Temples of India

Sri padda vallabha Devasthan , Kuravapur

2015-12-06T11:42:00.001-08:00

Jai Guru Datta,

Every Humun Being in this world want to attain knowledge, for that we need a Guru, Guru should be a living person who has not left his body. One of such Guru and God is our Sri Padda Vallabha Deva.

He is still alive in this earth, and helps his bhaktas from dangers, gives darshan to us whenever requires. If we pray such a guru, there is no requirement to pray to God and sit for puja, we can just say one mantra

Digambara Digambara sri pada valabha Digambara.

Just see Guru's paduka your life will be blessed:

Something about the Place: Kuruvapur is a famous place of lord Dattatreya. It is situated in the state of Karnataka In India.The first incarnation of Lord Dattatreya in kaliyuga is Sripada Vallabha. The birth place of Sripada vallabha is Pithapuram which is situated in Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. He was taken his birth in the family of Appalaraju Sarma and Sumathi. He has performed penance at about 35 years for Gnana, Viragya siddhi atKuravapur and closed his avathara On Ashweeja bahula dwadasi (Hastha star) in Krishna river of Kuravapur . The day is known as "GURU DWADASI". But till today he is in sukshma rupa there and giving indirect darshan to the devotees who are having full faith on him. This place Is termed as Gurudweepa in Scanda purana. Scanda purana explained that 28000 yogis and siddhis of Himalayas were visited this place and had darshan of lord Dattatreya. This place was named as Kuruvalaya in the days of Nizam government Period. The place is completely surrounded by Krishna river and is called as Dweepa. Tembe swamy majaraj (Sri Vasudevananda saraswathy) performed "Chaturmasya vratha" here in the year of 1911.The disciples of Tembe swamy Sri Rangaavadhootha, Gunavani maharaj were also performed penance here.

Great places to visit at Kuruvapur : Sripada vallabha paduka mandir:

1000 years vata vriksha:

The cave whereTembe swamy maharaj performed penance:

oudumbar vriksha:

Sreepada mudras on otherside of the river:

Datta mandir at Sri Vithal Baba ashram:

Important festivals performing at Kuruvapur : Sreepada vallbha jayanthi (Bhadrapada suddah chavithi), Gurudwadasi (the day of anthardhan- ashweeja bahula dwadasi), Datta jayanthi (margashira shudha thrayodashi to margasira bahula paadyami- triratrostavam) and Sri nrushimha saraswathy swamy aaradhana ( the day of anthardhaan of second incarnation of lord dattatreya).

How To Reach Kuruvapur : This is about 30 kms distance from the district head quarter Raichur of Karnataka. There is bus facility from Raichur to Aathkur which is 1.5 hours journey. From Aathkur to Kuruvapur, every Person has to travel in Krishna riverfor 20 minutes in small boats or "butti". (charge around 15 to 20 rupees).TheconnectionConveyance facility is available for each bus reaching Aathkur.

Second route :: This is about 2.50 hours journey from the district headquarter Mahaboobnagar of Andhra pradesh. Mahaboobnagar is about 2.50 hours journey from state capital Hyderabad . The persons can catch direct buses from Hyderabad to Raichur and have to get down at Makthal. From Makthal to Kurugadda (kuravapur) autos and jeeps Are available. The devotees have to engage an auto or jeep to reach Krishna river. From there also buttis and small boatsAre available to reach temple.

Stay at Kuruvapur : No lodging and boarding facilities are available at Kuruvapur. It is better to reach in the morning hours and should return in the evening by 5.00 p.m. Food packets, snacks, tiffins etc., have to carry before reaching Kuruvapur. If at all want to stay at nights, the Pujaris of temple will arrange food (with prior intimation after reaching there) For amount and have to sleep in the premises of the mandir.

Wonderful Pujas Daily: Daily abhisheka will be performed to Swamy paadukas and paaduka darshan will be available upto 9.00 a.m.only. After completion of abhisheka the paadukas will be covered with flowers and clothes. Pallaki utsav willbe performed on every thursady at night hours in the temple premises only.

Shree Kshetra Ganagapur

2015-06-24T00:37:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to tell you about god of all beings who is always ready and available to help you.

SRI KSHETRA GANGAPUR

Sri Kshetra Gangapur, One of the most famous Dattatreya Peethas, is associated with Sri Narasimha Sarasvati Swami, an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. It stands on the bank of the river Bhima in Afzalpur taluka in Gulbarga district of Karnataka. This Nirguna Math is adorned with the Nirguna Padukas. The water of the rivers Bhima and Amaraja, especially at the spot of their confluence, are considered extremely holy.
More about Gangapur and Sri Narasimha Saraswati can be read in Guru Charitra.

Below is extract from Guru Charitra Chapter 15
"Bhima-Amarja Sangam at Gangapur, is very sacred. There are Koti Theerthas there. The Aswatha Tree at Gangapur is as powerful as tha KalpaVriksha. Near the Aswatha Tree is Narasimha Teertha, and northwards to it are the PapaVinasini Teertha, Varanasi Teertha, Rudrapada Teertha, Chakra Teertha, Koti Teertha, manmadha Teertha etc. There is the Kalleshwara temple there. It is holy as Gokarna."
"Sri Narasimha Saraswati lived in Gangapur continously for a period of 24 years" from Guru Charitra Chapter22.
Places to visit

Nirgun Math :

The Main Temple in Ganagapur where Shri Guru used to Stay is known as Nirgun Math. This Nirguna Math is adorned with the Nirguna Padukas.There is a Holy Tree of Ashwattha in the Temple (Nirgun Math). Shri Kshetra Ganagapur is a Holy Place of Lord Dattatreya and the place is very important “Darshaneeya kshetra”.

The Kshetra Importance was explained by Shreeguru and it can be seen in “Shree Guru Charitra”. There is an Assurance from Shreeguru that he would forever abide at Ganagapur and go round the village for ‘Biksha’ at 12:00 noon is literally true even today. Offering “Madhukari” to the people at Ganagapur and taking Biksha from atleast 5 houses is having very importance at this Holy Place. Even today also, the process is continuing and the devotees are having faith that Lord Dattatreya is taking biksha everyday at Kshetra Ganagapur. Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati Swamy confirmed the same and it can be seen in Gurucharitra Adhyay (chapter) 21-22.

Shri Guru's Words to All His Devotees :

Vasathi Rani Sangamasi Jati Nitya Bikshesi Taya Gangapurasi Madhyana Kali Pareyesa.

Chintamani Ganapati

The idol of Chintamani Ganapati can be seen in the inner side of Swamy Mutt. Shree guru gave instructions to disciples to have darshan of this Ganapathi in Ganagapur.

Sangam Mandir

Sangam Kshetra is a Meeting Point of Bheema and Amaraja Rivers. Sangam is like Prayaga. Lord Sangameshwara at the Sangameshwara Temple here is like Mallikarjuna at Shrishailyam (as said by Shri Guru himself while explaining the Importance of Ashta Teertha). The Importance of Sangam was explained by Shreeguru and it can be seen in Shree Gurucharitra. Who ever takes a bath in Sangam, he/she will free from his sins and his wishes will be fulfilled.

There is a Temple in Sangam in which the Shree Narasimha Saraswati Swamy performed the anusthana (The Main Temple of Trimurti). The `Shila Padukas' of Swamy are here.

Audumbar Tree at Sangam

The Audumbar Tree is situated at Sangam of river Bheema & Amaraja and is Extremely Holy. In shelter of Audumbar Tree many devotees Perform the Parayan of Shree Gurucharitra. (Reading of Shree Guru Charitra).

History of Audumbar Tree:

Once a Brahmin `Narahari' by name came to Shri Guru at Ganagapur and bowing to him said, `My life is futile. I studied Yajurveda, but as I am suffering from leprosy. All people despise me and do not invite for Karma. I have visited several holy places but the disease is there, kindly bless me.' Shri Guru gave him a dry log of Audumbar and said, `Go to the Sangam and plant it on the bank of Bhima in the east. After bath,worship Ashwattha at the Sangam. Again bathe and give water to this log thrice a day. When it sprouts green foliage, your sins will be wiped off and you will be free from leprosy. As instructed by Shri Guru, Narahari planted the log on the bank of Bhima and began to water it thrice. Shri Guru went to the Sangam to see the leper Brahmin. He was pleased to see his devotion. The Brahmin was giving water to the log. Shri Guru sprinkled the holy water of his bowl on the log and instantly green foliage sprouted on the log. The leprosy of the Brahmin disappeared and his body became healthy and bright. Narahari bowed to Shreeguru and began to pray him at that time. The 8 sloka stotra composed by Narahari became famous and are being reciting in the temple at night even today also. Each sloka ends with “VANDAYAAMI NAARASIMHA SARASWATHEESHA PAAHIMAAM”. The stotra is now familiar as Narasimha Saraswati ashtaka. Shreeguru blessed Narahari and said, whoever recite the sloka every day with full devotion, they will get Ashta Aishwarya, Spiritual power, wealth, fame and noble offspring.

Sangameshwaraalayam at Sangam

After worshipping Audumbar at Sangam, worship Sangameshwara in the Sangameshwaralaya temple with devotion. This Shivalinga is like Mallikarjuna of Srisailam. Bow to Nandi and Chandi and have 3 rounds like round from Nandi to Chandi and Chandi to Nandi back and have darshan of Lord Shankara.

(Ash) Bhasma Hill

Ash Hill is nearer to Sangam and it is said that Lord Parashurama has performed a Yagnya here and the Ash is of that Holy Yagnya. Lord Parashurama performed penance at this place. The Ash is very Powerful and have the Devotees coming here take some quantity with them.

Shree Kalleshwar Mandir

This is the Temple of Lord Shri Kalleshwar (Shiva) which is quite famous in Ganagapur. It is Ancient then the Nirgun Muth in Ganagapur. This Temple is considered as equivalent to Gokarna Mahabaleshwara (that we read in shree Gurucharitra) and nearyby is one of the Ashta Teerth viz., Manmatha Teertha. There are also Temples of Lord Shani, Panchamukhi Ganesha,Navagraha,Maruti and Goddess Durga in the Premises. The Environment here is Very Pleasant and Devotees coming to Ganagapur visit it at large no.

Ashta Teerthas

On the day of Deepavali, Shri Guru said to the disciple, 'We shall have bath at Trishali (3 Holy places i. e. Prayag, Kashi and Gaya ) with family and children.

The disciple said, 'For such a long journey, we require some time for preparations'. Shri Guru says 'These holy places are near about. So there is no need for special preparation.'

Shri Guru then takes everyone to Sangam and asks them to take bath in ,

Shatakula Teerth ( Bhima-Amarja Sangam) and says that it is like Triveni Sangam of Prayaga.He says how the River Amarja was emerged from the Nectar that fell down from Indras Hands and hence Bath in this River Prevents Diseases and Untimely Death.

Shri Guru then takes them to the Following Teerthas in the Way to Ganagapur.
Nrusimha Teerth : The Bath in this Teerth and then worshipping Sangameshwara is like Worshipping Shrishailya Mallikarjuna and this fulfills ones Wishes. This Teerth is in front of the Sangam Mandir.
Bhagirathi (Varanasi) Teerth : The Bath in this Teerth is as Holy as Bath in Manikarnika Kund at Kashi. It is because once a Shiva Bhakta Brahmin of Bharadwaj Gotra Pleased Lord Shiva with his Devotion and when Lord Shiva appeared he asked that he want to take bath in Manikarnika daily and have Darshan of the Lord.Lord Shiva granted and a Kund was emerged there and it joined the Bhima River here.
Papavinashini Teerth : As the name indicates, Bath in this Teerth Destroys all the Sins. Shri Guru at this Teerth called his Sister Ratnai and Said, 'You had killed a Cat with a Stick and therefore you are having Leprosy. You bathe in this Tirth daily and your disease will disappear.' As advised, she bathed here for three days and her disease was wiped off.
Koti Teerth : A Bath in this Teerth is like taking bath in all the Teerth of Jambu Dweepa. One should bathe here on Sankranthi, Grahan, Purnima and Amavasya and give a cow with a calf in Charity. A Charity done here is equal to a Crore Charity.
Rudrapada Teerth : A Bath in this River is equivalent to a Bath in Gaya and Shraddha.
Chakra Teerth : A Dip in this Teerth is Even More Holy than the Bath in Dwaraka.
Manmatha Teerth : This Teerth is in front of the Kalleshwara Mandir. The Bath in this Teerth and then worshipping Kalleshwara is like taking bath in Gokarna Teerth and worshipping Mahabaleshwara.

Devotees coming to Ganagapur do the Ashta Teerth Snan at Large Number. The Bath in Ashta Teertha's on Naraka Chathurdashi (in Diwali) day is very powerful. Even the sins and doshas will be removed by having bath in these Ashta Teerthas.

Importance of Ashwattha

There lived a 60 Year Old Women Called Ganga who used to come to Shri Guru and bow to him devotedly every day. Shri Guru being pleased, one day asked her,What do you desire? God will fulfill your desire. She said, `Gurudev, a woman's life is futile without an issue. Without a son the home is like a forest. Issueless persons go to hell. Please give me a boon so that I will have a son at least in next life.' Shri Guru smiled and said, `Service to the Ashwattha will not be futile. There is an Ashwattha tree at the Bhima Amarja sangam. I am present there after the bath in the river. Therefore worship the Ashwattha devotedly. The greatness of Ashwattha is narrated in the Puranas. Brahmadev is at its root, Vishnu is in its middle portion and the Rudra is on its top and the Agni (fire god) lies in the interior of this tree. In the months of Ashadha, Poush or Chaitra, when Guru and Shukra are not set, when the moon is favorable on an auspicious day, observe fast and start worshipping the Ashwattha. Do not touch the tree on Sunday, Sankranti and in the evening. The floor at the root should be smeared by cow dung and have Rangoli designs. Worship the Ashwattha thinking it as a Trimurti, with 16 upchars, then saying Purushsukta and observing `moun' take rounds of the tree. Two lakhs rounds destroy even the sin of Brahmahatya. The Ashwattha gives four purusharthas. He also fulfills the desire of a son. Recitation of Mrityunjaya sitting at the Ashwattha on Saturday avoids accidental death and gives long life. One gets credit of feeding several Brahmins, if one Brahmin is fed under this tree. If one Ashwattha tree is grown, 42 generations are liberated; but if one Ashwattha is cut, it is a great sin performed. Home performed under the tree gives credit of a great sacrifice. Do Homa of one tenth of the number of rounds and feed Brahmins and give golden Ashwattha in c7ytharity. She started worshipping Ashwattha as advised by Shri Guru. On the third day, she had a dream. A Brahmin told her to go to Shri Guru at Ganagapur, have seven rounds of Shri Guru and take the prasad that is given to her and that her desire will be fulfilled. She awoke. On the fourth day she went to Shri Guru and had 7 rounds. Shri Guru gave her 2 fruits and said, `Eat these fruits. Your desire will be fulfilled.' She then completed her vrata of the worship of Ashwattha, After 9 months she begot a daughter. Later on she had a son who became learned and won fame.

Vishranti Katta

This is the Place on the way to Sangam. It is the Place where Shri Guru used to Relax while going to Sangam and while returning. It is in the Farm of the Farmer to whom Shri Guru blesses with Huge Yield of Crops even in the Scarcity and the Same can be Seen in Adhyay 48 of Shri Guru Charitra.

Sati Katta

This is the Place where the Young women Savitri (From Mahur) found her Husband Datta dead and started weeping. Later Shri Guru Revives his Life when the women visits Sangam for the Darshan of Shri Guru. The Story can be seen in the Adhyay 30 of Shri Guru Charitra. Even this Place is very near to the Nirgun Math.

Tantukeshwara Mandir

This is the Temple where Tantuk, a Weaver to whom Shri Guru took to Shri Shailyam on Maha Shivratri within some Moments (In Adhyay 44), used to Worship Lord Shiva. This Place is in front area of the Nirgun Math and can easily be visited.

Shri Chakreshwar and Shri Keshav Dev Mandir

How to reach Gangapur.
The Train Station at Gangapur is called as 'Gangapur Road'.
Mumbai to Ganagapur Rail Distance - 526 Kms
Mumbai to 'Ganagapur Road' Rail 2nd Class Fare - Rs.232/-

Mumbai to 'Ganagapur Road' Direct and most convenient Train is 1013 Dn L.T.T. Kurla Terminus -
Coimbatore Express, which departs from Kurla Terminus at 10.10 PM & departs from Kalyan 11.15 in the night. It reaches Ganagapur at 8.08 in the morning next day.

From 'Ganagapur Road' to Ganagapur City (town), where Datta Mandir is situated is around 30 minutes journey by road. Trax/Jeep/Sumo drivers charge Rs 15 Per Passanger. It takes around 2 hours maximum for a family to perform Pooja/Abhishek at Ganagapur. Local people arrange for accomodation, bath and if required food also, on pay basis.
Nearest City is GULBARGA : 40 Kms.
Gangapur to Sholapur Distance: 94 km (approx.)

Gangapur to Sholapur State Transport (S.T) bus fare - Rs.45/-
Gangapur to Sholapur bus travel time - 3 hours.
For more information visit this website
http://www.sreepadasreevallabhapithapuram.org/gangapur.html
Somebody wants Guru Charitra just tell me I will send you pdf file.
Jai Guru Datta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amaralingeswara swami Temple, Amaravathi

2013-06-28T10:58:00.001-07:00

Amaravati is named as one of the ‘Punyakshetra’ due to the presence of Amreshwara Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some of different forms of Shiva who is said to have five forms namely Pranaveswara, Agasteswara, Kosaleswara, Pomeswara and Parthiveswara can be found here. The 15 feet high Shiva Lingam is worshipped here. Sanctum of spouse of Lord Shiva, Bala Chamundika is placed on right side of hid sanctum. 4 Dravidian style temple towers have been built surrounding the temple. Buddhist style Mula Virat and lotus Medallion are placed in Garbha griha of the temple. Tower of sanctum sanctorum of this temple is built in the Dravidian architecture style

Amaralingeswara swami Temple Working days and Holidays: Open on all days

Special thing here the shiva linga here is very tall

come out of the temple and go to right side you can see a big statue of Lord Hanuman.

This is the image

Temple Timings

6.00 AM TO 1.00 PM AND

4.00 PM TO 8.30 PM

How to go

First you have to reach Guntur from there you can get lot of bus or service autos, I will tell you more description as I have visited that temple

You have to get down in Guntur bus stand and come to lodge center and stand besides the petrol bunk there you can find busses and service autos

Thank you

List of Festivals

2013-04-16T12:46:00.001-07:00

List of Festivals

Jan 14, 2013	Monday	Makarsankranti / Pongal

Feb 15, 2013	Friday	Vasant Panchami

Mar 10, 2013	Sunday	Maha Shivaratri
Mar 27, 2013	Wednesday	Holi

Apr 11, 2013	Thursday	Hindi New Year
Apr 11, 2013	Thursday	Telugu New Year / Ugadi
Apr 14, 2013	Sunday	Tamil New Year
Apr 14, 2013	Sunday	Baisakhi / Vishu
Apr 15, 2013	Monday	Bengali New Year
Apr 20, 2013	Saturday	Ramanavami
Apr 25, 2013	Thursday	Hanuman Jayanti

May 13, 2013	Monday	Akshaya Tritiya

Jun 08, 2013	Saturday	Savitri Pooja

Jul 10, 2013	Wednesday	Puri Rath Yatra
Jul 22, 2013	Monday	Guru Purnima

Aug 11, 2013	Sunday	Nag Panchami
Aug 20, 2013	Tuesday	Raksha Bandhan
Aug 28, 2013	Wednesday	Krishna Janmashtami

Sep 09, 2013	Monday	Ganesh Chaturthi
Sep 16, 2013	Monday	Onam
Sep 20, 2013	Friday	Pitr-paksha Begins

Oct 04, 2013	Friday	Pitr-paksha Ends
Oct 05, 2013	Saturday	Navaratri Begins
Oct 11, 2013	Friday	Durga Puja Begins
Oct 13, 2013	Sunday	Navaratri Ends
Oct 14, 2013	Monday	Dusshera
Oct 18, 2013	Friday	Lakshmi Puja
Oct 22, 2013	Tuesday	Karwa Chauth

Nov 01, 2013	Friday	Dhan Teras
Nov 03, 2013	Sunday	Diwali
Nov 17, 2013	Sunday	Kartik Poornima

Birla Mandir Hyderabad

2013-03-22T00:26:00.001-07:00

Introduction

The temple manifests a blend of South Indian Rajasthani and Utkala temple architectures. In its entirety, it is made of 2000 tons of pure Rajasthani white marble.
The granite of the presiding deity is about 11 ft (3.4 m) tall and a carved lotus forms an umbrella on the roof. The consorts of Lord Venkateswara, Padmavati and Andal are housed in separate shrines. There is a brass flagstaff in the temple premises which rises to a height of 42 ft (13 m).

History
The temple is built on a 280 feet (85 m) high hillock called the Naubath Pahad on a 13 acres (53,000 m2) plot. The construction took 10 years and was consecrated in 1976 by Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mission. The temple does not have traditional bells, as Swamiji wished that the temple atmosphere should be conducive for meditation.This temple is one of the most important religious place in India .

The Temple
Though the chief deity is Lord Venkateshwara, the temple has pan-Hindu character with deities of Shiva, Shakti, Ganesh, Hanuman, Brahma, Saraswati, Lakshmi and Saibaba. The selected teachings of holy men and Gurbani are engraved on temple walls.
Birla temples are open to all, as identified by Mahatma Gandhi and other Hindu leaders as one of the major social evil that was to be reformed in modern India as part of Freedom struggle.

Transport
Birla Mandir is well connected by APSRTC buses or an MMTS Train. Distance from Secunderabad railway station is about 7 km (4.3 mi). Distance from Hyderabad (Nampally) railway station is about 3 km (1.9 mi). Distance from Kacheguda Railway Station is about 5 km (3.1 mi). Distance from Begumpet airport is about 6 km (3.7 mi). Nearest MMTS station is Lakdi-ka-pul and Lakdi-ka-pul bus stop also.

Other Birla Mandir just for your knowledge

Birla temple in Delhi

Birla Mandir in Jaipur

Birla Mandir in Bhopal

Karmanghat Hanuman Temple Hyderabad

2013-02-24T01:31:00.002-08:00

Karmanghat Hanuman Temple

Karmanghat Hanuman Temple is located at Karmanghat, closer to Sagar Ring Road, it is a temple of Lord Hanuman. It is also said to be one of the oldest temples in the city.
History

t was built in 12th century A.D (approximately 1143).

When a Kakatiya king went hunting and was resting under a tree, he heard the chanting of Lord Rama's name. Wondering who it was in the middle of a terrible forest, he discovered a stone vigraha of Lord Hanuman, in seated posture and the voice coming from the vigraha. Having paid his respects, he returned to his capital, and that night, Lord appeared in his dream and asked him to construct a temple.

The temple was built immediately and successive kings ruled it well. About 400 years later, Aurangzeb sent out his armies to all corners of the country to wipe out Hindus and Hindu temples. At this temple, the army couldn't even step close to the compound wall. When the general reported this to Aurangzeb, he himself went with a crow bar to break down the temple. At the threshold of the temple, he heard a deafening roar rumblning like thunder, and the crowbar slipped from his hands as he was shaking in fear. Then he heard a voice in the heavens "Mandir todna hai rajan, to karo man ghat" ("if u want to break down the temple king, then make ur heart stronger") which is why the place got the name kar-man-ghat. And to this day, Lord Anjaneya sits peacefully meditating and blessing devotees, as Dhyana Anjaneya Swamy.

How to go to karmanghat

You first need to reach LB nagar ring road from dilsukhnagar then turn right from the circle go straight till 3km and then see at the right side you will see the arch of the temple.

You can get Laddu, vada, pulihara any item is Rs10.

Parking is Rs5 for four wheeler, Rs.2 for two wheeler

You can find many other temples inside

Sri Rama, shiva, navagraha etc

Jai Hanuman

Ksheeraamalingeswara temple:

2012-11-03T08:14:00.001-07:00

About palakollu

Palakollu is located in West Godavari district of Andhrapradesh in India. Thhis place is famous for Lord Shiva (Eshwara) temple which is considered as one of the Pancharama temples. The temple here is called Sri Kshira Rama Lingeshwara swamy. Excellent transportation facility available to reach Palakollu. Very good service available for trains and buses from other places of India. One more Pancharama Kshetra called Bhimavaram is located just 20Kms away from Palakollu. One more major city of West Godavari called Narsapur is 25Kms away from here. Very frequent buses run towards Narsapur from all other parts of Andhra Pradesh (by APSRTC). The temple is situated very nearer to Bus station and no additional transportation is needed. The temple is located beside a very narrow road. Palakollu is 20Kms from Bay of Bengal.

Importance of Palakollu

The main attraction of Palakol is the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Ksheera Rama Lingeswara which is considered as one of thePancharama Kshetras. The height of the temple is 120fts and constructed during Chalukya period by Chalukya Bheema. The construction took place during 9th century. The lingam, which is white in colour, is believed as the tallest. There are 72 pillars made of black stone. Inside the Garbhalaya (Garbha Gruha), Gokarneshwara and Vigneshwara (Ganapati) alayas are situated at the left with Kshiralingam located at the center. To the right, Subramanya Swamy and Janardhana Swamy alayas with Nandi at the centre are situated. Gostani river flows through the town Palakollu and there is a sangam place near Narsapur with river Godavari. From here the river enters the sea at Antarvedi. Once upon a time this place was a thick forest with natural greenary.
The Shiva Lingam (Moola Virat) can be seen from all the four sides through windows in the Garbha Gruharam. Additionally, Sun God, Kashi Vishweshwara, Goddess parvathi, Goddess Lakshmi, Nagareshwara Lingam, Dundi Vigneshwara, Veera Bhadra, Sapta Matruka, Kanaka Durga, Brahma, Saraswathi, Kumara Swamy, Kartikeya, Mahishasura Mardhini, Naga sarpa, Nataraja, Dattatreya, Kala Bhairava, Nageshwara, Shaneeshwara, Shankara, Radha Krishna can also be seen in the temple. There is a belief that the Shiva lingam is installed by Lord Vishnu. People say that, staying one day in Kshirarama is equivalent to staying one year in Varanasi.
The Prakara is designed by Sri Velupathi during 10th century. The art of temple construction resembles those constructed during Chalukya period. Gopuram is constructed by Sri Alladu Reddy during 14th Century. During 17th century, Kalyana mantapam (choultry) and Ashtha Bhuja Lakshmi Narayanaswamy alaya have been constructed.

How to reach Palakollu

Palakillu is on the National Highway 214 located at interior Andhra Pradesh. The highway starts from kathipudi (on National Highway 5) near Annavaram and ends at National Highway 9 between Vuyyuru and Machilipatnam. Very frequent buses available to Palakollu from all parts of Andhra Pradesh moving towards Narsapur or Bhimavaram.
People travelling by road from Kolkata and Orissa side, have to reach Visakhapatnam and proceed in NH5 upto Ravulapalem. After Ravulapalem, take left turn where the boards points towards Narsapur. Palakollu is just 45minutes journey from this place via Siddhantam and Martair (Marteru). The distance between Ravulapalem and Vizag is 230Kms and 70Kms from Rajahmundry.

There is an Alternate way to reach Palakollu from Visakhapatnam. Proceed upto Kathipudi on NH5 and take left turn. Reach kakinada in this route and proceed towards Rajole via yanam and Amalapuram. From Rajole make your journey towards Palakollu. From Kakinada, one can reach Palakollu via Ramachandrapuram and Ravulapalem also. There are only two bridges to cross River Godavari one at Yanam and the other near Ravulapalem.
People travelling by bus from Hyderabad, Vijayawada and other parts of the country can travel upto Tanuku on NH5 and take right diversion to reach palakollu.
Not all the trains reach Palakollu. Trains running from Kolkata side take left diversion at Nidadavole to travel towards Palakollu via Bhimavaram (junction). Some trains proceed towards Vijayawada from here via Kaikalur. After Palakollu, trains reach the last station Narsapur. Confirm before booking the tickets for stops at this station. Tourists get down at Bhimavaram and take private vehicle or travel by bus to reach Palakollu. The total time of journey from Visakhapatnam to Palakol is 7 hours by bus. Private bus transportation exists between Narsapur and Bheemavaram via Palacole.

The temple timings are, 5.30am to 11.30am and 4.00pm to 8.30pm. Additional places of interest around Palakollu include Bhimavaram, Draksharama, Annavaram, Thalupulamma Thalli, Rajahmundry, Antarvedi, Ryali and Vadapalli. In the temple premesis choultry facility is available for tourists to stay. Photography is allowed inside the temple premesis but for Garbha gruham. Very good South Indian food is available in the town.

Arasavalli Sri Suryanarayana Swamy

2012-10-08T07:12:00.001-07:00

HEAVENLY LIGHT

Search for Light and Truth has been the guiding principle of Vedic Seers of hoary antiquity in their earnest endeavors to solve the eternal problems of creation. “Jyotiranveshayamaha” - ‘Let us search for Light, heavenly Light’ was their motto. It is interesting to note that the Royal Astronomical Society of Britain has the same motto, “quick quid nitil notundum” - means, “whatever shines must be observed”. A Russian sentence goes on, “Rays of light are the emissaries of their master, the source of light, the Sun.

Devotees of every age testify to the appearance of God as light. And throughout the world, Light is considered the symbol for all splendor and glory of the Spirit. It stands for Truth, Order, Reality, Goodness, Beauty, Intelligence, Wisdom, Bliss and Immortality or “Amritattwa”. Therefore, the Sun is Light and Life, Love and Law. “Let there be Light! And there was Light”, the Bible saith. The soul of the universe or “Hiranya Garbha” sustains and upholds the entire universe; all animate and inanimate beings live through the Sun

about temple
The famous Sun God Temple situated in Arasavalli Village which is at a distance of about 1 K.M. east of Srikakulam Town in Andhra Pradesh head quarters of the coastal district in Andhra Pradesh . It is one of the ancient and all among two sun God temples in our Country. According to Padmapuranam , Sage Kasyapa installed the Idol of Surya at Arasavalli for the Welfare of mankind . Therefore , the Surya is of Kasyapasa Gotra . He is also termed as planetary King . The ' Sthalapuranam ' of the temple narrates that lord Devendra had founded this temple and installed the existing idol of the sun God commonly known as Lord suryanarayana Swamy Varu under the following circumstances .

Once Lord Devendra , Ignoring the words of Dwarapalaka Nandi , attempted to force his entry for Darshan of Sri Rudrakoteswara Swamy varu at an untimely hour when Lord siva was along with his consort . The Dwarapalaka Nandi in the discharge of his duties kicked the intruder . Thus kicked and injured by the Devine attendent Indra fell down senceless . And in his unconscious state Indra dreamt that he would be relieved of his pain of injury in his chest caused by Nandi if he built a temple and installed an Idol of the Sun God . After regaining his consciousness , he remembered what he dreamt .
Following his dream he pickedup handfulls of earth three times at a place where he lay ,and there he found this beautiful idol of sun God with his three consorts Usha , Chaya and Padmini . At the base of the idols are the figures of Mathara and Pingala the Dwarapalakas and high up are the two divine saints , sanaka and sanadana holding 'Chatrams'(An Umbrella ). The Sun God is depicted as riding over a chariot drawn by Anura, the Radhasaradhy . All these figures are exquisitely carved out of a single black finely polished grenite stone.

HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF THE TEMPLE

Archeological experts say that the stone inscriptions available in the temple throw some light to the effect that Devendra Varma, the Ruler of the Kalinga Kingdom, must have build this temple and installed the image of the Sun God in it in the later half of the 7th Century . The translation of the stone inscriptions reveals the donation of some lands made to the Sun God for perpectual lamps to be installed in the temple , to run a school or a Hostel for the pupils learning Sastras and vedas . These donations are stated to have been made by the successors of the Calinga King Devendra Varma prior to 11th Century A.D. The temple is buildt in such a way as to make the Sun Rays focus on the feet of the God twice in the year in the months of March and September in the early hours of the day . The rays so focused on the feet of the Idol through the five entrance gates of the temple , remain for a few minutes .

WORSHIP OF SUN GOD
This temple has the unique feature of attracting crouds of the people of different sects , cults end creeds together and making them believe the God is one and there is no difference between Siva and Kesava. The Five idols ( Panchayatana installed in a particular place in the temple) namely : - 1. Aditya 2. Ambika 3. Vishnu 4. Ganesha 5. Maheswara, represent all the faiths. Finally the devotees visiting this temple , go and worship the presiding diety the Sun God about whom the puranas speak as the embodiment of Trimurthies , Brahama ,Vishnu and Maheswara . The Lord who sees physically everything in the course of his daily round over the universe and who fully understands the truth behind all things , is not only regarded as Pratyaksha Daivam ( Visible God ) but also the source and sustainer of all life . The people who perform ' Suryanamaskara ' resite Maha Soura and Aruna Manthras containing Powerful beejaksharas of Rigveda and Yazurvada for giving good health, so that it is said that "Arogyam Bhaskaradhischet " . The mantra or Hymn is a spiritual formula hormonating sound which always protects the register in every way . This is the secrecy of the Sun God Worship. Sunday is considered as most auspicious day to Sun God worship.

The Pushkarini
The Sun God said granted his wish and vanished. Indra dug with his ‘Vajrayudha’ and formed a pond, which is known as Indrapushkarini. Even today Devotees feel that they can attain the Grace of Lord Surya if they offer their prayers after taking a dip in the pushkarini. After taking a holy dip in the pushkarni, they turn towards the temple and open their eyes and do what to they see! Lord Surya’s idol before then in all its great splendor-and clad in golden colored angavastra.

The Sun God granted his wish and vanished. Indra dug with his ‘Vajrayudha’ and formed a pond, which is known as Indrapushkarini. Even today Devotees feel that they can attain the Grace of Lord Surya if they offer their prayers after taking a dip in the pushkarini. After taking a holy dip in the pushkarni, they turn towards the temple and open their eyes and what do they see! Lord Surya’s idol before then in all its great splendor-and clad in golden colored angavastra. Crown studded with rare diamonds, hands with ‘Abhaya Mudra’ wide open eyes filled with karuna, ear-rings, studded with diamonds, grave and but graceful face. His very Darshan assures fulfillment of all desires in the world. The very temple was conceived and constructed by Viswakarma, the divine architect. Pingala and Mathara are the doorkeepers of this August Temple. Anura is the Sun God’s chariot driver. Thirteen more angels lustily cheer the sun god. Sanaka, Sanandana and other sages offer him Vinjamara seva. Sage Narada and other sing the glory of the God. Devaguru Bruhaspati and other chant Vedas. Thus the Sun God was consecrated here in Arasavalli by Lord Indra himself. Such is the glory and greatness of this temple.

THE MAHATMYAM OF ARASAVALLI

The holy Temple of Bhagavan Suryanarayna Swami is located at Arasavalli in Srikakulam of Andhra Pradesh. This is perhaps the only Sun Temple in the entire Coramandal Coast since the Konark Temple on the Orissa Coast always remained an incomplete and unfinished project. People who are unfortunate enough to suffer from eye and skin, diseases visit the Temple and offer their prayers to the Sun God. They believe that the Sun God is essentially a God of Health and Prayers offered to Him would heal their sickness. From the great Puranas of Dwaparayuga, the following information is gathered. Balarama is supposed to be the very incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Balarama in Dwarparayuga bought the river Nagavali along the furrow of his tiller and consecrated a temple on the shores of the river Nagavali. That is the temple of Uma and Rudra Koteswara. All the Gods angels and their minions arrived on the shores of Nagavali and paid their obeisance to Lord Rudra, Indra, the Lord of Paradise was, some how, late. By the time he arrived, it was late in the night; he tried to gatecrash his entry. At the time Nandiswara, the great Vahana of Rudra was keeping vigil at the gate. He did not allow Indra to go in, as it was time for Lord Rudra to rest with Mata Parvathi. Indra was adamant in his demand to enter the temple, Infuriated by his perverse persistence, Nandiswara kicked him violently and sent him flowing in the air towards the eastern side. Indra fell unconscious in a painful state. Then, it is said, he offered his prayer to the Sun God for relief of his body pains and exhaustion. The Sun God took pity on him and touched Lord Indra with his in numerable rays and Indra got back his strength and relief from pain. He was all grateful to the Sun God who gave him back his strength and relief from pain. He begged the sun god to allow him to stay there forever and spend his time.

Sevas

Ashtottara seva

20.00

Sahasra Namarchana

30.00

Ksheeranna Bhogam

50.00

Ksheerabhisheka Seva

216.00

Tiruveedhi Seva

500.00

Kalyana Seva

500.00

Surya Namaskarms

50.00

Surya Namaskarams

This Seva performs Every Sunday Morning 06.00 AM to 12.00 PM

Tiruveedhi Seva

This Seva performs Every Sunday Evening 06.00 PM

Ksheeranna Bhogam

This Seva performs Every Sunday afternoon 03.00 PM

Life Long Sevas

Sevas

Prices

Ashtottara seva

300.00

Sahasra Namarchana

400.00

Ksheeranna Bhogam

600.00

Ksheerabhisheka Seva

2500.00

Tiruveedhi Seva

5000.00

Kalyana Seva

5000.00

Surya Namaskarms

600.00

ROUTE MAP TO REACH THE TEMPLE

This famous Sun God Temple in the world is situated in Arasavalli Village which is at a distance of about 1 KM east of Srikakulam Town in Andhra Pradesh head courters of the coastal district in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Srikakulam is the capital and head quarters of Srikakulam District and is the largest town in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh in india.

Accessibility:
Srikakulum is well connected by rail and road. The nearest airport is at Visakhapatnam.

By Rail: (STATION NAME : AMADALAVALASA)
Srikakulam is the big railway station in Srikakulam district on the Chennai Kolkata line. Trains run to Hyderabad Chennai, Howrah, Vijayawada, Nellore, Tirupathi, Secunderabad and other places. Konark express, Howrah mail, Visakha express, Coramandel express.

By Air:
Visakhapatnam air port is the nearest airport to Srikaulam district. Kingfisher and Air Deccan operate flights from Vishakhapatnam airport to Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkatta and Tirupathi. Visakapatnam is nearly 100 kms from Srikakulam.

Draksharamam

2012-09-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

Draksharamam, is one of the most frequented pilgrim centre of South India. It is one of the Shiva Pancharamas and one of 18 Shakti Peethas. It is famous as both Shiva kshetra and Shakti kshetra. Lord Bheemeswara swamy and Manikyamba are main the deities here. This place is also called as Dakshina Kashi.
There is an interesting legend regarding the name of this place and existence of Lord Shiva in this place. During Tarakasura vadha, the Shiva Linga which was in the throat of Tarakasura broke into five pieces and one of the pieces fell here. Thereafter, it came to be known as Draksharamam.After the death of Sati, the 12th part of her body i.e. her left cheek fell here which is now known in the form of Goddess Manikyamba.

TEMPLE

The temple is a 2 storied complex and looks like a fort. It has 2 Prakarams(paths). The outer Prakaram has 4 entrances in 4 different directions with beautifully carved Gopurams and each of the entrance is known in the form of 4 different forms of Goddesses i.e. Gogulamma, Nookambika, Moodhambike, GhattambikeIn this temple we can see Lord Bheemeswar Swamy, who is the main deity in the form of a tall Shiva Lingam. The Shiva Lingam is nearly 9 ft. A flight of steps leads one to the upper level of the Sanctum where one can see the upper part of Lord Bheemeswar Swamy. The speciality of this Shiva Lingam is that, the early morning tender Sun light falls on the Shiva Lingam. The Shiva linga is of a crystal texture. There are black stripes on the upper part. These are said to be the markings of the tiger skin worn by Lord Shiva when He was in disguise of a Hunter when he fought with Arjuna.
Manikyamba Devi’s shrine is present in backside of the temple at the left corner. Goddess face is looking towards left, signifying her as Vamachara Devatha.
Lord Vishnu shrine is present at the entrance of main temple. He is the Kshetrapalaka of Draksharamam. Lord Vishnu is present here along with his consort, Lakshmi Devi.
There are other small shrines inside the main temple premises. To name a few, there is the, Praakara Bhairavudu, Viroopa, Natarajeshwar, Vaamana, Visheshwara, Dancing Ganapathi, Dundhi Ganapathi, Goddess Kanakadurga and Goddess Annapurna and Kashi Vishweshwara Swamy temple which faces south is on the right side of Bheemeshwara Swamy temple.
For performing puja (Abhisheka), water from Sapta (seven) Godavari Kundam (pond) is used as it is considered sacred. Legend has it that the Saptamaharishis (Seven Sages) to achieve the ends of their penance divided the Akhanda (unbranched) Godavari River into seven different streams. Out of these seven streams, Draksharamam. Bharadhwaja, Viswamitra and Jamadagni streams known as Antarvahinis, were believed to have gone underground. These streams later merged at this pond and was thereafter were called Sapta Godavari Kundam.

Puja	INR
Laksha Patri Puja	350.00/-
Laksha Kumkumarchana	300.00/-
Laksha Vattula Nomu	300.00/-
Surya Namaskaramulu	100.00/-
Ekadasa Rudramu	100.00/-
Mahanyasa Purvaka Abhishekamu	30.00/-
Sahasra Kumkumarchana	30.00/-
Laghu Vyasa Poorvaka Eka Vaara Abhishekam	20.00/-
Ashtotthara Kumkumarchana	20.00/-
Masa Shivaratri Abhishekam (Every month)	10.00/-
Masa Shivaratri Kumkuma Puja (Every month)	10.00/-
Abhishekam (Every Monday)	10.00/-
Puja (Every Friday)	10.00/-
Nomulu / Aksharabhyasam / Annaprasana	100.00/-
Special Darshan Ticket (On Festivals)	5.00/-
Keshakhandana	5.00/-
Upanayanamu	100.00/-
Abhishekam Ticket(Monthly)	300.00/-
Kumkumarchana Ticket(Monthly)	300.00/-
Abhishekam at the time of Dasara Festival(For 10 days)	100.00/-
Kumkumarchana at the time of Dasara Festival(For 10 days)	100.00/-
Rudra Homam	100.00/-
Japam/Tarpanam /Nava Varaarchana	100.00/-
Nitya Kalyanam	500.00/-
Sthala Puranam	3.00/-
Sri Swamy vari Archana	5.00/-
Abhishekam/Kumkumarchana through MO	100.00/-
Ubhayam at the time of Dasara	500.00/-
Nitya Samuhika Abhishekam, Kumkumarchana(For One Year)	730.00/-

FESTIVALS

The busiest time in the temple is during the Maha Shivarathri festival in the month of February/March. During the same time in the month, Sri Swamivari Kalyanam (marriage ceremony) is held on Bhishma Ekadasi.

Every year in the month of October, Navarathri is celebrated and in November, Kartheeka Monday festivals and Jwalathoranam is celebrated. In December, the birth anniversary of the Lord is celebrated as Shasti Festival.

ACCOMMODATION

There are dormitories available whose rent is Rs. 200.00/- per day. The Devasthanam has two A.C. suites in their guest house with attached Bathroom whose rent is Rs. 700.00/- per day for each suite. There are also rooms available at reasonable rates. Generally the fare starts from Rs.100 for a smaller room and Rs.200 for a bigger room on per day basis. There is also a choultry in front of the temple where you get food free of cost and also provides a nice place to relax. Another best option is to stay at any of the places like Kakinada, Samalkota or Rajahmundry as you can find pretty good accommodation here. From these places, you can make a day trip to Draksharamam.

HOW TO REACH

Draksharama is situated just 6 Kms away from Ramachandrapuram in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. One can reach by bus only. Excellent bus facility is available from Kakinada and Ramachandrapuram. The nearest railway stations are Kakinada, Rajahmundry. Samalkot (junction) where people can get down in case they want to visit this place. Few trains give stop at Annavaram also. People travelling by train from any part of the country can get down at Samalkota

Shani Mandapalli

2012-09-13T11:05:00.001-07:00

There comes a time in every persons life where they are affected by Shani Dasha (Period of Saturn). They undergo many a great hardship and it is during this time they offer prayers and do pujas to Shani to get some respite, to appease him, many pay obeisances from the effects of Shani Dasha.
The question is who is Shani? Shani is one of the most popular and yet the most dreaded and feared deities that the Hindus pray to ward off evil and remove obstacles. He is one of the Navagrahas (nine planets) which are the nine primary celestial beings in Hindu Astrology and is considered to be the strongest malefic. Shani is embodied in the planet Shani or Saturn. Shani is the Lord of Saturday. The word Shani also denotes the seventh day i.e. Saturday in most Indian languages. Lord Shani is also known as Shanaiscarya, Shani deva Bhagavan, Shaneesvara, Saneesvara, Shaneesvaran, Shani Deva.

Though most temples have a little shrine set apart for the Navagraha or the nine planets where Shani is placed, one can also visit Shani temples which are present all over India. One such temple where people pay obeisance when they have been affected by Shani is, Sri Shaneshwara Swamy Temple, Mandapalli.
It is said that a great sage Dhadichi made a great sacrifice by donating his spinal cord to Lord Indra to make his Vajra Ayudha (weapon) to kill Kartabha, an asura (demons). To avenge his death, his sons- Pippala and Aswattha waged a war. Sage Agasthya approached Shani for help. He relented when all the sages gave him their taposhakthi (power of penance). Shani waged a war for one long year and ultimately killed them. As a mark of this glorious victory he installed an idol of Lord Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam here.

Though most temples have a little shrine set apart for the Navagraha or the nine planets where Shani is placed, one can also visit Shani temples which are present all over India. One such temple where people pay obeisance when they have been affected by Shani is, Sri Shaneshwara Swamy Temple, Mandapalli.
It is said that a great sage Dhadichi made a great sacrifice by donating his spinal cord to Lord Indra to make his Vajra Ayudha (weapon) to kill Kartabha, an asura (demons). To avenge his death, his sons- Pippala and Aswattha waged a war. Sage Agasthya approached Shani for help. He relented when all the sages gave him their taposhakthi (power of penance). Shani waged a war for one long year and ultimately killed them. As a mark of this glorious victory he installed an idol of Lord Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam here.

There are different types of pujas which are performed in this temple:

INR	40/-	30/-	10/-	116/-	11.30 A.M3/-
Puja	Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam (With Oil)	Mahanyaasa Purvaka Tailabhishekam	Tiladaanam	Homam	Kesha Khandana

For those who are not able to visit can send the name of the puja to be done along with the amount specified below:

Details of Abisekham	For one time puja	Permanent Pujas (Including this year)	For 52 Saturday in an Year
Ekadasi Rudrabhishekam with oil	Rs.100.00	Rs. 1,500.00	Rs. 5,200.00
Mahaanyaasaka Purvaka Tailabhishekam	Rs.70.00	Rs. 1,070.00	Rs. 3,640.00

The following are the festivals celebrated in Mandapalli:

Kalyanam of Sri Swamivaru (Magha Bahula Ekhadasi) (February/March every year)

Devi Navaratrulu (Aswayuja Masam Nine days) (September/October every year)

Karthika Masam (November/December every year)

Lakshapatri Puja (Karthika Masam) (November/December every year)

CONTACT

For enquiries regarding pujas, and stays contact:

The Executive Officer
Sri Mandeswara Swamy Temple,
Mandapalli (V),
Kothapeta Mandal,
East Godavari District.
Pin - 533 223
Tel: 08855-243208
Mob: 949100721

How to reach mandapalli

It is 38kms from Rajumundy (East Godavar)

Trimbakeshwar Temple-Nasik

2012-07-03T07:02:00.003-07:00

Trimbakeshwar Temple

Trimbakeshwar or Trambakeshwar is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak, in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, India, 28 km from the city of Nashik GPS Reference 20.021944 N, 73.729935 E. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
It is located at the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India. The Godavari River, which is considered sacred within Hinduism, originates from Bramhagiri mountains and meets the sea near Rajahmudry. Kusavarta, a kund is considered the symbolic origin of the river Godavari, and revered by Hindus as a sacred bathing place.

About

As per Shiv Mahapuran, once Brahma (the Hindu God of creation) and Vishnu (the Hindu God of saving) had an argument in terms of supremacy of creation.[1] To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds as a huge endless pillar of light, the jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either directions. Brahma lied that he found out the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat. Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshipped till the end of eternity. The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The jyothirlinga shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light.[2][3] Originally there were believed to be 64 jyothirlingas while 12 of them are considered to be very auspicious and holy.[1] Each of the twelve jyothirlinga sites take the name of the presiding deity - each considered different manifestation of Shiva.[4] At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva.[4][5][6] The twelve jyothirlinga are Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andra Pradesh, Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Himalayas, Bhimashankar in Maharastra, Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Triambakeshwar in Maharastra, Vaidyanath at Deogarh in Jharkand, Nageswar at Dwarka in Gujarat, Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Grishneshwar at Aurangabad in Maharastra.

In Mythology, history and present

close up of the top of Trimbakeshwar Temple
Trimbakeshwar is a religious center having one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is its three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra. Due to excessive use of water, the linga has started to erode. It is said that this erosion symbolizes the eroding nature of human society. The Lingas are covered by a jeweled crown which is placed over the Gold Mask of Tridev (Brahma Vishnu Mahesh). The crown is said to be from the age of Pandavs and consists of diamonds, emeralds, and many precious stones. The crown is displayed every Monday from 4-5 pm (Shiva).
All other Jyotirlingas have Shiva as the main deity. The entire black stone temple is known for its appealing architecture and sculpture and is at the foothills of a mountain called Brahmagiri. Three sources of the Godavari originate from the Brahmagiri mountain.

Story related to Godavari river

Majestic entrance to the temple.
Brahmadev worshipped God Trivikram when he came to Satya Loka (on earth) with the same holy water of the Ganges, to get the river Ganges held up by God Shankar on his head, to flow. River Ganges in the form of a woman was enjoying with Lord Shiva, which was noticed by Lord Shiva's wife Parvati. She planned to drive Ganges away from her husband. Parvati and her son Ganesh came to live in Gautama's Ashram with Parvati's friend Jaya. There was a famine of 24 years and people were affected by the pangs of hunger. However, Varun - the God of Rains, pleased with Sage Gautama arranged rains every day in Gautama's Ashram (dwelling place) which was in Trimbakeshwar. Gautama used to sow rice in the surrounding fields of his Ashram in the morning, reap the crop in the afternoon and with it fed a large group of rishis, who took shelter in his Ashram on account of the famine. The blessings of the group of rishis increased the merit (Punya) of Gautama. Lord Indra's position became shaky because of his increased merit. So Indra ordered clouds to rain all over Trimbakeshwar, so that the famine will be over and Rishis will go back and the increasing merits of Gautama will be weakened. Although the famine was over, Gautama urged the Rishis to stay back and kept on feeding them and gaining merit. Once he saw a cow grazing in the paddy field and he drove her away by throwing Darbha (sharp, pointed grass). The slender cow died by this. It was Jaya - Parvati's friend, who had taken the form of a cow. This news upset the Rishis and they refused to luncheon at his Ashram. Gautama requested Rishis to show a way out of this sin. He was advised to approach Lord Shiva and request him to release Ganges and a bath in the Ganges would set him free of his sins. Gautama then practiced penance by going to the peak of Brahmagiri. Lord Shankara was pleased by his worships and gave him the Ganges.

Kusavarta, a place where river Godavari takes course.
However, Ganges was not prepared to part with Lord Shiva, which irritated him. He made TandavNrutya (dance) on the peak of Brahmagiri and dashed his jata there. Frightened by this action, Ganges appeared on Brahmagiri. Later on Ganges appeared in the Trimbak Tirtha. Gautama praised her but she off and on appeared on the mountain at various places and disappeared in anger. Gautama could not bathe in her waters. Ganges then appeared in Gangadwar, Varaha-tirtha, Rama-Laxman tirtha, Ganga Sagar tirtha. Still Gautama could not bathe in her waters. The Gautama surrounded the river with enchanted grass and put a vow to her. The flow stopped there and the tirtha thus came to be called Kushavarta. It is from this Kushavarta that the river Godavari flows up to the sea. The sin of killing a cow by Gautama was wiped off here.
This place is famous for lots of religious rituals (vidhis). Narayan Nagbali, Kalsarpa Shanti, Tripindi vidhi are done here. Narayan Nagbali puja is performed at Trimbakeshwar only. This puja is performed in three days. This puja is performed on special dates. Some days are not suitable to perform this puja. This puja is performed for many reasons like to cure an illness, going through bad times, killing a Cobra (Nag), childless couples, financial crisis or you want to perform some religious puja to have everything.
Trimbakeshwar town has a large number of Brahmin households and is also a centre for Vedic Gurukuls (kind of boarding school). It also has ashrams and Muths devoted to Ashtanga Yoga, the Hindu art of living.
The existing temple was built out of basalt after it was commissioned by Peshwa Nanasaheb. It so happens that the Peshwa made a bet on whether the stone surrounding the Jyotirlinga, is hollow from the inside or not. The stone was proved to be hollow, and on losing the bet, the Peshwa built a marvelous temple out of it. The Shiva idol of the temple consisted of the world famous Nassak Diamond. It was appropriated by the British in The Third Anglo-Maratha War and lies with one owner or the other ever since. The diamond presently lies with Edward J. Hand, a trucking firm executive from Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
The place is known for its scenic beauty in rainy/monsoon season and is surrounded by lush green hills untouched by pollution. Anjaneri mountain, the birth place of Lord Hanuman, is 7 km from Trimbakeshwar.

Shri Nilambika/Dattatreya/Matamba Temple

This temple is on top of the Neel mountain. All goddesses ('Matamba','Renuka','Mananmba') came here to see 'Parashuram' when he was performing penance (tapas). After his penance he requested all goddesses to stay there and the temple was formed for these goddesses. God Dattatreya दत्तात्रेय (Shripad Shrivallabh) stayed here for some years.

Bhimashankar Temple

2012-07-03T06:48:00.001-07:00

Bhimashankar Temple

About Temple

As per Shiv Mahapuran, once Brahma (the Hindu God of creation) and Vishnu (the Hindu God of saving) had an argument in terms of supremacy of creation.[1] To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds as a huge endless pillar of light, the jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either directions. Brahma lied that he found out the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat. Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshipped till the end of eternity. The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The jyothirlinga shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light.[2][3] Originally there were believed to be 64 jyothirlingas while 12 of them are considered to be very auspicious and holy.[1] Each of the twelve jyothirlinga sites take the name of the presiding deity - each considered different manifestation of Shiva.[4] At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva.[4][5][6] The twelve jyothirlinga are Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andra Pradesh, Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Himalayas, Bhimashankar in Maharastra, Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Triambakeshwar in Maharastra, Vaidyanath at Deogarh in Jharkand, Nageswar at Dwarka in Gujarat, Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Grishneshwar at Aurangabad in Maharastra.

Architecture

The Bhimashankara temple is a composite of old and the new structures in the Nagara style of architecture. It shows the excellency of the skills achieved by ancient Vishwakarma sculptors. It is a modest yet graceful temple and it dates back to 13th century and the sabhamandap developed in 18th century by Nana Phadnavis. The shikhara was built by Nana Phadnavis. The great Maratha ruler Shivaji is said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctum is at a lower level.

Although the structure here is fairly new, the shrine Bhimashankaram (and the Bhimarathi river) have been referred to in literature dating back to the 13th century CE. Saint Jñāneshwar is said to have visited Tryambakeshwar and Bhimashankar. A unique bell (Roman style) can be seen in front of the temple which was presented by Chimaji Appa (Brother of Bajirao Peshwa I and uncle of Nanasaheb Peshwa). Chimaji Appa collected two large bells after he won in war against the Portuguese from Vasai Fort. He offered one here at Bhimashankar and the other at Menovali near Wai in front of a Shiva Temple on the banks of the Krishna river.

Surroundings

There are Buddha style carvings of Amba-Ambika, Bhootling and Bhimashankar in the hills of Manmaad near Bhimashankar at a height of 1034 metres. A big bell in Hemadpanthi structure built by Nana Phadanavis is a feature of Bhimashankar. Places that can be visited in are Hanuman Lake, Gupt Bhimashankar, Origin of River Bhima, Nag Phani, Bombay Point, Sakshi Vinayak and a lot more. Bhimashankar is a conserve red forest area and wildlife sanctuary where a variety of birds, animals, flowers, plants can be seen. A rare animal "Shekru" can be found in deep woods. Bhimashankar is worth visiting for jungle lovers and trekkers as well as for pilgrims. This temple is very famous in Pune and people from all around the world come to visit this temple.

Story & History

Eons ago in the dense forests of Dakini, on the lofty ranges of the Sahaydris lived an evil Asura by the name Bhima with his mother Karkati. Compassion and kindness shivered in the presence of Bhima. The divine and the mortals were scared of him alike. But he was confronted by certain questions about his own existence which continuously tormented him.
When Bhima could no longer sustain his agony and curiosity, he asked his mother to unveil the mysteries of his life. He urged his mother to tell him who his father was and why he had abandoned them in the wilderness of the forest. After much hesitation and with a lingering fear, Karkati his mother, revealed to him that he was the son of the mighty Kumbhakarna, the younger brother of the Lankadheeswara — the mighty all powerful King Ravana of Lanka.
Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Lord Rama annihilated Kumbhakarna. Karkati told Bhima, that his father was killed by Ram in the great war. This infuriated Bhima and he vowed to avenge Lord Vishnu. To achieve this he embarked on a severe penance to please Lord Brahma.
The compassionate creator was pleased by the dedicated devotee and granted him immense prowess. This was a terrible mistake. The evil tyrant caused havoc in the three worlds. He defeated King Indra and conquered the heavens. He also defeated a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva – Kamarupeshwar, and put him in the dungeons.
He started torturing Rishis and Sadhus. All this angered the Gods. They all along with Lord Brahma beseeched Lord Shiva to come to their rescue. Lord Shiva consoled the Gods and agreed to rescue them from the tyrant. On the other hand Bhima insisted and ordered Kamarupeshwar to worship him instead of Lord Shiva.
When Kamarupeshwar denied, the tyrant Bhima raised his sword to strike the Shiva Linga, to which Kamarupeshwar was doing abhishekam and pooja. As soon as Bhima managed to raise his sword, Lord Shiva appeared before him in all his magnificence.
Then the terrible war began. The holy sage Narada appeared and requested Lord Shiva to put an end to this war. It was then that Lord Shiva reduced the evil demon to ashes and thus concluded the saga of tyranny. All the Gods and the holy sages present there requested Lord Shiva to make this place his abode. Lord Shiva thus manifested himself in the form of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlingam.
It is believed that the sweat that poured forth from Lord Shiva's body after the battle formed the Bhimarathi River.

Other temples and shrines

There is a shrine to Kamalaja near the Bhimashankara temple. Kamalaja is an incarnation of Parvati, who aided Shiva in his battle against Tripuraasura. Kamalaja was worshiped with offerings of lotus flowers by Brahma. Shaakini and Daakini the Shivaganas who helped Shiva in the battle against the demon are also honored and worshiped here.
The Mokshakund thirtha is behind the Bhimashankara temple, and it is associated with the rishi Kaushika. There are also the Sarvathirtha, the Kusharanya thirtha where the Bhima river begins to flow eastward, and the Jyanakund.

Worship

Bhimashankar is an ancient shrine, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Far away from the tumult of the urban life, peeping through the white fleecy clouds, Bhimashankar can be termed a pilgrim paradise. The dense forests surrounding the high ranges are an abode for rare species of flora and fauna. Situated at the extreme end of the Sahyadri Ranges, this place gives a wonderful view of the world around the rivers, and hill stations.
Bhimashankar is the source of the Bhima River, which flows southeast and merges with the Krishna River. With endless stretches of virgin forests, lofty peaks that seem to reach out to the heavens, and the whispering waters of the Bhima River, Bhimashankar is definitely one of God's choicest creations.
It seems as if Lord Shiva is keeping a silent vigil over the majestic ranges of the Sahyadris. The serenity interrupted only by the silent murmuring of the cool breeze and the occasional chirping of birds, Bhimashankar is a trekker's delight and a traveler's sojourn.

Transportation

Bhimashankar is approximately 127 km from Pune and 200 km from Mumbai. The route to Bhimashankar is via Manchar. The second route is from Rajgurunagar via Vada. One can go to this place, full of natural beauty and lovely scenery, and be back to Pune in one day. Bhimashankar is a good paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, jungle lovers and bird watchers. The best seasons to go are monsoon and winter.
Bhimashankar is 74 miles or 127 km from Pune by road. State buses go there from Pune daily, with more than five hours of bus journey. During the Mahashivaratri festival, when there is a great fair at the temple, buses ply to and fro daily. It is accessible from Karjat on the Pune — Mumbai section of the Central railway. There is no proper road from Karjat to Bhimashankar and only the devotees who wish to go to the temple on foot during festivals use this road.
If coming from Aurangabad or Ahmednagar, move towards Alephata which is 30 km from Nagar. Then go to Manchar which is 60 km from Alephata. Take right from Manchar and after 59 km to reach Bhimashankar (Aurangabad to Ahmednagar is 112 km).
Another root is via Sangamner, which lies on Nashik-Pune Road; from Sangamner go to Manchar and then follow the same route towards Bhimashankar, which is 59 km.
From Pune ST buses are available from Shivaji Nagar Pune to Bhimashankar at 5:30 in the morning to 2:00 pm and a ticket is approximately 91/-. From Pune -> Rajguru Nagar -> Chas Kaman Dam -> Wada -> Bhimashakar; from Pune -> Rajguru Nagar -> Manchar -> Ghodegoan -> Bhimashakar; from Mumbai ->Chakan [i.e., exterior part of Pune] -> Rajguru Nagar(Khed) -> Manchar -> Ghodegoan -> Bhimashakar.
[edit]From Mumbai
If coming from Mumbai, take Pune road. About 31.02 km from Deonar traffic junction lies the Mumbai Pune Expressway (NH-4) after crossing Navi Mumbai and Panvel. After 52 km from Panvel is Lonavala and 50 km from there is on NH-4 is Wadgaon. At Wadgaon, turn left on State Highway towards Chakan which is about 12 km. At Chakan, take NH 50 towards Manchar which is around 65 km to Bhimashankar. From Mumbai direct State Transport buses are available from Mumbai Central. The morning bus leaves Mumbai central around 6.00 am and the last bus is of 10.30 pm. Traveling from Mumbai to Bhimashankar takes 6 hours by private car and state transport vehicles takes 7 hours.
[edit]From Pune
If starting from Pune, drive along the Pune-Nasik highway and turn off at the road leading to Bhimashankar. The mountain road is quite a steep climb. The distance is about 160 km from Pune.
Government MSRTC buses (non luxury) run from Pune to Bhimashankar every 30 minutes from 5:30 am till 4:00 pm.

Accommodation

Pilgrims usually stay here for three days. The local upajjhayas (priests) make arrangements for the lodging and boarding of pilgrims at a small cost. Visitors are accommodated in either temporary hutments or in dharamshalas near the village. A new dharamshala is under construction. There are several hotels near Bhimashankar. Places like Shinoli and Ghodegaon are good for staying near Bhimashankar. Accommodation at Bhimashankar mainly comprises two bungalows (with a capacity of 8 beds) and tents.

Visit times

The best time to visit is between August and February. Though any time of the year is good to visit Bhimashankar, it is better to avoid visiting during summer. Similarly during monsoon unless one likes trekking, it is better to avoid. That leaves the best period to seven months between August and February.

The Temple

Although the present structure of the Temple appears to be of comparatively recent origins, the shrine Bhimashankaram (and the Bhimarathi river) have been referred to in literature dating back to the 13th century. Built in the Nagara style of architecture, this temple is a modest temple yet graceful temple and dates back to the 18th century. One can also find borrowed influences from the Indo Aryan style of architecture.
It is believed that the ancient shrine was erected over a Swayambhu Lingam (that is the self emanated Shiva Lingam). It can be seen in the temple that the Lingam is exactly at the centre of the floor of the Garbagriham (the Sanctum Sanctorum). Intricate carvings of divinities interspersed with human figurines adorn the pillars and the doorframes of the temple. Scenes from mythology find itself captured in these magnificent carvings.
Within the temple precincts there is also a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shani Mahatma (also called Shaneeswara). The image of Nandi Lord Shiva's vahanam is installed as is the case with all the Siva Temples, just at the entrance of the temple.
This temple is closely associated with the legend of Shiva slaying the demon Tripurasura associated with the invincible flying citadels Tripuras. Shiva is said to have taken abode in the 'Bhima Shankara' form, upon the request of the Gods, on the crest of the Sahyadri hills, and the sweat that poured forth from his body after the battle is said to have formed the Bhimarathi river.
The Gopura-shikharam of the temple was built by Nana Phadnavis. The great Maratha ruler Shivaji is also said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate the carrying out, of worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctum is at a lower level. The 'Shani temple' is located inside the main complex of the temple of Bhimashankar.
Between the two pillars outside the 'Shani' temple, one comes across an ancient huge Portuguese bell. Behind the temple, there is a small pathway that leads us to the banks of a river. Stepping out from the Temple one is awed with a bewitching view of the virgin wilderness occasionally interrupted by the glimpses of the majestic forts on the surrounding mountains greets us.[8]
History unveils itself in the peaks of the Sahayadris. Bhimashankar – a place where spiritual splendor merges with Nature's magnificence is definitely a pilgrim's paradise. There are other temples and shrines, near the main Temple. There is a shrine to Kamalaja near the Bhimashankara temple. Kamalaja is an incarnation of Parvati, who aided Shiva in his battle against Tripuraasura. Kamalajaa was worshipped with offerings of lotus flowers by Bhrama.
There is a shrine for Siva Ganams, Shaakini and Daakini who assisted Shiva in the battle against the demon. Kaushika Maha Muni is said to have did 'Tapas' (penance) here. The place where he bathed is called Mokshakund thirtham which is located behind the Bhimashankara temple. There are also the Sarvathirtha, the Kusharanya thirtha where the Bhima river begins to flow eastward, and the Jyanakund.

Pooja Details

Three worship services are offered every day. Mahashivratri is a season of greate festivity here.
Timings:
Morning - 4:30 am
Aarti - 5:05 am
Normal Darshans - 5:15 am to 11:30 am.
No Abhishekam between - 11:30 am to 11:50 am.
Maha Puja - 12 pm.
Maha Nivedhyam - 12:30 pm.
Abhishekam and Normal Puja - 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
Shringar Puja - 2:45 pm to 3:15 pm.
Aarti - 3:15 pm to 3:30 pm
Shringar Darshan - 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm
(Except Pradosham on Monday or Amavasya or Grahan or Maha Shiv Ratri. Kartihik Month, Shravan Month — No Mukut and no Shringar Darshans).
Rudrasamhita sloka in its reference to Bhimashankar says, Daakine Bhimashankaram. There is also a Bhimashankar temple at Bhimapur hill near Guwahati in Assam where legend holds that a demon by name Bhima who inflicted havoc upon the beings in the area, was slain by Shiva, as he tried to kill a king enaged in Shiva worship.
This is not to be confused with the legend Mruthumjaya Lingam, where Shiva emerged from a Shivalingam to vanquish Yama the Lord of death. The Shiva Purana and the Koti Rudra Samhita refer to Bhimashankar temple in the Kamarupa country. However there is also a reference to Mount Sahya, where it is stated that Shiva — Bhimashankara appeared on the Sahayadris.

Three worship services are offered each day. Mahashivratri is a season of great festivity here.
It is to be noted that the Rudrasamhita sloka in its reference to Bhimashankar says, Daakine Bhimashankaram. There is also a Bhimashankar temple at Bhimapur hill near Guwahati in Assam where legend holds that a demon by name Bhima who inflicted havoc upon the beings in the area, was slain by Shiva, as he tried to kill a king enaged in Shiva worship.
This is a legend similar to that where Shiva emerged from a Shivalingam to vanquish Yama the Lord of death. The Shiva Purana and the Koti Rudra Samhita refer to Bhimashankar temple in the Kamarupa country. However there is also a reference to Mount Sahya, where it is stated that Shiva — Bhimashankara appeared on the Sahayadris.
There is also a Bhimashankara temple at Kashipur near Nainital in Uttarakhand, which was referred to as Daakini country in ancient days. It is believed that Bhima the Pandava prince was married to Hidamba, a Daakini here. Mahashivaratri is celebrated in great splendour here too. This temple also has shrines to Bhairavanath and Devi, and a temple tank by name Shivaganga.

Ujjain - Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

2012-07-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, which are supposed to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the side of the Rudra Sagar lake. The presiding deity, Shiva in the lingam form is believed to be Swayambhu, deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams that are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti.

About

As per Shiva Purana, once Brahma (the Hindu God of creation) and Vishnu (the Hindu God of sustenance) had an argument in terms of supremacy of creation.[1] To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds as a huge endless pillar of light, the jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either directions. Brahma lied that he found out the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat. Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshipped till the end of eternity. The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The jyothirlinga shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light. Originally there were believed to be 64 jyothirlingas while 12 of them are considered to be very auspicious and holy. Each of the twelve jyothirlinga sites take the name of the presiding deity - each considered different manifestation of Shiva. At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva. The twelve jyothirlinga are Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andra Pradesh, Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Himalayas, Bhimashankar in Maharastra, Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Triambakeshwar in Maharastra, Vaidyanath at Deogarh in Jharkand, Nageswar at Dwarka in Gujarat, Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Grishneshwar at Aurangabad in Maharastra.

The Temple
he idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurti, which means that it is facing the south. This is a unique feature, upheld by the tantric shivnetra tradition to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 Jyotirlingas. The idol of Omkareshwar Mahadev is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine. The images of Ganesh, Parvati and Karttikeya are installed in the west, north and east of the sanctum sanctorum. To the south is the image of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The idol of Nagchandreshwar on the third storey is open for darshan only on the day of Nag Panchami. The temple has five levels, one of which is underground. The temple itself is located in a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls near a lake. The shikhar or the spire is adorned with sculptural finery. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum. It is believed that prasada (holy offering) offered here to the deity can be re-offered unlike all other shrines.[8]

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
The presiding deity of time, Shiva, in all his splendor, reigns eternally in the city of Ujjain. The temple of Mahakaleshwar, its shikhar soaring into the sky, an imposing façade against the skyline, evokes primordial awe and reverence with its majesty. The Mahakal dominates the life of the city and its people, even in the midst of the busy routine of modern preoccupations, and provides an unbreakable link with ancient Hindu traditions. On the day of Maha Shivaratri, a huge fair is held near the temple, and worship goes on through the night.

Mythology

According to the Puranas, the city of Ujjain was called Avantika and was famous for its beauty and its status as a devotional epicenter. It was also one of the primary cities where students went to study holy scriptures. According to legend, there was a ruler of Ujjain called Chandrasena, who was a pious devotee of Lord Shiva and worshiped him all the time. One day, a farmer's boy named Shrikhar was walking on the grounds of the palace and heard the King chant the Lord's name and rushed to the temple to start praying with him. However, the guards removed him by force and sent him to the outskirts of the city near the river Kshipra. Rivals of Ujjain, primarily King Ripudamana and King Singhaditya of the neighboring kingdoms decided to attack the Kingdom and take over its treasures around this time. Hearing this, Shrikhar started to pray and the news spread to a priest named Vridhi. He was shocked to hear this and upon the urgent pleas of his sons, started to pray to Lord Shiva at the river Kshipra. The Kings chose to attack and were successful; with the help of the powerful demon Dushan, who was blessed by Lord Brahma to be invisible, they plundered the city and attacked all the devotees of Lord Shiva.
Upon hearing the pleas of His helpless devotees, Lord Shiva appeared in his Mahakala form and destroyed the enemies of King Chandrasena. Upon the request of his devotees Shrikhar and Vridhi, Lord Shiva agreed to reside in the city and become the chief deity of the Kingdom and take care of it against its enemies and to protect all His devotees. From that day on, Lord Shiva resided in His light form as Mahakala in a Lingam that was formed on its own from the powers of the Lord and His consort, Parvati. The Lord also blessed his devotees and declared that people who worshipped Him in this form would be free from the fear of death and diseases. Also, they would be granted worldly treasures and be under the protection of the Lord himself.

History

The temple complex was destroyed by Sultan Iltutmish during his raid of Ujjain in 1234-5.[11][12][13] The present structure was built by the Srimant Raanojirao Shinde Maharaj Scindias in 1736 AD. Later on, further developments and management was done by Following Rulers : 1. Shreenath Mahadji Shinde Maharaj also known as Madhavrao The First(14.01.1761 - 13.Feb.1794)
2. Srimant Maharani Bayzabai Raje Shinde (1827–1863)
In the regime of Maharaja Shrimant Jayaajirao Saheb Shinde Alijah Bahadur till 1886 various major programs of the then Gwalior Riyasat used to be held at this Mandir. After Independence the Dev Sthan Trust was replaced by Municipal corporation of Ujjain. Nowadays it is under the collectorate.

How To reach

The temple is located in the heart of Ujjain, at a distance of two kilometers from the Ujjain railway station and bus stand. It is accessible by state-operated tempos (fare Rs. 10/- per head from railway station or bus stand to temple. The service of Tempos is after every five minutes), auto-rickshaws or private taxis.

The Temples in Ujjain

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, the sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in the city of Ujjain in the Madhya Pradesh state of India. It is a three-storey temple, on the side of the lake called Rudra Sagar.

Mahakaleshwar Jyothirlinga Temple
The main deity, shiva in the lingam form is believed to be swayambhu (born of itself), deriving currents of power (Shakti) from within itself as against the other images and lingams which are ritually established and invested with mantra-shakti. The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurti, facing the South. This is a unique feature, upheld by tantric tradition to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 jyotirlingas. The idol of Omkareshwar Shiva is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine. The images of Ganesh, Parvati and Karttikeya are installed in the west, north and east of the sanctum sanctorum. To the south is the image of Nandi. The idol of Nagchandreshwar on the third storey is open for darshan only on the day of Nag Panchami. The temple has five levels one of which is underground. The temple itself is located in a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls near a lake. The shikhara or the spire is adorned with sculptural finery. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum.

Bade Ganeshji ka Mandir

This temple, situated above the tank near the Mahakaleshwar Temple, contains a huge artistic sculpture of Ganesha, the son of Shiva. An idol of this size and beauty is rarely to be found. The middle of the temple is adorned by an idol of the panch-mukhi (five-faced) Hanuman. There is a provision for learning of Sanskrit and Astrology in the temple.

Chintaman Temple

Chintaman means "the assurer of freedom from worldly anxieties". This temple is built across the Shipra(Kshipra) river on the Fatehabad railway line. The Ganesh idol in this temple is supposed to be swayambhu - born of itself. Riddhi and Siddhi, the consorts of Ganesha, are seated on either side of Ganesha. The temple is considered to be of considerable antiquity. The artistically carved pillars in the assembly hall date back to the Paramara period. The temple is about 15 km from the main city. Every Wednesday people come for special darshana.

Harsiddhi Temple

This temple occupies a special place in the galaxy of ancient sacred spots of Ujjain. The temple is dedicated to Annapurna, seated between the idols of Mahalakshami and Mahasaraswati, the Annapurna is painted with a dark vermillion colour. The Shri Yatra, the symbol of power or shakti, is also enshrined in this temple. According to Shiva Purana, when Shiva carried away the burning body of Sati from the sacrificial fire, her elbow dropped at this place. There is an interesting legend in the Skanda Purana about the manner in which the Goddess Chandi acquired the epthet of Harassiddhi. Once whenShiva and Parvati were alone on mount Kailasha, two demons called Chanda and Prachanda tried to force their way in. Pleases Shiva bestowed upon her the epithet of Harasiddhi means 'one who vanquishes all'.
The temple was reconstructed during the Maratha period and has two pillars adorned with lamps, that are special features of Maratha art. There is an ancient well on the premises, and an artistic pillar adorns the top of it.

Kal Bhairava temple

The worship of the eight Bhairavas is a part of Saivite tradition, and the chief among them is Kala Bhairava. The Kal Bhairava temple is believed to have been built by King Bhadrasen, on the banks of the Shipra. Mentioned in the Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana. Important for the Tantric Kapalika and Aghora sects, of which Ujjain was a prominent centre. Beautiful paintings in the Malwa style once decorated the temple walls, only traces of which are visible. The village of Bhairogarh, famous for its printing, takes its name from the temple, and is located very near.

Mangalnath temple

Shiva or Mahadeva is the deity which is worshipped in Mangalnath temple. The Mangalnath temple is situated away from the bustle of the city and looks down upon a vast expanse of the Kshipra River. It is regarded as the birth place of Mars (mangala in Hindi), according to the Matsya Purana. Famous for a clear view of the planet and hence suitable for astronomical studies.

Gopal Mandir
Constructed by Bayajibai Shinde, the queen of Maharajah Daulat Rao Shinde, in the 19th century. The door in the inner sanctum is believed to have been carried to Ghazni from the Somnath temple and from thence by Mahmud Shah Abdali to Lahore, from where it was rescued by Mahadji Scindia.

Pir Matsyendranath
This is very attractive spot on the banks of Shipra River, quite close to the Bhartrihari Caves and the Gadkalika temple. The shrine is dedicated to a leader of the Natha sect of Shaivism- Matsyendranath. It is also venerated by Muslims. Excavations here have yielded artifacts dating to the 6th and 7th century BC.

Siddhavat

Features an enormous banyan tree on the banks of the Shipra, considered sacred since the medieval ages. This banyan tree has got the same significance as that of akshayavata in Prayag and Gaya, Vanshivata of Vrindavan and Panchavata of Nasik. Thousands of people take dip in the Shipra River from the bathing ghats built here. According to one tradition, Parvati is believed have performed her penance here. It used to be a place of worship for the followers of the Natha sect. The little village of Bhairogarh near Siddhawat is famous for its tie-and-die printing for centuries. In ancient times, when the trade with other counties flourished, exquisitely printed cloth from Bhairogarh used to find its way to Rome and China.

Bhartrihari Caves

Bhartrihari, the step brother of Vikramaditya, is believed to have lived and meditated here after renouncing worldly life. His famous works, Shringarshataka, Vairagyashataka, and Nitishataka, were possibly written here.

Kaliadeh Palace

It is situated on the banks of Shipra River and a beautiful ancient site. It is believed that there was once a majestic Sun temple at this site. The Avanti-mahatmya of Skanda Purana has recorded a description of the Sun temple and two tanks, The Surya Kunda and the Brahma Kunda. Remains of old temple are scattered all around. A fragmented inscription of this place records building of the palace in 1458 AD, in the time of Mahmud Khilji. The central dome of the palace is a beautiful example of Persian architecture. Two Persian inscriptions record the visits of Akbar and Jehangir to this palace. The palace was broken by the Pindaris and was restored by Madhav Rao Scindia in 1920.

Sandipani ashram

Ujjain in ancient times, enjoyed the reputation of being a great seat of learning as early as the Mahabharata period. According to Puranic traditions, in the Ashrama of Guru Sandipani, Krishna and Sudama received their education. The area near the ashrama is known as ankapata, popularly believed to have been the place used by Lord krishna for washing his writing tablet. The numerals 1 to 100 found on a stone are believed to have been engraved by Guru Sandipani. the Gomti Kunda, referred to in the Puranas, was the source of water supply to the ashrama in the olden days. An image of Nandi, belonging to the Shunga period, is to be found near the tank. The followers of the Vallabha sect regard this place as the 73rd seat of the 84 seats of Vallabhacharya where he delivered his discourses throughout India.

Durgadas Ki Chhatri

Durgadas fought for the independence of Jodhpur after the death of Maharaja Jaswant Singh and helped Ajit Singh to ascend the throne against the wishes of Aurangzeb. Durgadas died at Rampura in 1718 and his funeral rites were performed according to his wishes on the banks of Shipra River. The rulers of Jodhpur built the Chatri as Memorial to Durgadas, whose funeral rites were performed at this place in 1718. This structure built in Rajpur style of architecture, housed a statue of Durgadas which crumbled down.

Gadkalika

Inscription at Gadhkalika
Gadkalika, situated about two miles from the present town, the deity in this temple is believed to have been worshiped by Kalidasa. The legend goes that he was an idiot and it is by this devotion to the goddess Kalika that he acquired great literary skill. Believed to have been frequented by Kalidasa, this temple was renovated by Harshavardhan in the 7th century AD, and again during the Paramara period. The temple has been rebuilt in the modern times by the erstwhile Gwalior State.

etting There and Around

By Air - The nearest airport is at Indore (55 Kms.) and is connected by air with Bhopal, Bombay, Delhi and Gwalior.

By Rail - Ujjain has a railway station on the Western Railway line and connected with major cities in India.

By Road - Good roads connect Ujjain with Ahmedabad (402 Kms.), Bhopal (183 Kms.), Bombay (655 Kms.), Delhi (774 Kms.), Gwalior (451 Kms.), Indore (53 Kms.), Khajuraho (570 Kms.), Mandu (158 Kms.).

Accommodation

There are several hotels and lodges available for accommodation. Besides, in Ujjain, there are government run hotels also like the Shipra and the Yatri Niwas that are conveniently priced and comfortable.

Somnath Temple

2012-07-03T03:39:00.000-07:00

Somnath Temple

Something about Somnath Temple
Shree Somnath is first among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlings of India. It has a strategic location on the western coast of India.

Ancient Indian traditions maintain a close relationship of Somnath with release of Chandra (Moon God) from the curse of his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati. Moon was married to Twenty-Seven daughters of Daksha. However, he favoured Rohini and neglected other queens. The aggrieved Daksha cursed Moon and the Moon lost power of light. With the advice of Prajapita Brahma, Moon arrived at the Prabhas Teerth and worshipped Bhagvan Shiva. Pleased with the great penance and devotion of Moon, Bhagvan Shiva blessed him and relieved him from the curse of darkness. Pauranic traditions maintain that Moon had built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, Bhagvan Shree Krishna is believed to have built Somnath temple with Sandalwood.

The research based on ancient Indian classical texts show that first Somnath Jyotirling Pran-Pratistha was done on the auspicious third day of brighter half of Shravan month during the tenth Treta yug of Vaivswat Manvantar. Swami Shri Gajananand Saraswatiji, Chairman of Shrimad Aadhya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Vedic Shodh Sansthan, Varanasi suggested that the said first temple was built 7,99,25,105 years ago as derived from the traditions of Prabhas Khand of Skand Puran. Thus, this temple is a perennial source of inspiration for millions of Hindus since time immemorial.

The later sources of history account for several desecrations by Muslims invaders during eleventh to eighteen century A.D. The temple was rebuilt every time with the reconstructive spirit of the people. The modern temple was reconstructed with the resolve of Sardar Patel who visited the ruins of Somnath temple on November 13 1947. Then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951.

Other spots in the temple are Shri Kapardi Vinayak and Shri Hanuman Temple in addition to Vallabhghat. Vallabhghat is a beautiful sunset point. The temple is illuminated every evening. Similarly, the Sound & Light Show “Jay Somnath” is also displayed every night during 8.00 to 9.00, which allows the pilgrims an ethereal experience in the backdrop of grand Somnath temple and the holy wave sounds of the Ocean. Ahalyabai temple is also close by, which was built by the queen mother Shri Ahalyabai Holker during 1782. This temple maintained the Pooja Parampara of Bhagvan Shiva during the hostile political conditions.

About

Somnath temple stands at the shore of the Arabian ocean on the western corner of Indian subcontinent in Gujarat State. This pilgrimage is one of the oldest and finds its reference in the ancient texts like Skandpuran, Shreemad Bhagavat, Shivpuran etc. The hymn from Rig-Veda quoted below mention the Bhagvan Someshwar along with the great pilgrimage like Gangaji, Yamunaji and Eastward Saraswati. This signifies the ancient value of this Tirthdham.
Somnath is in Prabhas Patan very near to Veraval.

The Moon God is said to have been relieved from the curse of his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati by the blessings of Bhagvan Somnath. In the Shiva Purana and Nandi Upapurana, Shiva said, `I am always present everywhere but specially in 12 forms and places as the jyotirlingas`. Somnath is one of these 12 holy places. This is the first among the twelve holy Shiva Jyotirlings.

The shore temple of Somnath is believed to have been built in 4 phases-in gold by Lord Soma, in silver by Ravi, in wood by lord Krishna and in stone by King Bhimadeva.

It has withstood the six-repeated desecration by the Muslim invaders. The very existence of this temple is symbol of reconstructive spirit and cultural unity of our society.
The seventh existing temple is built in the Kailas Mahameru Prasad style. The Iron man of India Sardar Shri Vallabhbhai Patel is the pioneer of the existing temple.

The temple is consisting of Garbhgruh, Sabhamandap and Nrityamandap with a 150 feet high Shikhar.
The Kalash at the top of the Shikhar weighs 10 tons and the Dhwajdand is 27 feet tall and 1 foot in circumference. The Abadhit Samudra Marg, Tirsthambh (Arrow) indicates the unobstructed sea route to the South Pole. The nearest land towards South Pole is about 9936 km. away. This is a wonderful indicator of the ancient Indian wisdom of geography and strategic location of the Jyotirling. The temple renovated by Maharani Ahalyabai is adjacent to the main temple complex.

Hari Har Tirthdham is here in Somnath. This is the holy place of Bhagvan Shri Krishna's Neejdham Prasthan Leela. The place where Bhagvan Shri Krishna was hit by an arrow of a poacher is known as Bhalka Tirtha. After being hit by the arrow, Bhagvan Shri Krishna arrived at the holy confluence of Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati and their Sangam with the ocean. He performed his divine Neejdham Prasthan Leela at the sacred and peaceful banks of river Hiran.

The Geetamandir is built here where the divine message of Shrimad Bhagavat Geeta is carved on eighteen marble pillars. Shri Lakshminarayan Mandir is close by. The Balramjiki Gufa is the place from where Bhagvan Shrikrishna's elder brother Balaramji took journey to his nijdham-patal.

Here is the Parshuram Tapobhumi, where Bhagvan Parshuramji carried out penance and he was relieved from the sin of Kshatriya killings. The Pandavas have said to have visited this place and taken holy bath in the Jalprabhas and built five Shiv temples.

The Somnath Trust has endeavored to develop the whole Shri Krishna Neejdham Prasthan Tirtha in an wholesome manner. The pilgrims please contribute generously to this noble cause.

Nearest places

Bhalka Teerth

This sacred teerth is located 5 km on Prabhas Veraval highway.

The arrow of the poacher named Jara at this spot hit Bhagvan Shree Krishna. Bhagvan Shree Krishna was resting in meditation pose under a pippal tree when the poacher misread the foot of Bhagvan Shree Krishna as a deer and hit from a distance.

Bhagvan generously pardoned the poacher and blessed him.

This divined leela of Bhagvan Shree Krishna is immortalised by a beautiful temple and an ancient pippal tree. Bhagvan Shree Krishna then walked a small distance and arrived at the holy banks of river Hiran from where he took his last journey to his Neejdham.
The spot is under development with the assistance of the Central Government of India.

Dehotsarg Teerth

Shree Krishna Neejdham Prasthan Tirth
(DEHOTSARG TEERTH)

This Tirtha is located on the banks of Hiran at a distance of 1.5km from Somnath temple.

Bhagvan Shree Krishna took his divine journey to Neejdham from this sacred soil. Rich accounts of the divined Shree Krishna Neejdham Prasthan Leela are maintained by the authentic traditions of Mahabhart, Shrimad Bhagwat, and Vishnu Puran etc.

Swami Shri Gajananand Saraswatiji has critically examined the previously mentioned classical Indian traditions and suggested the time of Neejdham Prasthan. He suggested that Shri Krishna departed on the first day of bright fortnight of Chaitra month (which corresponds with 18 February of English calendar) in the year 3102 B.C. at 2:27:30 hours

The footprint of Bhagvan Shree Krishna is carved here to mark the divine memory of Shree Krishna Neejdham Prasthan Leela. Baldevji, the elder brother of Shree Krishna also took his last journey from here in his original serpent form. This is marked by an ancient holy cave called “Dauji-ni Gufa”

Other temples

Somnath Temple

Location: Near the Somnath beach

The Somnath Temple dedicated to the Lord of Moon; Lord Shiva is eminently renowned in every corner of the country and globe as the temple that was decimated and resurrected several times over the centuries. Regarded as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India where Lord Shiva Himself is believed to be eternally residing, the Somnath Temple is tremendously aggrandized by Hindus. The devotees of Lord Shiva affirm that taking a Darshana of Lord Somnath is extremely fortuitous and auspicious. The present day temple of Lord Somnath was raised after the Independence under the initiative and aegis of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi. The installation ceremony of the Somnath Temple was performed in the year 1951 by the hands of Dr Rajendra Prasad; the first President of the Republic of India. In his public address Dr Rajendra Prasad had exclaimed that, “The Somnath temple signifies that the power of reconstruction is always greater than the power of destruction”.
Currently administered by ‘Shri Somnath Trust’, the Somnath Temple designed in ‘Kailash Mahameru Prasad Style’ reveals the Chalukya order of temple architecture. The swaggering structure of Somnath Temple ceaselessly sings the sagas of the artistic ingenuity of the ‘Sompura Salats’; the master masons of Gujarat. 155 feet tall temple of Somnath crowned with an intricately carved pyramidal dome bears a lofty stone Kalasha that weighs nearly 10 tones. The elaborate carvings embellishing the temple, the grand silver doors, the huge mandapa, the Baan-Stambh, the striking Nandi idol and the ostentatious Shiva Lingam are the most noteworthy attractions of the Somnath Temple. Every evening this temple is entirely illuminated with millions of lights which creates a truly awe inspiring spectacle. The light and sound show named ‘Jai Somnath’ performed everyday between 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm is both entertaining and informative.

Laxminarayan Mandir

Location: Adjacent to the famous Gita Mandir in the Dehotsarg Campus
Laxminarayan Temple of Somnath located adjacent to the famous Gita Mandir in the Dehotsarg Campus is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Positioned along the pristine Somnath Beach this Laxminarayan Mandir is revered for enshrining the divine ‘Shreevigraha’ of Bhagwan Laxminarayan. Supposed to be fashioned after the Laxminarayan Temple of Badrinath, this temple is built in modern Indian style of architecture. This daunting structure erected in glossy marbles and ornamented with beautiful carvings and engravings is distinguished for its commanding architectonics. The carvings on the temple walls depict the episodes chronicled in the Hindu Puranas. Apart from the arresting idol of Lord Laxminarayan, this temple also enshrines several other idols of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Greatly honored by the Vaishnavites, the Laxminarayan Temple of Somnath receives myriads of devotees every year. The daily poojas offered at the temple and the chanting of the mantras yield a pacifying spiritual ambience inside the temple premises.

Gita Mandir

Location: Sited in Dehotsarg campus adjoining the Laxminarayan Temple at the Triveni Tirtha
Gita Mandir also sited in Dehotsarg campus adjoining the Laxminarayan Temple at the Triveni Tirtha is an impressive shrine dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna and the Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta preached by him. This Krishna Temple constructed by Birla Family in 1970 AD is also popularly reckoned by the title the ‘Birla Temple’. As the legend goes, the Gita Mandir is nested at the very exact spot where Lord Shri Krishna after being shot by a hunter at the Bhalka Teerth had rested for a while before departing for the final journey to His ‘Neej Dham’. Lord Krishna with his bleeding toe is said to have walked about 4 kilometers from Bhalka Teerth to the present location of Gita Mandir.
Marvelously built in polished marble stone, the Gita Mandir enshrines the idol of Lord Krishna in its sanctum. This idol of the presiding deity is flanked by two statues of Lord Laxminarayan and Lord SitaRam. The most remarkable aspect of the Gita Mandir is its eighteen marble pillars that bear the 18 Adhyays of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta carved on them. The interiors of the temple are decorated with several paintings depicting various life episodes of Lord Krishna. The Gita Mandir is constructed in such a way that any sound made within the temple is echoed. As a result, the Krishna Bhajans and Stotras recited inside the temple echo in the environment and create a spiritual appeal.

Shri Parshuram Temple

Location: At the sacred Triveni Tirtha about 5 kilometers away from Somnath along the Somnath Veraval highway
Lord Parshuram; the son of Goddess Renuka and a pious sage Jamadagni is believed to be the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and one of the seven immortals (chiranjiv) stated in Hindu mythology. Shri Parshuram Temple is situated at the sacred Triveni Tirtha about 5 kilometers away from Somnath along the Somnath Veraval highway. Also venerated by the laurel ‘Parshuram Tapobhoomi’ this locale is believed to be the very place where Lord Parshuram had performed a severe penance in the honor of Lord Somnath in order to get rid of the sin of Kshatriya Vadh. The Parshuram Temple of Triveni Tirtha happens to be one of the rare temples dedicated to Lord Parshuram.
This baroque temple adjoined by two ancient bathing water tanks (holy kund) is a much sought after religious destination near Somnath where devotees spend time in prayers and meditation. The temple edifice is divided into three sub structures; sabhamandap, central mandap and a garbhagriha. The garbhagriha of this shrine houses the idol of Lord Parshuram sided by two idols of Kala and Kama. Moreover, the temple complex also comprises the sub shrines dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha. Additionally, a smaller shrine consecrating the Goddess Renuka; the mother of Lord Parshuram is also positioned behind the main temple.
Endowed with its religious and mythological significance as well as its charismatic scenic background, this temple of Lord Parshuram is much frequented by the devotees and the tourists all round the year.

Shri Shashibhushan Mahadev and Bhidbhanjan Ganapatiji Temple

Location: Approximately 4 kilometers away from the Somnath Mahadev Temple along the Somnath-Veraval Highway
Shri Shashibhushan Mahadev and Bhidbhanjan Ganapatiji Temple located approximately 4 kilometers away from the Somnath Mahadev Temple along the Somnath-Veraval Highway is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Positioned against the chimerical backdrop of the sublime Arabian Sea this temple is regarded to have been built at the very spot from where the Jara poacher is said to have shot the toe of Lord Krishna taking it for a small bird. This temple is said to have been founded by Shri Bhav Brihaspati; the erstwhile Poojacharya of the Somnath Temple. Lord Shashibhushan Mahadev along with his son Lord Bhidbhanjan Ganapati is worshipped in this temple. The devotees hold a belief that the Lord Ganesha of this temple possesses the powers to relieve you from your worldly troubles (Bhidbhanjan).

Shri Veneshwar Mahadev Temple

Location: Just opposite the Somnath Trust Dharamshala Gate
Shri Veneshwar Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located just opposite the Somnath Trust Dharamshala Gate. As the legend goes, when Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Somnath in 1025 AD, the local king of Somnath gave a tough fight against his army. As the king was not surrendering, Mahmud of Ghazni had to hatch a new plan. He found out that the king had a daughter named Veni who used to pay a visit to a certain Shiva Temple stationed outside the fort wall of Prabhaspatan everyday. Mahmud of Ghazni decided that he would kidnap Veni and then force the king to yield.
As per the plan when Veni was offering homage at the feet of Lord Shiva, the soldiers of Mahmud of Ghazni attacked the temple. Veni immediately submitted herself to Lord Shiva and appealed the God to save her from the calamity. At that moment a miracle occurred and the Shiva Lingam was opened into two from the middle. The princess Veni was accumulated inside and the Lingam was closed. At that time a ‘Veni’ i.e. a strand of her hair was left out. Veni acquired the eternal salvation and Mahmud of Ghazni failed in his scheme.
The prints of the Veni as well as the marks of the Shiva Lingam being split open can still be seen on the Lingam of Shri Veneshwar Mahadev. The Lord Shiva of this temple receives its appellation Veneshwar after the name of Princess Veni. This incredible episode of Princess Veni’s deliverance is elaborated in his novel by the prolific Gujarati novelist K. M. Munshi.

Suraj Mandir

Location: To the north of the sacred Triveni Teerth
Suraj Mandir or Surya Mandir of Somnath dedicated to the Sun God is located to the north of the sacred Triveni Teerth. This ancient temple estimated to be as old as the original Somnath Temple is an exceptional specimen of nature worshiping prevalent in Indian culture since primordial era. The most striking feature of this sun temple is its bravura architecture festooned with dazzling motifs of lions, elephants and other birds and animals.

Kamnath Mahadev Temple

Location:
The Kamnath Mahadev Temple constructed by a Mayurdhwaj King approximately 200 years ago is a celebrated shrine dedicated to the God of destruction; Lord Shiva. This renowned temple of Somnath is particularly exalted for the three blessed water bodies to be found within the temple premises. They are: Dudhiyu Talav, Gangvo Kuvo and Mahadev no Kund. As per the prevailing saga, the water of the Dudhiyu Talav possesses mystical healing powers and the aforementioned Mayurdhwaj King had recovered from his skin disease leprosy after bathing in the waters of this holy pond. There was a saying in this part of Saurashtra that he who has not bathed in the Dudhiyu Talav is as good as dead. The Kamnath Mahadev Temple is thronged by thousands of devotees when the annual fair is held at the end of the holy month of Shravan every year.

Triveni Sangam Snanghat

Location: Near Laxmi Narayan Temple
Triveni Sangam Snanghat of Somnath established at the confluence of the three holy rivers Saraswati, Kapil and Hiran is a sacrosanct locale highly revered by Hindus as the ‘Moksha Teerth’. This is the place where the three blessed rivers flow into the Arabian Sea. As the sea is the ultimate destination of a river, obtaining ‘Moksha’ is the ultimate goal of the human life. The three rivers Saraswati, Kapil and Hiran stand for the three stages of the life; birth, life and death. Triveni Sangam Snanghat is the sacred site for taking a divine and sin cleansing dip in the Triveni Sangam. All the ill deeds performed during our lifetime are said to be washed away at the Triveni Sangam of Somnath.
Apart from that, this Snanghat is also acclaimed as the place where ‘Pitru-tarpana’ can be offered to your departed ancestors. Triveni Sangam Snanghat of Somnath also finds citations in the Hindu scriptures like Puranas and the great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is also said that Lord Shri Krishna after being hit by the arrow of Jara paid a visit to this Triveni Sangam. The famous temples of Somnath like Gita Mandir and Laxminarayan temple are also positioned on the banks of the Triveni Sangam Snanghat itself. Presently, the bathing facilities at the Triveni Sangam Snanghat are being renovated by Shri Somnath Trust with the support from the Gujarat Government.

Dehotsarg Teerth

Location: Roughly one and a half kilometers away from the Somnath Temple
The term ‘Dehotsarg’ means ‘leaving the body’. Dehotsarg Teerth located roughly one and a half kilometers away from the Somnath Temple is the very vicinity from where Lord Shri Krishna injured by the arrow of Jara commenced his final journey to ‘Neej Dham’. As the life span of the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu got over, his Shesh Nag who had accompanied him to earth in the form of his elder brother; Lord Baldev or Balabhadra also left this world and went to Vaikuntha. As the legend goes, Balabhadra entered a nearby cave named ‘Balramjiki Gufa’ or ‘Baldev Gufa’ and disappeared. In 9th century AD Shri Vallabhacharya delivered discourses on Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta at the Dehotsarg Teerth for seven days.

Bhalka Teerth

Location: Along the Prabhas-Veraval highway about 5 kilometers away from Somnath
Bhalka Teerth, located along the Prabhas-Veraval highway about 5 kilometers away from Somnath is the very place where Lord Krishna was hit by an arrow shot by a hunter named Jara. Lord Krishna was sitting under a Banyan tree in meditation when the Jara hunter mistakenly took his legs as some animal and shot them. Today a small temple dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna is built at the Bhalka Teerth where the same Banyan tree still survives. A splendid white idol of Lord Krishna is enshrined here. The pink colored foot of Shri Krishna and an image of the hunter Jara with folded hands are also depicted in the temple. Photography is not allowed at this temple of Bhalka Teerth.

Panch Pandava Gufa

Location: Established near Lalghati in Somnath
Panch Pandava Gufa established near Lalghati in Somnath is a cave temple instituted in the year 1949 by the late Baba Narayandas. Positioned at an elevated locus and offering the panoramic prospects of the adjoining Somnath city, this marvelous temple is dedicated to the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata. Apart from the commanding idols of the five Pandavas, this temple also enshrines the idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Lord Rama, Devi Sita, Laxman and Hanuman. Set up amidst the picturesque milieu and the calm and cool spiritual ambiance, the Panch Pandava Gufa temple also accommodates a Sanskrit college in its compound.

Junagarh Gate

Location: Close to the Somnath Temple
Junagarh Gate located close to the Somnath Temple is the primary gateway to cross the threshold of the Somnath City from Veraval. Acknowledged as one of the prime tourist attractions of Somnath, the Junagarh Gate boasts of its rich historical as well as architectural heritage. This is a threefold gateway which is believed to have been erected many centuries back. This ancient structure bejeweled with many intricate carvings is the very conduit through which Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Somnath, demolished the holy temple and plundered the great wealth.

Mai Puri Masjid

Location: At the distance of just one kilometer from the Junagarh Gate
Mai Puri Masjid positioned at the distance of just one kilometer from the Junagarh Gate is an ancient edifice erected during the sovereignty of Mahmud of Ghazni. This antique structure accommodating a number of tombs allures its visitors with its extraordinary façade bedecked with blue and white tiles. Revered as a vital religious destination for the Muslims, Mai Puri Masjid also beckons the tourists of other religious faiths.

The Somnath Museum

Location:
The Somnath Museum, also known as ‘Prabhas Patan Museum’ is an archaeological museum located to the north of the Somnath Temple close to the check post. Managed by the Government of Gujarat this museum of Somnath is celebrated for preserving some of the important remnants of the former Somnath Temple constructed during the reign of the Chalukya King Shri Mularaja Deva Solanki of Anhilvada Patan. Though deficient of the accurate documentation, this museum is highly commended for conserving inscriptions, stone and pottery sculptures and other relics from various centuries. The Somnath Museum can be visited from 8:30 am to 12:15 pm and from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

Somnath Beach

Location: Right behind the imperial Somnath Temple
Somnath Beach, positioned right behind the imperial Somnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is an enticing stretch of velvety white sand skirted by the sapphire blue waters of the unfathomable Arabian Sea. Though devoid of shade and also not recommended for swimming, Somnath Beach offers a perfect retreat into the boisterous quiescent in the intimacy with nature. The lovely Somnath Beach coupled with creamy sweeps of sand, extensive contour of the relentless waters of the sea and the breathtaking tableaus of the setting sun in the evening is a perfect escape in the lap of Mother Nature. Taking a stroll along the littoral or enjoying the pleasing splash of the rejuvenating water are the favorite activities indulged in here. Sipping the cool and fresh coconut water and staring at the infinite sea or experiencing the thrilling ride on the back of a camel or a pony is something no one would want to miss at the Somnath Beach.

Veraval Beach

Location: Along the south-west coast of Saurashtra at the fishing port Veraval approximately 5 kilometers
Veraval Beach located along the south-west coast of Saurashtra at the fishing port Veraval approximately 5 kilometers away from the Somnath Mahadev Temple is an astounding sea shore most idyllic to repose and revitalize in the vicinity of tranquil nature. Furnished with benches and a jogging path, the Veraval Beach is an excellent seaboard both for leisurely saunters and health giving exercises. Bathing in the lukewarm waters of the Arabian Sea in the early morning is undoubtedly the most vivifying craze sought after at the Veraval Beach. The most engaging spectacle witnessed at the Veraval Beach is its thriving fishing port where thousands of fishermen, trawlers, dhows and country crafts can be seen disencumbering their seize. Sided by the most remarkable ruins of the Junagarh Gate and Patan Gate and also an old palace facing the sea, the Veraval Beach apart from its scenic beauty will surely transport you back to the bygone era. The Veraval Beach also serves as the major seaport for pilgrims headed to Mecca. This fishing harbor popular among the tourists for sunbathing, swimming, jogging and camel riding also tenders its visitors with delectable seafood. The best time to visit the Veraval Beach is from July to March.

How to Reach

Nearest airport to Somnath is Diu, which is 90 km away from Somnath city. This airport is connected to Mumbai only. Taxi fare from Diu to Somnath is about Rs 2000. International travelers have to get connecting flights from Mumbai international airport, which is at a distance of 890 km from Somnath. Mumbai is well linked with all major cities in India and many cities in abroad.

Train

Veraval in Konkan line is the nearest railhead, which is only just 5 km away. Taxi charges minimum fare of Rs 150. Veraval is connected to Mumbai by rail.

Bus

State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect Somnath to various cities in and around. Luxury buses are available from Diu to Somnath, costing about Rs 300.

How to reach Somnath :
Amdavad is connected by Rail, Road and Air with all the major destinations. Veraval Somnath is connected with Amdavad to Rail and Road facilities. Somnath is at a distance of 465 km. from Amdavad. At present Jet Airwais operates passenger flight from Bombay to Diu every day accept Thursday. Somnath is connected with Diu by road (95 km).

» Guesthouse Facility :
Pilgrims can avail the guest house facilities of Shree Somnath Trust. Trust maintains a VIP Guesthouse, Eighteen other guest houses and an economical dormitory. The total number of rooms in the trust guest houses are in excess of Two hundred.

SAGAR DARSHAN ATITHIGRUH (Nr. Somnath Temple, Sea View Atithigruh)
Sr. No.	Bed	Type	Tariff (Rs.)	Advance Deposit (Rs.)
1	2	A.C.	1950/-	2500/-
Note: 1. Check out time :10:00 AM 2. One meal (lunch or dinner) and breakfast with tea / coffee for 02 (two) person is include in room rent. 3. All sea facing rooms. 4. Extra charge for extra person/children (Above 10yrs.) 5. Extra mattress provided (Charges: Rs. 100/-) 6. Running hot water conditional. 7.Restaurant closing time 11:00 PM (Night) 8.Credit / Debit Card payment mode available

LILAVATI ATITHIGRUH
Sr. No.	Bed	Type	Tariff (Rs.)	Advance Deposit (Rs.)
1	2	Non A/c.	600/-	1300/-
2	2	A/c.	900/-	1900/-
3	2	A/c. SUIT	1800/-	3700/-
4	4	A/c.	1800/-	3700/-
Check out time :10:00 am

VIP ATITHIGRUH
Sr. No.	Bed	Type	Tariff (Rs.)	Advance Deposit (Rs.)
1	2	A/c.	1300/-	2500/-
2	2	A/c. SUIT	1550/-	3000/-
Check out time :10:00 am

TANNA ATITHIGRUH
Sr. No.	Bed	Type	Tariff (Rs.)	Advance Deposit (Rs.)
1	2	Non A/c.	350/-	800/-
2	2	Delux N. A/C	450/-	1000/-
3	2	A/c.	700/-	1500/-
Check out time :12:00 Noon
DHARMASHALA
Sr. No.	Room	Capacity	Tariff (Rs.)	Advance Deposit (Rs.)
1	1	10 Person	250/-	600/-
2	1	20 Person	450/-	1000/-
Check out time :12:00 Noon
SANSKRITIK BHAVAN
Sr. No.	HALL	Capacity	Tariff (Rs.)	Advance Deposit (Rs.)
5	1	20 Person	450/-	1000/-
6	1	35 Person	750/-	1600/-
Check out time :12:00 Noon

* NOTE : Cradle & Extra Bed Facility Available in all Guest House

» Contact for Booking :
Shree Somnath Trust,
Somnath Prabhas Patan - 362 268
District : Junagadh, Gujarat.
Ph. No. : +91-2876-231212

» Dilip Chavda : Office Superintendent Ph. No. : +91-94282 14901
» Surubha Jadeja : Asst. Guesthouse Supervisor Ph. No. : +91-94282 14911

» Contact for Sagar Darshan Atithigruh Room Booking : Ph. 02876 233533
» Contact for Lilavati Guesthouse Room Booking : Ph. 02876 233033

» Contact for Tanna Guesthouse Room Booking : Ph. 02876 231212 / 231200

»Timing
Timing for Darshan at Somnath Temple : 6.00 AM to 9.30 PM
Timing for Aarti : 7.00 AM, 12.00 Noon and 7.00 PM

“Jay Somnath” Sound and Light Show : 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm

» CONTACT :

SHREE SOMNATH TRUST	BRANCH OFFICE
C12/A,Om Veella Flats, Nr. Telephone Exchange, Next to Om Tower, F.C.I. Godown Road, Sahibaug, AHMEDABAD-380004. GUJARAT, INDIA. Phone and Fax No.: +91-79-22686335 Phone No.: +91-79-22686442, Email: somnathad1@bsnl.in	F4, Sagun Palace, Opp. H.P. Petrol Pump, Over Rasmadhur, Shivranjani Cross Road, Satellite, AHMEDABAD-380015. GUJARAT, INDIA. Phone and Fax No.: +91-79-26746442 Mobile : 99982 37189 Vijay Vasante

Shri Kamleshbhai Raval	Shri Vijaysinh Chavda
Dy.Secretary & General Manager Shree Somnath Trust Prabhas Patan -382 268, Ta. Veraval, Dist. : JUNAGADH, GUJARAT STATE, INDIA. Ph. No.: +91-2876-659093 Fax No.: +91-2876-232694 Mobile : 94282 14999 Email: sompp_ad1@bsnl.in	Dy. General Manager Shree Somnath Trust Prabhas Patan -382 268, Ta. Veraval, Dist. : JUNAGADH, GUJARAT STATE, INDIA. Mobile : 94282 14909

Sri Kanaka Durga Temple Vijayawada

2012-06-27T23:31:00.001-07:00

Kanaka Durga Temple

Kanaka Durga Temple is a famous Hindu Temple of Goddess Kanaka Durga located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is located on the Indrakeeladri hill, on the banks of Krishna River.

Goddess Legend
According to a legend, the now verdant Vijayawada was once a rocky region strewn with hills that obstructed the flow of River Krishna. The land was thus rendered unfit for habitation or cultivation. Invocation to Lord Shiva for His intervention directed the hills to make way for the river. And lo! the river started flowing unimpeded with all its might, through the tunnels or "Bejjam" bored into the hills by Lord Shiva. That is how the place got its name Bezawada.[citation needed]
One of the many mythologies associated with this place is that Arjuna prayed to Lord Shiva on top of Indrakeela hill to win His blessings and the city derived its name "Vijayawada" after this victory. Another popular legend is about the triumph of goddess Kanakadurga over the demon King Mahishasura. It is said that the growing menace of demons became unbearable for the natives. Sage Indrakila practiced severe penance, and when the goddess appeared the sage pleaded Her to reside on his head and keep vigil on the wicked demons. As per his wishes of killing the demons, Goddess Durga made Indrakila Her permanent abode. Later, She also slayed the demon king Mahishasura freeing the people of Vijayawada from evil.[citation needed]
At the Kanakadurga temple, the enchanting 4-foot-high (1.2 m) icon of the deity is bedecked in glittering ornaments and bright flowers. She is shown eight arms, each holding a powerful weapon, in a standing posture over the demon Mahishashura and piercing him with her trident. The goddess is the epitome of beauty.[citation needed]
Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakiladri. By ascending the steps on the hill, one comes across little images of different deities, prominent among them are Kali, Shiva, and Krishna.

Transport
Located in the heart of Vijayawada city, the temple is just a 10 minutes drive from the railway station and Bus stand and about 20 km from airport. Vijayawada is located 275 kilometers from Hyderabad. It is well connected by road, rail and air from all parts of the country.

Dasara festivities of Devasthanam

Sri Kanaka Durga Devi, the chief deity of the temple is portrayed as blessing the visiting devotees in various forms (avatars) during the ten day festival. A symbolic representation of the 10 forms of triumph of good over evil, this form (known as 'Alankaram') of the day is chosen as per the astrological star of each day, in accordance with the lunar calendar. This year, the devotees are being blessed according to the following schedule of Alankarams:
Day 1 -SRI SWARNA KAVACHALAKRUTA DURGA DEVI
Day 2 - SRI BALA TRIPURA SUNDARI DEVI
Day 3 - SRI ANNAPURNA DEVI
Day 4 - SRI GAYATRI DEVI
Day 5- SRI LALITHA TRIPURA SUNDARI DEVI
Day 6 - SRI SARASWATI DEVI
Day 7 - SRI MAHA LAKSHMI DEVI
Day 8 - SRI DURGA DEVI
Day 9 - SRI MAHISHASURA MARDHINI DEVI
Day 10 - SRI RAJA RAJESWARI DEVI
Note: Alankarams may change according to Thidis and nakshatrams every year.

Sevas: Poojas/Kalyanams/Utsavams/Daily Sevas/Weekly Sevas/Periodical Sevas

Temple	Seva	Timing	Cost	Number of pilgrims allowed	Remarks
Sri Chakranavavarnarchana	Nitya Seva	8:30AM to 12:30 PM	Rs. 516/-	Five Members
Lakshakumkumarchana	Nitya Seva	8:30AM to 12:30 PM	Rs. 1000/-	Five Members
Astotharanamarchana	Nitya Seva	5:00AM to 9:00 PM	Rs. 25/-	Three persons
Sahasranamarchana	Nitya Seva	5:00AM to 9:00 PM	Rs. 50/-	Three persons

Vow Fulfilment: E.g.: Angapradarshnam/Keshadanam etc.,

Name of Seva	Location	Cost	timing	No. of persons allowed
Darbar Seva	Inside of Temple	Free	Friday 7:00 Pm to 8:30PM

12(d) Donation Schemes: Some of the temples provides facilities for life payments such as performing pujas, Sevs, Annadanams, Vastradanam on a specific day in a year, at cost, the Details will be listed under this:

Amount	Name of Scheme	Description
1116-00	Annadanam	Meals will be providede for 6 to 8 persons every year
50000-00	Annadanam	Daily one person
100000-00	Annadanam	Daily Two person

12(e) Other functions: Which can be performed within the temple premises or other temples within the sanctum such as Upanayanam, Annaprasana, Naming Ceremony, Marriage etc.,

Temple/ Sub- Temple	Function	Remarks
Upanayams, Annaprasana, Naming Ceremony, Marriages will be performed for pilgrims by receiving nominal amount

12 (f) Annual Events: All events, which are special and considered to be major events for the temple that are performed either annually or periodically to be mentioned here:

Name of Event	Time of Event	Remarks
Navaratrulu	September to October
Sivarathri Kalyanam	February to March
Bhavani Deeksha	November to December

13. Other Events: All events, which are special and considered to be major events for the temple that are perfor4med either annually or periodically to be mentioned here.

Name of other diety/Details	Location	Significance	Remarks
Sri. Malleswara Swamy Temple	Sri. Malleswara Swamy Temple complex
Sri Nataraja Swamy Temple	Sri Nataraja Swamy Temple complex
Sri. Anjaneya Swamy Temple	Ghat Road Entrance

14: Temple Facilities: List of Prasadam Counter, Luggage counter, Free meals service

Facilities	Location	Time	Remarks
Prasadams	Type	6to12 5 to 18
Prasada Centers	1)Beside New Annadanam Complex 2)Sivalayam 3) Railway Station
Luggage Centre	1)Ghat Road 2)Bathing Ghat	5:00AM to 9:00 PM
Annadanam Daily 600 Pilgrims Friday, Sunday 1000 Pilgrims	Near Sivalayam	11:00AM to 2:00 PM

15. Accommodation:

15 (a) Dormitories:

Name	Location	Phone	No. of Beds	Free Range
	Under Process

15(b): Rooms and Cottages:

Government /Department owned:

Name	Location	Phone	Number fo Rooms	A.C & Non A.C	Price Rage
Officers Rest House	Ghat Road	2423600	2	2	Officers on duty only

Choultries/Devasthanam owned:

Name	Location	Phone	Number fo Rooms	A.C & Non A.C	Price Rage
Arundal Choultry	Opp. Bathing Gaht	2423600	28		Rs. 50/- to 150/- only
Madapati Choultry	Opp. Rajakumar Talkies		27		Rs. 100/- to 200/-

Sri Kala Hasti Temple

2012-06-27T23:07:00.002-07:00

Sri KalaHasti

Srikalahasti temple is a holy place near Tirupati in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.It is located on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi, a tributary of the river Pennar. Site where Kannappa, one of the 63 Saivite Nayanars, was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva linga before the Lord Siva stopped him and granted mukti.

This temple was constructed in the 12th century by the Chola king, Rajarajendra. Vayu incarnated as Lord Shiva and is worshipped as Kalahasteeswara. This temple`s main idol is the vayu (air) linga.

The temple is also associated with Rahu and Kethu (of the nine grahams or celestial bodies in the Indian astrological scheme). The river Suvarnamukhi takes the northerly course at Sri Kalahasthi almost washing the west wall of the famous Sri Kalahasthi temple in the Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh. (more rahu ketu page)

Meaning of Sri Kala Hasti

The name of the place comes from three animals, Sri (spider), Kala (snake) and Hasti (elephant) who worshipped Shiva and gained salvation here. A statue that shows all three animals is situated in the main shrine.

History

Srikalahasti which is situated on the banks of Swarnamukhi River and picturesque surrounding of hillocks is a famous Saivite Temple in South India. Thousands of pilgrims visits the temple to have darshan of the almighty Sri Kalahasteeswara and Sri Gnanaprasunambika Devi. Sri Kalahasteeswara showers grace to wipe out the sins and obstacles of devotees. Seers and sages worshipped lord Srikalahasteeswara and praised with hymns.

Sri Adi Sankara visited this Kshetra and praised the bhakti of Kannappa in his Sivanandalahari.

The historical reference to this temple occur in the works of Nakkeerar, a Tamil poet in 3rd Century BC during the Tamil Sangam Dynasty. He called it as Southern Kailash. Nakkeera composed hundred stanzas to praise Srikalahasteeswara. Dhoorjati a Telugu poet native of this place and one among the ashtadiggajas of Sri Krishnadevaraya’s court composed hundred stanzas on Sri Kalahasteeswara.

It is one of the panchabhoota sthalam - representing five basic elements. This is the Vayu Sthalam among the Pancha Bootha Sthalams representing Air. The others are - Tiruvannamalai (Thejo sthalam - Fire) Kanchipuram (Prithvi sthalam - Earth) Tiruvanaikaval (Appu sthalam - Water) Chidambaram (Akasa sthalam - Space).

Legend has it that Lord Shiva disguised as Vayu (Air) observed that The Spider (SRI), Cobra (KALA) and Elephant (HASTI) worshipped Him very devotedly. So Lord Shiva made them to relieve from the curse and attain salvation, hence this place is called Srikalahasti.

Many more Tamil Saivite saints like Sambandar, Appar, Manikkavasagar, Sundaramurti, Pattinathar and Sri Ramalinga Swami of Vadalur have also visited this place.[1]

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 Chola 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 dating back to 1516 A.D., he constructed the Hundred Pillared Mantapam and the other tall Galigopuram that faces west to east. In 1529 A.D., King Achutaraya of the Vijayanagara empire got his coronation performed here, before he celebrated in his capital City. The Natukottai Chettiars of Devakottai gave the final shape to the temple in 1912 by donating then around nine lakhs of rupees.

On 26 May 2010, the 136-foot ‘Rajagopuram' of the Srikalahasti temple, which has been in a precarious condition due to a deep fissure along its face, collapsed.[2]

Immediately (27 May 2010), The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Konijeti Rosaiah promised to reconstruct this ancient gift with exactly the same brick to brick dimensions as the one constructed by Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu.[3]

On 16 April 2011, One of the oldest Rajagopuram at veyi lingal kona is collapsed. It is situated 8 k.m east of the main temple srikalahasti.

Rahu and Ketu

What is Rahu and Ketu

Rahu & Ketu, the two Nodes of the Moon, take about 19 months to transit through a sign. Rahu will enter Pisces & Ketu in Virgo on 25'Th March 2005. They're unique in the sense that they're always transiting retrograde, indicating Karma from previous lives. Rahu & Ketu are the mysterious unseen points in space causing the eclipses. They're not technically planets but their influence is so significant that they're given the status of planets.

These two are next in importance to the other two planets -Jupiter and Saturn. These four are the slowest moving planets and require maximum attention when they are in transit.

No planet is 100% malefic (bad). The transit effects depend on how we respond to the favorable & unfavorable situations. Rahu has a positive side, offering great boons in communications, new inventions, technology etc.

Rahu is extroverted, affirming, and ambitious, while Ketu is introverted, negating and detached. Rahu's transits show where someone is likely to expand, driven, try new things and disperse their energy into materialistic pursuits. Ketu's transits show where someone is likely to experience restriction, detachment, completion or focus and deepen their spiritual pursuits. If both the running period & transit effects are bad, the overall effect ought to be bad.

Therefore, you can reduce the malefic effects by performing remedies.

Here goes the list of indications of Rahu/Ketu's transit based on your rising 12 sign or ascendant.

Places To Visit

Sri Durga Temple

Hillock

North from temple

Sri Subrahmanya Temple

Hillock

East from temple

Sri Kannappa Temple

Hillock

South from temple

Sri sukabrahmashram

Close to the Main temple

Sri Pancha Mukeswara Temple

Adjacent to Main Temple

South from temple

Sri Dakshina kali Temple

Approximately 06 km

South from temple

Sri Veyi Lingala Kona (Hills)

Approximately 08 km

South from temple

Sri Varadaraja Swamy Temple

0.5 KM from Main temple

Sri Mutyalamma Temple

1 KM from Main temple towards Court road

Sri Chakreswara Swamy Temple

1 KM from Main temple towards Court road

Sri Dharmaraju Temple

2KM from Main temple towards Sullurpet Road

Sri Shiridi Saibaba Temple

2&nbps;KM from Main temple towards Sullurpet Road

Sri Neelakanteswara swami Temple Urandur

1.5&nbps;km form Railway station

Gudi Mallam

Approximately 20 km

South from temple

Thala Kona

Approximately 120 km

West from temple (Via Tirupati)

Pallikondeswara Swamy Temple

Approximately 100 km

East from temple (Via Nagalapuram)

Thondamanadu sri venkateshwara swamy temple built by thondaman chakravarthy brother of sri padmavathi ammavaru(brother-in-law to sri venkateswara swamy) and Temple is located 10 km away from sri kalahasthi, good transport facility is available and this is only temple where u can see swamy will be sitting along with sri lakshmi devi and padmavathi ammavaru.

Sevas

Abhishekam

Morning: 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 10: 30am

Evening: 5:30 pm everyday

Fridays: 4:30 onwards

The Abhishekams are performed to Lord Kalahasteeswara and Goddess Gnana Prasunambika four times a day.

The Abhishekam: A ritual and part of daily prayers, Abhishekams (bathing the Lingam) are performed to Lord Kalahasteesvara. The Abhishekam is done with Panchakarpura (camphor mixed with water, honey, milk, camphor and Panchamruta) along with chanting of the mantra, which signifies the act cleansing and singing melodious hymns of praises to the Lord. However, the main Lingam is not touched by any human hands and all the prayers and Panchkarpura Abhisheka are offered to the bronze idol called as Utsavamurty. Pilgrims who visit the temple can participate in the Abhishekam that are performed by priests belonging to Bhardwaja Gotra of Apsthmaba Sutra who take up the approved Diksha, a religious initiation, in the temple. During the Abhishekam, flowers, sandal paste and scared threads are offered to the lord.

Kinds of Abhishekams

* Rudrabhishekam

A different kind of Abhishekam, it is a prayer that involves bathing the Lord with milk and camphor, while chanting mantras for purification. Devotees can take part into this by paying Rs 100. After the Abhishekam, the devotees are presented with trithprasadam.

* Palabhishekam

Fees

AARIJITHA SEVAS = PAID SEVAS

1. Go (Cow) Pooja ------ Rs. 50.00 ---- 05.00 AM ---- Allowed 2

2. Suprabhatha Seva per Head ------ Rs. 30.00 ---- 05.30 AM ---- Allowed 2

3. Sarva Darshanam ----- Free ---- 06.00 AM to 09.00 PM ---- Free

4. Special Darshanam ------ Rs. 30.00 ---- 06.00 AM to 09.00 AM ---- Allowed 1

* Note :

* Keep the ticket until leaving the Temple premises

* wearing of white dhoti and apron is a must for abhishekamdars

5. Rudrabhishekam **** Rs. 600.00 ---- 07.00 AM Onwards ---- Allowed 4

* 5.1 Firstly : Sankalpam at Sri Swamy Sannidhi.

* 5.2 Secondly : Abhishekam for Sri Gnana Prasunambika Devi.

* 5.3 Thirdly : Abhishekam for Srikalahasteeswara Swamy & Prasadam receiving

6. Panchamruthabhishekam Rs. 300.00 ---- 07.00 AM Onwards ---- Allowed 4

* 6.1 Firstly : Sankalpam at Sri Swamy Sannidhi

* 6.2 Secondly : Sri Gnana Prasunambika Devi Abhishekam

* 6.3 Thirdly : Srikalahasteeswara Swamy Abhishekam & Prasadam receiving

7. Nityadittam Abhishekam: Rs. 100.00 ---- 07.00 AM Onwards ---- Allowed 4

* 7.1 Firstly : Sankalpam at Sri Swamy Sannidhi

* 7.2 Secondly : Sri Gnana Prasunambika Devi Abhishekam

* 7.3 Thirdly : Srikalahasteeswara Swamy Abhishekam & Prasadam receiving

8. Ksheerabhishekam (Milk Abhishekam) : Rs.100.00 ---- 07.00 AM Onwards ---- Allowed 2

* Note : Not Less than 2 litres or more milk should be brought by devotee

* 8.1 Firstly : Sankalpam, abhishekam to Gnanaprasunambika Devi

* 8.2 Secondly : Sankalpam, abhishekam to Srikalahasteeswara

9. Kasi Ganga Jalabhishekam: Rs. 25.00 ---- 07.00 AM Onwards ---- Allowed 1

* Note : *Devotee should bring the sealed brass or copper container

10. Pachcha Karpurabhishekam: Rs. 100.00 ---- 07.00 AM Onwards ---- Allowed 2

* Note :Sankalpam and abhishekam only for Srikalahasteeswara

11. Sri Saneeswarabhishekam: Rs. 150.00 ---- 10.00 AM & 05.30 PM --- Allowed 2

12. Astothra Archana : Rs. 25.00 ---- 06.30 AM to 08.30 PM—Allowed 2

13. Sahasranamarchana : Rs. 200.00 ---- After abhishekams ---- Allowed 2

* 13.1 Firstly : Sankalpam and archana for Sri GnanaprasunambikaDevi

* 13.2 Secondly : for Srikalahasteeswara Swamy & Prasadam receiving at Kitchen

14. Trisathi Archana : Rs. 150.00 ---- After abhishekams ---- Allowed 2

* 14.1 Firstly : Sankalpam and archana for Sri Gnanaprasunambika Devi

* 14.2 Secondly : for Srikalahasteeswara Swamy & Prasadam receiving at Kitchen

15. Rudra Homam : Rs. 1116.00 --- at 10.00 A.M daily once

16. Chandiyagam : Rs. 1116.00 --- at 10.00 A.M daily once

17. Naivedya Katnam (Fee) : Rs. 10.00 ---

18. Nityothsavam (Only mornings): Rs. 58.00 --- at 10.30 A.M daily once

19. Sri Gnanaprasunamba Devi Cradle Seva : Rs. 58.00 --- at 07.30 PM (Only on Friday evening)

20. Kalyanothsavam : Rs. 501.00 --- at 10.30 A.M. daily once

21. Ekantha Seva : Rs. 100.00 --- at 09.00 P.M

22. Pradosha Nandi Seva : Rs. 120.00 --- at 06.30 P.M ----- Allowed 1 person for darshan

23. Sarpadosha Rahu-Kethu Pooja : Rs. 250.00 --- at 06.30 AM to 08.30 PM—Allowed 4 for Darshan

24. Spl.Rahu-Kethu Pooja : Rs. 600.00 --- at 06.30 AM to 08.30 PM—Allowed 4 for Darshan

25. Spl. Ashirwada sarpadosha Rahu-Kethu Pooja : Rs.1000.00 --- at 06.30 AM to 08.30 PM—Allowed 4 for Darshan

26. Spl. Ashirwadam-Rahu-Kethu Pooja : Rs.1500.00 --- at 06.30 AM to 08.30 PM—Allowed 4 for Darshan

27. Spl.Darshan,Asheervadam,Prasadham : Rs. 500.00 --- at 07.00 AM to 08.00 PM

28. Devotees Marriage Fee : Rs. 200.00 --- Only in the mornings

* Note :On Producing necessary Documents from civil authorities

29. Vahana Pooja

* for Heavy: : Rs. 25.00

* For Light: : Rs. 20.00

Accomdation

Name of the Choultry No.of Rooms A/c Rooms Amount Non A/c Rooms Amount

Trinetra Guest House

400/-

150-00

Shankara Muni Complex

150-00

Shiva Sadan

300-00

Bharadwaja Sadan

150-00

How To reach

The nearest airport is about 20 km from here at Renigunta, the Tirupati Airport. It is reachable by road from Tirupati, Chennai or Gudur. It is on the Renigunta-Gudur section of Guntakal (GTL) Division of the South Central Railway (SCR). All trains from Vijayawada to Tirupati halt at Kalahasti.

Sri Kalahasthi is connected to the state capital Hyderabad (HYD) by the following trains:

Tirupati-Adilabad Krishna Express

Tirupati-Secunderabad Narayanadri Express

Tirupati-Secunderabad Padmavathy Express

Thiruvananthapuram Central-Hyderabad Sabari Express

Tirupati-Vishakapatnam Tirumala Express

The local transport is by taxis or autorickshaws and city buses. Shuttle buses between Tirupathi and Srikalahasti run every 10 mins.

Andhra Pradesh State owned Bus services (APSRTC) are available from Tirupati central bus station, at a frequency of 10 minutes and other tour operators provide religious tour package visits to the temple in Srikalahasti from the City centre at Tirupati. Taxicabs are also available from Tirupati.

Bhakta Kanappa Temple

Tirupathi Balaji

2012-06-27T06:40:00.001-07:00

Tirumala Venkateswara

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is a Hindu temple in the hill town of Tirumala, near Tirupati in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It is around 600 km (370 mi)[2] from Hyderabad, 138 km (86 mi) [3] from Chennai and 291 km (181 mi) [4] from Bangalore.
The Tirumala Hill is 853m above sea level and is about 10.33 square miles (27 km2) in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven heads of Adisesha, thus earning the name Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri. The temple is on Venkatadri (also known as Venkatachala or Venkata Hill), the seventh peak, and is also known as the "Temple of Seven Hills". The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Venkateswara, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. Venkateswara is known by other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.[5] The temple lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, a holy water tank. The temple complex comprises a traditional temple building, with a number of modern queue and pilgrim lodging sites.
The temple is the richest pilgrimage center, after the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, of any faith (at more than 50,000 crore[6][7]) and the most-visited place of worship in the world.[8][9][10] The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually on average), while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most-visited holy place in the world.[11]
There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala. According to one legend, the temple has a murti (deity) of Lord Venkateswara, which it is believed shall remain here for the entire duration of the present Kali Yuga.

Meaning of Tirupathi
Tiru means 'Holy' or 'Sacred' and mala means hills/mountain in Dravidian languages. Therefore it translates as Holy mountains.

History

Medieval history
There is no clear history on the origin of the temple of Lord Venkateshwara[dubious – discuss], but it was maintained and upgraded by various kingdoms.[12] The Pallavas of Kanchipuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Tanjore (10th century), and Vijayanagara pradhans (14th and 15th centuries) were committed devotees of Lord Venkateswara. During the invasion of Srirangam by Malik Kafur in 1310-11 AD, the Ranga Mandapam of the temple served as the shelter for the presiding deity of Srirangam, Ranganatha Swamy. Later, under the rule of the Vijayanagara emperors, was when the temple gained most of its current wealth and size, with the donation of diamonds and gold.[13] In 1517 Vijayanagara ruler Sri Krishna Deva Raya, on one of his many visits to the temple, donated gold and jewels, enabling the Vimana (inner shrine) roofing to be gilded. Statues of Sri Krishna Deva Raya and his spouse stand in the premises of the temple. After the decline of Vijayanagara Empire, kings from states such as Mysore and Gadwal worshiped as pilgrims and gave ornaments and valuables to the temple. Maratha general Raghoji I Bhonsle (died 1755) visited the temple and set up a permanent administration for the conduct of worship in the temple.[14] There is an idol of Raja Todar Mal who was the revenue minister of Akbar, greeting pilgrims in the premises of the temple.

In 1843, with the coming of the Madras Presidency, the administration of the Sri Venkateswara Temple and a number of shrines was entrusted to Seva Dossji of the Hathiramji Mutt at Tirumala as Vicaranakarta for nearly a century until the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was established as a result of the TTD Act in 1932.
After independence Andhra state was created on linguistic grounds, wherein Tirupati which had and still has a majority of Telugu speaking population was assigned by Govt. of India, integrating it as part of Andhra.
TTD is operated by a Board of Trustees that has increased in size from five (1951) to fifteen (1987) through the adoption of Acts. The daily operation and management of TTD is the responsibility of an executive officer who is appointed by the government of Andhra Pradesh.
The temple attracts approximately 75,000 pilgrims every day.[15] The annual budget, estimated at Rs 10 billion in 2008, iferer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wD runs charitable trusts whose funds are derived from the budget and donations from the devotees.

Diferrent things

Vimanam

The vimanam is a monumental tower with a golden roof. Its inner temple or vimanam houses the main deity, Lord Sri Venkateswara. The deity stands directly beneath a gilt dome called the Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana. This exquisitely wrought deity, called the Mulaberam, is believed to be self-manifested, and no human being is known to have installed it in the shrine. The Lord wears a gold crown with a large emerald embedded in the front. On special occasions, he is adorned with a diamond crown. The Lord has a thick double tilaka drawn on his forehead, which screens his eyes. His ears are decorated with golden earrings. His right hand is raised in a fist, which is decorated with a gem-set chakra; the left fist contains a Shankha (conch shell). The front right hand has its fingers pointing to his feet. His front left hand is akimbo. His body is dressed with yellow clothing tied with gold string and a gold belt with gold bells. He has a yajnopavita (sacred thread) flowing down crosswise from his left shoulder. He bears Sri Lakshmi Devi on his right chest and Sri Padmavathi Devi on his left chest. His feet are covered with gold frames and decked with gold anklets. A curved gold belt encompasses his legs. The Ananda Nilaya Divya Vimana was covered with gilt copper plates and surmounted with a golden vase in the 13th century, during the reign of the Vijayanagara king Yadava Raya.The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.
It is by the Lord’s presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills.
The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara.
The benefits acquired by a piligrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestower of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala.
The temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, an ancient sect which advocates the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice.
The sanctum sanctorum which houses the awe-inspiring idol of the Lord of the Seven Hills is situated in the main temple complex of Tirumala.

Bangaru Vakili

From the Tirumamani Mandapam, one can enter the Bangaru Vakili to reach the inner sanctum sanctorum. 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 Sri Maha Vishnu.
The doorway is directly in line with the Padi Kavali and the Vendi Vakili. It admits pilgrims to the Snapana Mandapam.
Suprabhatam is sung in front of this door.

Ramanuja

Ramanuja was the architect of Tirupati and the father of the Sri Vaishnava community there. He designed the flower gardens of the temple. He was responsible for managing the worship procedures and other affairs of the Sri Venkateswara temple. His shrine was built around the 13th century. It overlooks the western end of the Tirumamani Mandapam. There are two tall copper images of the Dvarapalas (door guardians) Jaya and Vijaya on either side of the door. The door is covered with gilt plates depicting the Dashavatara of Sri Maha Vishnu. The doorway is directly in line with the Padi Kavali and the Vendi Vakili. It admits pilgrims to the Snapana Mandapam. Suprabhatam is sung in front of this door. The right hand of the stone image of Ramanuja is held in the gesture of exposition (vyakhyana mudra), and the left hand in the form of boon bestowal (varada hasta) or of holding a book (pustaka hasta). The shrine figures prominently during the festival of Adhyayanotsavam, which is a typical Pancharatra observance. Special worship is conducted in this shrine during Gandhapodi Utsavam and Bhashyakara Utsavam. The presiding deity of Ramanuja is taken in a grand procession to meet Malayappa near the Padi Kavali.
With the call of the Divine that made today's Chinna Jeeyar Swamy the young Srimannarayana Ramanujacharyulu to take up the ascetic order of JEEYAR(Lion) at a very young age of 23 years. He is reckoned very high among the monks of the India and abroad as the pioneer and Crusader of Peace.

Annamacharya

Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya (Telugu: ???? ???????? ???????????) (or Annamayya) (May 9, 1408 – February 23, 1503) was the official songmaster of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, and a Telugu composer who composed around 36000 keertana songs, many of which were in praise of Venkateswara, the presiding deity of the temple. The musical form of the keertana songs that he composed have strongly influenced the structure of Carnatic music compositions, which are still popular among Carnatic music concert artists. Sri Annamacharya is remembered for his saintly life, and is honoured as a great Bhakta/devotee of Bhagwaan Govinda by devotees and saintly singers. He is widely regarded as the Pada-kavita Pitaamaha (grand old man of song-writing) of the Telugu language.
Annamacharya is said to have composed as many as 36,000 sankeertanas (songs) on Bhagwaan Govinda Venkateswara, of which only about 12,000 are available today. Annamacharya considered his compositions as floral offerings to Bhagwaan Govinda. In the poems, he praises Venkateswara, describes his love for him, argues and quarrels with the Lord, confesses the devotee's failures and apprehensions, and surrenders himself to Venkateshwara. His songs are classified into the Adhyaatma (spiritual) and Sringaara (romantic) sankeertanas genres. His songs in the "Sringaara" genre worship Bhagwaan Venkateswara by describing his amorous and romantic adventures of Venkateswara and Alamel Manga, while others describe the Bhakti of his devotees. In his later keertanas, he espouses subjects such as morality, dharma and righteousness. He was one of the first few who opposed the social stigma towards the untouchable castes in his era, with his sankeertanas explaining that the relationship between God and human is the same irrespective of the latters' color, caste and financial status, in beautiful yet powerful usage of words in his songs "Brahmam Okkate Parabrahmam Okkate..." and "E Kulajudainanemi Evvadainanemi..." His choice of words gives a mellifluous tone to his songs, charming the listener. His prodigious literary career earned him a place among the all-time greats of Telugu literature.

Tarikonda Venkamamba

Tarikonda Venkamamba (Telugu: ??????? ????????; alternate spelling: Vengamamba, born 1730) was a poetess and staunch devotee of Lord Venkateswara in the 18th century. She wrote numerous poems and songs. Her first poem was Tarigonda Nrusimha Satakam and it was followed by Nrusimha Vilasa Katha, Siva Natakam and Balakrishna Natakam as Yakshaganam and Rajayogamrutha Saram, a Dwipada Kavyam. These works were completed when she was in Tarikonda. On her return to Tirumala from Tumburakona caves, Venkamamba composed Vishnu Parijatham, Chenchu Natakam, Rukmini Natakam and Jala Krida Vilasam and Mukthi Kanthi Vilasam (all Yaksha Ganams), Gopi Natakam (Golla Kalapam-Yakshaganam), Rama Parinayam, Sri Bhagavatham, Sri Krishna Manjari, Tatva Keerthanalu and Vashista Ramayanam (Dwipada), Sri Venkataachala Mahatyam (Padya Prabhandam) and Ashtanga Yoga,Saram (Padyakruthi).

Tyagaraja

Kakarla Tyagabrahmam (Telugu: ?????????) (May 4, 1767–January 6, 1847), colloquially known as Tyagarajar and Tyagayya, was one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music or classical South Indian music. He, along with his contemporaries Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Shastry, forms the Trinity of Carnatic music. He was a prolific composer and highly influential in the development of the South Indian classical music tradition. Tyagaraja composed thousands of devotional compositions, most of them in praise of Lord Rama — most of which remain very popular even today. Of special mention are five of his compositions called the Pancharatna Krithis (English: 'five gems'), which are often sung in programs in his honor.
His compositions in praise of Lord Venkateswara.

Gods In Temple
1.Moolavirat or Dhruva Beram — The main stone deity of Lord Venkateshwara is called Dhruva Beram (beram means "deity", and dhruva means "pole star" or "fixed"). The deity is about 8 feet (2.4 m) from the toes to the top of the crown and is considered the main source of energy for the temple.

2.Kautuka Beram or Bhoga Srinivasa — This is a tiny one-foot (0.3 m) silver deity, which was given to the temple in 614 AD by Pallava Queen Samavai Perindevi, and has never been removed from the temple from the day it was installed. This deity is popularly known as Bhoga Srinivasa, because it enjoys all the Bhoga (worldly pleasures) which the Moolavirat has. This deity sleeps in a golden cot every night and receives Sahasra Kalashabishekam every Wednesday. This deity is always placed near the left foot of Moolavirat and is always connected to the main deity by a holy Sambandha Kroocha. The deity is always faced at an angle of 45 degrees towards the devotees, because it holds a Prayoga ("ready to strike") Chakra.

3.Snapana Beram or Ugra Srinivasa — This idol of the Lord represents the anger part of Lord Venkateshwara. He remains inside the sanctum sanctorum, and comes out on only one day each year: on Kaishika Dwadasi, before the sunrise. Snapana means "cleansing". The idol is cleansed daily with holy waters, milk, curds, ghee, sandalwood paste, turmeric, and so on.

4.Utsava Beram — This is the form of the Lord which comes out of the temple to see the devotees. This deity is also called Malayappa, and its consorts are Sridevi and Bhudevi. These three deities were found in a cave called Malayappan Konai in the holy Tirumala Hills. Originally Ugra Srinivasa was the Utsava Beram (the procession deity), and frequently disastrous fires were happening whenever the deity was taken out for processions. People prayed to the Lord for a solution. The Lord appeared in dreams, and ordered the people to find a suitable set of idols hidden in the Holy Tirumala hills for the Utsavar (procession). The hunt began, and the villagers called the idol they found Malayappa, which means "king of the hills". After these idols were brought to the temple, the number of programmes increased to include Nitya Kalyanaotsavam, Sahasra Deepalankara Seva, Arjita Brahmotsavam, Nityaotsvam, Dolotsavam, and others. Jewels worth millions of rupees have been donated as offerings to these idols.

5.Bali Beram or Koluvu Srinivasa — This panchaloha idol resembles the main deity, and represents the presiding officer for all activities and rituals in the temple. The idol is also called Bali Beram. Koluvu Srinivasa is regarded as the guardian deity of the temple that presides over its financial and economic affairs. Daily offerings are made to the deity, with a presentation of accounts. every year during July i.e. according to Hindu calender "Dakshinaya Sankaramana" the temple celebrates "Anivar Asthanam" which is the end of the fiscal year.

Prasadam
Laddu is the world famous prasadam given at Tirumala Temple.[19] Recently the Trust has taken Geographical Indication of Laddu prasaddam, hence, no one can prepare the same Laddu. Many other prasadams are also available including daddojanam (curd rice), pulihora (tamarind rice), vada and chakkera-pongali (sweet pongal), miryala-pongali, Appam, Paayasam, Jilebi, Muruku, Dosa, seera (kesari). Free meals are given daily to the pilgrims. On Thursdays, the Tirupavadai seva occurs, where food items are kept for naivedyam to Lord Srinivasa.

Hair tonsuring
Many devotees have their head tonsured as an offer. The daily amount of hair collected is over a ton.[20] The hair thus gathered is sold by the temple organization a few times a year by public auction to international buyers for use as hair extensions and in cosmetics,[21] bringing over $6 million to the temple's treasury.[citation needed][20]
When Lord Balaji was hit on his head by a shepherd, a small portion of his scalp became bald. This is noticed by Neela Devi, a Gandharva princess. She feels "such an attractive face should not have a flaw". Immediately she cuts a portion of her hair and with her magical power she implants it on his scalp. Lord Balaji notices her sacrifice. As hair is a beautiful aspect of the female, he promises her that all his devotees who come to his abode should render their hair to him, and she would be the recipient of all the hair received. Hence it is believed that hair offered by the devotees is accepted by Neela Devi. The hill Neeladri, one among seven hills is named after her.

Hundi (donation pot)
It is believed that Srinivasa had to make arrangements for his wedding. Lord Kubera credited money to the god Venkateshwara (a form of the god Vishnu) for his marriage with Padmavati. Srinivasa sought a loan of one crore and 14 lakh (11,400,000) coins of gold from Kubera and had Viswakarma, the divine architect, create heavenly surroundings in the Seshadri hills. Together, Srinivasa and Padmavathy lived for all eternity while Goddess Lakshmi, understanding the commitments of Lord Vishnu, chose to live in his heart forever. In remembrance of this, devotees go to Tirupati to donate money in Venkateshwara's hundi (donation pot) so that he can pay it back to Kubera. The hundi collections go as high as 22.5 million INR a day.[8] Devotees offer gold as a token of their love for God. The annual gold offering goes as high as 3000 kg.[22]

Thulabharam
One of the most important offering in this temple, is the ‘thulabharam.’ In the Thulabaram ritual, a devotee sits on a pan of a weighing balance and the other pan is filled with materials greater than the weight of the devotee. Devotees usually offer sugar, jaggery, tulsi leaves, banana, gold, coins. This is mostly performed with newborn babies or children.

Arjitha seva (paid services)
Pilgrims can view and participate (in a limited fashion) in the various sevas performed to Dhruva bera (main idol), Bhoga Srinivasa, Sri Malayappa swami and other idols in the temple.
When pilgrims purchase arjitha seva tickets, they get the opportunity to see a seva performed to the Lord, obtain prasadam in the form of vastram (clothes), akshantalu (sacred and blessed rice) and food articles (laddus, vadas, dosas, pongal, rice items) and a darshan of the utsava murti.

Seven Hills Meaning

The seven hills, also called Saptagiri, represent the Saptarishi (seven sages). They sometimes called the Sapathagiri. Hence the Lord is named Saptagirinivasa. The following are the seven hills:
Vrushabhadri— Hill of Nandi, the vahana of Lord Shiva
Anjanadri— Hill of Lord Hanuman
Neeladri— Hill of Neela Devi — It is believed that hair offered by the devotees is accepted by Neela Devi. It is because of boon granted by Lord Venkateswara to Neela Devi.
Garudadri or Garudachalam — Hill of Garuda, the vahana of Lord Vishnu
Seshadri or Seshachalam — Hill of Sesha, the dasa of Lord Vishnu
Naraynadri — Hill of Narada Muni
Venkatadri — Hill of Lord Venkateswara

Near By Temples

Srikalahasti Temple is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva situated on the banks of the River Swarnamukhi.The renowned devotee of Lord Shiva, Kannappa, attained salvation here. This temple is 38 kilometres (24 mi) away from Tirupati, and is connected by frequent buses.

Srinivasa Mangapuram is situated 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from Tirupati.This temple houses Lord Venkateswara, also known as Prasanna Venkateswara or Kalyana Venkateswara. Bus connections are available from Tirupati.

Sri Padmavati Devi Alayam (Alamelu Mangapuram), located 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) south of Tirupati, is an important temple which is visited by every pilgrim who visits Tirupati. It is this temple that houses the spouses of the Lord, Sri Padmavathi Devi (Alamelu Mangamma) and Thayaru. According to the legends, the goddess Padmavathi was born in a tank called Pushakarini at this place. The temples of Sri Krishna Swamy and Sri Sundara Raja Swamy are also inside the complex.

Sri Govinda Raja Swami Temple is located in Tirupati near the railway station. The highlight of the temple is its outer pinnacle (Gaali Gopuram), which is visible from a distance. In addition to a shrine to Sri Govinda Raja Swami, the temple complex also houses the shrines of Andal Ammavaru, Sri Krishna, Sri Ramanuja Thirumangai Alwar, Sri Vedanta Desika, Sri Lakshmi, and Sri Manevala Mahamunlu. The Bramhotsavam of Govinda Raja Swami during the month of Vaisakha (May–June) attracts a large number of devotees every year.

Sri Kodanda Rama Swami Temple is also situated in Tirupati. This temple houses the shrines of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. The beautiful idols of this temple are famous. Bramhotsavam in this temple takes place in the month of Falgun (March–April).

Sri Kapileswara Swami Temple is the only temple of Lord Shiva in Tirupati. Pilgrims normally proceed to Tirumala for Darshan after taking a customary dip in the temple tank. Located amidst foothills of Tirumala, the place is also known for its waterfalls.

Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swami Temple is located at Narayanavanam, according to legends. Lord Venkateswara courted and married goddess Padmavathi Devi here.
Soumyanatha Swami Temple, Soumyanatha Swami is another name and form of Lord Venkateshwara in Nandalur Kadapa District.

How to reach

Ways of Reaching Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam

Transport:

By Air: You can get direct flights from Hyderabad or Chennai to Tirupati and vice versa.

By Train: There is a railway station owned by Tirupati but a lot of trains only pass through close by towns like Renigunta or Gundur.

By Road: you can take a bus service from Tirupati which goes to almost all the significant places of Andra and Tirupati Tirumala.

Reaching Tirumala from Tirupati

You can also go on foot to Tirumala. There are two properly laid stone paths that leads to Tirumala. You need to at first go to the Alipiri toll gate. It is the starting of the steps to Tirumala. It is approximately away from the railway station by 4.2 KMs. There are two free bus services provided by Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation which is from Railway station at Tirupati to Alipiri. The bus runs at a regular interval of 30 minutes.

There is a T.T.D transport office where you can then drop your luggage and take receipt. They provide you with your luggage after you reach the top after you produce the receipt. This service is free.

People who have some vow to fulfill generally use the two stone paths that lead to Tirumala. The name of these paths is sopanamargas. It starts from Alipiri and is about 9 KMs long. It is the most frequently used route.

Srisailam Temples

2012-06-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

Om Namah Shivaye

The shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna picturesquely situated on a flat top of Nallamalai Hills, Srisailam is reputed to be one of the most ancient kshetras in India. It is on the right side of the River Krishna in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. This celebrated mountain is also named as Siridhan, Srigiri, Sirigiri, Sriparvatha and Srinagam. It has been a popular centre of Saivite pilgrimage for centuries.

The prominence of this Divya Kshetram is highlighted by the fact that while performing our daily household rituals we specify place of location of our existence with reference to Srisailam.

About the temple

The shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna picturesquely situated on a flat top of Nallamalai Hills, Srisailam is reputed to be one of the most ancient kshetras in India. It is on the right side of the River Krishna in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. This celebrated mountain is also named as Siridhan, Srigiri, Sirigiri, Sriparvatha and Srinagam. It has been a popular centre of Saivite pilgrimage for centuries.

The prominence of this Divya Kshetram is highlighted by the fact that while performing our daily household rituals we specify place of location of our existence with reference to Srisailam.

The presiding Deities of this kshetram Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is one of the eighteen Mahasakthis and both are self-manifested. The unique feature of this kshetram is the combination of Jyothirlingam and Mahasakthi in one campus, which is very rare and only one of its kind.

There is a common belief in vogue that this Holy Kshetram exists from times immemorial. The antiquity and origin of God Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is not known.

The Mallikarjuna Linga is accessible to each and every devotee and anybody can go into the sanctum sanctorum of Mallikarjuna, touch him and perform Abhishekam and Archana himself to recitation of Mantras by Archakas without caste or creed or religion. This clearly reveals that socialistic pattern of society started from this place and it is still in existence.

History

Srisailam played a dominant role in our religious, cultural and social history from ancient times.

The epigraphical evidence reveals that the history of Srisailam begins with the Sathavahanas who were the first empire builders in South India. The earliest known historical mention of the Hill - Srisailam, can be traced in Pulumavis Nasik inscription of 1st Century A.D.

The Sathavahanas, the Ikshavakus, the Pallavas, the Vishnukundis, the Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas, the Reedy Kings, the Vijayanagara Emperors and Chatrapathi Shivaji are among the famous emperors who worshipped God Mallikarjuna Swamy.

Prataparudra of Kakatiya Dynasty strived a lot for the improvements of this Kshetram and granted Paraganas for its maintenance. Ganapathideva has spent 12000 Golden Nanyas for the maintenance of the temple.

The period of Reddi Kings is the Golden Age of Srisailam that almost all rulers of the dynasty did celebrated service for this temple. In 14th Century Prolaya Vema Reddi of Reddy Dynasty constructed stepped path-way to Srisailam and Pathalaganga (Here the river Krishna is called as Pathalaganga) and Anavema Reddi constructed Veera Siromandapam in which the Veerasaiva devotees cut off their hands, tongue, limbs with devotion to attain the realisation of the God. This practice is known as Veeracharam.

The Second Harihararaya of Vijayanagara Empire constructed the Mukhamantapam of Swamy shrine and also a Gopuram on Southern Side of the temple.

In the 15th Century Sri Krishnadevaraya Constructed the Rajagopuram on Eastern side and Salumantapas on both sides of the temple.

The last Hindu King who strove hard for the improvement of the temple is Chatrapathi Shivaji who constructed a Gopuram on northern side in the year 1667 A.D.

Accomdation

The Devasthanam is having 25 individual cottages, Pathaleswara Sadan with 23 Deluxe Suites, Sivasadanam guest house with 100 rooms, T.T.D Guest House with 10 rooms,Chandeswara Sadanam with 22 rooms and a dormitory Choultry consisting of 7 Halls.

Devasthanam has also constructed a modern complex with 112 suites named as Gangasadan and Gowrisadan.

Tariff
S.No Cottages & Rooms Rent Per Day
1 Sivasadanam 100
2 Pathaleswara Sadanam(A/C ) 800
3 Chandeeswara Sadan (A/C) 400
Chandeeswara Sadan ( Non A/C) 250
Chandeeswara Sadan (One A/C, One Non A/C) 600
4 T.T.D (A/C) 300
T.T.D Non A/C 100
5 Aditya Cottage 2000
6 Soma Enterprises 1200
7 Eswaramma Cottage 1000
8 Siddeswara Cottage 1200
9 Ramanaidu Cottage 600
10 Cottage (2 A/C & 1 Non A/C ) 1000
11 Cottage (2 A/C ) 800
12 Cottage (1 A/C & 1 Non A/C) 600
13 Bramari Sadanam Hall 200
14 Ganga & Gouri Sadan (A/C) 650
Ganga & Gouri Sadan (Non A/C) 400
Ganga & Gouri Sadan (Hall 20 Beds) 2000
15 Pilgrim Sheds (No Beds) 450
Pilgrim Sheds (No Beds) 350
Besides this there are 40 private choultries consisting of about 1200 rooms and they are also providing accommodation to the pilgrim.

The Department of Tourism is maintaining Punnami Guest Houses consisting about 50 suites.

Free Accomodation
The Devasthanam has constructed pilgrim sheds at Pathalaganga Road and at Filter Bed with number of toilets and with drinking water facilities. They are being given to the pilgrims who came through Tourist Buses.

(a). Abstract of Devasthanam Accommodation available :
Sl.No Description A.Cs Non A.Cs Halls
1 Cottages 27 2 Nil
2 Sivasadanam Nil 83 Nil
3 T.T.D. Choultry 8 4 Nil
4 Pathaleswara Sadan 24 Nil Nil
5 * Ganga Gouri Sadanams 35 85 6
6 Chandeeswara Sadan 4 23 Nil
7 Bhramarisadan Nil Nil 3
Total : 98 197 9
Grand Total : 304

In addition to the above Devasthanam accommodation, 1553 Rooms are available in various private choultries. A statement showing the above details is annexed.

Sl.No Name of the Choultry Total Rooms
1 Lingayat Choultry 42
2 Srungeri Sankar Mutt 14
3 Vasavi Satram 150
4 Kambam Satram 110
5 Kshetraya Satram (Rajula Satram) 60
6 Saranabasaveswara Satram 22
7 Karivena Satram 150
8 Karnataka Guest House 25
9 Padmasaleeya Satram 65
10 Arya Gowda Anna Satram 60
11 Kakateeya Kmma Satram 72
12 Akhila Bharata Redla Satram 159
13 Telaga, Kapu, Balija Satram 90
14 Karna Bhakta Satram 16
15 Sarangadhara Satram 20
16 Devanga Satram 50
17 Sholapur Anna Satram 21
18 Velama Satram 35
19 Togata veera Kshetriya Satram 36
20 Viswabrahmna Satram 33
21 Warangal Satram 14
22 Jagadguru Anna Satram 73
23 Yadava Anna Satram 66
24 Salivahana Anna Satram 28
25 Tourisam Guest House 37
26 Manikyeswari Matha Asramam 16
27 Mudi Rajula Anna Satram 11
28 Rajaka Anna Satram 10
29 Sridevi Veda Vidyalayam 24
30 Gurukula Patasala 6
31 Nayee Brahmana Anna Satram 8
32 Zilla Parishad Guest House 6
33 Vadiyala Rajula Satram 10
34 R & B Guest House 6
35 Mallikarjuna Anna Satram 8
Total : 1553

How to Reach

Air:
The nearest Airport is Hyderabad (230 K.M.) from where buses are plying to Srisailam everyday frequently.

Rail :
Markapur, which is 91 K.M. from Srisailam in Guntur-Hubli, line on South Central Railway from where buses are available to Srisailam.

Road:
Srisailam is well connected by A.P.S.R.T.C.Buses not only from all corners of the State but also from Bangalore, Chennai etc. The Karnataka Road Transport Corporation is also running buses from various main cities of that state.

About Visiting Place - Panchamatams
These are popular as the Panchamathas namely Ghantha Matham, Bheemasankara Matham, Vibhoothi Matham, Rudraksha Matham and Sarangadhara Matham.

The Mathas played an important role in the History and Cult of Srisailam. They are well associated with the religious and social activities of the temple in the medieval times. These Mathas acted as educational institutions dedicated to higher learing in various branches and catered to the intellectual and spiritual needs of the society. Srisailam became a powerful saivate centre because of the existence and activities both spiritual and profane of these Mathas. The origin of the Mathas seems to be as early as 7th Century A.D. The historical inscriptions related to Srisailam speak about eleven Mathas in Srisailam. But only 5 Mathas are still in existence and all of them are in dilapidated condition. These Mathas are rich in sculptural and architectural wealth, where several Sivalingas were installed and worshipped since centuries.

These Mathas also looked after the administration of the temple and its rituals along with the revenue accured from more than 70 Villages in various parts of Andhra which were donated to the temples by various rulers in the medieval period. The existing Mathas are located with in a distance of 1 Km to the west of the main temple.

The Devasthanam is planning to renovate all these Mathas.

About Visiting Place - Sakshi Ganapathi

This small shrine located about 3 Kms from Srisailam and is one of the sacred spots frequented by pilgrims since times immemorial. The traditional belief is that the Ganapathi in this temple keeps regular account of all the pilgrims to tender Sakshyam (evidence) of their visit to this Kshetram and so named as Sakshi Ganapathi. The sculpture of this deity is exquisitely made holding a book in the left hand and a pen in the right hand in such a way as noting down the names of devotees. It is in practice that devotees during their return had the darshan of this Ganapathi and informed their name and gotra to him. Srinatha the renowed poet of 14th Century A.D. in his Kasikhandam states that this Sakshi Ganapathi is visualized by sage Agasthya during his pilgrimage to Srisailam.

Sikharam

This most sacred spot is located at about 8 Km from the main temple at a height of 2830 feet above the mean sea level. It is the highest peak of Srisailam Hills.

The Skanda Purana proclains that a mere glance of this Sikharam frees the human soul from the fitters of rebirth. (Srisaila Sikharam Drustva Punarjanma Na Vidyathe).

In ancient days people used to come to Srisailam on foot and those who unable to reach the shrine returned back by seeing this peak.

The Sikhareswaram temple is an ancient stone structure consisting of Garbhagriha, Antaralaya and 16 pillered Mukhamanda. The deity here is named as Veera Sankara Swamy and locally popularized as Sikhareswara Swamy.

Historically the Reddy Kings have constructed a flight of steps to this temple in the year 1398 A.D. and also a tank (Pushkarini) at this place.

During the medieval times this spot was the centre for many secret sects of Saivisam who performed their rituals in the cave like chambers which can be seen even today.

This place give a panoramic view of the entire temple complex of Srisailam including the meandering river Krishna.

Istakameshwari

The ancient temple of Istakameswari is located in a dense and picturesque forest environment about 21 Km to the east of Srisailam. Datable to the 8th ï¿½ 9th Centuries A.D, this small shrine appears to have wide popular significance during medieval times. The sculpture of the deity is very unique and have no parallel anywhere in India. The Goddess has a serene and beautiful smiling face which at once captures the attention of one and all.

Not only from the religious angle but also from the spiritual point of view the place has got its own importance from the ancient times. The perennial stream encircling the temple adds additional attraction to the shrine.

A visit to this temple is a rewarding experience both to a believer and a non believer.

This shrine is now in a bad state of existence and needs to be renovated to revive its past glory.

The Devasthanam has now taken up the renovation of this temple.

It is said that by having the Darshanam of Istakameswari, one can fulfill all his desires.

About Visiting Place - Phaladhara Panchadhara
This most beautiful scene spot in surroundings of Srisailam is located about 4 Km from the main temple. Tradition records that Bhagavan Adisankara performed penance at this place and composed the famous Sivanandalahari here. His Holiness Kanchi Paramacharya confirmed this and marble statues of Sarada Devi and Sankaracharya installed there and daily regular Poojas are being offered also.

This spot is located in a narrow valley approachable by a flight of steps where subterranean streams of pure water with musical sound reverberating the surroundings. According to local folk these streams are known as Phaladhara Panchadhara and these two signify their origin from the fore head of God Siva the Phaladhara (Phala = fore head, dhara = Stream) and denote the five aspects of Siva, the Panchadhara (Pancha = five, dhara = Stream). The water from this stream flows in interrupted at all seasons. The Skanda Purana describes the flow as ï¿½Bhogavathiï¿½ and it joins in the river Krishna.

SriPada Sri Vallabha Pithapuram

2012-06-24T14:38:00.001-07:00

Sri Sripada Srivallabha

Lord SRIPADA SRIVALLABHA is the first and foremost incarnation (avatar) of Jagatguru Sri DATTATREYA, took place in 1320 AD. at Srikshetra PTHAPURAM.

Sri Sripada Srivallabha is most Powerful and Capable in destroying the difficulties, losses, miseries and obstacles occuring in the developments of His dedicated devotees.

The aim of Sripada Srivallabha's incarnation is to bless maha siddhas, maha yogis and to uplift dharma through them in the Universe.

INTRODUCTION TO SRIPADA SRIVALLABHA

Lord Sripada Srivallabha is the first and foremost incarnation (avatar) of Jagatguru Sri Dattatreya, Who are well-known to everyone. Sripada Srivallabha’s incarnation took place in 1320 AD. at Srikshetra Pithapuram of Bharata Desa (India).

Sripada Srivallabha is verily Sri Dattatreya Himself. There is no difference and deviation between Sridatta and Sripada. Hence if worshiped and prayed Sripada Srivallabha in the same way as that of Sridatta, He grants the same result which will be given by Sridatta.

Even from the Childhood while He was at Srikshetra Pithikapuram Sripada Srivallabha narrated many times that, In reality, even though He is exactly Sridatta Himself, He is a special phenomenon much beyond the Trinity i.e. Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara.” This can be understood by their Preachings, Actions, Sportive Plays and Miracles done upto their 30 years of age at Pithapuram and Kuruvapuram; which were very strange, extremely wonderful, unheard and defied logic. Sripada Srivallabha proved His Power and Position through His divine miracles; and conveyed the good news of His decent to His devotees spread at very distances also, through some extraordinary miracles; which can be traced out by some experiences only.

The aim of His incarnation is to bless maha siddhas, maha yogis and to uplift dharma through them in the Universe. To impart knowledge to the ignorant; through His actions, sportive plays and miracles is a part of His Avataaric Programme.

His Karmabhoomi is Pithapuram and His Tapobhoomi is Kuruvapuram, presently known as Kuruvapur or Kurugadda of Raichur District, Karnataka. His incarnation is started in Pithapuram and completed in Kuruvapuram. The tenure of Sripada Srivallabha incarnation is too small, but its prominence is that much high; which is not possible to explain even for celestials and seven sages. He is the support for all visible and invisible forces.
Sripada Srivallabha’s is a comprehensive yogic incarnation. His body is an embodiment of holy fire and yoga. The Divine Sripada Srivallabha was very bright, very lustrous, very handsome and very tall. Infinite love and mercy were flowing from His twin eyes as a big stream. He satisfies only with inner feelings.
Sripada Srivallabha is superior to ‘Dwaadasa Aadityas’. His divine gross body is endowed with wonderful divine vibrations.
Sripada Srivallabha is an embodiment of all Deities. His nature is a magnificent One which transcends all the forms of Deities. He is the Emperor of the fourteen worlds. He dwells in all countries and at all times. Sripada’s descent will always take place in the subtle worlds of higher regions.
This incarnation is Formless but appearing as a Human Form of Sripada Srivallabha. It is Attributeless but appearing as One with Attributes; it is a comprehensive Form of All Deities but looks like a Single Deity. It is a great miracle that the para tattwa which is really Formless and that maha tattwa which is not known in what position it remains in the imperceptible state; incarnated in a Human Form in Pithikapuram.
To protect devotees Incarnations and sub-incarnations always take place in this earth, emerging from a fraction of Sripada Srivallabha’s infinite powers.
Sripada Srivallabha’s incarnation came to dispel the darkness of ignorance. It arrived to remove the limping progress of people in physical and spiritual matters.

Sripada Srivallabha looks like a small Boy but it should be known that He is the great resolve that administers the entire creation.
It is impossible even for a thousand hooded Aadisesha to describe vividly such great Sreepada Sreevallabha.
There are no yogic traditions, religious or ethical regulations in the entire creation which do not owe their origin to Sri Sreepada.
The stature of Sri Sreepada cannot be perceived by intellectuals, however, great they might be. He is His own equal. All theories and traditions find synthesis in Him. He is the first point and the last point for the entire creation. He is the one who supervises, who proposes and who sets in motion all the affairs of the world which are pulsating in nature.
That formless, attributeless form having infinite strength, infinite knowledge and infinite prevalence granted vision in a human form having qualities and shape as Sreepada on account of His free and infinite compassion. To understand this, man should achieve perfection and comprehensiveness.

No action takes place without a cause in the presence of Sripada Srivallabha. He will decide the actions, their consequences, the time and the place of their occurrence.

Sripada Srivallabha is the One who shine with self-effulgence in all dharmas, religions, and theories! He is the One who is perceived by different philosophies according to their preferences, tastes and the paths they follow! Sripada told that, “As I am independent in all respects and as I am not subject to possibilities or impossibilities I do not have any specified policy. Mine is a great incarnation that grants instantaneous results.
There are no nicities of dharma unknown to Sri Sreepada. There is nothing which is not possible for Srivallabha.
He is the ancient phenomenon which teaches us what is jnaana (knowledge) and what is ajnaana (ignorance)!
Sripada is an easily accessible golden treasure to righteous people. The suffering of a devotee will move Sreepada.
Sreepada is the one who rush and protect with a thousand hands to the succour of those who call Them in distress.
Sripada is the sole refuge in times of hunger, in times of total exhaustion, in times of troubles from lenders, when caught between the horns of dilemma not knowing what to do what not to do, in critical circumstances.
He is very close to physical, mental and consciousness of the soul of all living beings.
He is omnipotent who removes troubles, losses of all His devotees and dependents. He grant them comforts of this and the other world.
He is a servent to those who serve of His devotees.
Sreepada is absorbed in Japa, meditation and penance. He will not keep that result from penance for Himself. He donates it to the entire creation. He declares the fruits of His penance for saving His devotees from sorrows and diseases; and release them from the shackles of kharma.
Sri Sreepada is consciousness personified. When He feels it necessary, He turns dust into sky and sky into dust and display His capacity for reconciling the irreconcilable. He can exhibit any extraordinary miracle. There is no load which He cannot lift. There is no problem which He cannot solve. There are no boons which He cannot offer. There are no works which He can not perform. These are very natural things for Him.
They accepts crores of prayers every moment. He replies to every righteous prayer which is just. He remedies the trouble. He grants every just wish.
The speed of His supra-mind is highly fierce, and beyond thought. The speed of light is also not equal to the speed of His supra-mind. Even a small prayer of a man or any livingbeing must reach His countless rays of brillance!
Sripada Srivallabha told that, Even though He was in a human form in Pithapuram for 16 years, and later in deep penance at Kuravapuram upto 30 years of His age i.e. between 1320-1350; He do many miracles, He show His many Sportive Plays to grant boons to His devotees and to protect His devotees by making them to visit His birth place in Pithapuram and making them to worship His Pious Feet installed there; only after Sripada Srivallabha Maha Samstanam is formed, and later, after reaching their Sripada Srivallabha Charitaamrutam Book to their Avataaric place in the 33rd generation of their grandfather and 33rd generation of their maternal uncle. He also narrated that, “People of all countries in the world; people from all races and all traditions; will come to Pitthapuram in any birth, on any day and have the darshan of Sri Sripada. Great personages, great yogis and people of all countries come to My Darbaar to have My darshan, like rows of ants. The moment I give permission all due tasks will be done atonce. If, necessary, I throw the people whom I consider as My own, in Pithikapuram by dragging them with their hair, however rich he might be or however great yogi he might be. This is confirmed and true.

All of you remain in your positions following My intention only. I can make a beggar as a king and I can change a king into a begger also. I will grant whatever a devotee dependant on Me requests. I will examine before granting, whether that devotee can retain so much superior power and whether he will use his capacity and power for the welfare of the world or not.

Plenty of virtue is required to step into my birth place and to participate in any event, activity, occation or programme of Mine in the Samstan. Very much fotune is required to make financial assistance to My Samstan.”

BIRTH OF SRIPADA SRIVALLABHA

Sripada was born in the early hours of Ganesh Chathurdhi in 'Chitra' star, in Simha (Leo) Lagna and Tula (Libra) raasi. About Sreepada it was mentioned that He was an incarnation of Sree Datta, and as His Feet were marked with all auspicious features, He bears a worthy name as Sreepada Sreevallabha. It was further noted that His horoscope should not be given to anyone and that it will reach in course of time through Akshya Kumar of Tripura belonging to Jain religion. All that would happen according to divine plan and it would reach Pithapuram as a part of divine play. When Sreepada Sreevallabha was born, a cobra with three hoods was holding its hoods as an umbrella where ever He was kept for 18 days.

Sripada Srivallabha came out of the mother's womb as a dazzling illumination. Sumati Maharani fainted immediately after he was born. Auspicious musical notes from musical instruments were heard from the labour room. After some time an invisible voice warned all people to leave the room. Four vedas, eighteen puraanas, great persons arrived in the shape of brilliant lights to Great Sreepada. Sacred vedic mantras were heard outside the room. Silence spread after sometime.

Daily Poojas performed in Samstanam

1 Pratahkaala Abhishekam 6-00 a.m.
2 Abhishekam and archana (Rs.50/-) 9-00 a.m.
3 Pallaki Seva with different Deepa Haarathi (Rs.200/-) 7-00 p.m.
4 Pallaki Seva with Silver Pallaki on important days (Rs.500/-)

VISHESHA POOJAS PERFORMED IN SRIPADA SRIVALLABHA MAHA SAMSTANAM

TELUGU NEW YEAR on Chaitra Suddha Paadyami. VASANTANAVARAATROTSAVAMULU at 7-00 p.m. everyday for 9 days from Telugu New Year.
SRIRAMA NAVAMI on Chaitra Suddha Navami.
SRI GURUPOORNIMA on Aashada Suddha Powrnami.
Visesha Archanas in the Month of Sraavana.
Birthday of Sri Vasudevaananda Saraswati on Sraavana Bahula Panchami.
SRI KRISHNAASTHAMI on Sraavana Bahula Asthami.
SRIPADA SRIVALLABHA JAYANTI SAPTAHA MAHOTSAVAM from Sraavana Bahula Trayodasi to Bhadrapada Suddha Chaviti (Vinayaka Chaturdi).
GURU DWADASI (Sripada's incarnation completion day) on Aaswiyuja Bahula Dwadasi.
GURU PRATIPADA (Nrusimha Saraswati's incarnation completion day) on Maagha Bahula Paadyami.
BIRTHDAY OF SRI NRUSIMHA SARSWATI on Pushya Sudda Thadiya.

Visesha Poojas performed in Samstanam MONTHLY.
BAHULA DWAADASI: Panchaamruta Sahita Ekaadasa Rudraabhishekam to the Pious Padukaa of Guru Dattatreya Sripada Srivallabha (9-00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m.)

IN THE TENURE OF CHITTA STAR: Visesha Archana, Sripada's very interested Halwa Prasad Nivedana. (Sripada pleased on worshiping them in the tenure of their birth star CHITTA and grants abundant beneficial results to them. Troubles from debts will be settled. Marriages of girls with suitable bridegrooms takes place. All afflictions that creating obstructions in progress are removed.) Particularly the tenure of CHITTA STAR that comes on TUESDAY is very auspicious. If combination of these two adds and yearly visesha poja day, it is still auspicious.

Bhaktas coming from long distances for Darshan and Seva of Lord Guru Dattatreya Sripada Srivallabha free lodging and boarding facilities are looking after by Sripada Srivallabha Seva Sangh to their possible extent. For this purpose, with many efforts and pains, till now they acquired THREE two-story buildings with nearly 30 rooms, 5 small halls and one big dining hall sufficient for 120 members in one sitting. To provide still facilities for the future developments, proposals are there to acquire place, for which donations accepted.

Annadana Scheme is there for which donors can send amount according to their Will for daily Annadanam. Instead from this, Bhakthas can also donte the amount for the following Annadana Padhakams

1 Donation for Annadanam Padhakam (Poshak) Rs.3,000/-
2 Donation for Annadanam Padhakam (Raja Poshak) Rs.10,000/-
3 Donation for Annadanam Padhakam for more than 50 (Maha Raja Poshak) Rs.50,000/-
.

If anyone gives dakshina to Sripada Srivallabha or offer food in Sripada’s name to Datta devotees, They multiply it hundred-fold and grant him when time comes.

Reach Pithapuram : Pithapuram is 10 KM from SAMALKOTA Junction on the Vijayawada - Visakhapatnam Railway Line in South Central Railway.

Trains hault at Pithapuram: Godavari Express, East Cost Express, Bhokaro Express

Trains hault at Samalkot: Phalkanama Express, Konark Express, Nizamuddin Link Express, Okha Link Express, Navajeevan Express, Prasanti Express, Yashwantpur Express, Seshadri Express, Shirdi Express.

Temple is half kilometer from Pithapuram Railway Station. From Samalkot there are abundant Bus, Car and Auto facilities.

Idol of Puruhutika devi

The idol of Puruhuthika devi has four hands. They contain bag of seeds (Beeja), axe (Parashu), lotus (Kamala) and a dish (Madhu patra) from lower-right to lower-left in order.

Previously there were two sects of Upasakas in Pithapuram worshiping Puruhootika devi. The first one calling her as Puruhootha Lakshmi (Meditating on Kamala and Madhu patra) and worshiping in Samayachara and the second one calling her Puruhoothamba (Meditating on Parashu and Beeja) and worshiping in Vamachara. There is also a tale that the original statue of Puruhutika devi was buried under the temple which was worshiped by them.

Other important temples in Pithapuram

Pithapuram has many important temples:

1. Kukkuteswara swamy temple: It is the main temple in Pithapuram.
2. Hunkruthi Durga / Humkruthi Durga: Also called as Humkarini Durga. She is present in the Garbha griha of Kukkuteswara swami towards the left.
3. Rajarajeswari: She is the Deveri (wife) of Kukkuteswara swamy. Also present in the same campus.
4. Sripada Srivallabha Dattatreya: This temple of Lord Dattatreya is present in the South-West corner of the temple.
5. Kunthi madhava: This is an old temple of Lord Sri Krishna located in Pithapuram village.

Magalagiri Panakala swami

2012-06-23T17:07:00.001-07:00

Mangalagiri - The Auspicious Hill

Mangalagiri means The Auspicious Hill. This place is one of the 8 important Mahakshetrams (sacred places) in India. The eight places where Lord Vishnu manifested himself are (1) Sri Rangam (2) Srimushnam (3) Naimisam (4) Pushkaram (5) Salagamadri (6) Thothadri (7) Narayanasramam (8) Venkatadri. Thotadri is the present Mangalagiri. Lakshmi Devi has done tapas on this hill. That's why it got this name (The auspicious hill). There are three Narasimha Swamy temples in Mangalagiri. One is Panakala Narasimha Swamy on the hill. Another one is Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at the foot of the temple. Third one is Gandala Narasimha Swamy at the top of the hill.

This shape of the hill looks like an elephant. From all the directions, the hill appears in the elephant shape only. There is an interesting legend to show as to how the mountain came into existence. Pariyatra, an ancient king had a son Hrasva Srungi visited all holy and sacred places to regain normal bodily stature and finally visited this holy place of Mangalagiri and stayed for three years performing penance. All the Devathas (Gods) advised him to stay at Mangalagiri and continue to do penance in praise of Lord Vishnu. The father of Hrasva Srungi came with his retinue to take back his son to his kingdom. But Hrasva Srungi took the shape of an elephant to become the abode of Lord Vishnu who is locally known as Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy.

The temple of Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy is situated on the hill. On the right side of the steps provided to reach the temple, there is a stone inscription by Sri Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagar and a little further up, the foot prints of Mahaprabhu Chaitanya are to be seen. Midway on the steps there is a temple of Lord Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy there is only the face with the mouth widely opened. A dhwajasthambham was erected in front of the temple in 1955. Behind the temple there is the temple of Sri Lakshmi, to the west of which there is a tunnel which is believed to lead to Vundavalli caves on the banks of the Krishna. The stone inscription of the kings of Vijayanagar relate besides to the conquest of Rayalu over Kondapalli etc., that Siddhiraju Thimmarajayya Devara granted a total of 200 kunchams (10 kunchams make one acre) land in 28 villages of which Mangalagiri was one and gift of 40 kunchams by China Thirumalayya to Ramanujakutam.

The steps to the temple were constructed by Sri Channapragada Balaramadasu in 1890. There was a cave next the devi temple on the hill. It is said that, there is a way to Vundavalli from that cave, and the sages used to go by that way to take bath in Krishna River. Now, the cave is very dark, and the way could not be seen.

The Demon Namuchi

The Lord that has established himself on the hill is in the form of Narasimha (man-lion) which Lord Vishnu assumed to kill Hiranyakasipu, a rakshasa father of Prahlada, a great devotee. He is also called as Sudarsana Narasimhaswamy. The legend says that Namuchi, a Rakshasa after great penance obtained a boon from Brahma that he would not be killed by anything that is either wet or dry. He began to harass Indra and the Devathas. Encouraged and supported by Lord Vishnu, Indra commenced destroying the army of Rakshasa Namuchi, who did in a cave in Sukshmakaram (small size) giving up his sthulakaram (Physical manifestation). Indra dipped Sudarsanam, the disc of Lord Vishnu in the foam of the ocean and sent it into the cave. Lord Vishnu manifesting himself at the centre of the disc destroyed the Pranavayuvu (life breath) of the Rakshasa with the fire of his exhalation. He thus got the name of Sudarsana Narasimha. The blood that flowed from the body of the Rakshasa seemed to have formed into a pool at the foot of the hill which is known hill. The Devathas themselves were unable to withstand the fire of the anger of the Lord and they prayed for appeasement. The Lord took amrutam (nectar) and cooled down. It was in Krithayugam. The Lord said that he would be satisfied with ghee in Threthayugam, with milk in Dwaparayugam and with panakam(Jaggery water) in Kaliyugam. Hence the Lord is called in Kaliyugam as Panakala Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy.

Story in Threthayugam

In Threthayugam, the second of the four yugas, people who enjoyed in heaven as a result of their good deeds in the world are most unhappy to return to this world (when once the fruits of good deeds are exhausted, the soul has to come back to the world). They prayed Indra, the Lord of heaven to save them from the impending fate. Indra advised them to spend their time in the world at Mangalagiri to attain heaven again. In Krithayugam, the first of the four yugas when the sinners were few, Yamadharmaraja, the Lord of hell advised them to wash off their sins by doing penance at Mangalagiri. Mangalagiri is in existence from the beginning of the Universe with the names Anjanadri in Krithayugam, Thotadri in Threthayugam, Mangaladri and Mukthyadri in Dwaparayugam and Mangalagiri in Kaliyugam affording salvation to sinners also. In Krithayugam, Vaikhanasa Maharshi worshipped the Lord and his idol is worshipped even today in the temple. It is also believed that Lord Rama while departing for Vaikuntam after completing his mission in that incarnation advised Anjaneya to stay at Mangalagiri and after obtaining his blessings to remain in this world for ever. Anjaneya took his adobe at Mangalagiri as Kshetrapalaka.

Panakala Narasimha Swamy - God Who Drinks Panakam

It is said that here, god is self-existent. In the temple, there will be no statue of the god, but there is only mouth, widely opened to 15 cms. The mouth is covered by metal face of the god. The temple will be opened till afternoon only, with the belief that devatas will perform pujas in the night. The God takes jaggery water as offering by a conch. The Jaggery water is actually poured into the mouth of the Lord, a gargling sound is clearly audible as if the Lord is actually drinking it and the sound becomes shriller and shriller as and when the Lord is drinking. The sound will come to a stop after sometime and the balance of the jaggery water is thrown out. This phenomenon happens not once in a day but is a recurring feature during the course of the day as and when devotees offer panakam (jaggery water). It will be interesting to note that even a single ant is not traceable near the Lord nor around the temple in spite of the offering of so much jaggery water. As the offering of the panakam to the Lord is peculiar, the Lord here is called panakala Narasimhaswamy. There is a legend about the offering of the panakam (jaggery water) to the Lord. It is said that the hill was once a volcano. Sugar or jaggery water, it is said, neutralizes sulphur compounds found in a volcano and prevents a volcanic eruption.

Behind the temple there is the temple of Sri Lakshmi, to the west of which there is a natural cave. It is believed that it will lead to Undavalli caves on the banks of the Krishna river and the sages used to go to take bath in Krishna River. Now, the cave is very dark and the way could not be seen. We can reach the temple through steps-way on foot and also by road-way. The steps to the temple were constructed by Sri Channapragada Balarama Dasu in 1890. In 2004, ghat road had been constructed through which the pilgrims can reach the temple easily.

Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

At the foot of the hill, there is another temple whose origin is traced to the time of Yudhishtira, the eldest of the pandavas. Yudhishtira is said to be the founder of the chief image of this temple and the deity here is called Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. In Vijayawada itself, which is 8 miles from Mangalagiri there is a hill called Indrakeeladri in which Arjuna is said to have done tapascharya (penance) in order to obtain the weapon Pasupata from Lord Siva. About 200 years back Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu who ruled from Amaravati as his capital constructed a stupendous gopuram (tower) on the eastern gate of the Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy. It is one of the highest gopurams in South India and only one of its type in this part of India. It is 153ft. in height and 49 feet wide with 11 storeys, and gates facing east and west. This great and imposing tower dwarfs the central shrine. The devoted patience of thousands of skilled craftsmen and the labour of many more apprentices which had gone into this great structure is a testimony to the religious fervour which characterized the builder. After constructing the gopuram, it was leaning towards one direction. The Kancheepuram Architects suggested to dig a tank opposite to the tower. After digging the tank, it is said that, the tower became straight.

The Image of the Lord in the form of Narasimha (man-lion) and that of Lakshmi Devi to his left are of stone. The garland of the Lord with 108 saligramams is of special significance here. Dakshanavrutha Sankham, a special conch believed to be one that was used by Lord Krishna and resented by the Maharaja Sarfoji of Tanjore, is one more possession of significance of the Lord. There is also an ancient ratha (temple car) belonging to the temple with ornamental wood carvings depicting the scenes from the great epics of Bharata, Bhagavatha and Ramayana. Thimmaraju Devaraju a military chieftain of the Vijayanagar rulers improved this temple. He had constructed prakarams (compound walls), mandapas, gopurams (towers), five images of Lord Bhairava, a festival chariot, ten varieties of courts for annual ceremonies, flower gardens lakes and tanks. He had also installed utsava vigrahas in the temple (metal images intended for being taken out in procession). To the north of the temple there is a temple of Sri Rajyalakshmi to the south that of Rama with Sita and Lakshmana and to the west vahanasala (the store house for the vehicles of which the golden garudavahanam, the silver Hanumanthavahanam and ponnavahanam are noteworthy). The Lakshmi narayana temple and the Anjaneya Mandiram in Pedda Bazar are the other places of worship in the town.

Gandalayam

On the top of the hill, there is no deity for the god. There is only facility to put a deepam. If anyone gets miseries, then they go there, lamp the deepam by cow ghee, and they lose the miseries. That lamp is visible from many villages.

Festivals

Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Brahmothsavam is very important annual festival. It is believed that the celebration was inaugurated by Dharmaraja at the behest of Lord Krishna. Pradyumna, the son of Lord Krishna, reqested his father to celebrate his birthday annualy for a sapthaham (seven days) from Phalguna Suddha Sapthami. Lord Krishna entrusted this work to Dharmaraja, the eldest of the pandavas who has the successor to the throne at Hasthinapura.

At present the festival is celebrated for 11 days commencing from phalguna sudda shasti (february - march). One day before Phalguna Suddha Purnima i.e. on Chaturdasi, here the marriage of Santha Narasimha Swamy, and Sridevi and Bhoodevi will be celebrated. They follow Agama sastra in this celebrations. Before the marriage, Chenchus celebrate on the occassion of Narasimha swamy marrying their daughter Chenchu Lakshmi. On that day night, Swamy comes by Sesha Vahanam and participate in Eduru Kola. The next day after the marriage is Purnima, on which the Holi festival is celebrated by indians. The same day, here, people celebrate Tirunalla, and about 1,00,000 people, local and from distant places congregate. On a big chariat, the Lord will go on procession and hundreds of devotees will pull this cart with fervour and enthusiasm.

Srirama Navami, Hanumajayanthi, Narasimhajayanthi, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and Mahasivarathri are other festivals which are celebrated here on a large scale. On Mahasivarathri, Lord will go on procession on a small chariot.

Ksheera Vruksham (The milk tree)

Ksheera vruksham (the milk tree) on the Mangalagiri hill is of great attraction particularly to the woman. The legend goes to say that king Sasibandi was advised by Narada to visit pilgrimages. King left the kingdom, and his queen, and started visiting pilgrimages. The queen came to know about this, and grew furious and cursed Narada to become a Ksheera vruksham on the hill within the easy reach of devotees, blessing women at its very sight, with property, children and washing off the sins they committed out of ignorance or oversight, for having ill-advised her husband to desert her and take to penance. Narada took this not as a curse but as a boon as it meant service to humanity, blessed the queen with happy life with her husband and a thousand children. Even today the milk tree is on the Mangalagiri hill and throughout the year thousands of women visit and worship the tree for begetting children.

There is a legend connected with the making of the procession idols of the temple. A repated goldsmith was appointed to make the procession images of the Lord. In spite of all his skill and care, the panchalohas (five metals) melted together in a huge crucible and smeared over the images to form a brilliant coating, the metals used to separate themselves and this bitter disappointment continued day after day. He began the process of burning one day after praying for the Lord's grace and heared a voice that success in his work required human sacrifice. Just then his son rushed to him and requested the father for water to quench his great thirst. He lifted his affectionate son and threw him into the molten mixture of the five metals and the body disappeared in no time. The amalgam was cast and beautiful icons of the Lord were then completed. After completing the work, the goldsmith thought about his son and called out in agony come my son and I will give you water to quench your thirst. It is believed that the body jumped out of the image and stood before his father.

Gali Gopuram (Tower)

Thoorpu Gali Gopuram (Tower on East Side) is the main attraction for the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple. Vijayanagara kings constructed three storeys and Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu constructed another 8 storeys. Raja Vasireddy constructed this from 1807 to 1809. Height of this temple is 153 feet and width is 49 feet. It is very rare to find out towers which have less width, and more height like this tower. Utthara Gali Gopuram (Tower on North Side) is opened on the Vaikunta Ekadasi (Mukkoti) day. It was constructed by Rangapuram Jamindar Madapati Venkateswararao in 1911. When Padamati Gali Gopuram (Tower on West Side) was being constructed, accidentally some stones fell down and some workers died. By this incident, the work was stopped and had not been started till now. Dhakshina Gali Gopuram (Tower on South Side) was renovated in 1992 for Krishna pushkaras by the initiative of the Executive officer Sri Nootakki Kotaiah

Temple Timings

Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Timings

Morning 07-00 Opening the doors
07-00 to 07-30 Morning Archana
07-30 to 01-00 Special Archana for the devotees and offering Panakam
01-00 Maharnivedana
03-00 Closing the doors

It is said that, in the evenings, Gods, and Sages worship the Lord. So, there is no Archana in the evenings.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Timings

Morning 05-00 Opening the doors
05-30 Offering the Theertham
06-00 Morning Archana
07-30 Ghoshti (Using the theertham offering)
07-30 to 11-00 Special Archana for the devotees
11-30 Maharnivedana
12-30 Closing the doors
Evening 04-00 Opening the doors
04-00 to 07-00 Special Archana for the devotees
07-30 Evening Archana, Harathi, Theertha Ghoshti
08-30 Closing the doors

How to reach
You can reach from Guntur or Vijayawada

Antarvedi Narasimha swamy

2012-06-23T16:53:00.002-07:00

History

Also known as "Dakshina Kashi (Kashi of the South), Antarvedi, is an important pilgrim centre in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh state in India, situated at the interior part at East coast. Lord Brahma, in order to get freed from the sins he had committed against Lord Sankara, had performed Rudrayaga and installed Lord Neela kantheswara there. As that place was made a stage or "Vedik" to perform the Yagam, it was named as "ANTARVEDI" It is a small village in Sakhinetipalle Mandal which is located close to Narsapur near the Bay of Bengal Coast and Vashishtha River. This river is said to have been brought by Maharishi Vashishtha, one of the Sapthrishis(seven great sages) of Hindu Mythology. It draws people from far off places throughout the year because of its unique rarity: the confluence or mergence of Bay of Bengal and Vashishtha River, a tributary of River Godavari. The place of confluence where the mighty ocean Bay of Bengal meets the Vashishtha River is called the "Sapta Sagara Sangam Pradesam" and also as "Anna Chelli Gattu". One can even taste the water here as it is not salty but quite

sweet!!!! Unbelievable but true!!! This place is the last and the most important of the seven sacred bathing places. It is popularly believed that the Tretha Yugam episode of Ksheera Sagara Mathanam took place here

Temple

The temple is called as an island temple because of its confluence. This temple is among the rarities as the main Deity i.e. Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy(one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) who faces towards West instead of East (usual direction of other temples in India) constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries. This is 32 kshetra of 108 Narashima kshetrams. It is a temple of 5 storeyed Vimana Gopuram. As one enters the temple one can Garuda on one side and Bhaktha Anjaneya on the other side of temple entrance. While approaching "Garbha Gudi" (Sanctum Sanctorum) one can see an adorable "Vatapatra Sayi" (Lord Krishna on a palm leaf) on its roof. The idol is made from a single stone. In the Garbha Gudi, one can have a darshan of the magnificient Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy with his Consort Goddess Lakshmi Devi on his lap.

After the darshan, one has to go around the sanctum, as there are different deities. On the east side of the prakaram(wall), is Goddess Rajyalakshmi and Lord Venkateshwara, to the north side is Bhoodevi and Ranganadha Swamy, to the west side of the prakaram is Santhana Gopala Swamy and Keshava Swamy, and finally to the south side of the prakaram is the Acharyas and Alwars sannidhi(small temples) and Chaturbhuja (four-armed) Anjaneya. Apart from the presiding Deity, Lord Narasimha Swamy, there are also Deities of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. A temple of Neelakanteshwara (Lord Shiva) is also present which is located at the other side, almost nearer to the bank of Godavari, also called, Vasishta Godavari is a must see. This deity was installed by Lord Sri Rama and is said to be worshipped by Brahma himself.

Vashishtha Devalayam

This temple was constructed in the year 2005-06. This Mahameru Sahita Sri Kurma pratishtapana of Vasishta Devalayam is near Sri Narashima Swamy temple. The building is in circular form and the height is 54. It is said that Sri chakram is kept to same depth down i.e. 54. One has to climb few steps to reach the first level. Here, one can see Saligrama tortoise, a sacred Gandaki river stone which is believed to be a special Avatara of Maha Vishnu and is always placed with Tulasi (signifying Goddess Lakshmi). It is on this Saligrama that the Maha Meru of Emerald is installed. Thankfully, one is allowed to enter inside the sanctum, and as one goes around one can see Dashavataram (10 incarnations of the Lord) sculptures of Saligrahama stone that have been installed. On the second level one can have the darshan of Saptha Maharishis.

Festivals

Every year on the day before Bhishma Ekadashi i.e. Dashami, which is observed Magha Shukla Ekadashi (Eleventh Day) in Magha Masam (February) Lord Sri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Kalyanotsavam (divine wedding of Lord Sri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and Goddess Lakshmi Devi) is celebrated with much enthusiasm. On the Bhishma Ekadashi, the Rath Yatra is celebrated. Devotees in huge number attend to watch the Celestial Wedding and take holy dip at the sangamam (Saptha Sagara Sangamam).During the month of November, throngs of devotees come to the temple premises to witness the Deity of Narasimha Swamy without any of the ornaments, garb, or chandanam (sandal paste) that normally adorn the Lord's Form. In the month of Phalguna (January), the Lord's chariot procession is held. Dole pournami celebrations are also held, when the Lord is worshipped with panchamrita abhishekam. Sri Venkateswara Swamy kalyanam, (Jyeshta Sudha Ekadasi)., Sri Narasimha Jayanthi (Vysakha Sudha Chaturdasi) are the other festivals celebrated here.

For tourists as well as pilgrims one can hire ferries(boats) which are available to visit the small island that is on the other side of the river and also to the point where the river and the ocean actually meet. On off seasons, one avail the ferry service for a nominal fee whereas in the peak seasons the fee rises alarmingly. The cost varies depends on the number of people. If limited a number of people are willing to visit the island, a nominal amount of INR 350 will be charged. If a more number of people are available, INR 50 will be charged for each person.

Food and Accommodation

Devotees interested in paying a visit to the place may book their accommodation at TTD Choultry, Antarvedi, at nominal rates of Rs 200/- and 600/- for Non A/c and A/c Rooms respectively. They can be contacted through this number:- (08862)259313. Also the Anna Danam programme is conducted every day within the temple premises. Or one can even call the Devasthanam for enquiries/bookings

How to Reach

Antarvedi is 130 Kms from Kakinada and 100 kms from Rajahmundry. One can reach Antarvedi either by train or by road. For those who travel by train one can either board or get down at either Rajahmundry or Narsapur. There are number of buses available from Kakinada and Rajahmundry also. Or one can board a bus at Hyderabad to Razole, whereon they can go to Malkipuram and thereto Antarvedi. Antarvedi can also be reached by boat from Narsapur, which is 112-km south of Rajahmundry.

Contact

For any information, enquiries, bookings etc. please contact:
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam,
Sakhinetipallimandal,
Antarvedi-533252
Phone: 08856-259313

vedadri narasimha swamy temple

2012-06-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

About

Among the several shrines of Lord Laxmi Narasimha Swamy that flourished on the holy banks of river krishna vedadri is an important one.It is situated just at a distance if 10 Kms from "Chillakallu" on the National High way No.9 from Vijayawada to Hyderabad

Here the Lord is existing in five forms different from each other known as Pancha Narashima Moorthy, namely Jwala Narashima on vedasikara of the mountains, Saligrahma Narashima in the River Krishnaveni, Yogananda Narashima erected by sage Rishya Sringar, as Lakshmi Narashimar on his own peetam and Veera Narashimar on garudadri situated at a distance of 5kms from east to Vedadri.
The temple structure is conventional, being brightly colored and ornamented with a variety of images. A beautiful Form of Narasimha Swami in yoga pose (above) greets devotees on the outside of the temple. The Lord is joined by murtis of Lord Varaha, Laksmi devi, Garuda, Hanuman, and other transcendental personalities and figures. The utsava idols are extraordinarily high and impressive, and the dwajasthamba of imposing girth and height. In the waters of the Krishna River, Lord Narasimha can also be found in Salagram form

"Bramhand Purana" says that Somaksura a demon of yore stole the four Vedas from Lard Bramha and hid himself in the Ocean. Lord Bramha then approached his father Lord Srimannarayana Murthy and prayed for the restorain of Vedas. Lord Srimannarayana murthy in 'Matsyavathara'(fish) entered the Ocean, killed the demon somakasura and brought back the Vedas in tact. The Vedas, in human form thanked the lord for his kind gesture in saving them, prayed to stay with them on their heads. There upon the lord munificiantly granted their prayer but said that the would do that only after killing another demon Hiranya kasapa and saving his son prahalda. The Lord also assured the Vedapurushas that he would stay with them as Panchamurti only. So saying the Lord bid them till such time to remain in the river krishnaveni as Saligrama mountain. Lord bid them that krishnaveni also prayed to allow her to worship him everyday and that he granted her the boon. He assured the Vedapurshas that both the prayers would be granted simultaneously. According to the bid of the Lord the Veda purashas remind in Krishnaveni as Saligrma mountain.

Later the Lord incarnated himself as 'Narasimha' killed the mighty demon Hiranya kasapa and served Prahalda and ever since stayed as Jwala Narasimha on the mountain head at Vedadri in fulfilment of the inclination of Veda Purushas. Then Lord Bramha requested Jwala Narasimha to stay in Sathya Loka as Saligrama Narsimha so the Lord went to Sathya Loka as Saligrama Narasimha at the request of Lord Bramha. But even before Bramha offered his worship to the Lord in Sathya Loka, the Sathya Loka was consumed in flames. There upon Lord Bramha personally brought Saligrama Narsimha Murthy to the river krishnaveni and erected the Saligrama Murti on the Saligram Mountain. Thus Lord Laxmi Narasimha Swamy the incarnation of Lord Srimannarayana fulfilled the desires of both Veda Purushas and the river krishnavenim simultaneously.

Later on, the Lord, at the request of Rishis like Rishya Srugna and Kings like Mann, stayed in the middle of the mountain as Yogananda Narasimha Swamy and at the request of the Garudas the Lord stayed as verra Narasimha and as per the Prayer of Vana Devatha the Lord is prevading the mountain as Laxmi Narasimha Murthi. Thus this holy place is sanctified by the presence of all devotes who descended from the heavens to worship the Lord who enriched the mountain with several holy spirits. The facts were revealed by Suta Mahamuni to Sownaka and others who acclaimed the efficacy of Vedadri as an unique deity in the entire world. It is the only place where Pancha Narasimha Murtis are existing.

The Lord is staying as Jwala Narasimha on Vedasikhara of the mountain, as Saligram a Narasimha in the river krishnaveni and as Yoganada Narasimha, having been erected by Saga Rishya Srunga and in his own Peetam as Laxmi Narasimha Swamy. The Lord Sreemannarayana has incarnated himself as Veera Narasimha on the Garudadri , situated at a distance of 5 Km. east of Vedadri.
Thus the Lord is existing in the five forms different form each other other called Pancha Narasimha murthis namely (Jwala, Saligrama, Veera,Yoganandac and Laxmi Nrusimha).This holy shine is called Laxmi “VEDADRI”.
Several lakhs of devotees visit this holy shrine to seek the Lords blessings. Nyasa said, that at the beginning of Kallyuga all the rishis approached him and implored about the evil effects of Kali and prayed for a way out of it. He was just about to sit for penance after finishing holy dip in Ganges, grasped the purpose for which the rishis have come to him Vyasa told them that the people of Kali are singularly fortunate because they need not perform any situals like Yagnas or deep penances as in other Yugas. He said that simple chanting of the holy name of the Lord is Sufficient. i. e., mere ‘ Smarana ‘ which bestows salvation.
Kalav Smaranan mukthi. It means in kaliyuga mere smarana is enough for mukthi. The rishis having got the information from veda vyasa beg an searching for a suitable place for their penance and at last they found Vedadri as the most suitable place, as the Lord is staying there in five forms (Panchamurthi). Further the rishis while searching, for a suitable place heard recitals in perfect swaras being emanated from the holy mountain they named as ‘Vedadri’ the mountain of Vedas. The rishis were enchanted by the chanting of Vedas by the Mountain, especially the same veda (music) the Gandharva Swara and its varied moorchans. They have been in mensely satisfied by the holy recitals and have settled there for penance. They took a holy dip in river krishnaveni , had a pradakshan of the mountain and then settled in Penance.During their deep Penance in their Samadhi., they heard a divine voice saying “Holy rishis this is Vedadri or Vedagiri where Lord Sreemannarayana has taken the avatara of Nrusimha Swamy”. After the holy words the rishis discovered a Luminous light discerning the path upwards the mountain by which the rishis have scaled it and found Yogananda Nrusimha Swamy in a temple on the top of the mountain. The rishis who were over whelmed with joy praised the Lord chanting his holy name.

Namasthe Narasimhaya Smasaranava Setave I
Namh Kalyana Roopaya Veda Seershyathe Namha II
Then the Lord gave them darshan as Jwala Nrusimha in the shape of fire, as Saligrama murti in the river, as Yogananda Nrusimha (Laxmi Nrusimha Murti), as Veera Nrusimha murti in Garudachala. The rishis after Visiting all the shrines came back to Vedadri and sat for Penance.
This mountain has been enriched in its spiritual splendor not only by the Pancha Murtis but also due to the Penance of several rishis. The adage is “Theerthi Kurvanthni Theerthami”. This holy shrine has been embellished with glory historically also. The boundary walls have been built by Reddi kings about eight or nine hundred years ago. They have maintained the holy shrine with all its prettier purity and spiritual splendor.
One of the Poet trinities Yerrapragada and great Kavi Sarvabhouma Sreenadha hae Visited this shrine. Vaggeya Kara Narayana Teerthulu worshipped, this Lord four days and worte the Tarangas in praise of Laxmi Nrusimha, Yerrapragada of the renowned Kavithraya (Trinity ) wrote the stotra Dandakam enlogising the diety. Kavi Sarvabhowma Sreenadha in his epic ‘ Kasi Kandam’ referred to this great deity.
This holy shrine of divine splendor has carved a niche in the hearts of all the devotees who worshipped this deity and quenched their mortal desires

DharmaPuri Narasimha swami

2012-06-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

About

The temple is situated in the karimnagar district, on the southern bank of the sacred river Godavari, Dharmapuri also called as "DAKSHINA KASHI" is famous one of the nine Narasimha Kshetras of the Telangana...

It is called so since a king called Dharmavarma ruled it. It is a punyakshetra because of its many great ancient temples. This place is with a great history and culture. Lord NARASIMHA along with the goddess laxmi is called as Yoga Narasimha, which is a rare darshana. And it is a punyatirtha because of its holy river Godavari. It is believed that DHARMAPURI was a place of rich religion, philosophy and spirituality. Many saints, sages, yogis and wondering monks visited this place .

History
It is called so since a king called Dharmavarma ruled it. It is a punyakshetra because of its many great ancient temples. This place is with a great history and culture. Lord MARASIMHA along with the goddess laxmi is called as Yoga Narasimha, which is a rare darshana. And it is a punyatirtha because of its holy river Godavari.

It is believed that DHARMAPURI was a place of rich religion, philosophy and spirituality. Many saints, sages, yogis and wondering monks visited this place and also stayed in this place to continue their worship, falling in love with its sanctity.

DHARMAPURI kshetra mahatmyam a look on the details of Dharmapuri, contains many details about this place. It is said that the great sage gautama stayed here and did a lot of penance in its eastern region. He installed a shivalinga also there. And today it is called as Gautameshwaralayam. Lord Dattatreya himself constructed an ashrama here for the benefit of wandering monks. Dattatreys temple facing the east on the banks of Godavari, gives a beautiful picture of sunrise. The serene atmosphere helped many Vedic scholars stick to that place and spread Vedic dharma.

People of Dharmapuri are found of holy bath in the pure waters of Godavari. People in their eighties also immerse their bodies in its waters. The place reverberates with sound of Vedic mantra recitations. Nityapuja is done so systematically even in smallest temples and goddess with rich annadana to the needy. The stone benches are the platforms for the Vedic scholars to hold assemblies on the spiritual topics. Dharmapuri is known for many great pauranikas who give excellent pravachams. Even today purana pravachana is a routine there where many men and women of all ages participate. Many poets like Sri.RAYAMBHATLA and SESHAPPA have written kavyas and satakams.

ANNADANAM..

Shaswatha Nityannadanam Scheme Details:

1. Prathyeka Dathalu - Rs.20,116/-
2. Maharaja Poshakulu- Rs.10,116/-
3. Raja Poshakulu -Rs.5116/-
4. Poshaka Sabhulu - Rs. 1116/-

One Day Annadanam Rs.516/-.

Income Tax 80(G) Exemption Order No & Date :
This Donation is Exempted income Tax U/s.80(G) I.T Act.1961 vide Direcotr of Income Tac 9Exemption) Hyd, Registration F.No:DIT(E) Hyd/12A/ 28(11) 08-09, Dt:21-11-2009 and F.No:DIT(E)Hyd/80G/109(06)09-10,Dt:20-8-2009 this Exemption is
Valid from 1-4-2009 to 31-3-2010

Chairman
Sri Laxmi Narasimha Nityannadana Charitable Trust
Po & Mdl : Dharmapuri ,
Karimnagar Dist
Pin:505425-A.P
Ph: 08724-273227.

Annadanam Donation Account No: SBHY0020141-62083402022 (S.B.H Dharmapuri Branch,Karimnagar,A.P)

How To Reach Dharmapuri :

Dharmapuri is well connected by Road from Various cities of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. The Nearest Railwaystation 'Mancherial' which is on Delhi-Chennai Highway is 40 Kms away from Dharmapuri.

Pilgrims have the bus facility from major cities of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra such as Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Jagtial, Vemulawada, Mancherial Nagapur Bombay Bhivandi and Nanded .Overseas pilgrims can have flight facility up to Hyderabad, the state capital of Andhra Pradesh and further it is connect by road. The pilgrims come from other states can have direct train link up to Mancherial and Ramagundam from there they have Bus facility.

Dharmapuri Temple is mostly visited by the floating devotees of near by places and the present facilities provided by the Temple Administration are adequate and meet the needs of the pilgrims. How ever the accommodation facilities should be increased at the time of "Brahmotsavas" and religious occasions.

Temples and other religious Places:

we must take a bath in river Godavari then visit dattatreya,santoshima,rama, saibaba temple and other temples near by Godavari. then visit sri laxmi narasimha swamy, venkateshwara and other temples..

1) Gomateshwara (Shiva temple)
2) Akkapalle Rajanna
3) Hanmandla Gadda Anjaneya Swami.
4) Godavari Mata Temple
5) Dattatreya Mandir
6) Five hundred year old sri Sita Rama Swami temple
7) Goddess Santoshimata Temple.
8) Kanyaka Parameshwari Temple.
9) Goddess Mahalaxmi Temple.
10) Saibaba Temple
11) sixty pillared temple
12) Mahalakshmi temple
13) Brahma pushkarini (Koneru)

Other Tourst Places near Dharmapuri:

Gudem - Shrine of Lord Satyanarayana swamy (10 Km)
Kondagaattu- Shrine of Lord Anjaneya swamy (45 km)
Vemulawada - Shrine of Lord Raja Rajeshwara swamy (70 km)
Basara - Shrine of Lord Saraswathi Devi ( 170 km)

Accommodation..

The following accommodation facilities are available for the pilgrims:
1) Soma Vihar(AP Tourism Guest House)
2) Kasuganti Narayana Rao Dharmashala(Near Busstand)
3) TTD Guest House (Near Godavari River)
4) Srinivas Guest House (Near Temple Complex)
5) Sri Vasavi Nitya Annadana Satram

For more details contact:
Executive Officer,
Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swami Devasthanam,
Po&Mdl Dharmapuri-505 425,
Dt.Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh, India

Working Hours

5 am to 7 am Suprabatha Seva
7 to 9am Abhishekam
9 to 10am Darshan
10 to 10.30am Nitya Homam
10.30 to11.30am Nitya Kalyanam
11am to 2pm Vishesharchana & Maharchana ,Darshan
2PM TO 4PM TEMPLE CLOSE
4PM to 5pm Vishesharchana & Maharchana ,Darshan
5 to 5.30pm Nitya Seva ( Pallaki Seva)
5.30 to 7pm Vishesharchana & Maharchana ,Darshan
7 to 7.15pm Nivedhana & Harathi
7.15pm to 8pm Vishesharchana & Maharchana ,Darshan

Other Temples in Dharmapuri

Brahma Temple
Unlike in the temples of other Gods and Goddesses, you can rarely see an idol of Lord Brahma in the temples dedicated to Him.

One such rare temple is in Dharmapuri where you can see the idol of Lord Bramha. As the Indian Mythology and the Epic s say, Lord Brahma is not prayed nor does He have a temple anywhere though He is considered as the Lord of nature. This is a result of a curse by Sage Brighu. In order to cleanse Him from this curse Lord Brahma invoked Lord Vishnu and got the boon to cleanse His curse and that he will have a temple and will be prayed in his form but that will be only in this place.

Satyavati Temple
This temple is on the south of the Nutana Narasimha Swami temple. Though the main idol here is of Lord Narasimha, the temple is called as Satyavathi temple. Couple s have a darshan of this temple in order to have a peaceful and happy married life. The main attraction of this temple is the Isuka Stambam or the Sand Pillar.

Brahma kundam
When Lord Brahma and King Dharma Varma prayed for the darshan of Lord Vishnu in the form of Narasimha swami, Lord Ugra Narasimha took sacrifice in a pond and by his meditation lost his anger and became Shanta Narasimha. Thus this place is called as Brahma Kundam. Local people believe that by having a holy dip in this pond people will loose all their sins. So this pond is also called as "Sakala papa vinasini .

Satyavati kundam
Satyavathi the wife of Dharmangada carried her husband who was transformed into the form of a serpent form over her head and travelled around the world meditating and praying to gods to cleanse her husband of the sins. When she visited this place and had a holy dip in this Holy pond her husband Dharmagada was transformed in to a human being. Hence this pond has been called as Satyavathi Gundam.

Rama Ligeswara swami temple

Ramalingeswara Temple literally means Shiva Linga which was installed and worshipped by Lord Rama. This temple is very close to the Narasimha Swami temple. Unlike the other Shiva lingas made of stone, this is made of sand stone and is very coarse in nature

Sri Nutana Narasimha Swami Temple
This temple is a pretty new one compared to the main temple of the Yoga Narasimha Swami temple. But this temple is also attracts lot of devotees and the devotees pray to the god ardently. The god here is in a sitting posture along with Goddess Maha Lakshmi by his side and teaching his disciple Prahalad

Sri Gautameshwara Temple
Sri Gautameshwara Temple is one of the ancient temples in Andhra Pradesh State.

A place with immense importance, Gautameshwara Temple s location is popular because Gowtham Muni (Sage Gowthama) brought the river Godavari to this part of the region and took it down all the way to Antarvedi and from there on to Bay of Bengal. This Sage seems to have stayed here for some time. For his prayers of he installed the Shiva Linga here. Hence this temple is called as Gautameshwara Temple

Simhachalam Laxmi Narasimha swami

2012-06-23T15:39:00.001-07:00

About Temple

Simhachalam – the hill of the lion is located at a distance of 18 km from Visakhapatnam refers to the 11th century temple of Lord Narasimha – an incarnation of Vishnu. Millions of devotees from round the world visit this temple every year. The presiding deity here is Varaha Lakshminarasimha, combining the iconographic features of Varaha and Narasimha. The image resembles a Shivalingam covered with sandal paste. It is only once a year, during the Chandana Visarjana that the sandal paste is removed, and the image is seen by pilgrims. The artwork here has elements of similarity with that of Konark. Elephants, flowers and plants are portrayed in plenty. The outer walls of the sanctum depict images of a royal personality (said to be King Narasimha) in various postures. The Kalyana Mandapa within the temple has 16 pillars with bas relief depicting the incarnations of Vishnu.

History

It has Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy as the presiding deity.

The deity at Simhachalam, the lion-man incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu is usually covered with sandalwood paste. The original shape of the deity in the tribhanga posture has two hands with the head of a lion on a human torso. An inscription dated as far back as 1098 AD of the Chola king Kuloththunga provides some clue as to its antiquity. Another inscription shows a Queen of the Eastern Ganga of Kalinga(ancient Orissa) (1137-56 AD) covering the image with gold while a third inscription says the eastern Ganga King of Orissa Narasimha Deva built the main/central shrine in 1267 A.D. With more than 252 inscriptions in Oriya and Telugu describing the antecedents of the temple, it is a historically important monument.

Sri Krishna Deva Raya after defeating the Gajapati ruler of Orissa Gajapati Prataparudra Dev visited the shrine twice in 1516 AD and 1519 AD and offered numerous villages for maintenance of bhogam (worship) along with valuable jewellery of which an emerald necklace is still in the temple. For the last three centuries the Royal family of Vizianagaram, ” The Pusapati Gajapathi’s” have been the temple’s trustees.

Noteworthy features of the temple: This temple boasts of a beautiful stone chariot drawn by horses. The Kalyana Mandapa within the temple has 16 pillars with bas reliefs depicting the incarnations of Vishnu. Narasimha, the man lion incarnation of Vishnu is seen in several depictions throughout the temple.

The artwork here has elements of similarity with that of Konark. Elephants, flowers and plants are portrayed in plenty. The outer walls of the sanctum depict images of a royal personality (said to be King Narasimha) in various postures.

How to go

One can reach Simhachalam from almost any where in Vizag. If you get down at the Waltair Railway Station, you can visit Simhachalam by Bus ( 6A ) or hire a Cab.

Busses numbered 6A, 28 and 40 start from the Dwaraka Bus Station ( APSRTC Complex ).

If starting from Gajuwaka, you can get Bus numbered 55. And if you want to start from Maddilipalem, get the bus numbered 540.

Temple Timings
Temple Timings:

Morning 7am to 4pm

And
Evening 6pm to 9pm

Fares for using vehicles

Scooter	Rs. 5/-
Car	Rs. 20/-
Jeep	Rs. 25/-
Lorry	Rs. 75/-
Empty Lorry	Rs. 50/-
Empty Van	Rs. 30/-
Loaded Van	Rs. 40/-
Mini Bus	Rs. 75/-

Vizag Bus Timings and status

Phone Number: (0891) 2546 401, 2546 400
(0891)2254 611

Mayadri Malakonda Laxmi Narasimha swamy

2012-06-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

Mayadri Malakonda Laxmi Narasimha swamy

The Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is Lord of Malyadri(Malakonda). A large number of devotees visit the

sacred shrine of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha to pay their homage to him. Here, Sri Jwala Narasimha and Sri Mahalakshmi Devi are on the Hill (Parvata) of Malyadri.He is one Narasimha of NavaNarasimhas (Nine Narasimhas).

Malyadri means the Parvatas are arranged as flower mala. Sri Malyadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam is located in Malakonda, ValetivariPalem[Md], Prakasham[Dt], Andhra Pradesh, India. The West side of Malyadri is having the Ahobhila Narasimha Swamy, North-West side of Malyadri is having the Sri Sailam, South side of Malyadri is having the Vruchachala kshetram, East side of Malyadri is having the Narasimha swamy of Singarayakonda, Soth side of Malyadri is having the Penna River (Pinakini).North side of Malyadri is having the Krishna River. He is the God to Devotees of the surrounding places of Malyadri. All the devotees are putting their children names as related to Sri Malyadri Narasimha for males and related to Sri Mahalakshmi for females.

About temples

The God Srimannarayana swamy is as Sri Narasimha avatara. He is the God of Malyadri.

He is having Sudarshana Chakra on one hand, Sanku on one hand, Sri Mahalakshmi is sitting on his thigh so one hand is surrounded her and blessing to devotees with one hand.

The God is giving the blesses to Yakshas,Gandrvas, Sidhas, and Devamunis on six days (Sunday to Friday).The God is giving the blesses to Devotees(Manavas) on Saturday only.

Sri Malalakshmi Devi Mata is Goddess of Malyadri. Sri Mahalakshmi Devi Devasthanam is on top of the Hill of Malyadri. Here, also the God Sri Narasimha and the Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi Devi are giving the blesses to the Devotees.

Sapta Teerdams (Seven Teerdams)

There are Seven Teerdams (Sapta teerdams) on Malyadri.

Narasimha

Varuna Teerdam

Kapila Teerdam

Agasthya Teerdam

Sankara Teerdam

Jothi Teerdam

Indra Teerdam

Sevas:

PERMANENT SATURDAY ANNA DANAM PATHAKAM Rs. 1116-00

PERMANENT SATURDAY SAHASRA NAMA ARCHANA Rs. 1116-00

PERMANENT SATURDAY ASHTOTHARANAMA ARCHANA Rs. 750-00

PERMANENT SATURDAY KUNKUMA ARCHANA Rs. 516-00

PERMANENT SATURDAY TIRUVAMJANAMU Rs. 516-00

PERMANENT SATURDAY PUSHPALANKARANA Rs. 750-00

PERMANENT SATURDAY PRASADA VINIYOGAM Rs. 1116-00

NOTE: The above sevas and pujas are doing one saturday in a year, that saturday have need to be selected by Devotees. We will inform about Puja and Seva information to Devotees before that saturday. If Devote is not available on that saturday, we will do the SEVA OR PUJA and we will send the PRASADA to communication address of Devote by POST.

How To reach

There are three ways to reach the MALAKONDA

The East route is via kandukur and Lingasamudram from Singarayakonda,Prakasam [Dist].

The West route is from PAMURU,Prakasam [Dist].

The South route is via kaligiri and kondapuram from either Kavali,Nellore[Dist] or Nellore.

There are three ways to reach the Temple (Sri Malyadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devastanam) from MALAKONDA.

One way is road way, the Devotees can go by vehicles.
Two ways are walking ways(Steps), the Devotees can go by walking.

Pictures of Another gods here.