Sri Vasudeva Swamy Temple

Sri Vasudeva Swamy Temple

Mandasa is a village and a Mandal in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. This town is near the highest peak of Eastern Ghats, Mahendragiri of Odisha state, from which there is a view of the Bay of Bengal.
Historic Importance of Mandasa village

Approximately in 1200 AD, Raja Vaman Singh Deo, from North gave up his kingdom to his uncle and came to the Mahindra Hills for penance and established the territory of Manjusha. The local legend says that he had a vision while he was doing penance. His vision indicated that he would receive a signal as to where he can establish his kingdom. At that moment a gold ring slipped from his finger and fell into the river. It was found downstream at a place and Kingdom of Manjusha was established there. The river still flows and its name is “Suna Muddi” which means Golden Ring.
Manjusha was at first in Ganjam District of Madras Presidency and then it became a part of Vizag District of Madras Presidency. Later it came into Srikakulam District. Lord Vasudev is the presiding Divinity of Manjusha.
Brief History of Temple
Lord Sriyah Pathi, Srimannarayana, an embodiment of auspicious qualities with no trace of any flaws, an ocean of compassion, is gracing his Devotees along with his Devi in the Deity form as ‘Parava:sude:va’, receiving the worship of his devotees in Mandasa in Sri:ka:kulam mandalam.
In the lunar year of “Pramo:da”, in the month of “Ma:rgasi:rsha”, on the day of Krushna Dwadasi, Vrushchika Lagna, Wednesday, in 1744 AD, the temple was consecrated by the lunar dynasty heir Sri Hari Hara Rajamani. The temple which was once patronized by kings and reigned supreme lost all its grandeur in due time. In the later years it became impossible even to maintain the temple with daily worship and rituals.
The temple established by the rulers and later maintained by the trustees came into the hands of the Endowments department and was being well managed. But unfortunately it slowly lost all its lands income, fame and remained in ruins.

Temples of the Hoysala

The Hoysala Empire was a Southern mighty Indian empire that ruled from 10^th and 14^th centuries A.D. Belur was initial capital of the Hoysala Empire later moved to Halebidu.
During the reign, the Hoysalas built over 1500 temples throughout their empire. Today, however, only a little over a hundred of these monuments survive.Hoysalas promoted  tolerance, with Shaivite, Vaishnavite, Jainism .They were meant to be expressions of spiritual purpose and vehicles of spiritual practice and attainment.

Stone Chariot at Vittala Temple displays the magnificence of the Hoysala architecture. Photo source.

Hoysala temples were built on platforms and had a star-shaped plan ,hybrid of the nagara style from northern India and the Dravidian style The intricate decorations  cover the exterior walls  include depictions of deities, dance and music, hunting, the daily life of the peoples, and scenes from three of Hinduism’s greatest literary works – the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Bhagavatham.  

A section from the world famous hoysala architecture in India. Source: BigStockPhoto

At the first capital of the Hoysalas, Belur is the Chennakeshava Temple Complex. This is situated at the centre of the old walled town on the banks of the Yagachi River. It was dedicated to the god Vishnu, and Shiva. There are  118 stone inscriptions covering the period from A.D. 1117 to the 18^th century have been found there. These inscriptions provide us with fascinating details about the artists who were employed, grants made to the temple, and the renovations that were done.

Carvings of worshippers lined up along a wall at Hampi. Source: BigStockPhoto

Belur city was attacked numerous times,finally succeeded in sacking the capital in A.D. 1310. This resulted in the destruction of the main temple in the centre of the city as well as numerous other smaller temples, shrines and palace buildings. One of these remaining temples is the Hoysaleshwara Temple. This temple was built in A.D. 1121 during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana Hoysalas, and was dedicated to Shiva. While it was the kings who usually sponsored the grandest temples in Southern India, this one was dedicated by the wealthy citizens and merchants of Halebidu.  

The intricate carvings on the Hoysaleshwara Temple. Source: BigStockPhoto

On the occasion of World Heritage Day 2014 (18 April 2014), UNESCO granted India another 15 sites on its tentative World Heritage Sites. This meant that India now has a total of 48 sites on this tentative list. Of these sites, 3 of them are from Southern India, and one of these is the Sacred Ensembles of Hoysala.
Featured image: The Chennakeshava Temple built in 1117 AD by the Hoysalas at Belur Karnataka India. Source: BigStockPhoto
chennakesava temple 
Ḏḥwty
References
Drishti The Vision Foundation, 2014. World Heritage Day. [Online]
Available at: http://www.drishtiias.com/upsc-current-affairs-article-World-Heritage-Day
Government of Karnataka, Department of Tourism, 2014. Blazing Trail of Golden Era... Tourist Guide of Hassan District. [Online]
Available at: http://www.hassan.nic.in/pdfs/tourism/Hassan-District-Tourism-Golden%20Era.pdf
The New India Press, 2014. 3 Sites on Tentative Heritage List. [Online]
Available at: http://m.newindianexpress.com/karnataka/313147
UNESCO, 2014. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala. [Online]
Available at: http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5898/
Wikipedia, 2014. Chennakesava Temple. [Online]
Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chennakesava_Temple
Wikipedia, 2014. Hoysala Empire. [Online]
Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysala_Empire
Wikipedia, 2014. Hoysaleswara Temple. [Online]
Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysaleswara_temple

Panchavati- Nashik,India

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Panchavati- Nashik

• Destination: Maharashtra, Nashik

Location

Panchavati is a famous pilgrimage site which is situated in the holy city of Nashik of Maharashtra state. It lies on the banks of Godavari River. Panchavati means the garden of five trees. This place has a huge spiritual, historical and religious significance among Hindus. Pilgrims from all over India comes here in large numbers to take a dip in the holy Godavari River for purification of their sins. Kumbh Mela, the largest peaceful gathering of the world, is also organized here after every 12 years on rotation with Ujjain, Allahabad, and Haridwar. Over a 100 million people from different parts of the world visit this Mela to seek blessings. The northern part of Nashik is referred to as “Panchavati”, because of the presence of five Banyan trees which are believed to be existed here from the times of Ramayana till today.

History and Architecture

As depicted in Ramayana, Panchavati once used to be an integral part of the Dandakaranya forest. This was the very place where Lord Rama constructed his abode with his brother Laxman and wife Sita when he was sent to an exile of 14 years.
There is another popular religious place called Tapovan, which is in very close vicinity from Panchavati. According to Hindu mythology, Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama cut off the nose of Surpanaka, the sister of Ravana here when she tried to kill Sita. The whole Aranya Kanda is set in Panchavati itself.
The famous attractions at Panchavati are:

Sita Gufa

One can enter this cave through a narrow staircase. It is located at the western end of the Kalaram Temple. It is the place where Goddess Sita is said to be kidnapped by Ravana. It is believed that she was resting at this place before the demon Ravana came here and abducted her. Inside this cave, the idols of Ramayana trinity – Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana can be seen. There is also a staircase inside the cave which leads to Shiv Linga.

Kalaram Temple

The Kalaram temple was constructed by the Peshwas.It took 12 years to build this temple. The black coloured deities of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana are present here festooned with knick-knacks. The temple is about 70 feet high and is all made up from black stones. The temple has a gold plated dome which is specially made from copper. There are many additional brilliant sculptures in this temple which represents the magnificent architectural beauty of that era. The Kalaram temple is one of the most historic temples of Nasik, and during special festivals like Dussehra and Ram Navami, it is filled with hundreds of devotees.

Ramkund

The popular belief is that Lord Ram had his bath at Ramkund, during some point of his exile. And therefore, thousands of devotees visit this place to take a holy dip in it. Mortal remains (Asthi) submerged in this Kund, are immediately absorbed in the water. A dip in this holy kunda is considered very religious. The ashes of Gandhiji were also dropped in Ramkund after he passed away on 30th January, 1948. During Kumbha Mela, thousands of Sadhus, holy men and millions of pilgrims dip themselves in the holy Ramkund and Kushavarta reservoirs.

Ganga Ghat

Nashik is a hub of religious activities, which mostly take place on the sacred banks of the Godavari River. The banks of this holy river are broad with scenic ghats and beautiful temples. These bathing ghats produces an echo with holy recites of people who come here to offer the last ritual to their beloved ones. Ganga Bathing Ghat, whose holy waters are presumed to cleanse the sins, offers an imposing view to the pilgrims. The majestic Ganga Ghat looks incredibly magical in the twilight, when the holy water of the sacred river is illuminated with multitude of oil lamps and hovers of flowers.
Other Major Attractions at Panchavati includes Godavari Temple, Sundarnarayan Temple and Naroshankar temple. Tapovan, Akshardham and Shri Kailash Math are also located in very close vicinity to Panchavati.
During the auspicious occasion of Kumbh Mela, millions of people flock here. The next Kumbh Mela will be held at Nashik in 2015 from 15th August to 13th September. If you want to experience the spiritual ecstasy, do visit Panchavati once in a lifetime.

Details

Area: Nashik Website: www.shrikalaramsansthannashik.org
Timings: Refer the website Phone: 0253-2621830/2516531
E-mail ID : info@shrikalaramsansthannashik.org

Fast Facts

State: Maharashtra District: Nashik
Languages : Marathi, Hindi, English Weather: 16°C to 34°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit:October-April
STD Code: 0253 Pin Code: 422003

How to Reach

By Air

Mumbai Airport is the nearest one, 170 km away from the site and is well connected to major cities of India and abroad.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Nashik Road, 9 km away from Panchavati and is well linked with major cities of India.

By Road

Several buses ply to Nashik from major cities of the state. After reaching Nashik, you can take an auto or a private cab to reach Panchavati.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Mumbai – 170 km
Pune – 210 km
Ahmedabad – 478 km
Hyderabad – 668 km

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – Antarvedi, Andhra Pradesh,India

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Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – Antarvedi

• Destination: East Godavari

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located in the temple town of Antarvedi of Sakhinetipalle Mandal in the East Godavari district of the Andhra Pradesh. It is situated at the point where the Bay of Bengal and Vashista Godavari, a branch of the Godavari River, meet. The primary deity of this temple is Lord Narasimha, who resides here with his consort, Goddess Rajyalakshmi.
The temple was built between the 15th and 16th century. There is also a temple nearby that is dedicated to Lord Shiva that is older than Narasimha Swamy temple. The original idol of Lord Siva is believed to be installed by Lord Sri Rama 2500 years back.
In the 18th century, the trustees were Peddapuram Rajas. They were mainly responsible for constructing the temple. Mogaltur Raja’s are the traditional trustees of Antarvedi Temple from the early 19th century. Late Shri Raja Kalidindi Kumar Ramachandra Raja Bahadur also donated a lot to the temple. He was the former chairman of temple development and the supreme trustee of temple. Later, the present temple was renovated and built by Kopanathi Adi Narayana, a famous merchant who was also an overseas businessman.
The Lord and temple was given many precious jewels by former kings of the erstwhile provinces, nobles and even the East India Company. These jewels have been kept in a vault at the treasury department for the last 50 years. Through the great work and efforts of then local M.L.A. Sri Alluri Krishnam Raju and the temple authorities, the age old jewels of the god is being brought to Antarvedi and the idols of the Lord are being decorated with it during the Kalyanotsavam.
 
There are five important spots of this holy abode namely the Sea, Sagar Sangam, Vasishta River, Raktakulya River and the Chakrateertham. It is believed that there will be no re-birth on taking a dip at this place and on offering charities here. Performing ceremonial formalities to the ancestors at this holy-shrine is identical to the ones done at Gaya and Ganges. People from very far off place, like Varanasi, also visit this place, especially to involve in Lord Narasimha’s Chariot procession in the month of Phalguna (January) and Dolepournami celebration in the month of Phalguna (March). During these celebrations, the Lord is worshipped with Panchamrita Abhishekam. This shrine blesses the pilgrims with Mukti, and so it is also called as the Mukti Kshetra. Antarvedi is also known as ‘Narasimhakshetra’. The great glory of this holy shrine is boundless.

Address

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Ashramam Road,Antarvedi,
Dist. East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh

Details

b style=”font-size: 17px;”> Taluka: Sakhinetipalle Area: East Godavari
Website: www.antarvedisrilakshminarasimhaswamy.com
E-mail: antarveditemple@rediffmail.com Phone: 08862-259313
b style=”font-size: 17px;”> Timings: 5 AM- 10 PM (Open on All Days)

Fast Facts

State: Andhra Pradesh District: East Godavari
Languages: Telugu, English Weather: 16°C to 41°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit: September-March
STD Code:08862 Pin Code: 533252

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is at Vijayawada, 173 km away from the temple and is well connected to major cities of India. Other major airport nearby is at Visakhapatnam (267 km).

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Rajahmundry, 93 km away and is well connected to major cities of India. It lies on Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam section of Howrah-Chennai rail route.

By Road

APSRTC and other private travels operate regular buses to Narsapur. After reaching there, you can take a ferry ride to Antarvedi. Also,there are also regular buses from Rajahmundry, Kakinada and Amalapuram which takes you to the Antardevi. The best way to reach here is by your own means of transport like car or private taxis.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Rajahmundry – 97 km
Kakinada – 109 km
Vijayawada – 184 km
Visakhapatnam – 263 km
Hyderabad – 470 km

Grishneshwar Temple Aurangabad, Maharashtra

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Grishneshwar Temple

• Destination:

Location

Grishneswar Temple, popularly known as “Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga” is located amidst the village named Verul in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It is situated 30 km away from its district headquarters. It’s one of the most famous Shiva temples of India. The place is considered as the home of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The presiding deity here is of Lord Shiva. The name ‘Grishneshwar’ means ‘Shiva generated by friction’. It is said that Parvati was born as a tribal here and then united with the Lord at this holy place. It is located in close proximity to very famous tourist spot, Ellora Caves.

History of the Temple

According to a legend, there was a Brahmin couple named Brahmavetta Sudham and wife Sudeha who lived in the Devagiri Mountains many years ago. Sudeha was very deeply saddened by the fact that she cannot give a child. When all prayers went unanswered, she tells her sister Ghushma to marry her husband and give them a child. Ghushma used to make 101 lingams to please Lord Shiva and released them in a lake nearby every day. Due to his great devotion and penance, she was blessed with a child. When her elder sister started to know his husband closeness to her younger sister after the birth of child, due to jealousy, she killed the child and throws him off the cliff where Ghushma used to make holy lingams. When Ghushma came to know about it next morning, she was neither happy nor sad and remained calm. She then went to that cliff and started her penance. She was pretty sure that Lord Shiva, who blessed her, will also protect her child from any mishappening. And then the miracle occurs, she saw her child emerge out from the river.
When the Lord appeared before her, she asked mercy for her sister and also prayed him to remain at the place eternally for the benefit of others in the form of a Jyotirlinga. The wish was accepted and soon Lord Shiva acquired the Jyotirlinga form and took the name of Ghushmeshwara. The lake is called the Shivalaya after that incident.

Architecture of the Temple

The temple was built in the 16th century by a devotee Maloji Bhosle and renovated in the 17th century by the Queen of Indore, Ahilyabai Holkar. The structure of the temple is beautiful to look at, with Dashavataras (forms of Lord Vishnu) leading up to the temple in red stone. The architecture of the temple is of medieval style and it is built mostly of red sandstone. The temple is engraved with paintings, carvings and statues. The pillars of the main court hall too have exquisite carvings. The temple is constructed in ‘Shikara’ style with five tires.
You have to enter the temple complex through a small open way. The main structure itself houses the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum), the Antarala and the Sabha Mandapa (24 pillared hall). The Garbha Griha of the temple measures 17 sq feet, and bears the Jyotirlinga, which is self-oriented. The Shiva ling in the sanctum has also a marble engraving of Goddess Parvati. There is also an idol of Nandikeshwari in the court hall. Devotees offer prayers to the Nandi as well.
Devotees can perform the ‘Abhishekham’ themselves, directly on the lingam. They are allowed to recite the ‘Rudram’. It is the only Jyotirlinga out of all the 12 Jyotirlingas where the devotees are permitted to touch the lingam and offer prayers, irrespective of any caste or religion. It is said that a glimpse of the Shiva lingam cleanses all sins of one’s life and brings happiness. People who wish to have children visit here to take blessings from the Lord. Devotees believe that visiting this Jyotirlinga is equivalent to visiting all the 12.
Maha Shivratri, Shravan Mela and Vaikuntha Chaturdashi are the major festivals celebrated here. During the month of “Shravana”, i.e. during months of August and September, the temple remains open from 3AM to 11PM every day.

Address

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Grishneshwar Road, Verul,
Dist. Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Details

Taluka: Khultabad Area: Aurangabad
Timings: 5:30 AM- 9:30 Pm (Open on All Days)

Fast Facts

State: Maharashtra District: Aurangabad
Languages: Marathi, Hindi Weather: 16°C to 41°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit: August-March
STD Code: 02437 Pin Code: 431102

How to Reach

By Air

Aurangabad Airport is the nearest one and has direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Aurangabad and is well connected to major cities of India. It lies on Manmad-Secunderabad rail route. The major railway junction is at Manmad (100km).

By Road

Both the state owned and private buses are available to and from Aurangabad. You can hire a taxi or private vehicle to reach the temple from there. Local buses ply to Verul village from Aurangabad very frequently.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Aurangabad – 30 km
Pune – 257 km
Mumbai – 352 km
Hyderabad – 568 km

Bhuleshwar Temple Maharashtra, Pune

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Bhuleshwar Temple

• Destination: Maharashtra, Pune

Location

Bhuleshwar Temple is an ancient temple located in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is situated 54 km away from its district headquarters. The temple is located on a hill and surrounded by exotic scenery. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva.

History of the Temple

The area where the Bhuleshwar Temple is located is considered to be of historical and religious importance. As per the mythological story, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had a fight and angry Shiva came here to meditate. Then Goddess Parvati, dressed as a tribal woman danced to impress Shiva and therefore, he got attracted to her beauty. Finally, they went to Mount Kailash and got re-united. In Marathi, “To sedate” means “Bhul”. Hence, Lord Shiva got another name – Bhuleshwar. And this is how the place got its name.
The Bhuleshwar Temple has been lately considered as a protected shrine. The temple was built during the reign of the Yadava rulers near 1230 AD. Then, it was destroyed during the Mughal invasion and reconstructed later. Hence, the entrance of the temple is hidden similar to the Gaimukhi Buruj style of architecture that was followed during the time of Shivaji Maharaj. The structure that stands today dates back to the 13th century.
It is said that the temple was originally built by the Pandavas. The temple is situated on a fort named Mangalgadh, which was also referred to as Daulatmangal Fort. The fort was built by Murar Jagdev in 17th century. He constructed the fort on the hill of Bhuleshwar Temple to get a view of the city.

Architecture of the Temple

The Bhuleshwar Temple is made from black basalt rock. The rock is entirely different from the brownish basalt rock that is seen in the surroundings. The architecture of the temple is traditional and the walls are engraved with beautiful carvings. Figures of numerous deities and mythological characters are beautifully carved on the walls of the temple. Right from the entrance of the temple, tourists can see the cravings that augment the structure of the stone. The exterior of the temple features Mughal style of architecture, which is very surprising. The tower of the temple almost looks like a Mughal tomb. An effect of southern architecture can also be seen in interior of the temple.
Upon entering the main sanctum of the temple, you can see a huge statue of Nandi. Infront of Nandi, there is a statue of Lord Shiva. The temple also has an idol of Lord Ganesha dressed in the attire of a female; the Ganesha idol here is also referred to as Lambodari, Ganeshyani and Ganeshwari. Many of the sculptures inside the temple are in broken state. The entire scene of the temple looks quite mystic yet exquisite and awe-inspiring. The surroundings of the temple contain various small and large structures which are remains of the fort. Many people claim to have witnessed the miracle in the temple.
The miracle is when sweets are presented to the Shivalingam on a particular day; one or more sweets will disappear the next day. The view from the hill of the Bhuleshwar Temple is jaw-dropping. The beauty of the area is best experienced during the time of sunrise and sunset.

Address

Bhuleshwar Temple
Bhuleshwar Road,
Dist. Pune, Maharashtra

Details

Taluka: Purandar Area: Pune
Timings: 6 AM- 9 PM (Open on All Days)

Fast Facts

State: Maharashtra District: Pune
Languages: Marathi, Hindi Weather: 18°C to 38°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit: July-March
STD Code: 02115 Pin Code: 412104

Transportation

By Air

Pune Airport is the nearest one and has direct flights to major cities of India and abroad.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Pune and is well connected to major cities of India.

By Road

Pune has excellent road connectivity with the major cities of the state. Direct buses are available from Pune Swargate as well as from Saswad to Yavat. Upon reaching the Yavat village, tourists can take private jeeps to reach the temple. The temple is only about 9 km away from Yavat. The journey from Pune to the Bhuleshwar Temple is quite stunning. The best way to reach here is by your own means of transport like car or bike.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Pune – 54 km
Mumbai – 200 km
Kolhapur – 231 km
Hyderabad – 522 km

A temple in India-Yaganti -where Altar of Nandi grows slowly in Andhra Pradesh,India

Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple

Yaganti is famous for the Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Swamy Temple. It was constructed by the first Vijayanagara Sangama King Harihara Bukka Rayalu in the 15th century.

The temple is in Kurnool District in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

The devotees here believe that the Nandi idol in front of the temple is continuously increasing its size.

 

• Destination: Kurnool

Location
Yaganti Temple, popularly known as Sri Yaganti Uma MaheshwaraTemple, is located in the Banaganapalle mandal of Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated 77 km away from its district headquarters. It is one of the ancient temples and people from all over the country come to this place to feel the scenic and divine beauty of the temple. Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and sacred bull, Nandi, are the presiding deities of this temple.

About the Temple
According to a legend, Sage Agastya found this beautiful place called Yaganti during his Dakshin Desha Yatra. He wanted to build a temple for Lord Venkateswara on this holy site. He roamed around the caves and found a very old idol of Lord Vishnu. He performed Yagna and pooja before installing the idol. But during this process, he found out that the toe nail on the foot thumb finger of the idol is broken. On seeing this, the sage got upset and did a penance for Lord Shiva. Due to his pure devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and told him that this place contains natural springs, which resemble Kailash, so here only I can be worshipped. The sage then requested Lord Shiva to reside in this holy abode with his consort Goddess Parvati and, therefore, Lord obliged to his request. The main shrine contains Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati engraved on a single stone. Hence, this temple came to be known as Uma Maheshwara Temple.
This temple is believed to be constructed during 15th century under the reign of King Harihara Bukka Rayalu of Sangama Dynasty of Vijayanagara Empire.
The most amazing feature of this temple is its Pushkarini. It is a small pond inside the temple premises. The water comes from the nearby hills and reaches the pond all year around. It is considered highly sacred to take a dip in this holy pond before paying tribute to Lord Shiva.

Yaganti Caves
Yaganti Caves are situated in very close vicinity to the temple and are three in number. The first one is the Agastya Cave, where Sage Agastya did penance to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. You have to climb 120 steep steps to enter the cave. There is also an idol of Goddess here which is also equally worshipped. The next one is the Venkateswara Cave, where you can still have a glimpse of damaged idol of Lord Venkateswara. The idol is not worshipped because of that damaged portion. This idol is said to be existed even before the Tirupati Temple came into existence. Though the steps are very sharp, it is easier to reach here in comparison to the Agastya Cave. And the third one is the VeeraBrahmam Cave. It is at this place where Sri Potuluri Veera Brahmendra Swamy wrote Kala Gnaanam, his prophecy. While entering, one needs to bend very short as the height of this cave is very short.

Other Interesting Facts
Devotees and the locals believe that the Stone idol of Nandi is continuously increasing in size. According to Archaeological Survey of India, the idol is growing at a rate of 1 inch per 20 years. It is also believed that this stone Nandi will come alive and shout when Kali Yuga ends.

One interesting thing you will notice here is the absence of crows. It is said that when Sage Agastya was doing intense meditation, crows disturbed him. Therefore, he cursed the crows and banished them from coming anywhere near Yaganti.

Address
Sri Uma Maheshwara Temple/Yaganti Temple
Yaganti, Dist. Kurnool
Andhra Pradesh

Details
Taluka: Banganapalle Area: Kurnool
Timings: 7 AM- 11 AM and 5 PM- 8 PM (On All Days)

Fast Facts
State: Andhra Pradesh District: Kurnool Languages: Telugu, English
Best Time to Visit: October-March Weather: 22 C-45 C
STD Code: 08515 Pin Code: 518124

How to Reach
By Air
Hyderabad airport is the nearest one, 290 km away from the temple and is well connected to the major cities of India and abroad.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Nandyal, 48 km away and is well linked with major cities of India. It lies on Vijayawada-Guntakal rail route.
By Road
APSRTC operates regular bus services that ply to Yaganti from Kurnool, Banaganapalle and other major towns nearby. The best way to reach here is by your own means of transport like car or a private taxi.

Distance from Nearby Cities
Tirupati – 282 km
Hyderabad – 300 km
Bangalore – 335 km
Chennai – 415 km
 journey planner

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Role of Temples in Ancient India

Temples have always played a central role in Indian society. Apart from being focal points of education, art and culture, they also served as powerful energy centers. Ancient temples were thus built not as places for prayer, but as a vortex of energy where if people were receptive and willing, they could transform themselves in a very deep way.

The design and construction of these temples were fairly intricate and built to a complex calculation involving physical and metaphysical elements. The parikrama or the walkway of the temple, for example, along with the garbha griha or the sanctum sanctorum, the shape and the size of the idol, the mudra held by the idol and the mantra used for the consecration of the temple, determined the fundamental parameters in the design.

Based upon a deep understanding of the inner energies of the human system, these elements were built in order to create a powerful space for inner transformation. For example, it is held even today in some parts of Indian culture that when one visits a temple one should sit silently for a little while. Offering worship or prayers are not considered paramount but, if one were to leave the temple without sitting down for some time, the entire visit is considered fruitless.

This is so, because temples were built as public charging sites, where people could charge themselves with an inner energy. People visited temples daily before they started their day, so that they could go about their lives with an enhanced sense of balance and depth.

Over time, the underlying understanding of temples and the science behind their construction and usage gave way to rituals and traditions, making temples more a place for prayer and worship.

Kamakhya Temple,India

Kamakhya Temple-once in a life visit this

I will post more and more on this as this is brief information. There are two more posts to come on this temple

Topography: The Kamakhya temple is situated atop the Nilanchal hills, eight hundred meters above sea level and overlooking the mighty Brahmaputra river. It is about eight kilometers west from the heart of the city of Guwahati in Assam.

Legend: Sati (Dakshayini) was the daughter of King Daksha and wife of Lord Shiva. When Daksha had organized a Yagna (Daksha Yagna), he had invited all the Gods, celestial beings and sages except Lord Shiva. Sati was eager to attend the Yagna, unmindful of not being invited. So she went alone with permission from Shiva, who however preferred not to attend uninvited.
Sati did not expect to be ridiculed by her father when he saw her there, uninvited. When Daksha hurled abuses at her husband and humiliated them, she was deeply hurt and angry. She threw herself in the blazing fire of the Yagna and killed herself. Shiva, on learning about the tragic death of his wife, was infuriated. Killing Daksha, he hoisted the dead body of Sati over his shoulder and began the Thandava- a dance of Annihilation.
This shook the universe and frightened the Gods. Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Shani ventured to put an end to the blind fury of Shiva. With the help of his Sudarshana chakra, Vishnu reduced the body of Sati to pieces and Shiva, without his wife’s body, returned to meditation.

However, Sati’s body parts, 51 in all, fell all over the earth and each of these places is revered as holy. The organ of generation (Yoni or the genital organs) of Sati fell over the Nilanchal Hills and today is known as Kamakhya Temple.

Construction of the temple: Kama, the God of Love who was reduced to ashes when his arrow targeted Shiva, later regained his original form (Kamarupa) when he fulfilled his promise and built a temple for Shiva’s deceased wife Sati.

History has it that the original temple was destroyed by invaders and had to be restructured. King Naranarayan of Cooch-Behar in the late 17th century is credited with building the present temple.

Architecture:The vertex of the temple is oval shaped like beehive-having 7 spires, 3 golden pitchers on blossoming lotus, upon that a golden trident. The temple flaunts beautiful frescos of adorned gods & goddesses of Hindu Puranas.The temple represents old Ahom sculpture.

Why people worship Kamakhya:Kamakhya is an important Tantric mother goddess closely identified with Kali and Maha Tripura Sundari, according to the Tantric texts (Kalikapurana Stotra, Yoginitantram) that are the basis for her worship. Her name means "renowned goddess of desire.’ As Kamakhya is associated with fertility, many childless couples also throng the temple every day. In Kalika Purana (an ancient scripture), Kamakhya is referred as the goddess who fulfills all desires, the bride of Lord Shiva and the benefactor of salvation. Kamakhya is one of the 51 Shakthi Peetas of the sub-continent where Durga is worshipped in many forms.Kamakhya temple is also known as ‘yoni–peetha’. Every year, beginning on the 7th day of the Indian month of Ashaad (June-July), Kamakhya temple observes a Unique festival called ‘Ambubachi’ when, it is believed, the goddess menstruates. The festival draws a large number of pilgrims to temple.

9th century Hindu temple of Prambanan in the Mataram kingdom of Medang

The magnificent 9th century Hindu temple of Prambanan , Yogyakarta , was a major Hindu monument in the Mataram kingdom of Medang.
THIS TEMPLE IS UNIQUE BECAUSE IT RECORDS DIVERSION OF RIVER FOR BUILDING TEMPLE COMPLEX.
A temple was first built at the site around 850 CE by Rakai Pikatan. According to Shivagrhat inscription, a public water project to change the course of a river near Shivagrha Temple was conducted during the construction of the temple. The river, identified as the Opak River, now runs north to south on the western side of the Prambanan temple compound. Historians suggest that originally the river was curved further to east and was deemed too near to the main temple. The project was done by cutting the river along a north to south axis along the outer wall of the Shivagrha Temple compound. The former river course was filled in and made level to create a wider space for the temple expansion, the space for rows of pervara (complementary) temples.