ANNAVARAM, EAST GODAVARI DISTRICT – ANDHRA PREDESH

ANNAVARAM TEMPLE

On the banks of the Pampa River in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh here situated beautiful village full of greenery called Annavaram. Anna translates to “what you desire”, while “varam” means boon or godsend. Hence, the name Annavaram is an expression of the belief that the deity will endow one with whatever one desires. One can really feel the beaming divinely influence in this tranquil surrounding of his presence here.

The distinctive feature of Annavaram is the shrine to Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy situated up here on Ratnagiri Hills. The land belongs to both Lord Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swami Temple and Goddess Anantalaxmi Satyavathi Ammavaru. This temple is situated on the hill top, devotees can reached there either by steps covered with canopy, via Ghat road, or trekked via a stone path.

The popularity and importance of the temple is increasing among pilgrims day by day. This place is considered as second to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Festivals are celebrated year-round. Popular festivals are Kalyanam in May, Devi Navratri in September and Swayamvara Vardhanti of Sraavana Suddha Ekadashi, Srirama Kalyana, Kanakadurga Yatra, Prabha Utsavam, Teppa Utsavam and Jalatoranam. The hill top offers a panoramic view of the surrounding fields and villages. A river water barrage with boating facility is available at foot ghat road exit. This place is called Pampa Sarovara.

Architecture – Vishwakarma Brahmin stapathis architecture is at its best in this temple. The hillock itself is about 300 feet (91 m) above sea level, surrounded by fields and the Pampa River encircling Ratnagiri. About 460 stone steps leads to the top of it.

The main temple is constructed in the form of a chariot with the four wheels at each of the four corners. In front of the main temple is the kalyana mantapa, constructed and decorated with modern pieces of architecture. As we go down the way, we come across Ramalaya and then the shrines of Vana Durga and Kanaka Durga.

The temple at Annavaram has been constructed to depict this idea concretely. The front side of the temple depicts the chariot. The Meru on floor with the pillar at the center, and the idols at the top are intended to bring forth the idea that the Lord not only remains at the heart’s center but also permeates the entire universe. The wheels depicting the Sun and the Moon serve to remind us that this Juggernaut moves on the wheels of time, and goes on forever and ever, Thus the Annavaram temple satisfies both the ritualistic values and the spiritual aspirations of the devotees.”

Others – The temple of Sri Veera Venkata Satya-narayana Swamy is the main temple on Ratnagiri hill. There is also a temple of Sri Rama and the shrines of Vanadurga and Kanaka Durga nearby. The temple of grama-devatha (village deity) is in the village at the foot of the hill. This temple is located at a hill top. Many marriages take place there. A facility for quick darshan facilitates busy seasons.

 

Entrance Arch at foot hill

 

Puranas – According to the puranas, the presiding deity of the place blesses the devotees with Anina Varam (Wanted Boon). The hillock by the side of the village is considered to be very sacred. Meruvu, the Lord of the hills, and his consort Menaka did great penance and begat two sons by the grace of Lord Vishnu. One was named Bhadra and the other Ratnakara. Bhadra pleased Lord Vishnu with his devotion and penance and with his grace became Bhadrachalam on which Lord Rama had permanently settled. Ratnakara desired to emulate his brother and succeeded in pleasing Lord Vishnu by his penance to settle on him as Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy, Ratnakara remaining as Ratnagiri hill. It is said that Raja I.V. Rama-narayanam, the then zamindar of Gorsa and Kirlampudi estates, having been ordained by the Lord in his dream, traced the idol on the hill, worshipped it and installed it at the present spot on sravana suddha vidhiya of the Telugu year Khara, 1891. The Akriti of any temple is, according to the Agni Purana, merely a manifestation of the Prakriti. According to this the chariot of the temple is intended as a symbol of the Seven Lokas and the seven Lokhas above, with the garbhalaya of the Lord at the heart’s center ruling over the entire Universe.

Sri Satyanarayana swamivari Devasthanam is maintaining two different types of Darshan methods for the convenience of the piligrams to witness the deity.

Sarvadarshanam means ‘Darshan for all’. Sarva darshanam is free and allowed between 6:00AM to 12:30PM and 1:00PM to 9:00PM.

Seegradarshanam means ‘Darshan with less waiting time’. Piligrams who want to avail seegradarhan, have to purchase a ticket costing Rs. 50/- per head. One packet (100Gms) of bhogam prasadam will be provided for Seegradarshanam ticket. Timings for the seegradarshan is same as sarvadarshanam but allowed through a different queue.

Antralayam Darshanam means ‘with less waiting time’. Piligrams who want to avail ANTRAYALA DARSHANAM, have to purchase a ticket costing Rs. 100/- per head. Timings for the Antrayala Darshanam is same as sarvadarshanam at Antralayam but allowed through a different queue.

S.NO	DETAILS	TIME
1.	Sri Swamy Vari Suprabhata Seva	3:30 AM
2.	Abhishekam & Archana	4:00 AM to 5:15 AM
3.	Balabogam	5:15 AM
4.	Panchaharathulu & Neerajana Mantra Pushpamulu	5:30 AM
5.	Swamy Vari Sarva Darshanam	6:00 AM to 12:00 PM 12:30 PM to 9:00 PM
6.	Ashtothara Sathanama Poojas & Sahasranamarchanas	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
7.	Abhishekams are been performed by the Devotees Rs. 100/- per each tickets in Yantralayam	08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
8.	Sri Vari Nitya Kalyanam	09:30 AM
9.	Rajabhoga Mahanivedana	12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
10.	Darbaru Mandapam who are having tickets Rs. 40/- respectively.	06:00 PM to 07:00 PM
11.	Sri Swamy Vari Darbaru Seva	7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
12.	Sri Ammavarla Ekanta Seva	8:30 PM to 9:00 PM
13.	Temple Doors Close	9:00 PM to 3:30 AM

ARASAVALLI TEMPLE – SRIKAKULAM DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH

THE ABODE OF LORD SURYANARAYANA SWAMY – SUN GOD

Arasavalli is an ancient sun temple dedicated to theHindu solar deity Surya, located near the Srikakulamtown of Andhra Pradesh, India. The original nameHarshavalli means abode of joy. It hasSuryanarayana Swamy (Sun God) as the presiding deity.

The temple is believed to have been built in the 7th Century AD by theKalinga rulers Devendra Varma ofOrissa.

Arasavalli is home to an ancient temple to the Sun (Suryanarayana) – said to have been built originally by the Kalinga rulers of Orissa around the 7th century CE. Arasavalli is located at Srikakulam near Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.. Also near Srikakulam are the Mukhalingam temples built in the Orissa temple idiom, and Sree Kurmam bearing a shrine to Vishnu depicting his Kurma avataram.

Legend has it that Indra the king of Gods attempted to force his entry into the temple of Koteeshwara – Shiva and was thrown away by the gatekeeper Nandi. Repentful of his arrogance in attempting to force his entry, Indra enshrined Surya the Sun God in a temple and performed worship services, at Arasavalli.

A black granite image of Surya about 5 feet in height bearing lotus buds (hence the name Padma Paani), flanked by his consorts Padma, Usha and Chhaaya, on a 7 horse driven chariot is the object of worship here. At the base of the image are the gate keepers Pingala and Danda and the saints Sanaka and Sananda. Surya’s charioteer Aruna (Anoora) is also depicted in the image.

The Arasavalli temple was built by the Eastern Kalinga Kings who ruled over the Kalinga region from the 4th through the 14th century CE. Inscriptions reveal grants made by Aditya Vishnu Sarma and Bhanu Sarma of the Kalinga clan. The present structure is largely a result of 18th-century renovations.

The Temple is a Panchayatana temple with Aditya in the center, with Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati and Vishnu in four corners of the quadrangle. An image of Indra is also enshrined in this temple. The local Dusi family also donated a lot of money to the temple, especially Sri Ramakrishna Rao Dusi.

FESTIVALS

Ratha Saptami is the most important festival which is celebrated in this temple. People suffering with eye and skin diseases are believed to be cured by the god at this temple.

SUN RAYS

Miracle – Direct Sunrays fall on the Idol (Swamy) inside the Temple Sun Miracle can see two times in a year i.e in the month of March and in the month of September 9th to 12th early morning 6.00 Am to 6.20 AM, The Golden Sunrays can see directly on the IDOL(swamy) inside the temple.

ARCHITECTURE

This temple is a testimonial for the architectural skills of Vishwakarma sculptors. It is believed that the Orissa Vishwakarma Brahmin sculptors also called as Maharanas in Orissa have planned the architecture and sculpted this engineering master piece. The temple is built in such a way that the Sun rays fall on the feet of the God twice a year in the months of February and June during the early hours of the day. The rays fall on the feet of idol for a few minutes through the five entrance gates of the temple remin closed. the five idols installed in one place in the temple viz., 1.Aditya 2.Ambica, 3.Vishnu, 4.Ganesha, 5.Maheswara (shiva) are worshiped by different devotees.The Sun God is depicted as riding on a Chariot drawn by seven horses driven by Aruna. All these figures are exquisitely carved out of a single black granite stone. Sundays during the five months from Magha masam are considered sacred. Every Sunday people from different places fromAndhra, Orissa and length & breath of country come here for worshiping the Sun God. This temple was built in the Orissa style of temple architecture. A pillar was set up by Jakkamsetti Venkanna in the year 1929. The whole base was filled with jewels as an offering.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Suprabhatam  – 05:00 am

Nitya Archana – 05.30 am

Maha Nivedana – 12.30 pm

Sarva Darshanam – 6.00 am to 12.30 pm-3.30 pm to 8.00 pm

SEVAS

SEVAS                                                                                    PRICES

Ashtottara seva                                                                  20.00

Sahasra Namarchana                                                        30.00

Ksheeranna Bhogam – 50.00 This Seva performs Every Sunday afternoon 03.00 PM

Ksheerabhisheka Seva                                                     216.00

Tiruveedhi Seva – 500.00 This Seva performs Every Sunday Evening 06.00 PM

Kalyana Seva                                                                     500.00

Surya Namaskarms- 50.00 This Seva performs Every Sunday Morning 06.00 AM to 12.00 PM

SRIKURMAM TEMPLE – SRIKAKULAM DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH

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 renowned, sacred shrine.

A FEW OF THEM ARE AS FOLLOWS

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) 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”. 

SRIMUKHALINGESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE – SRIKAKALAM DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH

THE ABODE OF LORD SHIVA- MUKHALINGESWARA

Srimukhalingeswara Temple one among the favored Shiva temples, is found at Srimukhalingam. Srimukhalingam is one among the renowned Hindu pilgrimage centers in Andhra pradesh. Sri Mukhalingam was additionally capital of eastern Ganga kings of Kalinga (ancient Orissa). The Srimukalingam Temple of Srimukhalingam was built by Kamarnava II in 8th century AD of the eastern Ganga family line. Its lovely place set on the banks of river Vamsadhara.

Srikakulam, Srimukhalingeswara Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the left banks of River Vamsadhara. Elegantly incised, this temple is a group of three temples dedicated to three forms of Lord Shiva namely, Mukhalingeswara, Bhimeswara and Someswara.  The temple is constructed in Indo-Aryan style. To witness one amongst the marvelous sculptures, carvings and complex design, one must visit this Srimukhalingam Temple. The design of the Srimukhalingam Temple is therefore elegant that one simply cannot move eyes from it. As you observe closely, you can see that each piece and corner of the temple is as wonderful because the alternative.

At the Srimukhalingam Temple doorway, that is a vast arched gate, you’re welcome by 2 lions on both sides of the few stair-cases. The primary gate takes you to the outer prakara (walls) have wherever there are you a Nandi in a very mandapam. A lot of in an elaborate way incised gate with figures of Gods and Goddesses takes you to the inner prakara (compound wall) wherever stands one amongst the master items of these times, the temple of Mukhalingeswara. At each corner of the inner prakara, there are several little temples, some dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the shape of Someshwara and Bhimeswara) and Lord Ganesh. As you enter the temple, within the inner compound, there square measure 2 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, one at your right and also the alternative at your left. Within the centre stands the superb finely incised temple. The walls of the temple within the centre have pictures of Gods and Goddesses in their variousavatars (forms). You’ll see pictures of Lord Shiva along with his consort, a number of them are types of Lord Vishnu on them. Each image depicts a story from the Shiva Purana.

This is a gaggle of 3 temples designed by the eastern Ganga kings in the 10th century. This Srimukhalingam Temple shows the province type of design. The Mukhalinga could be a virtual gallery. The entrances square measure a marvel in themselves. There’s a embarrassment of sculptural work and perforated windows. The Bhimeswara temple lacks its grand splendor; however Someswara temple is additionally wealthy in sculptural work.

Srimukhalingam : It is additionally referred to as the Kalinganagara that was the capital of the first eastern Ganga rulers. They ruled over Andhra within the last half of the first millennium metallic element.

Someswara: easy in design, it’s considered the earliest of the Srimukhalingam Temple. It’s settled on the outskirts of the village of Mukhalingam. The photographs within the niches have exquisite sculptures. 2 smaller niches flank every niche. The entryway of the temple bears the pictures of the Ganga and also the Yamuna on either side.

Aniyanka Bhimeswara: was designed later than the Srimukhalingam Temple, srimukhalingeswara swamy temple. It’s plain compared to the grandeur of the Mukhalingeswara temple. The devakoshtas bear the pictures of Brahma, Narasimha andDakshinamurthy.

SRIMUKHALINGAM TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE:

A huge entrance is flanked by 2 lions at the doorway of the outer prakara of the Srimukhalingam Temple. A Nandi mandapa is set in front of the sanctum. The doorway to the inner prakara contains lovely friezes. There square measure eleven shrines within the inner prakara, every a complete temple. The doorway to the most temples is from the south and east. The niches within the outer wall contain lovely sculpted pictures and perforated windows all produce beautiful works of art. it had been designed throughout the amount of the King Kamarnava (941-976 CE).