SuryaNarayana Swamy Temple at Arasavalli

This is a shrine of the Sun in a well preserved state. It is located in Srikakulam Town in Andhra Pradesh.The temple is said to be dating back to the 7th century. Legendary references give credit to Hindu Mythological Demigod Indra , as the person who constructed it. Historical references , however, point to a  Kalinga king , Devendra Verma (Other Name of  Indra) ,  to have constructed it. . It is believed that the original Temple, except the Deity,  was totally destroyed by some Religious Fanatics in 16^th Century.  Though  there are no traces of the ancestry, and the present Temple structure is  made with Cement and Lime Stone , Historical evidences show that the Temple was extensively rebuilt in 1788 AD by a philanthropist , Sri Yelamanchili Pullaji Pantulu & his family. During 1980’s, The AP State Endowments department constructed the Pradakshina Mandapam (Circum Ambulance Passage) and the Surya Namaskara Mandapam etc. The Gopuram & Sanctum Sanctorum  was rebuilt and  refurbished  by the dedicated efforts of Sri Varudu Babji of Aludu Village in 1999. The Anivetti (Front)  Mandapam was built during year 2006 with major contributions from GMR Family, an Industrialist from the District.. Kesa Khandana Saala (For Head Tonsure) and Annadaana Satram (For Free Food Distribution) were added subsequently. The Temple is under the Administration of AP State Endowments Department, and the Executive Officer is the Officiating Authority.

The image of worship is a 5 ft tall idol, exquisitely carved out of a single, black finely polished Granite Stone. Sun God is depicted in a standing posture on a chariot, holding lotus buds and  flanked by his three consorts  namely Usha, Padmini and Chhaya.  Padmapani is the name of this Sun God - Padma stands for wisdom,  Usha and Chhaya stand for eternity. The name of the Chariot is “Vyjayanthi”, drawn by seven horses and “Anura” is the name of the Charioteer. The names of the Gate Keepers are “Madhara” and “ Pingala”. The divine Sages “Sanaka” and “Sanandana” are seen to be waving the Chamaras (Fans) for the comfort of the Sun God.

This  “Panchaayatana” temple  has the other Deities of Ambica, Vishnu, Ganapathi and Maheswara besides the main Deity, i.e., Lord Surya (Aditya). The daily rituals are performed as per “ Smaartha Aagama”.  Ksheera Abhishekam is performed to the Moola Virat every month on the “sankramanam Day” , i.e, the day on which Sun transits from one Raasi (Zodiac Sign) to the other.  The Temple, like most other Hindu/ Sun Temples in India,  is constructed in  such a way that Sun Rays fall on the Idol for a few days in every March and September months of the year.

Legend says that one day Indra, a Hindu Mythological Demigod, came to worship  Lord Shiva in the ancient Uma Rudra Koteswara Swamy Temple near Srikakulam, a sub Temple of the famous Srikurmam Shrine. He came in very late and Since it was in- approppriate to seek Darshan after the closure of the Temple, he was refused to get an entry by Nandeeswara, guarding the Shiva Temple. Filled with Arrogance and being ignorant of  the supreme Power of Lord Shiva, Indra began arguing with Nandeeswara for an entry , resulting in a scuffle. Angered at this, Nandeeswara picked up Indra in his horns and threw him away.

Indra fell unconscious at a distance of 2 yojanas to the east of Uma Rudra Koteswara Temple. After awakening, Indra realized the Supreme Power of Lord shiva. To get relief from his Sins, He consulted the Sages and was told about possible Planetary related Evil influences behind the Wrong doing. So, to get  relieved, he prayed the Chief  Planet of Nava Grahaas, The sun God – Another Hindu Mythological Demi God, for relieving him of the sins. Sun God appeared before him and advised Indra to construct a Temple for him , by digging at the place where he fell. He did the same and found an Idol of Sun God, which he installed in the Temple at Arasavalli . Later Indra performed all the Rituals related to relief from Planet related Evil  Effects (Graha Shanthi) and thereafter went to the Temple of  Uma Rudra Koteswara Swamy to have the Darshan of  Lord Shiva and attained Peace Of Mind.  This Temple is now the famous Sun God Temple at Arasavalli (Previously known as Harshavalli, meaning Pleasure) . The Pond which was formed at this area,  eventually came to be known as Indra Pushkarini.

Sun is the Chief  planet among the Nava Grahaas in Hindu Mythology , and his worship wards off all the Evils caused by the Planetary Movements (Graha Doshas). The Sun Worship is synonymous with the worship of Gayatri and that is why the Sages and orthodox devotees offer “Arghyam” to the Sun in the morning, noon and evening. The Worship of Sun God is believed to be relieving all the human sufferings, particularly those related to Health, like Skin Diseases, Eye Diseases, Leprosy, Digestion etc.

SRIKURMAM TEMPLE – THE ABODE OF LORD VISHNU IN KURMA AVATAAR

Puraanaas are the fruits of the vision and selfless preachings of our sages .They are the repositories of highest wisdom explained in a lucid telltale manner. One of these episodes is connected to churning of Cosmic Milk sea by Devatas & Rakshasas for getting nectar., and the help of Lord Vishnu in doing so.  This episode, as appearing in the 8th Skandha of Bhagavatam, is famous with the name “ Ksheera Sagara Madhanam”.As per our Scriptures , Kurma (Tortoise)  Avataar is the second incarnation of the famous Dasa Avataaraas of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu.The message of Kurma Avataar, is that of timely divine help to seekers after they put in their best efforts in attaining/regaining Glory.It took place in the Solar Planetary system during the sixth Manu of Varaaha Kalpa – Chakshusha.

During Kruta Yuga of 28th Maha Yuga of Seventh Manu – Vaivaswata, Lord Sri Maha Vishnu remanifested in Srikurmam (A.P.,India) in Kurma Avataar Form.  Legend Says that  during Kruta (Satya) Yuga,  A Pious King – SWETA MAHARAJ , observed fierce Penance for many years. Fulfilling his wish, LORD VISHNU manifested (Swayambhu) here in the form of Kurma  Avataar. LORD BRAHMA, the creator of Universe, himself officiated the celestial rituals and consecrated the shrine with Gopaala Yantra .Since Kurmanadha is the controlling deity for Saturn, Devotees believe to be relieved of all Sani Doshas with Darshan at the Temple.

This ancient shrine is believed to be prior to the Golden era of SRI RAAMA (Raama Raajyam). For thousands of years, the temple is in the Pilgrimage list of devotees from all over.  It has many prominent Features making SriKurmam a world reknowned, sacred shrine. A few of them are

1. More than a Million Year old Shrine where Outer Structures were constructed many a time, after dilapidation of previous one, the present one being more than 700 years old.

2. References in Kurma, Vishnu, Padma, Brahmaanda Puranaas.

3. Only Swayambhu Temple in the World where Maha Vishnu is adored in the form of Kurma (Tortoise) Avataar – 2nd Incarnation of the Famous Dasa Avataaraas of Lord Vishnu.

4. One of the few Temples in the World with 2 Dwaja Stambhaas – the second one in the west since deity is facing West.

5. One of the few Vishnu Temples in the World where Abhishekham is performed on daily basis (Like in Siva Temples).

6. One of the Few Temples in the World with centuries old rare Mural Paintings similar to those in Ajanta Ellora Caves.

7. Second Temple in the World with Durga Mata in Vaishno Devi Form., the other being in Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir State.

8. Stone Sculpture at its Peak – Called Gaandharva Shilpa Kala. 108 exquisitely carved stone pillars where no pillar is similar to the other. Under ground Tunnel to Varanasi (KAASI).

9. Moksha Sthaanam where last rites are performed for deceased , like in Varanasi (U.P.State) / Puri (Odisha State)

10. Visited by many great Kings and Saints including Lava & Kusha, Bala Raama, Sage Durvaasa, Adi Sankaracharya,Ramanujacharya,Narahari Teertha, Chaitanya Maha Prabhu etc

Unlike many other Temples ,the presiding deity here is facing west and hence there are two “DWAJA STAMBHAAS” (Flag Posts) in east and west directions. This is also the reason to permit devotees to enter the “GARBHA GRUHA” (Sanctum Sanctorum) for a closer darshan of the LORD.

“SWETA PUSHKARINI” – The Lake in front of the Temple, is formed by the SUDARSHAN CHAKRA. Sri Mahaa Laxmi (the consort of Lord Vishnu),emanated from this lake and is adored in the name of  SRI KURMA NAAYAKI, in Varadaa Mudra Posture seated on Garuda Vaahana. Sri Kurmam shrine is believed to be the “MOKSHA STHAANAM” and that the Sweta Pushkarini has cosmic cleansing powers. So, like in Varanasi,people perform the last rites of the deceased and drop the Asthikaas in it (Ashes Nimajjan), which eventually metamorphose into Saalagraamaas (Divine Stones). Even mother Ganga takes a bath in this lake every year on Maagha Shudha Chaviti (Around February) to cleanse herself of all the sins left by the devotees .

The  Prasaadam of the Lord is said to possess mystic curative powers – After taking this, the celestial dancer “Tilottama” became devotional and renunciated Desires.,King Subhaanga won the war., a devotee by name Vaasu Deva got Leprosy cured.

This Temple is known for its marvelous sculpture, particularly on Eastern & Southern Entrances, apart from the 108 pillars, where no single pillar is similar to the remaining. The unique stones on the floor in the Pradakshina Mandapam (Circumambulatory passage)are said to infuse magnetic energy into the devotees through their feet. The ancient pictures on these walls, made from natural Vegetable colours, resemble those in AJANTA – ELLORA CAVES. “KAASI DWARAM” – the under ground tunnel  to Varanasi in north eastern corner of the Pradakshina Mandapam is another magnificent piece of ancient engineering skills. The entry is closed now, since many wild animals and snakes were entering the Temple.

To protect this Temple from the Foreign invaders during  14TH – 15TH centuries , like in many Temples in South India, the locals applied Lime Stone Mix on the entire Temple complex and camouflaged as a hillock. The solidified lime stone layers are still being peeled off now, and the same are visible even today on the Temple Walls. Temples are the pivots of Hindu culture. Many of our fore fathers sacrificed their lives to protect these invaluable Treasures for Posterity. With only 3 of the 29 ancient civilizations remaining, and Hinduism being one of them, the present generation has the inescapable responsibility to protect, if not further develop, and pass on to the next generations. As the great sages said  “CONSERVE THE NATURE – PRESERVE THE CULTURE – TO DESERVE A FUTURE”. What is required is nerves of steel to spread this message with a missionary Zeal.

Srinivas Managapuram - Kalyana Venkateswara Swami- Tirupati

According to the mythology, Lord Venkateswara Swamy or Lord Balaji after marrying his beloved Goddess Padmavati, the daughter of King Akasa Raja, didn’t immediately return to his abode in Tirumala Hills. Instead the lord along with Goddess went to seek blessings of great saint Agasthya at his ashram. Upon request of the sage, they decided to stay at the humble ashram of the sage for a period of six months.

Pleased with his stay, Lord Venkateswara blessed the place before his return to Tirumala Hills. He blessed the place with such powers that anyone who is unable to visit the Tirumala Temple owing to various reasons such as health or age can visit the Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple and receive the same blessings. Along with this, even for newlyweds couples can get the boon of happy and contented life by seeking Lord’s blessings here.

It is also believed because of the boon that has been bestowed to this place by the Lord, any pilgrim who participates in the Kalyan

a utsavam and ties a kaappu on his/her hand, is blessed to find a loving life partner. It is also said that if the devotees are married, by strapping a kappu on their hands, they receives the blessings for contentment in their existing married life.

About the temple history, this is no substantial indication about its construction. It is believed that the ancient was ruined in 1324, during the reign of Sultans. As per the inscriptions on the temple, it is said that the grandson of Sri Annamacharya, Sri Tallapaka Chinna Tirumala Acharya had renovated this temple during 16th Century. It was maintained by the Tallapaka Family over a long period of time. Later it came under the administration of Archaeological Department, Government of India. Finally in 1967, it came under the control of TTD.

Kalyana Utsavam that occurs every day is the main attraction of this temple. According to beliefs, if a devotee seeks blessing during the Kalyana Utsavam, then he or she is blessed to find an ideal life partner. It is also believed that visiting during this time, can eliminate all kind of problems in marital life. Another ideal time to visit is during the Brahmotsavam festival, when Lord Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy climbs up on Simha Vahanam

Story of Kanipakam Ganesha

The temple was constructed in the early 11th century CE by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola I and was expanded further in 1336 by the Emperors of Vijayanagara dynasty.

There is an interesting legend about the sthalapurana of this ancient temple which has 1000 years history. About 1000 years back, three physically handicapped blind, dumb and deaf persons were eaking their livelihood by cultivating a piece of land near Viharapuri village. On one day two persons were taking out water with the help of a picot and the thisd person was irrigating the land. After some time water was exausted in the well. One person took a spade and hit a stone inside the well and blood started flowing continuously, when the three handicapped pesons touched the water mixed with blood, surprisingly they became normal persons. After digging for some time they found an idol of Lord Sri Vinayaka in the well with an injury on the head oozing with blood. They could not take out the idol as it was growing in size,as they were digging. They informed the villagers about this surprising phenomena. People came running with cocunuts and other pooja materials to worship the Lord Sri Vinayaka. They broke thousands of Coconuts, the coconutwater was spread to an area of one and quarter acre. In the local language it is called as "Kani". That is how the palce was called as "Kanipakam" since then.

Even now we can see the well around Sri Vinayaka idol. Always water is seen around the idol. We can also see the wound on the head of the idol.

Anohter astonishing feature is that the idol is growing in size. In 1947 a devotee Sri Bezawada Siddaiah of Aragonda Gollapalli village presented a Silver Kavacha to the Lord which correctly fitted the idol. Now, it is not fitting the idol. As the idol is growing in size. Always there will be water at the same level around the base of the idol in all seasons. This sacred water is given as theertham to all other devotees.

It is believed that the idol will be growing in size regularly until the end of Kaliyuga and in the end Lord Sri Vinayaka will appear in person.

Another interesting feature here is that if a person swears(Pramaanam) about a particular incident, it is taken as 'truth'. Most of the disputes are settled by this method. People take it as more than a court judgement. if anybody does false swearing beforehim, Lord Sri Vinayaka shall punish him. For this swearing ceremony a sum of Rs. 516/- is collected by temple authorities. This ceremony is done everyday. Thus people get instance justice here.

In the ancient Vedas Lord Sri Vinayaka hailed as possesser of gunas of all gods, gandharvas, demons and human beings. In 'Adarvaseershopanishath' Lord Sri Vinayaka is extolled as the parabhramha embodiment of paramathma that have (The absolute). hence by taking 'Ganapathi deeksha' the devotees can fulfill all their wishes with the blessings of Lord Ganesha. The deeksha will be for a of 41 days (Mandalam), 21 days (half mandalam), 11 days(Ekadasa). It is like Swamy Iyyappa (or) Lord Sivadeeksha. And the rules and regulations are almost the same. Sri Ganesh Deeksha can be started in any Ganesh temple but should end at Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple at Kanipakam only

Story of Sri-Kala-Hasti Temple and Lord Shiva

HISTORY OF TEMPLE :

                                         According to ancient Tamil sources Sri Kalahasti has been known as the ‘Kailas of the South’ for slightly more than two thousand years and the small river on whose banks it sits, the ‘Ganges of the South.’ Kailas is perhaps India’s most revered spiritual symbol. It is the abode of Shiva, from whose head, according to legend, the Ganges is said to flow. Shiva, ‘that which is auspicious at all places, times and in all circumstances’ is a symbol of the Self and the Ganges flowing from his head represents the spiritualized or awakened mind. A mind sourced in Spirit is a river of immeasurable power and life-giving goodness. The claim that Kalahasti is the ‘Kailas of the South’ simply means that the small hill near the temple is to be taken as the spiritual equivalent of the Himalayan Kailas. Likewise, the small river flowing in a northerly direction beside the temple is to be taken as the mighty Ganges. 

                                         Even the cardinal directions have assumed symbolic significance in Pauranic culture. Obviously context should be taken into account when divining the meaning of a symbol, but north, for example, is said to be the abode of the Self because from the immortal ‘northern’ position the Self looks out on the ‘southern’ world of time and death. The idiom to “head south’ means to go downhill, to decay. The God Dakshinamurthy whose name means ‘the one facing south’ and whose idol (murthy) is installed in the Kalahasti Temple, sits in the North and faces south. East often represents the dawning of wisdom, the sun being another common Self symbol. The symbolic use of direction culminates in the idea of building temples at the point on a river where its meandering points it back to its source. The holiest city in India, Benaras, is built on a stretch of the Ganges that flows northward, the idea being that when the mind turns back toward its source, the God/Self, it realizes its innate divinity. So, the small river on whose banks the Kalahasthi temple is situated is meant to remind us of the Ganges and the wealth of spiritual associations it conjures. 

                                         The Vedas posit four ends for which human beings strive in their search for happiness: pleasure (kama), security or wealth (artha), duty (dharma) and freedom (moksha). In the temple at Kalahasti these four universal motivations, which may take any worldly form, are, according to temple literature, converted into spiritual impulses. They are represented by four deities facing in the four cardinal directions. Shiva in the form of Dakshinamoorthy represents desire, in this case the desire for liberation, although he more commonly is said to represent the feeling of wealth (dakshina) that comes when you know who you really are. At Kalahasti the Goddess Gnanaprasoonamba (the giver of knowledge or the mother of all knowledge) represents the ‘wealth’ i.e. freedom from limitation conferred by Self knowledge. The deity Kalahastishwara (the lord of Kalahasti) faces west and symbolizes liberation. Liberation, the death of ego upon the rediscovery of the Self, is the final stage of life just as setting is the sun’s last act before it disappears over the horizon.

                                   

                                           The Tamil Cholas and the Vijayanagara Rulers have made several endowments to this temple. Adi Sankara is said to have visited this temple and offered worship here. There are Chola inscriptions in this temple which date back to the 10th century CE. The Telugu poem 'Sri Kalahasti Satakam' explains the traditions associated with this temple.Muthuswamy Deekshitar, one of the foremost composers in the Karnatic Music Tradition has sung the glory of this temple in his kriti 'Sree Kaalahasteesa'.

GAALI GOPURAM:

                             Sri Krishnadevaraya built a huge gopuram in 1516, a few feet away from the entrance to the temple. The entrance to the temple is crowned with a smaller tower. There is an underground Ganapati shrine in the outer prakaram, while in the innermost prakaram are the shrines of Shiva and Parvati. This ancient gopuram over the main gate, which is 36.5 meters (120 feet) high and the entire temple is carved

  The vast west facing Kalahastiswara temple is built adjoining a hill, and on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi. At some points, the hill serves as the wall of the temple. The temple prakarams follow the contour of the adjoining hill and hence the temple plan is rather irregular. North of the temple is the Durgambika hill, south is the Kannappar hill and east is the Kumaraswamy hill.

Architecture:

                       The present structure of the temple is a foundation of the Cholas of the 10th century, as testified by inscriptions; improvements and additions were made during the subsequent years of the Chola rulers of Tamilnadu and the Vijayanagar emperors.

SriKalahasti got its name because in days of yore a spider (sri), serpent (kala) and elephant (hasti) elephant worshipped Shiva with great devotion. A spider lived in the inner sanctum and worshipped the Lord by weaving elaborate temples and images of Shiva. One day a breeze came up and caused the altar fire to destroy the spider’s offerings. It became angry and was about to gulp down the flame, (realize the Self) endangering its (ego’s) life. Appreciative of its devotion, Shiva appeared and granted the spider a boon. The spider requested moksha, release from the cycle of births and deaths. Accordingly it became one with Shiva, the Self.    

                                      A cobra worshipped Lord Shiva by offering rare gems, pearls and rubies that it brought from Nagaland, a mythical place where Nagas (serpents) dwell. Serpents are one of India’s most visible symbols of the spiritual power of the Self. The spiritual power of the Self, called Kundalini, the latent electricity of Consciousness, is hidden in the dark recesses of the unconscious like a snake hidden deep within the earth. After the snake had worshipped, an elephant, fresh from its purifying bath in the nearby river, came to worship. In preparation it sprayed the altar with water from its trunk, scattering the gems. It then proceeded to decorate the altar with leaves from a holy tree. When the cobra returned it was angered to see its offerings disrespected and replaced by mere leaves. So it replaced the leaves with gems. This charade repeated itself every day until the cobra became fed up and decided to punish whomever was destroying its offerings. When the elephant returned to worship with its leaves the cobra slithered up its trunk and injected its venom. In agony the elephant dashed its head on the stone altar in an attempt to kill the snake. The snake fell out of the trunk and died from its wounds and the elephant succumbed to the poison. Understanding that both had sacrificed their lives for the sake of their love of the Lord, Shiva resurrected them, gave them liberation and took them into his own body. At the foot of the linga one can see a spider, two elephant tusks and a five-headed (the five elements) serpent to remind the devotee of these acts of supreme devotion.