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.

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  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.

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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

At Sri Ramaiah Mess and Caterers, Prakasam Road, Governor Peta., Vijayawada

                       

In Vijayawada this mess is located in the busy area of Governor Pet and we find it always very much crowded. This is one of the oldest restaurants and it looks simple without much decorative show. To get the real typical flavor of Andhra food this is a must visit place. One gets a very tasty and sumptuous meal with many curries, soups and chutneys with spicy flavor. The service is quite prompt and good. Most of the employees are women clad in saris and covering their heads with napkins. The typical chutneys like gongura and mango pickle tickle our taste buds. Ulavacharu with milky cream tastes very good. There are many other items like fried rice, dal, sambar, rasam, curd, halwa, badam milk and ice cream concluding with a very tasty sweet Pan. In the restaurant there are three sections for thalis of three types costing Rs. 100/- 150/- and 200/.The Wooden board with words "Annam Parabrahma Swaroopam" suggests that one should not waste food as it is a form of supreme God.

The items are served fresh and hot. The surroundings are maintained neat and clean. Catering services are also available .  Parcel service is also done. In many marriages and functions their catering services are held in great esteem. The working hours are from 11.00 a.m to 4.00 and from 7.30 to 10.30 p.m. in the evening.  Here only payment in cash is accepted. It would be better if payment by debit and credit cards is also accepted. We felt a sense of satisfaction that we have dined here in one of the oldest and popular mess and catering centers. We also realized that taste and good service matter more than just outward trappings and sophistication.

27th January, 2018                                  Somaseshu Gutala

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At Babai Hotel, NRP Road, Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh)

Babai Hotel

                 

     

During our stay at Vijayawada, we visited the most popular restaurant “Babai Hotel” to have the pleasure of tasting the south Indian dishes prepared in a traditional manner . This hotel was started in 1942 by Patruni Sambamoorti who fondly used to call his customers “Babai” which means father’s younger brother. The hotel is in a small house with four or five tables. Old photos showing celebrities like politicians and film actors are displayed on the walls. Famous personalities like Sri Vajpeyi, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy,Sri N.T.Rama Rao,  Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Savitri, Chandra Mohan came here to have their breakfast.

 Most of the customers buy coupons, and wait for their turn to taste the idilis topped with a lump of fresh white butter along with coconut chutney, sambar and spicy powder. Forgetting the simple surroundings they enjoy eating idlis which are prepared by using natural ingredients without adding any artificial substances. They follow the same old menu and old techniques and the surroundings also remind us the good old times when we used to sit in a homely restaurant without any showy splendor. Tiffin items like Idli, Upma, pongal , Pesarattu with Upma and Dosa are staple menu all prepared in a traditional manner and served in plates with banana leaves.The steaming cups of coffee in steel glasses with tumblers remind us the traditional way of serving coffee. At the reception counter also we do not find any computer. The manager just writes the bill on a slip and hands it over with a friendly smile.

 After Babai’s demise in 1985, his nephew Valiveti Narasimha Rao became the proprietor. In 2007 the building of the hotel was renovated with addition of two upper floors accommodating twenty five people on each floor. The working hours are from 7.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m and from 6.00 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. Only tiffins are available here. This hotel is looked upon as a heritage hotel with a long history of serving great people for the last seventy five years. Don’t miss the chance of going to this place if you go to Vijayawada.

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22nd January, 2018                                                  Somaseshu Gutala

About my stay at Hotel Southern Grand, Vijayawada

Deluxe Room

Conference Room

Add caption

       

Restaurant

         

     

  The Southern Grand group of hotels is an associate of the well-known Southern travels Private Ltd, Which arranges travels and tourism within and outside our country. Apart from Delhi and Jaipur, it has set up a hotel with 37 rooms spread over three floors in Gandhinagar, Vijayawada in 2012. We selected this hotel as it is located in the heart of the city and is very near to tourist sites and temples like Durga Temple, Bhavani Island, Undavalli caves, Rajiv Gandhi Park and Prakasam Barrage. Hotel Southern Grand is just o.5 km from Railway station, one k.m from the Main Bus stand and 19 kms from Gannavaram airport. It is a 3-star hotel with deluxe, Executive deluxe and Royal Southern types of rooms.

The room tariffs vary from 2,800/ to 4,500/- depending on the type of room selected by us. The room is spacious with all modern facilities like wifi, cable T.V. A.C. tea/coffee maker, mineral water, mini-fridge, storage space, laundry service, electronic locker, and study table and bathroom toiletries. Complimentary pick up and drop are arranged from Airport/Railway Station/ Bus Stand on advance information. But as we booked rooms through booking.com site we were not provided this facility. Complimentary breakfast is also given to customers at 8.00 a.m. As we were three persons we were given one spare bed beside the cots. The hotel authorities kindly permitted us to stay for four hours beyond check out time (12.00 noon) by charging a nominal amount.  On the first floor there is an air-conditioned banquet hall available on rent with a seating capacity of 200 persons for organizing conferences, parties and functions. 

There is Arya Bhavan restaurant on the ground floor where you can have pure vegetarian items of both South Indian and North Indian types. Though there is parking space, the room provided for drivers is not neatly maintained. The room service is quite pathetic as soaps, towels and mug were given only after we asked for them. Housekeeping staff should pay more attention to clean maintenance of the rooms. Pamphlets giving information about neighboring tourist places and temples may be provided. Tea /coffee may be provided at 6.30 a.m. in the morning along with complimentary newspaper. One finds quite cosy and comfortable stay in this hotel which has all facilities and is quite near all tourist places.

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20th January,2018                                                        Somaseshu Gutala