LORD SRI RAMA TEMPLE

Temples of Andhra Pradesh - Bhadrachalam

Sri Rama Temple

The Bhadrachalam Sri Rama temple, being the abode of Lord Rama is situated in Khammam district on the bank of the holy river Godavari at a distance of 325 kms from Hyderabad.

Lord Rama is said to have crossed the river Godavari on his way to Sri lanka to rescue Sita, at the spot where the Bhadrachalam temple stands, on the northem bank of the river. It is also believed that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana stayed at Panrnashala about 35 km from Bhadrachalam.

The name

Bhadracha

lam is derived from Bhadragri meaning the mountain of Bhadra who was the boon child of Meru and Menaka. To get the grace of Lord Rama, the saint Bhadra performed penance at the bank of river Godavari in Dandakaranya.

The saint wanted

Rama

to be seated on his head, but Rama who was in search of his consort Sita gave promise to his Bhakta that his desire would be fulfilled on his way back, after finding Sita and accomplishing the process of punishing the wicked Ravana. But Rama could not accomplish the promise in Ramavatara, so the sage continued the frightened penance. Then Sri Mahavishnu manifests himself as Vykunta Rama with Shankh on the right hand and Chakra on the left hand and rushes to his devotee Bhadra along with Sita and Laxman.

The hill place where the Deities were seated on was the head place of Bhadra Achala. So this shrine was called the Bhadrachalam.

In 17th century, Pokala Dhammakka who was an ardent devotee of Rama found the idols of vykunta Rama, Laxmana and Sita. She had a dream in which Lord Rama asks her to trace his idol in an anthill and pours hundreds of pots of Godavari water which shows the hidden deities. She constructed a mandapam with the help of local villagers.

In the second half of 17the century, kancharala Gopanna who was the Tasildar of Bhadrachalam builds this temple utilizing the money from the government treasury. When he was imprisoned for his fault by the Sultan of Golconda, Lord Rama is believed to have miraculously given the Sultan the money spent by Gopanna. Later, Gopanna was released. Her then became Bhadrachala ramadasa and composed several songs in praise of Rama in Telugu.

Influenced by the majesty of Lord Rama, Golconda Ruler Tanishah earmarked the income derived from the said Palwoncha paragana for the maintenance of the temple. Tumu Narsimha Dasa, Tahasildar of Palwoncha paragana, took over charge of Bhadrachalarama temple after Ramadas had the inscription of the performance of Nitya Poojas and sevas right from early morning "Suprabhata seva" till night "Pavalimpu Seva" before closure of the temple as "Silaasaasanaalu" on the two pillars.

The popular saint Kabirdas, who was a Muslim by birth, is also closely associated with this temple. It is also believed that when Kabir was refused entry into the temple, the images of the deities miraculously disappeared and they reappeared miraculously later when he was permitted to enter the temple.

SARASWATHI AMMA VARU

" In Her popular Saraswathi is the Goddess of learning, knowledge, and wisdom."

The Sanskrit word sara means "essence" and swa means "self". Thus Saraswathi means "the essence of the self." Saraswathi is represented in Hindu mythology as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe, Since knowledge is necessary for creation, Saraswathi symbolizes the creative power of Brahma. Goddess Saraswathi is worshiped by all persons interested in knowledge, especially students, teachers, Scholars, and scientists.

Images and pictures, Goddess Saraswathi is generally depicted with four arms (some pictures may show onlytwo arms), wearing a white sari and seated on a white lotus. She holds a book and a rosary in Her rear two hands, while the front two hands are engaged in the playing of a lute (Veena). her right leg is shown slightly pushing against Her left leg. She uses a swan as Her Vehicle. There is a peacock by her side gazing at her. This symbolism illustrates the following spiritual ideas :

The lotus is a symbol of the Supreme Reality, and a white lotus also denotes supreme knowledge. By sitting on a lotus, Saraswathi signifies that she is herself rooted in the supreme Reality, and symbolizes supreme knowledge. The whote color symbolizes purity and knowledge. The whote sari that the Goddess is wearing denotes that she is the embodiment of pure knowledge . the two front arms denote her omnipresence and omnipotence. The two front arms indicate her activity in the physical world and the two back arms signify her presence in the spiritual world . The four hands represent the four elements of the inner personality. The mind (manas) is represented by the front right hand, the intellect (buddhi) by the front left hand, and the ego (ahankara) by the rear right hand. The left side of the body symbolizes the qualities of the heart and the right side symbolizes activities of the mind and intellect.

A book in the rear left hand signigies that knowledge acquired must be used with love and kindness to promote prosperity of mankind. The rosary signifies concentration, meditation, and contemplation, leading to samadhi, or union with God. A rosary in the rear right hand representing ego conveys that true knowlwdge acquired with love and devotion melts the ego and results in liberation (moksha) of the seeker from the bondage to the physical world. The Goodess is shown playing a musical instrument that is held in her fron hands , which denote mind and intellect. This symbol conveys that the seeker must tune his mind and intellect in order to love in perfect harmony with the world. Such harmonious living enables the individual to utilize acquired knowledge for the welfare of all mankind.

Two swans are depicted on the left side of hte Goddess. A swan is said to have a sensitive beak enables it to distinguish pure milk from a mixture of milk and water. A swan, therefore, symbolizes the power of discrimination, or the ability to discriminate between right and wrong or good and bad.

Saraswathi uses the swan as her carrier. This indicates that one must acquire and apply knowledge with discrimination for the good of manking. Knowledge that is dominated by ego can destory the world. A peacock is sitting next to Saraswathi and is anxiously waiting to serve as her vehicle. A peacock depicts unpredictable behavior as its moods can be influenced by the changes in the weather. Saraswathi is using a swan as a vehicle and not the peacock. This signifies that one should overcome fear, indecision, and fickleness in order to acquire true knowledge."

LOARD AYYAPPA TEMPLE

LORD AYYAPPA, the presiding supreme deity of Sabari Hills is worshiped by millions of devotees.

A visit to Sabarimala brings to the devotees' contentment, spiritual upliftment, prosperity and fulfillment of devotees' desires and wishes.

The months of Kaartika/Vrishchika, Maargazhi/ Dhanur (15 Nov - 15 Jan ) are most auspicious for Sabarimala Pilgrimage.

Lord Ayyappa had his Avataaram on Saturday, maargazi Panchami in uttara nakshatram. Makara Jyothi appears on this day.

During Vrischika, Dhanur and Makara (Nov, Dec & 1st half of january) months, Mandala puja is celebrated on Sabari Hills.

Sree Dharmasastha Temple at Sabarimala is situted within the Reserve Forest area in Perinad village at Ranni Taluk in Pathanamthitta District in Kerala. The temple is located in a valley surrounded by dense Forest Hills on all sides.

Sabarimala (0929 North 7706 East ) is situated in the midst of 18 hills, in a bowl of land blessed with a small rivulet named "Urakuzhi Theertham". The area is in the hilly regions east of Kerala bordering Tamilnadu. Elevation above mean sea level is approximately 1260 Metres/4135 Ft. Temples existed in each of the hills surrounding Sabarimala. While faunctional (and intact temples) exist at many places in surrounding areas like Nilackal, Kalaketi, Inchiparakotta and karimala, remnants of old remples are visible inthe remaining hills.

From the intemational airport of Thiruvanathapuram (erstwhile Trivandrum), Sabarimala is located at 010 degrees/115 kms. Similarly, from the intemational airport at Kochi (erstwhile Cochin) it is located at 118 degrees/106 Kms. These distances are 'direct air distances or distances as the crow flies.

LORD - HANUMAN SWAMY

HANUMAN

Hanuman was born to 'Anjana', a female vanara in the on the Anjaneri hill in the Brahmagiri hills near Traimbakeshwar, Maharashtra. According to the legend, Anjana was an apsara or a celestial being, named 'Punjikasthala', who, due to a curse, was born on the earth as a female vanara. The curse was to be removed upon her giving birth to an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is also said that Hanuman was born on Anjaneya Hill, in Hampi, Karnataka, near the Risyamukha mountain on the banks of the Pampa, where Sugreeva and Sri Rama met. There is a temple that markets the spot.

Along with Kesari, her husband, Anjana performed intense prayers to Shiva to beget Him as her Child. Pleased with their devotion, Shiva granted them the boon they sought. Hence, the Hanuman is also known as "Maharudra" because he was born out of the boon given to Anjana by the Shiva who is also known as Rudra. The Valmki Ramayana.

(Yuddha Kanda) states that Kesari is the son of Brihaspati and that Kesari also fought on Rama's side in the war against Ravana.

Different stories are told explaining Hanuman's birth. One is that at the time that Anjana was worshipping Lord Shiva, elsewhere, Dasharatha, the king of Ayodhya, was performing the Putrakama Yagna in order to have children. As a result, he received some sacred pudding payasam, to be shared by his three wives leading to the births of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna. By divine ordinance, a kite snatched a fragment of that pudding and dropped it while flying over the forest where Anjana was engaged in worship. Vayu, the Hindu deity of the wind, delivered the falling pudding to the outstretched hands of Anjana, who consumed it. Hanuman was born to her as a result.

Being Anjana's son, Hanuman is also called Anjaneya (pronounced Aanjaneya), which literally means "arising from Anjani".

Sri Aurobindo states that "vanara" does not refer to "monkey" "Prajapati manifests as Vishnu Upendra incarnate in the animal or Pashu in whom the fourManus have already manifested themselves, and the first human creature who appears is, in this Kalpa, the Vanara, not the animal Ape but man with the Ape nature", i.e. primitive man such as Homo erectus.

Hanuman, in one interpretation, is also considered as the incarnation of Shiva or reflection of Shiva also known as Rudra. Others, such as followers of Dvaita consider Hanuman to be the son of Vayu or a manifestation of Vayu, the god of wind. When Ravana tried to enter the Kailash (the abode of Shiva) called Lord Shiva 'a monkey" Lord Shiva in return cursed Ravana that a monkey would burn his Lanka Shiva took the form of Hanuman.

Reference to Hanuman in classical literature could be found as early as those of 5th to 1st century BC in Panini's Astadhyayi, Abhiseka Nataka, Pratima Nataka, and Raghuvamsa (Kalidasa).

VAISHNODEVI

VAISHNODEVI JI

Katra Town, lying in the foot of Trikuta Mountains, 48 kms. from Jammu, serves as the base camp for visiting the famous holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, which is approachable on foot along a 13 kms long well laid footpath. Every year, more than 4.5 million pilgrims pass through Katra on their holy pilgrimage to the shrine.

The cave shrine of Mata Vasihnodevi ji of Trikuta Bhagwati (alt: 5,200 ft) has been a beacon of faith and fulfillment to millions of devotees from all over the world. The pilgrimage to the Shrine hlods great significance for the pilgrims.


The Legend of Mata Vaishnodevi Ji
Everyday of the year throngs of people surge up the steep pathways that cut across the Trikuta hillsides for mile after mile. This show of faith is finely interwoven with the cultural strands of the Indan subcontinent, and these pathways have been trod on for many centuries now. Popular belief holds that anybody who walks the Himalayan trails to the goddesses's abode to ask for a boon rarly goes back disappointed. Whatever is it, a new enterprose or a forthcoming examination, marriage of birth, the devout look up to the Mata Vaishnodevi for blessings and guidance. There are many who journey year after year to pay obeisance regardless of their faith or belief, creed of class, caste of religion.


The pilgrimage to the holy temple of Mata Vaishnodevi is an fascinating as the legend associated with it. It goes that thousands of year ago, a comely maiden called "Vaishnodevi" have been created by the three lords attained human form and was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Having taken a vow of celibacy, shew spent almost all her life in meditation and prayers. In time she attained enormous spiritual powers and is believed to have extracted an assurance from Lord Rama that he will marry her in KailYug if she persisted in her spiritual quest.


This is why she is also known as Adh Kanwari or the "eternal virgin". Mata Vaishno Devi established an ashram in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountain and began to meditate. As predicted by Lord Rama, her glory started spreading and people began to flock to her ashram to seek her blessings As time passed, a Tantrik called Gorakh Nath (Demo God), who had a vision of the episode between Lord Rama and Mata Vaishno Devi, became curious and wanted to know more about her. Accordingly, her sent his most able disciple "Bhairon Nath" to find out. Bhairon Nath started observing her secretly and realized that despite being a "Sadhvi", she always carried a bow demon God took a fancy to her. But the Mata spurned his advances and fled to the Himalayas to continue her spiritual quest.


On the way the goddess felt thirsty at Banganga and shot an arrow into the earth from where water gushed out. Charan Paduka, which is marked by the imprints of her feel, is the place where she rested.


The Goddess then meditated in the cave at Adh Kanwari. It took Bhairon nine months to locate her, which is why the cave is known as Garbh Joon. When the demon found her, Mata Vaishno Devi blasted an opening at the other end of the cave with her trident and fled to the Holy cave at Darbar (temple).


However, Bhairon was persistent and followed her there to harass her. Then goddess became very angry and assuming the form of Mata Kali, beheaded Bhairon outside the cave with the aid of the flying disc gifted to her by Lord Krishna.


The severed head of Bhairon fell at a distant hilltop. In his dying moments, Bhairon begged and received divine forgiveness from the goddess. Today, it is believed that the Yatra is not complete unless the pilgrim has been to Bhairon ka Mandir (2.6 km from the main sanctum) as well, after the darshan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.


The goddess herself took up permanent abode in a cave in the Trakuta Mountains by metamorphosing hereself in to three pindis (Rock). This holy temple of Mata Vaishno Devi is unique as it contains the holiest of holy Pindis manifesting the Mata in her three forms - Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswathi - each form representing a particular attribute. Maha Kali represents Tamas Guna, Tamas meaning darkness, In her manifestation of Kali the omnipotent, absolute and all pervasive, she is said to be beyond fear and finite existence and is therefore able to protect her devotees against fear and to give them limitless peace. Maha Lakshmi represents Rajas Guna, Rajas meaning prosperity. In this manifestation, the goddess blesses her devotees with wealth and prosperity for living a better life. Maha Saraswathi represents Sattav Guna, Sattay meaning wisdom and knowledge. This manifestation enables her devotees to distinguish between good and bad and helps them to adopt the right path in life. The combination of these three attributes in a single Shakti is a unique combination, which is what makes it, revered all over the world.

LORD KANAKADURGA

Deity : Goddess Durga

Lcation : Vijayawada

Festivals : Durga Puja that spans over ten days.

The temple is located on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity Kanaka durga is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manidested, and hence very powerful. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here. This temple occupies a prestigious place in the scriptures. Many stories and legends regarding Siva and Sakti are enacted around this place.

Legend : According to legend Mahishasura, enrned the favor of Lord Shiva after a long hard penance. Lord Shiva blessed him that no man or deity would kill him and only a woman could kill him. Pleased with this boon he became arrogant and started terrorizing the people and killed them merchilessly. He even attacked gods and conquered the heavens. After their defeat the gods took refuge under Lord Brahma and they decided to create a woman who would possess the ultimate power to defeat Mahishasur. Pure energy was used to form Goddess Durga.

The gods gave her each of her parts and then gifted her with their weapons and divine objects to help her battle whith Mahishasura. Bedecked in jewels and golden armor and eqipped with the fearsome weaponry she was ready to engage in battle. Durga struck down Mahishasura's armies. No demon could fight her and win. Mahishasura, shocked and enraged took on the form of a demonic buffalo, and charged at the divine soldiers of Durga, goring and killling many. Durga' lion pounced on the demon-buffalo and engaged him in a battle; Durga threw her noose around his neck. Mahishasura then assumed the form of a lion and she beheaded the lion, when he took the form of a man he faced the arrows of Durga.

The demon escaped and assumed the form of a huge elephant, battered Durga's lion with a tusk. With her sword Durga hacked the tusk into pieces. The demon reverted to the form of the wild buffalo. He hid himself in the mountains from where he hurled boulders at Durga. She drank the divine nectar, a gift of kuber. She then pounced on mahishasura, pushing hom to the ground with her left leg. She grasped his head in one hand, pierced hom with her sharp trudent held in another, and with yet another of her ten hands she wielded her brought sword, beheading him. At last he fell dead, and the scattered surviving remanants of his once invinvible army fled in terror. The authentic form of Durga is the ten handed goddess modeled from clay astride a lion.

LORD GANESH

GANESH - LORD

Lord Ganesha is the most widely worshipped Hindu God. He is worshipped at the start of any action or venture, for he is considered to be the Lord who removes obstacles (Vignam) and hence is also called Vigneswara.

Hehas an elephant head, four arms. In his upper hands he holds the paasam (noose) and ankusam. The lower two hands are held in the abhaya and varada mudras. He is also seen holding his broken tusk in his right lower hand a modhakam in his left lower an ornament round his belly. He is depicted in seated, standing and dancing postures . He is considered a bachelor, but according to another school of thought, he has two Sakthis - Siddhi & Buddhi. Siddhi represents success and prosperity. Buddhi represents wisdom. His vahana is a tiny mouse (mooshikam or minjur).

He is also known by other namavalis such as :

Ganapati (head of Siva ganas)

Gajanana (one with elephant face)

Vigneshwara (one who removes obstacles)

Pilliar

Vinayagar

Ganesh Gayatri Mantram

Omtat purushaaya vidmahae

Vekra dhundaaya dheemahi

tanno dhandhi: prachodayaat.

LAKSHMI DEVI AMMAVARU

VARA LAKSHMI VRATHAM - 2009

Varalakshmi Vratham happens to be a sacred day for the Hindus. Popularly known as " Varalakshmi Vrata" it is performed by married Hindu ladies on Friday before the full moon day during the month of Sravana (August). Those who are unable to perform it on that day can do it on any of the Friday during that particular month.

The Vratha is performed more in the Southern part of India in India in states such as Karnataka, Andra Pradesh and Tamilnadu and also in some parts of Orissa and Maharashtra.

The puja is performed by Hindu women who are married to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who is considered to be the God of prosperity and wealth.

Legend of Varalakshmi Vratam.

This vrata was suggested to Parvathi by her husband Lord Shiva so that she acquires wealth and gains prosperity.

Another legend is that a religious minded lady Charumathi was requested by Goddess Varalakshmi to perform the vratham so that she fulfills all her wishes. She, along with other ladies of the village, performed the vrata with devotion. Sweets were offered to the deity by them and after the vratam was done, they found themselves decked up with jewels and their houses were full of riches. Since them, women started to perform the vratam every year to attain wealth as well as prosperity for their respective families.

Celebration of Varalakshmi Vratam

Women tidy their home, keep it clean. the front yard is decorated with rangolis (colourful design drawn on the floor). They wear beautiful clothes and deck themselves up with jewelry. Married women perform the puja and invite neighboring ladies in the evening to reveive offerings. Devotional songs are sung in praise of the deity.

Ritual of Varalakshmi Vratam

The puja begins by arranging the kalasha or what is known as the sacred pot. the pot is filled up with water and rice symbolizing prosperity. It is them covered with mango as well as betel leaves. Then a coconut that is smeared with vermillionand turmeric powder is placed on the Kalasha. A new cloth is placed on the coconut. Some decorate the Kalasha with jewels to make it appear more beautiful. The puja starts with the worship of Lord Ganesha, who is considered to help in getting rid of obstacles as well as evil forces. Subsequently, the devotees invoke Goddess Varalakshmi to enter the Kalasha. Then torams (it consists of nine threads with about nine knots) are worshipped and one is tied around the kalasha, while another one is tied on the right hand of the women, who is performing the puja. Then they chant Lakshmi Astottara Shatanamam (it is a list consisting of a hundred names praising the Goddess). Nine types of sweets as well as savories are offered to the Goddess. Hymns are sung in praise of the deity, Another women is invited; who is considered to be Goddess Varalakshmi and sweets as well savories are offered. In the evening all the ladies in the locality are invited and are offered tamboolam (betel leaves, betel nuts fruits, turmeric as well as dakshna (money). Together they sing songs in praise of the Goddess.

Varalakshmi Vratam is asn auspicious occasion for a married Hindu women. She prays for prosperity and wealth in her home. The deity is worshipped through an elaborate puja.

LORD SRI KRISHNA

BIRTH OF LORD KRISHNA

Jnmashtami is celebrated to welcome and enjoy Lord Krishna's birth. The birth of Lord Krishna took place when the various planets were in auspicious places. It is said that God chooses a particular time, as to when he will take birth as a human and the planetary systems are adjusted accordingly.

AUSPICIOUS NAKSHATRA (CONSTELLATION)

Around the time of bhagwan Krishna's birth, Rohini nakshatra was predominant as it is considered to be quite auspicious. This is so because it is under the supervision of brahma, the creator of universe. Sri Krishna was born in the month of Sravana more than 5000 years ago.

BORN IN DWAPUR YUG (IRON AGE)

According to some scholars, Krishna was born on Wednesday, the eight day of second fortnight in Sravana month in the year of Visvavasu around 3227 BC, also known as Dwapur Yug. July 19th 3228 BC to be more accurate. He lived for 125 years and disappeared on February 18th 3102 BC on the new moon night of Phalguna. His death was the onset of the current corrupt age known as kaliyug.

ERSAL HAPPINESS OF ALL FORMS OF LIFEUNIV

From the time, Devaki conceived Sri Krishna, she began to glow and exude divine light. The prison walls glowed with the aura of the new born infant. Atmosphere of peace and happiness prevailed all over, Forests were all green and full of trees with all kinds of beautiful flowers, rivers were all swollen due to joy, peacocks began to dance in sheer joy, people in all villages started being happy.

Objective of Krishna's Birth

The main objective of Lord Krishna' birth was to free Mother Earth from the wickedness of demons. Playing an important part in Mahabharata (legendary battle in Kurukshetra) and propagating the theory of bhakti and good karma were other important objectives.

Events Before The Birth of Srikrishna

The people of Mathura were extremely unhappy with the wicked king kansa who put his father, king Ugrasen in prison and declared himself the king of mathura. It was to put an end to his evil eays and other demons that Lord Vishnu decided to take birth on Earth in human form. According to Akashvani (heavenly voice) at the wedding of his beloved sister Devaki, kansa got to know that the eight child of his sister will take birth to kill him. So, in turn he rushed to kill his sister. Kansa gave up the idea of killing after being assured by Vasudev that he will handover all his children to him. He put them in prison. Kansa killed all the six infants as soon as they were born. The seventh child (Balram) was saved due to divine intervention, when he was transferred from Devaki's womb to that of Rohini's (other wife of Vasudev).

Events During the Birth of Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell in the captivity of King kansa. He took birth in divine from with lotus like eyes, his palms bearing the signs of a lotus and discus. He had a swastika sign in his sole. Wearing a yellow colored silk cloth, adorned with precious diamond earrings and a crow made of emeralds. Soon after the birth, a chain of events astonished Vasudev, when he saw the gates of the cell flow open and all the guards fast asleep. He immediately thought of Nand, his close friend in Gokul and decided to handover his child to him in order to save him from the clutch of Kansa.

River yamuna Bows to The Feet of Srikrishna

The night of birth was witnessed by heavy rains which led to River Yamuna being in floods. As soon as the feet of Lord immersed in the river, the flow became normal and Yamuna made way for the Lord. Sheshnag, the serpent formed an umbrella to save the new born baby from rain.

Exchange of the Babies

Vasudev kept his child next to fast asleep Yashoda and took the baby girl lying with him back to Mathura. The baby girl is believed to be the sister of Lord Vishnu.

Disappearance of the Divine Child

On hearing the news of birth of the eight child of Devaki and Vasudev, Kansa rushed to the prison-cell and lifted the baby girl to tkill her despite pleadings from Devaki. However, instead of hitting the stone, the child flew up in the air and announced that the annihilator of kansa was born and in safe hands.

Krishna later grew in Gokul and finally killed his maternal uncle, King Kansa.

MURUGAN TEMPLE

THIRUTHANI MURUGAN TEMPLE

Tiruthani Murugan Temple is a famous Hindu temple, in South India, dedicated to Lord Muruga. It is one of the Arupadaiveedu, the six holy abodes of Lord Muruga. The other five are; palani (100 km west of Madurai), Swamimalai (150 km east of Madurai), Tirupparangunram (5 km for Madurai), Pazhamudircholai (10 km north of Madurai) and Thiruchendur (100 km south of Madurai).

The Temple is located in the township of Tiruttani 50 km north of Chennai en route to Tirupathi. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Murugan married Valli, the daughter of a hunting tribe cheiftain, here.

HISTORY

The origins of this temple, like most Hindu Temples, are buried in antiquity. This temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period work Tirumurugaatruppadai composed by Nakkeerar. It has been patronized by the Vijayanagar rulers and local chieftains and zamindars.

MYTHOLOGY

Legend also has it that Indra the king of the Gods gave his daughter Deivayanai in marriage to Skanda, and along with her presented his elephant Airavatam as part of his dowry offering. Upon Airavatam's departure Indra found his wealth waning. Subramanyar is said to have offered to return the white elephant, however Indra bound by protocol refused to accept a gift that he had made, and insisted that the elephant face his direction, hence the image of the elephant in this temple also faces the east.

Another legend has it that Indra presented a sandal stone as a part of his daughters dowry. The sandal Paste made on this stone is applied to the image of Subramanya and the applied paste is said to acquire medicinal value. Legend also has it that Skanda bore the discus thrown by the demon Tarakasuran on his chest, and hence there is a hollow in the chest region of the image of Subramanya in this temple. Legend also has it that Skanda gifted the discus to Vishnu (Please also see Tiruveezhimizhalai and Tirumalper). Skanda is also believed to have imparted knowledge of Tamil to the sage Agasthyar and he is regards as Veeramurthy, Gnanamurthy and Acharyamurthy in this shrine.

Lord Rama, after putting an end to Ravana, worshipped Lord Siva at Rameswaram and then came to Tiruttani to find perfect peace of mind by worshipping Lord Subramanya here. In Dwapara Yuga, Arjuna got the blessings of our Lord here by offering prayers to Him on his way to the South for Teertha Yatra (Pilgrimage to take sacred immersion). Lord Vishnu prayed to the Lord and got back. His powerful Chakra (sacred wheel), Shanku (sacred conch), which were forcibly seized from Him by Tarakasura, brother of Soorapadma. Lord Brahma propitiated the Lord her at the holy spring known as Brahmasonai after his imprisonment by our Lord for his failure to explain the Pranava (Om mantra) and got back his creative function of which he was deprived by our Lord due to his egotistic impudence in neglecting to worship Lord Subramanya on his way to Mount Kailasa to worship Lord Siva. The final steps to the eastern entrance.

On worshipped our Lord at Thanikai, the king of snakes Vasuki got his bodily wounds healed, which had been caused during the chuming process in the Milky Ocean to secure the Amrita (nectar of immportality) by the devas and asuras when the Mantotra Mountain was used as the chuming base and the snake king Vasuki as the rope. Sage Agasthyar Muni (of Potikai Hill) worshipped Lord Muruga at Tanikai when he was blessed with the divine gift of the Tamil language.

FESTIVALS

Besides the monthly Krittikais which attract a large number of devotees to this shrine, the two outstanding annual festivals are the Aadi Krittikai and the 31 st of December New Year step Festival. The float festival is celebrated in the month of Aadi, Bhramotsavam in the month of Maasi, during which Valli Kalyanam is celebrated on the 8th day, and the Skanda Sashti is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aippasi.

AADI KRITTIKAI

Aadi Krittikai festival (in Julu - August) last for three days with Float Festival when hundreds of thousands of devotees come to this holy place from far and near. The streets are througed to the full. About one fifty thousand flower Kavadis (which increase with each year) are offered to the deity. The sight of the devotees who carry them, uttering the sacred and inspiring "Haro Hara!" as they march and dance in long rows touches the very core of devotees hearts and makes them spellbound.

PADMAVATHI TEMPLE

SRI PADMAVATHI AMMAVARI TEMPLE AT TRICHANUR

Tiruchanur is the third largest Suburban of Tirupathi in Andhara Pradesh, India.

Pilgrimage to Tirupathi is incomplete without a visit to Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple at Trichanur. Sri Padmavathi is the divine consort fo Lord Venkateswara Swamy. As Goddess Padmavathi, a manifestation of Goddess Mahalakshmi had risen from Padama mean lotus flower. Goddess Lakshmi gave darshan to Lord Venkateswara on a Lotus flower in Padma sarovar lake at Tiruchanoor after his deep penance for twelve years Tiruchanur is also called Alivelumanga Puram is just 5 kilometers away from East Railway station and 6 KM from Renigunta Railway Junction and 11 km from the Airport. At Tiruchanur, Devi is worshiped as the main deity. It also has Urban Haat and Water Sports complex for Tirupathi residents. It also has many star hotels and is one of the prime and posh localities in Tirupathi where many residential layouts emerged in the last few decades. It is studded with huge apartment complexes and giant size Kalyan mantaps for marriage functions.

Under the rule of Pallavas, this formed a part of Tiruvengadakootam and under the Cholas it became a part of Rajendra Cholamandalam. In the eighth century, the village was totally a Srivaishnava settlement. As Lord Venkateswaras temple at Tirumala was not of easy access, a new temple called Tiruvalankoil was constructed at Tiruchanur to house a representative idol of Lord Srinivasa. At the end of ninth century, the place came under the patronage of Cholas. Shaivism gained support and importance consequently, the temple of Lord Shiva was erected at Jogimalleswaram. Again, with the decline of the Chola power and the rise of Yadavarayas, Sri Vaishnavism regained support and temple was constructed for Goddess Padmavathi.

GOLDEN TEMPLE - VELLORE

THE GOLDEN TEMPLE NEAR VELLORE

Hello all im presenting u people the one more wonders is India, built recent, costs crores of cents

The Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple located in Sripuram (spiritual town) in Thirumalaikkodi, near vellore, about seven km from here was consecrated by Sri Sakthi Amma, head of the Sri Narayani Peedam, Thirumalakkodi, on Friday.

A Large number of devotees gathered for the occasion.

Unique structure

It is a unique temple whose Vimanam and Ardha Mandapam have coated with gold both in the interior and exterior.

Twelve layers of gold foils have been pasted on copper sheets embossed with the designs of Gods and fixed on the walls.

One0-and-a-half tonnes of gold has gone into the design of the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple, which has been built at a cost of Rs.300 crore.

100-acre site

According to Sri Sakthi Amma, the decision to have the temple coated with gold is olny to attract visitors and enable them to get wisdom through the messages of the Vedas, which they will have to read before reaching the temple located on sprawling a 100 acre-site.

The temple has been designed in such a way that visitors can reach the golden temple only after going through a star-shaped pathway, which has the messages from the Vedas on both sides.

Tamil Nadu can boast of its own Golden Temple now

Vellore: If you see the temple, you might even think that the temple is made of gold. And your guessing will be correct.

The Golden Temple is about 140 km from Chennai at Tirumalaikodi in Vellore district.

Sri Narayani Peedam, a private religious charitable organisation, built the temple. And the glittering monument also boasts of some glittering figures.

"The actual estimate is about 300 crores. The amount of gold that went into its making is 1,500 kilos," say head, Sri Narayani Peedam, Sri Sakthi Amma.

A breathtaking wonder of intricate designs, the temple dedicated to Goddess Narayani is in the midst of lush greenery spread over 100 acres.

Except the pathways. even the roofs and the pillars of the temple are made of gold as about 1.5 tonnes of the metal went into its making.

The Peedom says the funds for building the temple were collected from NRIs.

But is this an attempt to match up to the other golden temple?

"Well! we need to see the people's reaction-how the world is accepting it", says Shakti Amma.

The temple will be formally consecrated on Friday and will be thrown open to the public from the next day.

Now even Tamil Nadu can boast of a wonder of its own - the Golden Temple created with about 1.5 tonnes of gold and which is already on its way to making history.

VENKATESWARA TEMPLE

TIRUMALA VENKATESWARA TEMPLE

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is a famous Hindu Temples of Lord Venkateswara locted in the hill town Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. The Temple is located on the Venkatachalam hill that forms part of the seven hills of Tirumala and hence the temple is also known as the Temple of Seven Hills (Saptagiri in Sanskrit, Edukondalu in Telugu and Ezhumalai in Tamil). The presiding deity of the temple. Lord Venkateswara is also known by other names - Balaji of Srivivasa of Perumal.

The temple is the richest and the most visited place of worship in the world. The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 1,00,000 pilgrims daily, while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 5,00,000 making it one of the most visited holy place in the world.

According to the legend, the temples has a self-manifested idol murti of Lord Vishnu, with the Lord believed to have resided here for the entire Kali Yuga. In Sri Vaishnava tradition, the temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desam sites.

THE TEMPLE

The Tirumala hills comprising of the seven hills of Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri are the abode of the Tirumala Venkateswara temple. The hill town (Tirumala) and the temple (Venkateswara Temple) are locted on the Seshadri or Seshachalam hill. The temple complex comprises a smaller traditional temple building along with a number of modern queue and pilgrim lodging sites.

The varied names ascribed to the main deity are Balaji, Srinivasa, Perumal, Venkateswara and Venkatachalapathy. The goddess Sri of Lakshmi (Vishnu's consort) resides on the chest of Venkateswara. and thus he is also known by the epithet Srinivasa (the one in whom Sri resides). Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Padmavathi reside on his either chests. The deity is considered the Kali yuga varada, that is 'the boon-granting Lord of Kali yuga' (the fourth and final age of the Hindu cycle of ages). The temple is held in particualar reverence by the Vaishnava sect of southern India, known as the Sri Vaishnava.

For worshippers, the deity Venkateswara symbolises goodness. When people travel to Tirupati, they chant "Yedu Kondala Vada Venkataramana Govinda Govindaa" (in Telugu). "Yezhu Malai Vassa Venkataramana Govinda Govindaa" (in Tamil) or "Tirupathi Thimmappana Padakke Govinda" (in Kannada).

With his conch he creates the cosmic sound from which the creation has manifested. And with his disc he destroys ignorance and ego in the beings, thus liberating them. Lord Venkateswara is believed by followers to be a very merciful deity form of Vishnu, being the fulfiller of every wish made to him by the devotees.

The Holy mantra chanted is Om Namo Venkateshaya. "The Venkateswara Suprabhatam", the morning recital of prayers and songs of awakening, is written by Prativadi Bhayanakaram Annan of Kanchipuram. Several composers composed beautifull kirtans about Lord Venkateswara, the most notable amongst them being Tyagaraja and Annamacharya. Annamacharya is a legendary devotee of Lord Venkateswara and composed songs almost exclusively about the deity.

SRI VENKATACHALA MAHATYAM is the most accepted legend with respect to Tirumala and provides the history of the temple across the various yugas. Of the other legends, the following are most known.

Ranganathaswamy at Srirangam (the main deity) is believed to have manifested on its own without any human endeavour (Swamyambhu)

Discovery of the Venkateswara deity is described as an act of divine providence: there was a huge anthill at Tirupathi, and one day a local farmer heard a voice from the heavens asking him to feed the ants. By chance the local king heard the voice and began supplying milk for the ants himself. His compassion resulted in the liquid uncovering the magnificent deity form of Venkateswara hidden beneath the anthill.

SRI KALAHASTEESWARA

SRI KALAHASTEESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE, SRIKALAHASTI

Srikalahasti is one of the ancient holy places of our country. It is believed that many saints attained 'mukthi' (Salvation) at this unique and important Sivakshetra. The presidign deity of this punyakshetra is Sriklahastheeswara. This Sivalinga of Srikalahasthi is one of the five supreme lingas representing the five great fundamental elements namely Fire. Water, Air, Sky and Earth. The lord appears here in his self-manifested form. Among the Panchabhuta lingas, Srikalahastheeswara is worshipped here as Vayulingeswara. When all the lamps in the sanctum glow steadily, one can notice two lamps flickering now and then, proving the Lord's inhalation and exhalation.

Srikalahastheeswara swamy temples is 40 kms away from Tirupathi, situated on the Tirupathi-Nellore Highway. It is also known as 'Dakshina Kailasa' and 'Dakshian Kasi'. Amongst the most sacted Shivite temples, the temple of Srikalahastheeswara has a unique position. According to history, the temple was built during the Pallava and Chola period. The Temple architecture is rich and splendid. The name Srikalahasthi is a compound of three names. 'Sri' meaning spider, 'Kala' meaning serpent and 'Hasti' means elephant. They worshipped Lord Siva and attained salvation. It is stated that when the lord appeared before them and asked them to express their wish, they requested him that the place be named after them. The marks of all these three are found on the Linga, which is claimed to be Swayambhu (Self-manifested), thus making it all the more sacred. The kavacha (armour) adorning the Lord is stated to have all the Navagrahas on it. Once upon a time a hunter worshipped the lord. It so happened that the Lord's eyes began to bleed profusely and the 'hunter-devotee' spontaneously plucked his own eyes with an arrow and placed them on the Linga. This act of absolute surrender and devotion, earned him the name - 'Bhakta Kannappa'. The river Swarnamukhi which flows on the northern side of the temple adds to its beauty and sanctity. The presiding Goddess here is 'Sri Gnana Prasoonambika' - the flower of divine knowledge. Beside being a 'vara prasadini' (wish fulfiller) she is also 'Gnana prasadini' (knowledge provider). On Friday, the resplendent sight of the Divine Mother, when she is clad in 'Bangaru Pavada' (Golden Robe) permeates the heart of an ardent devotee and fullu satisfies ones tender longings to behold the 'Lokamatha' (Mother of the world) within these mortal eyes.

The other deities installed in the temple

'Sri Pathala Vinayaka', 'Sri Balambika', 'Sri Kalimatha' out side the shrine and 'Lord Saneeswara', 'Bezawada Kanakadurga', 'Lord Venkateswara', 'Lord Subrahmanya', 'Sri Kasi Visweswara', 'Sri Ramalingeswara' & 'Sri Dakshinamurthy' inside the shrine make it a complete Pilgrimage. Also 'Sri Saraswathi Theeram' commonly known as the 'Pathala Ganga' is inside the temple. According to the Puranas, the holy water of this well relieves devotees from chronic diseases and physical deformities. Thus a visit to Srikalahastheeswara swamy temple to offer prayers by a devotee makes it equivalent to visiting all the other punyakshetras of great importance in India.

Festivals

The Sivarathri Brahmotsavam is a 12-day festival of great importance that attaracts lakhs of people from various parts of our country. Mahasivarathri, Nandi Seva, Lingodbhavam, Rathotsavam, Teppotsavam & Sri Swami Ammavarlu Kalyanotsavam are the important aspects of this festival.

Darshan Timings

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 am to 9 pm and on other days from 6 am to 9.30 pm.

VINAYAKA TEMPLE

KANIPAKAM VINAYAKA TEMPLE

Sri Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple is located at a distance of 12 kms. from Chittoor in a salubtious Environment. In the olden days this was a small insignificant village known as "Viharapuri" nearby to Tamilnadu and Karnataka borders.

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 cultivation a pieace of land near Viharapuri village. On one tow 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 persons 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 villages 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 place 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 (Prammanam) 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 lyyappa (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.