God Vishnu Murthy Photo Gallery

God Vishnu Murthy

Vishnu Murthy


Vishnu Laxshmi

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Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam

Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam

Sri Kamakshi Amman-1951

Sri Kamakshi Amman Photo

About Kanchipuram – City Of Temples

Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities in India. History proclaims that Kanchipuram was ruled by the Pallava Kings. The city is most famous for its silk production and old temples. The city is located on the Palar river. The city has all types of people from weavers to Vaishnavites. The city has many big temples like Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple, Sri Ekambaranthar Temple, Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Sri Ulagalanda Perumal Temple, Sri Kumarakottam Temple, Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Sri Kachapeswarar Temple and much more. The city also attracts tourist and foreigners in plenty due to its rich culture and heritage. The city has a huge spree of Silk Weavers Society. The city is quite famous all over the world for its Silk Variety and Quality. There is huge demand for export of Silk saris within and outside India. There are many eminent scholars like C.N.Annadurai who were born in this city. The city has developed a niche for the industrial corridors for great giants like Nokia, Motorola, Hyundai and many other. The city also has hotels and restaurants for the comfort of tourist and foreigners. There is a very old Mutt established by Sri Adisankaracharya Called Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. This mutt is world renowned for its charitable activities and Institutions. There are also other Spiritual mutts within Kanchipuram.

About Kanchi Kamakshi Temple

Kanchi Kamakshi temple is situated at about 5 acres of land and has four entrances. The main entrance of the temple has a Kalabhairavar deity on its left and the Mahishasura Mardini deity on the right. On the centre of the entrance you can see a huge Dwajasthampa. Moving further to the entrance of the Kamakshi deity you can see a Vinayaga deity. Moving on a straight line further, Goddess Kamakshi is visible. Goddess Kamakshi is surrounded by deities of Ayyapan, Saraswati, Annaporani and Adisankaracharya on its outer prakaram. The Goddess also has Varahi, Arupalakshmi Kalvarperumal (one of the 108 Divya Desam of Vaishanavities), Roopalakshmi and Arthanariswarar deities surrounding the sanctorum of Goddess on its Gayatri Mandapam. There is Santhanasthampam inside the prakaram of Goddess which is called the Nabisthan of the Goddess. There is a Srichakra Yantra (Sri Kamakoti Peetam) established by Jagadguru Sri Adisankaracharya in front of the Goddess deity. There is also a temple tank inside the premises. Kamakshi temple has a close relation with the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and its successive Sankarcharyas. The temple has a gallery of Adisankarcharya's Life history inside the temple premises itself. Goddess Kamakshi is the main deity and the temple is one of the fifty one Shakti peetas. The temple is spelled as Nabisthana - Ottiyana peetam. The temple also has a golden Gopuram on the sanctorum of the Goddess Kamakshi deity which is visible to all devotees.

About Goddess Kamakshi

The Goddess Kamakshi is in a sitting posture in the temple. This posture is called the Padmasana posture. The Padmasana posture is said to resemble a lotus. In the Yogic practice this resembles the form of meditation. The Goddess holds a Sugarcane bow on her left upper arm and Lotus, Parrot in her right upper arm. The Goddess also has divine chakras called Pasa and Angusa in her arms.

The Goddess also has a Chandraperai (a shape of moon like structure) in her forehead. The Goddess Kamakshi is situated in the middle of temple premises.

History reveals that Goddess Kamakshi was praying under a mango tree with a Shiva lingam made of sand to marry the great Lord Shiva. After a long duration of dedicated and devoted meditation to Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva appeared before her and married the Goddess Kamakshi, a divine form of Parvati. There are no traditional Parvati or Shakti shrines in the city of Kanchipuram, apart from this temple, which adds even more legend to this temple.

Upcoming News and Festivals

Dhanurmasa Puja at kanchi Srikamakshi ambal temple

Dhanur-masa pujas will be observed from the 17th December 2011 till 14th January 2012. During this month , special (abisehgam)pooja will be performed at 5.am in the temple.

Poojas

Abhishekam (3 times a day)

Morning - Starts at 5:30 a.m.

Afternoon - Starts at 10:30 a.m.

Evening - Starts at 4:30 a.m.

Santhana Kappu (Sandal Darshan)

Every Wednesday and Saturday evenings

Pournami Pooja / Navavarna Pooja (Full Moon day)

Night 9:30 p.m. onwards every month

Saharsranamam Archana (Daily)
Morning - 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Evening - 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Ashtothram Archana

Morning - 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Evening - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Thanga Ratham (Golden Chariot)

Only on specific days

Contact Us

Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam

KANCHI KAMAKSHI AMBAL DEVASTHANAM
New No. 6, Old No. 144/A,
Kamakshi Amman Sannathi Street ,
Big Kanchipuram - 631502
Tamilnadu
India
Tel : +91 44 27 233433 - 2722 1214
Mobile: Kannan - +91 - 96262 72525
Syama - +91 - 98436 32411
Gopi - +91 - 98948 76787
Karthik - +91 - 98948 89191
Email: feedback@kanchikamakshi.com

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Sri Kurmam Temple Srikakulam

Sri Kurmam Temple Srikakulam

Sri Kurmam Temple Srikakulam

TEMPLE HISTORY

The most sacred and ancient shrine of sri kurmam, situated on the shores of bay of bengal, is the only swayambhu temple in the world where lord vishnu is worshipped in the form of kurma avataara (tortoise – the second incarnation of the famous dasa avataaraas).

This ancient shrine is believed to be prior to the golden era of sri raama (raama raajyam).

Prominent references about this shrine are available in kurma , vishnu, padma, brahmaanda puraanaas.

While the shrine is said to be more than a few million years old, outer structures were reconstructed many a time - after dilapidation of previous one , and the latest temple structure is more than 700 years old.

Legend says that during kruta yuga, a pious king - sweta maharaja , 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 .

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 the sweta pushkarini has cosmic cleansing powers. so, like in varanasi, people perform the last rites of the deceased and drop (nimajjan) the asthikaas (ashes) in it, which eventually metamorphose into saalagraamaas (divine stones). even mother ganga takes a bath in this lake every year on maagha shudha chavithi (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 prasaadam, the celestial dancer “tilottama” became devotional and renunciated desires., king subhaanga won the war., a devotee by name vaasu deva got leprosy cured.

Unlike many other temples ,the presiding deity here is facing west and hence there are two "dwaja stambhaas" (flag posts) in east and west directions. this is also the reason to permit devotees to enter the "garbha gruha" (sanctum sanctorum) for a closer darshan of the lord. this temple is known for its marvellous sculpture, particularly on the southern entrance, 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 colours, resemble those in ajanta – ellora caves. "kaasi dwaram" – the under ground tunnel to varanasi in the 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 are entering the temple.

Many great people and holy sages offered their prayers in this shrine including,

lava & kusha

(sons of sri raama, belonging to treta yuga – more than a million years ago) .,

bala raama

(elder brother of sri krishna, belonging to dwaapara yuga – more than 5000 years ago) .,

1. sage durvaasa (more than 5000 years ago) .,

2. sri adi sankaraachaarya (8th century ad).,

3. sri raamaanujaachaarya (11th century ad).,

4. sri narahari teerthulu (13th century ad).,

5. sri chaitanya mahaa prabhu(1512 ad) etc.

Sri kurmanadha is a great bestower of peace & bliss and is said to relieve the doshas related to saturn (sani graha doshas).

To protect this temple from the foreign invaders during 14th – 15th centuries , like in many temples in south india,the priests applied lime stone mix on the entire temple complex and camouflaged as a hillock. the solidified limestone 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".

Many straws when twined together make a rope – many drops make an ocean , and your generous offerings, however small or big, will go a long way to safeguard our ancient temples like sri kurmam.

PROMINENT FEATURES OF THE SHRINE

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

References in Kurma, Vishnu, Padma, Brahmaanda Puranaas.

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.

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

One of the few Vishnu Temples in the World where Abhishekham is performed on daily basis

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

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

Stone Sculpture at its Peak - Called Gaandharva Shilpa Kala. 108 exquisitely carved stone pillars where no pillar is similar to the other, with a few of them hanging from the roof structure without any support from bottom. Under ground Tunnel to Varanasi (KAASI).

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

Visited by many great Kings and Saints including Adi Sankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Narahari Teertha, Chaitanya Maha Prabhu etc

DARSHAN, SEWAS, FESTIVALS etc

Being a world renowned temple , Darshan is allowed from 6 am to 8pm on all days,with short intermittent closures for Poojas of the Deity. There is a facility for faster/special darshan, for those in a hurry, with special tickets at a nominal amount of rupees ten. Generally it takes less than 30 minutes for Darshan with all devotees being Allowed into the Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbha Gruha).

Srikurmamtemple

However, Devotees are advised to keep sufficient extra time so that they can have a glimpse of the rare and ancient heritage in the Temple. Though there is no Dress code, being an ancient temple, devotees are advised to prefer traditional attire. Photography is allowed except in Sanctum Sanctorum.

Unlike Many Maha Vishnu Temples, Abhishekam (Similar to ThiruManjanam) is performed to the deity on daily basis (Like in Siva Temples) and devotees can opt for participation with a nominal ticket of rupees Hundred. It is performed in the early hours of the day (4.30am - 6am) and devotees can participate in person. Devotees can bring the materials on their own or request Temple Administration for the same at nominal Prices (Milk, Ghee, Curds, Honey, Sugar, Coconuts, Fruit Juices etc).For those not able to be present, the Temple administration arranges to perform the Abhishekham in their Gothra Namam on the day of their choice at a nominal amount of rupees Hundred. Devotees can mail/write/approach the Temple Administration for the same. Those who are unable to make prior arrangements, can directly come to the Temple before 4.30am on any day with or without the Materials, to participate in the Abhishekam. Generally there is enough room for last minute entrants.Please view details on Arjitha Sewas below.

Lord's Kalyanam is also performed on regular basis. The ticket amount is rupees Five Hundred and Sixteen per couple.Those wanting to participate can Mail/write/ approach the Temple Administration. Please view details on Aarjitha Sewas below.

Some of the main Festivals being celebrated in the Temple are the 3 day Dolotsavam (Falguna Paurnami - popularly known as Holi) , One day Annual Kalyanotsavam (Vaisakha Shudha Ekadasi) , One day Annual JanmaDinam - Jayanthi Festival of Deity on Jyeshta Bahula Dwadasi, One day Festival on Mukkoti Ekadasi etc

Arjitha Sewas & Amounts

• Abhishekham - Rs 100 for one day or Rs 1116 for one day in a year permanently or any amount above Rs 1116 for General Corpus Fund
• Akhanda Deeparadhana - Rs 51 for one day or Rs 1116 for one day in a year permanently or any amount above Rs 1116 for General Corpus Fund
• Nitya Bhogum for Lord (Prasadam) - Rs 300 for one day or Rs 3116 for one day in a year permanently or any amount above Rs 3116 for General Corpus Fund
• Kalyanam - Rs 516 for one day or Rs 5116 for one day in a year permanently or any amount above Rs 5116 for General Corpus Fund

DETAILS OF AARJITA SEWAS IN SRI KURMANADHA SWAMI TEMPLE

Sewa to the Lord	For One Day in Rs.	For One Day in a Year Permanently (Fixed Deposit) in Rs. *	For General Corpus Fund(Fixed Deposit) in Rs. *
ABHISHEKAM	100	1116	Any Amount >1116
AKHANDA DEEPARADHANA	51	1116	Any Amount >1116
NITYA BHOGAM (NAIVEDYAM)	300	3116	Any Amount >3116
KALYANAM	516	5116	Any Amount >5116

*These Amounts will be deposited in a Public Sector Bank FD, and the annual interest accrued will be used to do the Pooja on the chosen day of the Devotee in their Gotra Namam. The Principal Amount will never be spent away.

Donations

If sending by Post, Donations/Payments for Aarjitha Sewas can be sent by way of Money Order/Cheque/DD drawn in favour of "EO, SriKurmanadha Devasthanam" payable at SriKurmam/Srikakulam to "EO, Srikurmanadha Devasthanam, SRIKURMAM - PIN 532404, Srikakulam Dt., A.P.,India".

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Sri Kalahasthi Dakshina Kailasam Devasthanam

Sri Kalahasthi Dakshina Kailasam Devasthanam

Temple Information

SriKalahasti temple is located 36 km away from Tirupathi in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradhesh, India. The inner temple is constructed around 5th century and the outer temple was constructed in the 12th Century.

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

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

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

The most revered and universal symbol of the Self is the human form, ‘man cast in the image of God’ and its spiritual significance is difficult to overestimate. Rather than conceive of us as tainted sinful human creatures, the Upanishad tells us that we are divine. It says, “That which you worship there is this that you see here.” The ineffable formless God/Self perceived by mystics is this whole world and everything in it. While Hindu deities often sport dozens of arms and animal heads their essential forms are recognizably human. Probably no other idea accounts for the astonishing fact that one billion people stuffed into a land mass one third the size of the United States undoubtedly handle their lives more confidently than their prosperous Western counterparts.

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

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

If you are planning on visiting the temple here are some tips:

This temple itself is a great architectural piece of art. Spend some time exploring the temple. You can see that the inside pillars are fresh as they were hundreds of years back because they were hidden from degradation by nature.

Please plan your trip in such a way that you can spend some time exploring the physical and spiritual beauty of the temple.

In the outer temple, as soon as you enter the temple gates (after the shops)on your left you will see the old idol of SriGnanaprasunambika Devi (the original one) which was placed outside due to some reasons.....Still lot of people pray to it....

By the way, do not forget to see the Pathala Ganapathi who is associated with the old Sivalingam beneath the temple. You cannot see the Old SivaLingam (related to the old Story of SriKalaHasti) beneath the temple but you can imagine it (and the real story) when you see the Lord Ganapathi (Not sure about this).

Pooja Information

Even though lot of people go to this temple for Rahu-Ketu Puja one thing they are forgetting is the powerful main deity (SriKalaHastheeswara) with navagraha kavacham. From a higher perspective, eventually what it boils down to be one is praying for the god through different names.

For any kind of pooja details please contact the temple directly at the following address and phone numbers.

Temple Address:
Sri Kalahastiswaraswamy vari Devastanam
SriKalaHasti
Chittoor District. Andhra Pradhesh
PIN: 517644

Telephone: 08578-221655, 222787

Temple Executive Officer Info:

Phone: (8578)221140, 221185, 221336, 222430, 222510,

Address:
1) The Executive Officer, Sri Kalahastheeswar Devasthanams,Near E.O.Quarters, SriKalaHasti, PIN 517640
2) The Executive Officer, Sri Kalahastheeswar Devasthanams,Inside Temple Office, Sannidhi Street SriKalaHasti, PIN 517640

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Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy at Bhadrachalam

Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy at Bhadrachalam

About Bhadhrachalam Temple

The Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy shrine at Bhadrachalam, the most famous temple in the country dedicated to Lord Rama, is situated on the left bank of the Godavari river. It is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, considered to be one of the greatest holy shrines in South India with a very rich and unique historical background. The Temple was constructed in the 17th Century by the local Tahsildar, Kancharla Gopanna, popularly known as Bhakta Ramadas, a fervent devotee of Lod Sree Rama.

The puranic and historic facts relate that Lord Rama long after he had shed his mortal coils manifested himself to save his devotee Bhadra Maharshi whom he promised 'moksha' after intensive prayer. That is why the village is named after Bhadra as Bhadradri or Bhadrachalam. Srirama appeared in a dream to a woman called Pokala Dammakka and informed here about the existence of vigrahas on Bhadragiri hills. To her surprise she found the "Vigrahas" and put up a modest structure. This was the origin of the present temple.

History of temple

A sacred place that attracts lakhs of devotees from all over the world, it is the abode of Lord Rama (The seventh incarnation of SriMahavishnu). This hill place which is encircled by holy river Godavari flowing towards southern direction is the famous shrine Bhadrachalam-The name derived from Bhadragiri (Mountain of Bhadra-a boon child of Meru and Menaka). According to a Ithihasas, the significance of this shrine dates back to the Ramayana Era. This coherent hill place existed in "Dandakaranya" Of Ramayana period where Rama with his consort Sita and brother Laxmana had spent their vanavasa- and Parnashaala(the place connected to the famous Golden Deer and the place from where Sita was abducted by Ravana.) is also in the vicinity of this temple site. It is at this Mandir site that, long after Ramavatara, Bhagawan Mahavishnu manifested Himself as Rama again to fulfil a promise He made to His Bhakta Bhadra, who continued his Tapas through Yugas, praying for the grace of the Bhagawan Sri Ramachandra murthy.

Exigency of Incarnation

The history depicts that the need emerged the incarnation of Vykuntha Rama was that to fulfill a long desire of his ardent devotee Bhadra.

Maharshi Bhadra

Bhadra performed penance at the bank of river Godavari in this " Dandakaranya " to get grace of lord Rama and in countenance of his beloved God - The exulted "Rishi" implored 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 and establish 'Dharma' . Thus the sage had been in continuation of the frightened penance as Rama could not accomplish the promise in Ramavatara . Then Sri Mahavishnu manifested himself as Vykuntha Rama and rushed to his devotee Bhadra , signaling hisarrival by blowing 'Shanku',accompanied by his consort Sita and brother Laxmana , resembling that of 'Gajendra Moksham ' - Thus , the moorthies of Rama ( having four hands ) - Shanku on the right , Chakra at his left and Dhanurbhana ( Bow and Arrow in the rest two hands ) , Sita had condescended on the left lap of Rama and brother ( at Rama's left ) are existed . And the hill place where the Deities were seated on , was the head place of Bhadra - achalam ( hill ) ,thus this shrine was transformed into Bhadrachalam .

The idols of Vykuntha Rama, Laxmana and Sita were found by Pokala Dhammakka. Pokala Dhammakka, an ardent devotee of Rama lived in the 17th century and was an inhabitant of Bhadrireddypalem, a mile away from this holy place. On one fine night, she had darshan of Rama in her dream who said "the saints and sages are worshiping my embodied moorthy settled on Bhadragiri" and asked her to trace them, perform pooja and attain salvation. On the very next day morning she started searching for the idols-peeped into an ant-hill and found the idols hidden in it. She poured hundreds of pots of Godavari water on the ant-hill which tardily dissolved and gave way for the appearance of the hidden Deities. Since then, she used to perform pooja daily and offer 'naivedyam' with fruits fallen from near palmyra tree and constructed a mandapam of thatch hut with the help of local villagers. Bhagawan Rama told Dhammakka that at a later date, one of his devotees would construct a Mandir at this site. Dhammakka waited patiently for the devotee. The devotee turned out to be Bhakta Ramadas.
Bhakta Ramadas and construction of temple Bhadrachalarama temple was constructed by Kancharla Gopanna popularly known as Bhakta Ramadas in the year 1674 A.D.

Kancharla Gopanna, popularly known as "Bhakta Ramdas", a fervent devotee of Rama, was born to Linganna Murthy and Kamamba in Nelakondapalli village of Khammamett Taluk in 17th century (1620 AD). He was nephew of Akkannna, the administrative head in the court of Nawab Abul Hussan shah known as 'Taneshah' of Golkonda (he was the last ruler of Golconda before Aurangazeb captured it in 1687A.D.) and was appointed by him as Tahsildar of 'Palvoncha Paragana'. Thus he was discharging his official duties earnestly and collecting revenues due to the Nawabs in continuation of daily preaches -Chanting of 'Ramanama' and the feeding the poor at his house. Ramadasa, who heard the news that the villagers of palvoncha paragana were proceeding to witness a Jatara at Bhadrachalam , became curios and he too visited Bhadrachalam. He found the deities in an amazing appearance. Ramadas, then asked the villagers to contribute liberally for the construction of the temple. After the contributions were found to be insufficient, the villagers appealed him to spend the revenue collections for the construction of the temple with a promise to repay the amount after harvesting the crops. Accordingly, Ramadas constructed the temple with an amount of Rs 6 Lakhs collected from the land revenues with out the permission of the Nizam Nawab.

When the temple reached to the nearing completion, he had a problem of fixing 'Sudarshana Chakra' at the crest of the main temple. He was deeply distressed and fell into sleep. On the same night, Rama in his dream asked him to have a holy dip in river Godavari where he will find that-accordingly. On the next day morning Gopanna did so and found holy Sudarshana Chakra in the river with out much difficulty. He presumed that Sudarshana Chakra itself was shaped up with the divine power of his beloved God Rama. Soon after the construction, his miseries started. He was dismissed from service for mis-utilisation of revenue for constructing the temple and was kept in jail for 12 long years in Golkonda Fort and was tortured. Unable to withstand the miseries, Ramadas implored Rama to relieve him by singing many praising and emotional songs which got popularized from the stanzas of 'Dasaradhi Sathakam' and 'Keertanas' of Bhakta Ramadasa.

Bhakta Ramadas and construction of temple

The Nizam Nawab Tanishah, the then ruler of Nizam's territory became a devotee of Rama who realised the devotion spirit of Ramadas after his imprisonment and took over the charge of temple administration. This resembles the communal harmony amongst the Hindus and Muslims. The Nizam Nawab realised Ramadas'devotional spirit and dedication towards Rama, when Rama and Laxmana repaid 6 lakh Mohurs exposing themselves as Ramoji and Laxmoji, the servants of Bhakta Ramadas to get release of their devotee from the imprisonment. Thanisha gave voucher to these divine looking persons who approached him at his house during late night. Then they kept the voucher under the pillow of Gopanna where he was jailed. Tanishah who woke up on the very next day morning realised that those divine looking persons were none other than Rama and Laxmana and made arrangements to get release of Gopanna and prayed to forgive him by placing all the Gold Mohurs received last night at the feet of Gopanna. But, he refused to take back those mohurs except two as a mark of divine significance. (Those two can still be seen kept in Bhadrachala Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy vaari Devasthanam).

Influenced by the majesty of Lord Rama, Golkonda Ruler Tanishah earmarked the income derived from the said Palwoncha paragana which came to Rs 20,000 and odd for the maintenance of the temple which was continued during Nizam's reign and offering Pearls (Mutyala Talambralu) on the occasion of kalyana mahotsavam (Sri Rama Navami) to Deities on an elephant through a specially sent messenger. That procedure of sending pearls to the Deities is still followed by present state Government and continues to offer during Sri Rama Navami Festival (Kalyana mahotsavam). Tumu Narsimha Dasa,Tahasildar of Palwoncha paragana,along with his associate Varada Ramadasa came here from Guntur and took over the charge of Bhadrachalarama temple after Ramadas made inscripted 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 these two pillars. This inscription gives details of daily dictum and daily rituals also.

Fairs and festivals

Two major festivals are being celebrated every year which were introduced and traditionally celebrated right from the tenure of Bhakta Ramadas. "Vykuntha Ekadasi" a religious festival that attracts lakhs(hundred thousand) of devotees from all over the country at this famous shrine Bhadrachalam, is celebrated in the months of either December or January in 'Dhanur Masam' on the day of either Pushya or Margasira shuddha Ekadasi. The ten day festival called Adhyayanotsavams and Dasavatara Mahotsavams(10 incarnations) of Sri Maha Vishnu are preceded to Vykuntha Ekadasi Fete.

On Dasami day , the colourful Teppotsavam is a special attraction to the devotees . The deities of Rama and his consort Sita will be taken into rounds on the holi river Godavari on a well decorated "Hamsavahana" ( on the swan shaped motor launch ) amid display of crackers and stupendous illumination . And on the auspicious Vykuntha Ekadasi day on the early hours exactly at 5 am Vykuntha dwarams at Northern Gate will be thrown open for darshan to devotees .The devotees believe that they will attain salvation after having Vykuntha Dwara darshan .This holi festival attracts lakhs of pilgrims .

Vaaggeyakaara Mahotsavams

Vaaggeyakara Mahotsavams are being celebrated every year to commemorate Bhakta Ramadasa, a vaaggeyakara and an ardent devotee of Sri Rama. Dhyana Mandir, a prayer hall was constructed in 1972 in memory of Bhakta Ramadasa by Mr. Neelamaraju Venkata Sheshaiah, the then editor of Andhra Prabha by collecting funds from public through donations from Andhra Prabha (Telugu Daily News Paper) readers. Since then, the Vaggeyakaara mahotsavams are being celebrated during Mukkoti Ekadasi by inviting renowned musicians.

Sri Rama Navami Brahmotsavams

Another major festival, Sri Rama Navami(the most popular one at Bhadrachalam) is being celebrated on every 'Chaitra shuddha navami ' on the auspicious 'Punarvasu' -'Janma Nakshatra' (birth star), of Lord Sri Rama. The Kalyanamahotsavam of Sri Rama with his consort Sita is celebrated on the holy occasion which falls either in the last week of March or first week of April. This divine festival is celebrated in a resplendent manner amid chanting of hyms by priests in Kalyanamantapam, richly engraved and exquisite sculptures depicting events from our Itihasas and Puranas, at the vicinity of stadium, where lakhs of devotees congregate to witness the fete with great devotional spirit and pay their owes for favours received or Solicited. The kalyanamahotsavam is celebrated on the holy occasion between 10 am and 12.30 pm and the sacred Talambralu showered on the deities exactly at 12 noon. This Sri Rama Navami Festival occassion is being broadcasted by All India Radio and telecast through Doordarshan on the festive day from 10 AM to 12 Noon. This is the only festival which is being covered by Akashavaani and Doordarshan as a Live programme all over the state (Andhra Pradesh).

Rama Darshan

The day begins at the temple with "Prabhadhotsavam" or awakening ceremony at 4.30 AM with specially composed songs of Tumu Narasimhadas, poems, Sannai Trupets Naubat etc. Abhishekam will be performed at 7.00 AM to Lord Rama on Sundays and all the remaining days abhishekams will be performed at Badruni Sannithi on the same time.

Seva Details Time Seva description Price (INR) 7.00 AM to 8.00 A.M Antaralaya Abhishekam (Mulavarulu on Sundays) 350.00 7.00 AM to 8.00 A.M Abhishekam (at Bhadra Temple) 50.00 8.30 A.M to 8.00 P.M Astotharanamarchana 50.00 8.30 A.M to 9.30 A.M Sahasranamarchana 100.00 8.30 A.M to 9.30 A.M Suvarna Tulasi Astotharanamarchana (on every Saturday) 350.00 8.30 A.M to 9.30 A.M Suvarna Pushpa Astothara Namarchana (on Every Sunday) 350.00 8.30 AM Sakalbhishtaprada Sree Ramapuja (daily) 116.00 9.30 A.M to 11.00 A.M Nitya Kalyana Ubhayam (daily, except few days. Please confirm with temple) 750.00 From 6.30 PM Rajata Ratha Seva 1116.00 8.00 PM to 8.30 P.M Alaya Chuttu Seva 200.00 8.00 PM to 8.30 P.M Vahana Seva (Garuda, Hamsa, Hanumantha, Rajadhiraja) 516.00

Saswatha Pujas
Seva	Price (INR)
Srimadramayana Parayana (Sarannavaratri Mahotsvam 9 Days)	6000.00
Saswatha Alankarm (Vaikunta Ekadasi Days) each Ubhyam	7000.00
Saswatha Nitya Kalyanam	7500.00
Saswatha Vahana Seva (Garuda, Hamsa, Aswa, Suryaprabha and for each seva)	5000.00
Saswatha Pattabbhishekam (on Pushyami Nakshtram day only)	2500.00
Saswatha Bhogam	1116.00
Saswatha Sahasra Namarchana (Utsavamurthulu)	1000.00
Saswatha Astothara Namaarchana (Mulavarulu)	500.00
Saswatha Abhishekam (at Bhadra Temple)	500.00
Saswatha Laksha Kumkumarchana on Ekadasi Day	2500.00
Saswatha Alankara ubhayam rusum in Sarannavaratri Mahothsavams (each ubhayam)	6000.00
Saswatha Uchita Prasada Vitarana	1116.00

Annadaana scheme

The amount which you are donating under this scheme is exempted from Income Tax.

Annadaana schme description: S.No Scheme info. Price list Daily free meals for devotees (Saswatham) 2 persons a day Rs. 1, 00,000.00 1 person a day Rs. 50,000.00 Any day of your choice (Saswatham) 60 Persons Rs. 10, 000 30 Persons Rs. 5, 000 12 Persons Rs. 2, 000 6 Persons Rs. 1, 116

Sd: Executive Officer, Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Vaari Devasthanams, Bhadrachalam-507111, Khammam (Dist). AP.INDIA E-mail: bhadrachalarama@gmail.com

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Sri Veera Anjaneya Swamy Temple,Aragonda,Chittoor

Arthagiri Hanuman Temple

History

This famous temple that attracts devotees from far and wide has a legend. Ramayana is one of the famous epics of India. It is believed that Sita, wife of Lord Rama was abducted by the mighty Ravana, the Demon King, and kept as a prisoner at Lanka (now Srilanka), the island kingdom of Ravana. Rama with the help of monkeys, waged a war and killed Ravana to get back Sita. During the battle Lakshmana, younger brother of Rama was battling with Ravana. He became unconscious when one of the arrows of Ravana hit him. So the Physician wanted a herb known as "Sanjeevani" to resurrect Lakshmana

This herb was available in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas which were far away from the Lanka. Hanuman or the monkey God, who could fly long distances in no time and who had immense strength and intelligence was deputed to bring the herb, but before sunrise. Hanuman went to the Himalayas in no time. But he could not differentiate between the various herbs and plants available. So He just plucked the entire mountain and carried back to the place where Lakshmana was lying unconscious.

During this journey, it is believed that a piece of rock from the mountain fell into the tank. Since a piece of mountain fell here it got its name of Ardhagiri or Arakonda. The striking feature of the moolavigraha (Main deity) is that it faces towards north, which is a rarity. The first says of the sun; fall on the feet of the Lord. Gradually the sunrays disappear after reaching the head of the lord. It is also believed that the ardent devotees and staunch believers can even hear the 'Omkara Nada' (Chanting of Om) at midnight amidst silence. It is deemed that Lord Anjaneya stays to safeguard Lord Lakshmi Narayana as he dwells there.

Ardhagiri (a famous Lord Anjaneya Swamy Temple) is near the village. Also, has temples viz., Shiva Temple, Sri Rama Temple, Chinna Gudi (Vinayaka Swamy, Subramanya Swamy, Ayyappa Swamy, Nava grahamulu, nelli chettu, naga devatha), satyamma, nagula raallu, church, masjid and more.

About Arthagiri Pound

Arthagiri Pound

In Ardhagiri, it is believed that Sanjeevaraya Pushkarini (pond containing the holy water) never gets dried nor spoiled, even when kept for long periods of time. When devotees drink this theerham (or holy water) from the Sanjeevaraya Pushkarini, all types of diseases are getting cured.

It is believed that the tank never dries up and the water contains medicinal properties. The water when stored stays fresh for a long time. It’s true. It’s more than a month since I have brought the water from the tank and it is still fresh. usually water when kept in a container for more than three or four days does not stay fresh. This water when consumed is believed to cure all diseases even acute cases. This has been proved in the cases of Psoriasis, initial stages of TB, asthma, cancer & joint pains. The experiences of the patients who were cured have been recorded and they stand as testimony to it.

This water is most powerful medicine for our health. Water has the green color and sweet to taste. This water is generated from trees so it is a ayurvedic medicine.

Seva & Tickets

1. Archana Rs.5.
2. Abhishekam Rs 25.
3. Vahana Pooja
Two Wheeler Rs 10.
Four Wheeler Rs 20.
4. Special Darshanam Rs 10.

Daily Programs

FROM	TO	PROGRAM
05.00 A.M	05.30 A.M	CLEANING
05.30 A.M	06.00 A.M	ALANKARAM
06.00 A.M	07.00 A.M	DARSHANAM
07.00 A.M	07.30 A.M	NAIVEDYAM
07.30 A.M	09.00 A.M	DARSHANAM
09.00 A.M	10.00 A.M	ABHISHEKAM
10.00 A.M	12.00 P.M	DARSHANAM
12.00 P.M	12.30 P.M	NAIVEDYAM
12.30 P.M	01.00 P.M	DARSHANAM
01.00 P.M	01.30 P.M	BREAK
01.30 P.M	04.00 P.M	DARSHANAM
04.00 P.M	04.15 P.M	CLEANING
04.15 P.M	07.00 P.M	DARSHANAM
07.00 P.M	07.30 P.M	NAIVEDYAM
07.30 P.M	09.00 P.M	DARSHANAM

Address:

Sri Ardhagiri Veeranjaneyaswamy Temple,

Aragonda Village. 517 129, Thavanam palli Mandal ,

Chittoor Dist, Andhra Pradesh.

Phone: 08573 – 283687,283689,283690.

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