upon his being permitted to enter.
            Bhadrachalam attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees from all over the world. This hill place that is encircled by Holy River Godavari flowing towards southern direction is the famous shrine Bhadrachalam. The name is derived from Bhadragiri (Mountain of Bhadra: a boon child of Meru and Menaka). The history of this shrine stands for the significance of Ramayana Era, the coherent hill place existed in “Dandakaranya” of Ramayana period where Rama with his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana had spent their vanavasa. The vicinity of the temple had its incongruous mixture in another story which depicts the exigency of "Sri Mahavishnu" to manifest himself as Rama and shuffled again to the mortal coil — long after Ramavatara was to fulfill his promise to his Bhakta Bhadra (a mountain king), a sage who had been continuing the intense penance to get grace of Lord Rama.

            The puranic and historic facts relate that Lord Rama long after he had shed his mortal coils manifested himself to save his devotee Bhadra Maharshi whom he promised 'moksha' after intensive prayer. That is why the village is named after Bhadra as Bhadradri or Bhadrachalam. Srirama appeared in a dream to a woman called Pokala Dammakka and informed here about the existence of vigrahas on Bhadragiri hills. To her surprise she found the "Vigrahas" and put up a modest structure. This was the origin of the present temple.
             Pokala Dhammakka found the idols of Vykunta Rama, Laxmana and Sita. She was an ardent devotee of Rama lived in 17th century was inhabitant of Bhadrireddypalem, a mile away from this holy place. One night, she had darshan of Rama in her dream and was told by lord Rama “the saints and sages are worshiping my embodied deity settled on Bhadragiri” and asked her to trace them, perform pooja and attain salvation. On the very next day morning she started searching for the idols - peeped into an anthill and found the idols hidden in it. She poured hundreds of pots of Godavari water on the anthill, which tardily dissolved and gave way to appear the hidden Deities. Since then, she used to perform pooja daily and offer 'nivedyam' with fruits fallen from near palmyra tree and constructed a mandapam with the help of local villagers

History:

           A sacred place that attracts lakhs of devotes from all over the world,it is the abode of Lord Rama (The seventh incarnation of SriMahavishnu). This hill place which is encircled by holy river Godavari flowing towards southern direction is the famous shrine Bhadrachalam-The name derived from Bhadragiri (Mountain of Bhadra-a boon child of Meru and Menaka). According to a Ithihasas, the significance of this shrine dates back to the Ramayana Era. This coherent hill place existed in "Dandakaranya" Of Ramayana period where Rama with his consort Sita and brother Laxmana had spent their vanavasa- and Parnashaala(the place connected to the famous Golden Deer and the place from where Sita was abducted by Ravana.) is also in the vicinity of this temple site. It is at this Mandir site that, long after Ramavatara, Bhagawan Mahavishnu manifested Himself as Rama again to fulfil a promise He made to His Bhakta Bhadra, who continued his Tapas through Yugas, praying for the grace of the Bhagawan Sri Ramachandra murthy.

Maharshi Bhadra:
       
             Bhadra performed penance at the bank of river Godavari in this " Dandakaranya " to get grace of lord Rama and in countenance of his beloved God - The exulted "Rishi" implored Rama to be seated on his head ,but Rama who was in search of his consort Sita gave promise to his Bhakta that his desire would be fulfilled on his way back , after finding Sita and accomplishing the process of punishing the wicked Ravana and establish 'Dharma' . Thus the sage had been in continuation of the frightened penance as Rama could not accomplish the promise in Ramavatara . Then Sri Mahavishnu manifested himself as Vykuntha Rama and rushed to his devotee Bhadra , signaling hisarrival by blowing 'Shanku',accompanied by his consort Sita and brother Laxmana , resembling that of 'Gajendra Moksham ' - Thus , the moorthies of Rama ( having four hands ) - Shanku on the right , Chakra at his left and Dhanurbhana ( Bow and Arrow in the rest two hands ) , Sita had condescended on the left lap of Rama and brother ( at Rama's left ) are existed . And the hill place where the Deities were seated on , was the head place of Bhadra - achalam ( hill ) ,thus this shrine was transformed into Bhadrachalam . The idols of Vykuntha Rama, Laxmana and Sita were found by Pokala Dhammakka. Pokala Dhammakka, an ardent devotee of Rama lived in the 17th century and was an inhabitant of Bhadrireddypalem, a mile away from this holy place. On one fine night, she had darshan of Rama in her dream who said "the saints and sages are worshiping my embodied moorthy settled on Bhadragiri" and asked her to trace them, perform pooja and attain salvation. On the very next day morning she started searching for the idols-peeped into an ant-hill and found the idols hidden in it. She poured hundreds of pots of Godavari water on the ant-hill which tardily dissolved and gave way for the appearance of the hidden Deities. Since then, she used to perform pooja daily and offer 'naivedyam' with fruits fallen from near palmyra tree and constructed a mandapam of thatch hut with the help of local villagers. Bhagawan Rama told Dhammakka that at a later date, one of his devotees would construct a Mandir at this site. Dhammakka waited patiently for the devotee. The devotee turned out to be Bhakta Ramadas.

Bhaktha Ramadas:

           Kancharla Gopanna, popularly known as "Bhakta Ramdas", a fervent devotee of Rama, was born to Linganna Murthy and Kamamba in Nelakondapalli village of Khammamett Taluk in 17th century (1620 AD). He was nephew of Akkannna, the administrative head in the court of Nawab Abul Hussan shah known as 'Taneshah' of Golkonda (he was the last ruler of Golconda before Aurangazeb captured it in 1687A.D.) and was appointed by him as Tahsildar of 'Palvoncha Paragana'. Thus he was discharging his official duties earnestly and collecting revenues due to the Nawabs in continuation of daily preaches -Chanting of 'Ramanama' and the feeding the poor at his house. “Bhaktha Ramadas”, who heard the news that the villagers of palvoncha paragana were proceeding to witness a Jatara at Bhadrachalam , became curios and he too visited Bhadrachalam. He found the deities in an amazing appearance.

Construction of Temple:

            Ramadas asked the villagers to contribute liberally for the construction of the temple. After the contributions were found to be insufficient, the villagers appealed him to spend the revenue collections for the construction of the temple with a promise to repay the amount after harvesting the crops. Accordingly, Ramadas constructed the temple with an amount of Rs 6 Lakhs collected from the land revenues with out the permission of the Nizam Nawab   When the temple reached to the nearing completion, he had a problem of fixing 'Sudarshana Chakra' at the crest of the main temple. He was deeply distressed and fell into sleep. On the same night, Rama in his dream asked him to have a holy dip in river Godavari where he will find that-accordingly. On the next day morning Gopanna did so and found holy Sudarshana Chakra in the river with out much difficulty. He presumed that Sudarshana Chakra itself was shaped up with the divine power of his beloved God Rama. Soon after the construction, his miseries started. He was dismissed from service for mis-utilisation of revenue for constructing the temple and was kept in jail for 12 long years in Golkonda Fort and was tortured. Unable to withstand the miseries, Ramadas implored Rama to relieve him by singing many praising and emotional songs which got popularized from the stanzas of 'Dasaradhi Sathakam' and 'Keertanas' of Bhakta Ramadasa

            The Nizam Nawab Tanishah, the then ruler of Nizam's territory became a devotee of Rama who realised the devotion spirit of Ramadas after his imprisonment and took over the charge of temple administration. This resembles the communal harmony amongst the Hindus and Muslims. The Nizam Nawab realised Ramadas'devotional spirit and dedication towards Rama, when Rama and Laxmana repaid 6 lakh Mohurs exposing themselves as Ramoji and Laxmoji, the servants of Bhakta Ramadas to get release of their devotee from the imprisonment. Thanisha gave voucher to these divine looking persons who approached him at his house during late night. Then they kept the voucher under the pillow of Gopanna where he was jailed. Tanishah who woke up on the very next day morning realised that those divine looking persons were none other than Rama and Laxmana and made arrangements to get release of Gopanna and prayed to forgive him by placing all the Gold Mohurs received last night at the feet of Gopanna. But, he refused to take back those mohurs except two as a mark of divine significance. (Those two can still be seen kept in Bhadrachala Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy vaari Devasthanam). Influenced by the majesty of Lord Rama, Golkonda Ruler Tanishah earmarked the income derived from the said Palwoncha paragana which came to Rs 20,000 and odd for the maintenance of the temple which was continued during Nizam's reign and offering Pearls (Mutyala Talambralu) on the occasion of kalyana mahotsavam (Sri Rama Navami) to Deities on an elephant through a specially sent messenger. That procedure of sending pearls to the Deities is still followed by present state Government and continues to offer during Sri Rama Navami Festival (Kalyana mahotsavam). Tumu Narsimha Dasa,Tahasildar of Palwoncha paragana,along with his associate Varada Ramadasa came here from Guntur and took over the charge of Bhadrachalarama temple after Ramadas made inscripted the performance of Nitya Poojas and sevas right from early morning "Suprabhata Seva" till night "Pavalimpu Seva" before closure of the temple as "Silaasaasanaalu" on these two pillars.

More Places to visit in Bhadrachalam:

Parnashala:

      

            Parnashala is also called as shokarama. Parnashala,This is supposed to be the exact spot where Rama, during his vanavasa in Dandakaranya, constructed a hermitage and spent his exile with his concert Sita and brother Laxmana. Agastya had selected this spot for Rama and is about 35KMs from Bhadrachalam.One can see the foot prints of Sita devi, Mosaic of Maarecha in the guise of golden deer and Ravana in the guise of Sanyasi for Bhikshatana. Also found in the vicinity are Sita Vaagu-where she had bathed and collected the turmeric and Kunkum from near by stones and the marks of her saree on the rock near Sita Vaagu. These are all the visiting places for the piligrims. As Ravana kidnapped Sita, The tracks of the chariot of Ravana while kidnapping sita can be seen on the mountain on the other side of the river bank at Parnashala temple.

Jattayu Paaka (Yetapaka):

            This Place is situated from 2Kms away from Bhadrachalam. According to Itihasas, the bird Jatayuvu, a devotee of Rama had obstructed Ravana while he was proceeding on the chariot after kidnapping Sita. After the fearful battle between Ravana and Jataayuvu, the heavily injured bird had waited at this place in search of Rama. A wing of this bird fell at Rekkapalli.

Rekkapalli:

           This place is situated from 55 Kms from Bhadrachalam, in V.R. Puram Mandal. Dummugudem    Here Rama is called the Atmarama. The story reveals that Rama killed 14000 demons headed by Kharadeoshana. As the village was said to be built upon the ashes of these demons, the place is named after as Dummugudem. Gundala It is a place 5 Kms away from the sacred town Bhadrachalam, where springs of hot water could be traced on the river bank when we dig a pit at any place in this area. It is believed that the divine trios (Brahma Vishnu Maheswara) had their dips in winter season according to Brahma Purana. Sree Rama Giri This place is situated on the bank in the down stream of river Godavari, about 55 Kms from here. The deity of Yoga Rama Temple is on a hill and is named as Ramagiri.  

Two festivals are most important here at Bhadrachalam:

           Annual Kalyanotsavam on the eve of  Sri Rama navami, during Sri Rama Navami(march-April) there is a huge influx of piligrims not only from Andhra districts,but also from other distant places to attend the wedding of Lord Rama with Sita.Vaikunta Ekadasi (Mukkoti).Sree seetaramachandra swamy will give darshan through the vaikuntha dwaram on the eve of Mukkoti(December-January).