A Visual Treat

               

                                                       

                   1)          The wintry chill is gone – a bright and warm

                                 Weather comforts the morning calm ;

                                 Nature, too, seems to feel the change of time

                                 A dynamic thrill I feel in this clime .

                   2)          The dew-cleared grass in freshness shone

                                 Welcoming the golden rays of dawn ;

                                 A flood of violets sprang up far and wide

                                 Spread all over like a swelling tide .

                  3)            Like festive pilgrims crowded all at once

                                To participate and swing in ritual dance

                                 In a hamlet remote in jungles dense

                                 Echoing cheer and piety immense.

                  4)            The shades of purple painted every herb and nook

                                  Every bower and bush with jubilant look

                                  Who called these merry fluttering fairies bright ?

                                  With delicate silky faces —a thrilling sight !

                 5)              What message lurked behind these bursting hues ?

                                  What intimations this season renews ?

                                  My hardened feelings under the daily grind

                                  Woke up again with a sympathetic mind ;

                 6)               My lost sensations began to sprout again

                                   Free from stress, vexations and strain

                                   True joys lost long ago under the mire

                                   Of unending strife and struggling desires.

                 7)              This carnival of mirth I find nowhere

                                  Their laughing looks perfumed let me share ;

                                   Let me forget and leave these worries behind

                                   Like these flowers let me be happy and kind :

                 8)               Let these charms unfurled in vibrant colors inspire

                                   My bosom with hopes like Spring with festive fires

                                   When I view these purple lavish bunches sweet

                                   A sensuous feast I felt —a visual treat.

                                       ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

28th February, 2018                                                Somaseshu Gutala

                                          

                                         

                 

                                         

                                            

About Antarvedi Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, East Godavari Disrict (A.P.)

                      

Outer View of the temple

                        

 

Lakshmi Narasimha in the inner sanctum

View of temple pillars

Utsava Vigrahas

Idols of gods on temple tower

Vasisthalaya

Vasistha and Arundhati

Sapta Rishi Mandir

Sagara Sangamam

This famous temple is located at the place of confluence where Vasistha Godavari joins the Bay of Bengal. This temple was constructed in 15^th or 16^th centuries by Pallava kings and later by Peddapuram Reddy kings. The present structure is said to be built by Kapanati Krishnamma of Agnikula Kshatriya clan in 1823. The temple tower has five storeys depicting various incarnations of Vishnu and sculptures of lions on four sides. Though the temple is not so big it is one of the most primitive thirty-two Narasimha  Khestras in A.P. The Lord is seen with His consort Lakshmi beside the banks of holy Vasishta Godavari.

 Sage Vasistha brought Godavari and dwelt here in his ashram. He prayed to Lord Narasimha when the demon Rakta Vilochana, son of Hiranyaksha, killed all his hundred sons. Lord Narasimha fought with the demon and killed him using His Sudarshan Chakra. He created Maha Maya, also called Ashwaroodambika or Gurralakka to suck the blood of the demon as he got a boon from Brahma that blood falling from his body would produce another demon of equal strength. After the death of Rakta Vilochana the stream of blood was let out by Maya to form a pond called Rakta Kulya. Lord Narasimha washed His chakra (discus) at a place called Chakra Thirtha. Sage Vasistha prayed to Lord to stay there along with Lakshmi. On the roof of this temple the picture of Vatapatrasai (Krishna sleeping on a floating banyan leaf) is seen.

 The statue of Lord Narasimha is seen along with Lakshmi seated on His left side. On the east side of this shrine there is a separate shrine for Rajya Lakshmi and Lord Venkateswara. On the north side there is a shrine for Ranganatha swamy and His consort Bhudevi. On the west side Santana Gopalaswamy’s shrine is seen. On the south side of the main shrine one can see a shrine for Lord Anjaneya with four hands who is the Kshetrapalaka or guardian deity of this temple. The sannidhi of Alwars is also seen here. On the other side of the main temple Lord Neelakanteswra’s temple is seen.This shrine is more primitive than the main temple and Lord Brahma is said to have performed Yagna  and  installed Shiva Linga here. Hence this place was called Antarvedi which means a place with a sacrificial altar. Later Lord Sri Rama worshipped Neelakanteswara.  Arjuna during his pilgrimage is said to have visited this temple.

 This temple was managed by Peddapuram Rajas during 18^th century and later by Mogaltur Rajas in 19^th century. Now it is under the management of Religious Endowments Department. Just a little distance from here a very beautiful building called Vasisthalaya is seen which was constructed in 2005. In this circular 54-foot high two-storeyed structure, one can see the sacred Saligrama Kurma ( the idol of sacred tortoise found in the pond by a fisherman)on the first floor and the statues of seven sacred sages on the second floor. This is the only one Narasimha Kshetram where daily Panchamrita Abhishkam is done every day between 8.00 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. One can see Nijarupa Darshanam (main idol without any decorative shield) between 6.00 a.m. and 8.00 a.m. To avert vaasthu and bad effects of planets, many devotees perform Narasimha Sudarshana Homam here between 10.00 a.m and 12.00 p.m. The darshan timings are from 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Other ceremonies like Annaprasana, upanayanam and Gopuja are also done here. Nityaannadanam is also organized here. The T.T.D. choultry provides accommodation for devotees coming to this place.

 The nearest town is Narasapur just 20 kms from here. The nearest railway stations are Palakollu and Bhimavaram. Located in the scenic surroundings this temple provides a very peaceful and pious holy spot for devotees. Other places to see at this place are Sagara Sangamam, Raktakulya, and Gurralakka temple.  One can also travel from Rajahmundry (100 kms.)and Amalapuram(65 kms.)  to see this famous temple.

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26th February, 2018                                             Somaseshu Gutala

Mandapalli—the famous temple for Shani Dosha Nivaran

Uma Brahmendra Swamy shrine

Mandeswara Swamy

Uma Brahmendra Swamy

Parvati Ammavaru

Uma Nageswara Swamy

                         

From Amalapuram this temple is just thirty kms and the road winds through fertile fields, coconut groves and gardens revealing the sylvan beauty of Kona Seema region. As it was Shani Trayodashi day the temple was littered with heaps of banana leaves, gingelly seeds, pieces of jaggery and black cotton strips everywhere. As it was late afternoon very people were seen. We walked very cautiously avoiding to tread on things scattered all over the temple premises. Later we came to know that nearly forty thousand devotees visited the temple on that day. No surprise that the premises were completely flooded with so many things. As there was no shoe stand we left our sandals near the temple compound and entered the temple. Later one of our members had to walk barefooted as he lost his chappals and had to console himself thinking that the loss of his chappals meant that his Shani Dosha was gone.

 This temple is very famous as a holy spot where Lord Shani Himself installed Mandeswara Swamy to get rid of the sins of Brahma Hatya when He killed two Asuras called Pippala and Aswathha who tormented Brahmins and sages and cruelly killed them. After getting divine power from seven sages Lord Shani fought with these two demons for one year and finally killed them. In the inner sanctum a black Shiva Lingam is seen over which a pipe is seen. Devotees who pour oil flows through the pipe and falls over the Shiva Lingam. People who have Shani Dosham perform Tailabhishekam (doing Abhishkam with gingelly oil) to get rid of bad effects caused by the adverse position of Lord Saturn in their horoscopes. Homam for averting Shani Dosha and Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam are also done here. People who cannot personally visit this temple can avail these sevas by sending money through online. Just beside this temple there is a shrine for Parvati , the consort of Lord Shiva. There is one more shrine near it where one can see Uma Brahmendra Swamy which was installed by Lord Brahma. Near the Shiva Lingam one can see a tiny idol of Goddess Uma. The seven sages and their wives worshipped Brahmendra  Swamy 

At this place there is another temple for Uma Nageswara Swamy which was installed by Karkotaka, one of the mighty serpent-kings. Worship of this Lingam will neutralize Naga Dosha. On the left side of the main shrine one can see a beautiful idol of Venu Gopala installed by Sage Gowtama who made holy Ganges flow here to extinguish the blazing sacrificial fire of the Homa Gundam. Lord Venu Gopala is the Kshetrapalaka of this temple. Special poojas and Abhishkams are done on Shani Trayodshi days, Masa Shiva Ratri days, Devi Navaratrulu, Kartikamasa poojas, Maha Shiva Ratri and on Magha Bahula Ekadashi.

Just near the temple there is Aswatha Theetha , a holy pond where having a holy dip confers merit equal to performing Hema Dana. The temple authorities should provide basic facilities such as shoe stand, toilet facility, queue system and maintain clean surroundings. Otherwise this will create a very bad image and also cause inconvenience to devotees who come from far off places to get rid of Shani Dosham.

 The temple timings are from 5.00 a.m to 12.00 p.m.when Abhishkam poojas are done. In the evening the temple is open from 4.00 to 8.00 p.m. when only Darshan is provided. On Saturdays the temple is open from 4.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and from 4.00 to 8.00 p.m. in the evening. The nearby temples are Ainavilli,Pithapuram,Samarlakota, Annavaram.,Ryali, Kotipalli and Draksharamam.

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20th February, 2018                                                    Somaseshu Gutala

At Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Ainavilli

Inside View of the temple

Visweswaraswamy Temple

From Amalapuram we proceeded to Ainavilli to see the famous Siddhi Vinayak temple located in scenic surroundings of Coastal Andhra called Konaseema where one can find lush greenery with coconut trees, banana trees and many paddy fields with flowing brooks passing by . After traveling nearly 14kms we saw a small temple with a spacious space inside. Here the main sanctum is seen at a lower level. Lord Ganesh is seen on a two-foot high stone pedestal with two hands bearing a modak in one hand and showing varada mudra with another hand. Though the idol is small it appeared very pretty covered with gold-coated kavacha .This idol is regarded as Swayam Bhu ( self-manifested) . Daksha prajapati worshipped the Lord  here before performing Yagna at Daksharamam.

 According to some puranas, Sage Vyasa installed the Lord here.  In 1320 A.D.  Sri Malladi Bapannavadhanulu,the maternal grandfather of Sripada Srivallabha, performed Swarna Mahaganapti Yagna and was blessed with divine vision  of the Lord. The presiding deity installed in southwest corner is seen facing South Gopuram . The lord facing south is believed to bless devotees with wealth and prosperity.The temple was renovated by Eastern Chalukya kings in tenth century and later by Peddapuram and Tuni rulers. Srivatsavai Jagapati Raju Bahadur of Peddapuram developed Ainavilli and Mukteswaram temples. Facing the eastern gopuram is seen the shrine of Visweswara Swamy along with Annapoorna Devi.To the right side of this shrine, the temple of Kesava swamy along with Sridevi and Bhu Devi is seen.

 This temple was built in ninth century. On the left side there is a separate shrine for Goddess Annapoorna facing south. Previously the Kheshtrapalaka (Guradian deity) was supposed to be Kesava swamy. But later during the reign of Eastern Chalukya kings, the shrine of Kala Bhairava was built in North east direction and regarded as the guardian deity of this temple. In this temple many rituals and ceremonies like Lakshmi Ganapati Homam, Aksharabhyasam, and Abhishekam are done. The festival of Ganesh Chaturdhi is celebrated for nine days and poojas are done during Kartik month. 

Every month special poojas are performed on Chaviti, Dasami and Ekadasi. On Sankranti a prabha festival is celebrated. Daily annadanam is organized here in the afternoon. The temple timings are from 5.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. in the morning and from 3.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. in the evening. Abhishekam is done from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. One can book Lakshmi Ganapati Homam through online also. The nearest town is Ravulapalem at a distance of 24 kms. From Rajahmundry it is at a distance of 55 kms and 72kms from Kakinada. If you visit this temple you can also have an opportunity of witnessing the beautiful surroundings of Konaseema region.

                                             +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

  18th February, 2018                                                        Somaseshu Gutala

   

A Unique Temple at Ryali (East Godavari District), Andhra Pradesh

Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy Statue's front and rear views

Uma Kamandeleswara swamy Temple

Inner View of Jaganmohini Kesavaswamy's Temple

                                    

Many tourists visiting Rajahmundry generally come to see  this rare temple at Ryali where we find the unique sculpture of Lord Kesava Swamy on the front and the graceful beauty of Jaganmohini on the rear side of the five-foot high black Saligrama stone, a kind of presenting two figures combined at one place. This type of sculpture one finds nowhere in any other temple. The concept of Arthanareeshwara is found in some paintings. But this type of Purusha and Prakriti combined on the same stone is a very rare work of art. The sculptor exhibited his skill of revealing the majestic face of Lord Kesava  with four hands holding a conch,  a discus in upper pair of hands and a mace and Mandhara mountain in the lower pair of hands. At the feet of the Lord, Goddess Ganges is seen sitting in lotus posture and water is seen flowing from the feet of the Lord. Around the sculpture the figures of Sridevi,Bhu Devi, Narada, Adi sesha, Garuda, Kinnera and divine damsels like Rambha and Urvashi are carved . The holy water from the feet of the Lord is sprinkled over the heads of the devotees during worship. The devotees are allowed to enter the sanctum and the priest shows the features of the Lord Kesava and Jaganmohini in the light of the camphor-lamp. On the rear side of the sculpture the hair of Jaganmohini folded into a bun is clearly seen decked with ornaments. The slender waist , round hips, bracelets on hands and feet adorned with anklets show the features of a divine damsel seen from the back. 

 According to Puranas, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Jaganmohini when the gods and demons quarreled over claiming Amritha that emerged from the churning of the Milky sea. She cleverly distributed Amritha to gods beguiling the demons with her captivating charm. Even Lord Shiva enthralled by her beauty pursued her. Suddenly a flower fell from her hair. When Shiva smelled that flower, He realized that the damsel was none other than Vishnu and felt ashamed of His conduct. The name of the place “Ryali” is from Telugu which means “to fall.” As per the request of the gods and holy sages Lord Vishnu stayed here as Kesava-Jaganmohini and Lord Shiva also dwelt there as Kamandaleswara with His consort Uma. The temples of Shiva and Vishnu are seen opposite each other facing east and west directions.  Lord Brahma performed abhishkam with holy water of his kamandala (a brass vessel containing water).  This temple was first constructed by Raja Vikrama deva, a feudatory of Chola kings in eleventh century. Later it was renovated in 1936. On the walls of the tower the sculptures of Dasavataras and figures of parrots are beautifully sculptured. There is another shrine of Satyanarayana Swami in the temple premises.

 This temple is seen between Vasistha and Gautami, the two tributaries of the river, Godavari. The temple timings are from 6.00 to 12.00 in the morning and 3.00 to 8.00 in the evening. Special poojas are performed on occasions like Krishnasathami, Kartika Ekadashi, Mukkoti Ekadashi and Bhishma Ekadashi. Kalyanam for Kesava swamy is done from Chytra Suddha navami to Chaitra Pouranami. Kalyanam for Satyanarayana swamy is performed from Vaisakha Suddha Ekadashi to Vaisakha Poornima.  There is a strong belief among devotees that whoever visits this temple is sure to get promotion and transfer to place of his choice. In whole India there are only two temples of Jaganmohini – one at Ryali and the second one at Mhalasa Narayani,Ponda, Goa where the statue of Jaganmohini is believed to be a combined manifestation of Kali, Uma and Lakshmi.

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 10th February, 2018                                                     Somaseshu Gutala

About our stay at S.S.R.Hotel, Sannidhi Street, Sri Kalahasti

As we have planned to stay in Sri Kalahasti just for a few hours, we chose this budget hotel which has got all facilities like free parking, A.C. lift, cable T.V. hot water, free wifi, restaurant, laundry and car rentals etc. This hotel is just 100 meters away from the south gate of the Sri Kalahasti temple. The rooms though not spacious are neat and the room service is prompt. We selected a single bed room as we are not going to stay overnight. The toilet is quite clean and neat. We had no time to go to restaurant and we dined at Annapurna Bhavan where the temple provides free annaprasadam for 2000 devotees daily between 11.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. 

 The  S.S.R. hotel tariff rates are reasonable and vary from 1400/- to 1800/- depending on the type of room selected. This hotel is a two-star hotel having nearly 30 rooms on four floors established in 2012. As it is very near to the temple many pilgrims like to stay here at an affordable price. The check-in and check-out hours are from 12.00a.m to 12.00 p.m. An extra amount of Rs. 300/- is charged for one additional bed in the room.  If you do not expect a luxurious one, this hotel is a suitable place to stay without any discomfort.

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  5th February, 2018                                              Somaseshu Gutala

At One Food Courts, Near RTA Check post, Annavaram (Andhra pradesh)

 

                                 

While going from Vizag to Annavaram we came across this grand food court with a very big compound surrounded by greenery. The food court recently started in 2017, appears very huge with many sections to cater to customers dishes of various kinds like South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, milkshakes, ice creams and other beverages. The washrooms are very neat and clean. We had our morning breakfast here along with steaming filter coffee. We felt quite refreshed. Outside the food court there is space for children to play games and relax. There are a few stalls displaying clothes and other textiles. The clean and attractive surroundings with tasty refreshments impress any customer though the service is a little bit slow. The food prices are a little expensive. As this multi-cuisine food court is just beside the highway, we found a good number of people with families seated on chairs and waiting for their turn. Throughout the week this comfort food restaurant works from 6.30 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. Along with tiffins, lunch and dinner are available here. Many celebrities and film personalities visited this food court and enjoyed the dishes here relaxing in comfortable and pleasant surroundings.

                               +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


4th February, 2018                                                      Somaseshu Gutala

About our stay at Hotel Shubhagruha, Amalapuram (Andhra Pradesh)

Hotel Shubhagruha (Amalapuram)

                     

Reception Area

View of the room

Wall Painting in the corridor

decorative dolls in the room shelf

Handcrafted Dolls on the shelf

View of anteroom

During our pilgrimgage tour of Pancharama Kshetras, we preferred to stay in Amalapuram as it is very near to the temples we have planned to see. Amalapuram is a big commercial center with many shops and markets. The streets are moderately wide with many shops lining the main road. We selected this hotel after browsing as it is on the main road and has many facilities such as parking facility, A.C. wifi, T.V. CCTVs , room service and hot and cold shower.  The rooms are moderately big and seemed quite neat and clean. We were much impressed by the helpful and courteous behavior of the manager and other hotel staff.

 Though the hotel has no restaurant attached, we can go to nearby restaurants located at a distance of two or three kms. We went to Ganapati Food House near Lalitha Theatre and our choice proved to be the right one. The vegetarian section is on the first floor and the non-vegetarian section is on the second floor. We went to vegetarian section to have our dinner.This restaurant has been started recently and the furniture and other items seemed quite new. The tables and other items of furniture are made of fibre glass and added a new decent attractive look to the place. The service is prompt and there is an ample variety of dishes for one to choose such as veg. soups, veg. starters, veg.curries, rotis, kulchas, naans, paratas, fried rice and many types of Biriyanis. One has to go for ala carte as no thali is available. Quite opposite to this restaurant, there is Ganapati Lodge and on the way one can see Ganapati Sweets and Bakery. The opening hours are from 11.30a.m. to 3.30 p.m and from 6.30p.m to 11.30 p.m. in the evening. One can have the satisfaction of tasting the delicious typical coastal area dishes in this restaurant.

Ganapati Food House

 As we were five members, we were allotted one double room and a family suite. The suite has an ante room with a big sofa, table and a chair. The hotel is artistically designed with beautiful wall posters and attractive colors. The wooden toys kept in the shelf with colorful illumination is the star attraction. The room was equipped with a sofa, a chair and a writing table.The authorities should have provided stationery material and also a manual to give information about neighboring tourist temples and attractions. In the bathroom also items like dental and shaving kit may be provided as this hotel claimed a star status.

 The manager was very courteous and came forward to arrange for our dinner by room service. Though there is parking facility, there is no separate room for drivers to sleep and take rest. This issue may also be looked into. In the morning tea and coffee may be sent to rooms by 6.30 a.m. for the convenience of customers. As the room tariffs are in the range of 3000/- to 4000/- more facilities may be provided on a par with that of a three- star hotel.

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2nd February, 2018                                             Somaseshu Gutala