Sarvamangala

KnowAP.com takes you through a magical journey across the weaving and craft centres of India. The writer of this column, Sarvamangala, has been associated with handlooms and handicrafts for 14 years. She has started and run, very successfully, a retail store in Secunderabad dealing with ethnic handlooms and ecofriendly craft/toys. She has her own outlet now....Anagha, in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad..

The business woman turned writer was earlier an airhostess with Indian Airlines. "I got into business and into handlooms by default", she says. I have an Air Force background and had no clue of how to run a business.But having got into it. she gave it her all.

She has travelled to the major weaving centres of Andhra Pradesh and other States of India and interacted with master weavers understanding the method of weaving from them and giving them colour and design inputs in return. Handlooms soon became a passion with her. "I realised the variety and scope of Indian handlooms after I got into it. The designs and combinations that can be made are endless and mind boggling...leaving one spellbound", she says. For instance, who could have thought that Kalamkari paintings could be appliqued on to sarees? or the traditional Lucknowi chikankari work done on Maheshwari sarees? or block prints on Kanjeevaram silks? or Jute infused into Tussar Silk sarees?

Read about all these and more in the forthcoming months in "Weaves and Crafts of India".

Meenakshi and Nataraja Temple

Thursday, 24 February 2011 17:36 Sarvamangala

Tamil Nadu is a land blessed with temples. Continuing the journey of these temples from the last month, here are some more famous temples of Tamil Nadu.

MEENAKSHI TEMPLE
Location: Madurai
Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in the holy city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Parvati who is known as Meenakshi and her consort Lord Shiva, who is known here as Sundareshwarar or Beautiful Lord.

The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500-year-old city and is situated in the heart of Madurai covering an area of 17 acres, with the entire city being built around it. The complex houses 14 magnificent gopurams or towers including two golden gopurams for the main deities that are elaborately sculptured and painted. High walls enclose the temple complex and there are two sanctums of Sundareshwarar and Meenakshi in the center of the complex which are surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and grand pillared halls.

The towers rise from solid granite bases and are adorned with stucco figures of the deities, mythical animals and grotesque figures painted in bright colours. The tallest temple tower is 51.9 metres (170 ft) high. The temple has five entrances and covers an area of 847 feet (254.1 meters) in length and 792 feet (237.6 meters) in width in the North South direction. The circumference of the Adi Veedhi, which is the path within the great walls, is 830 feet (249 meters) on the east west end and measures 730 feet (219 meters) from North South direction.

The temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya and was converted into a magnificent structure by the Nayaks, who ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century AD. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature.

According to local legends, Malayadwaja Pandya was the king of Madurai. He did not have any child for a long time so he performed many yagnas and sacrifices before a sacred fire. During one of the sacrifices, a three-year-old girl came out of the fire and Malayadwaja adopted her. The girl had three breasts, which was the reason of worry for Malayadwaja. However, a divine voice gave assurance to him that the third breast would disappear as soon as she met her consort. The girl became a brave and beautiful princess and won many battles. She finally lost her heart to Lord Shiva, when she met him on the battlefield in Kailash. Her third breast disappeared as soon as she saw him and she recognized her divine consort. They ruled over the Pandya kingdom for some time and then settled in the Meenakshi temple at Madurai as Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar.

Pottramaraikulam (golden lotus tank) is an ancient tank of the temple where devotees take bath in the holy water. The area around this tank was the meeting place of the Tamil Sangam - the ancient academy of poets. The history of the sangam goes back to the days when Gods dallied with men. This academy judged the worth of any work of literature presented before it by throwing it into the tank. Only those that did not sink were considered worthy of attention. The tank is surrounded by a pillared corridor and steps lead down to the tank, enabling worshippers to take bath in it.

NATARAJA TEMPLE
Location: Chidambaram
The Nataraja or Chidambaram Natarajar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, 78 km south of Pondicherry and 60 km north of Karaikal in Cuddalore District, the east-central part of Tamil Nadu. The Sangam classics refer to Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan, respected clan of traditional Vishwakarmas, as being the chief architect of the temple renovation. There have been several renovations in its history, particularly during the days of Chola emperors in ancient and pre-medieval periods.

In Hindu literature, Chidambaram is one of the five holiest Shiva temples, each representing one of the five natural elements; Chidambaram represents akasha (aether/space). The other four temples in this category are; Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire) and Kalahasti Nathar (wind).

A unique feature of this temple is the bejewelled image of Nataraja. It depicts Lord Shiva as the Lord of the Dance, Bharatanatyam and is one of the few temples where Shiva is represented by an anthropomorphic murthi rather than the classic lingam. The Nataraja (in an Ananda Tandava posture) symbolises the motion of the universe as sustained by Lord Shiva, and is famous all over the world as the absolute synthesis in metal art.

This celestial dancing posture tells us how a Bharatanatyam dancer should dance; the demon under Nataraja’s feet signifies that ignorance is under his feet, the fire in one hand (power of destruction) means destroyer of evil, the raised hand signifies that he is the saviour of all life, the ring at the back signifies the cosmos and the drum in his hand signifies the origin of life. The pillars in the eastern tower of the temple depict Lord Nataraja in 108 different poses of the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam.

The temple has a striking roof covered with gold and has five courts. The temple complex spread over 40 acres is dedicated to both Lord Shiva Nataraja and Lord Govindaraja Perumal, one of the few temples where both the Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities are enshrined in one place.

Of the numerous temples that line Tamil Nadu, the Nataraja Temple is one of the most significant ones and is an example of the Chola architecture. In terms of its antiquity, richness in terms of worship and festival traditions, in architectural and sculptural splendour, in its association with music and dance, it is a centre, second to none in representing the rich cultural heritage of India.

The Natyanjali Festival conducted here is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated every year during the months of February - March and continues for five days within the temple premises. It begins on the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri.

The origin of the temple is shrouded in mystery and there are many legends associated with it. The legend of Adi Shesha has it that, aroused with an irrepressible desire to witness Shiva’s dance in person at Chidambaram, Seshan descended to the earth as Patanjali. There is yet another legend associated which commemorates the dance duel between Shiva and Kali. This legend has been portrayed in the Nritta Sabha, one of the halls within the temple.

Month: January 2011.

Trip to Tiruvotriyur Temple

Tuesday, 30 November 2010 17:40 Sarvamangala P

This month our sojourn of temples down South will take us to the land of Tamil Nadu. There are numerous temples in Tamil Nadu and all of them are easily accessible and well connected.

TIRUVOTRIYUR TEMPLE
The main shrine is known as Adipureeswarar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva; it is a lingam made of earth and covered with a kavacham. This kavacham is opened only on the day of Karthikai or full moon. This ancient temple, which is in northern Chennai, was built during the Chola period and was a Vedic centre during that time. The Chola kings who were reining the Thondainadu (old name of this place) patronized the worship of Shiva. King Rajendra Chola rebuilt the central shrine of Adipureeswarar and erected a vimanam with black stone. Great Saivite saints Pattinathar, Ramalinga Adigalar, Appar, Sambandar had visited this temple and sung the glory of the Lord.

There is also one Tripata Trimurthy shrine which combines Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma; which shows that Vishnu and Brahma are engaged in the worship of Shiva. A separate shrine for Vadivudaiyammai is also there, which attracts large crowds during the month of Aadi on Tuesdays and Fridays. There are separate shrines for other deities like Ganapathy, Subramanya etc. You can also see the images of the 63 Saivite saints inscribed around the main shrine of Adipureeswarar.

The temple architecture is superb and is one of the three important Shivasthalams (places where Lord Shiva is worshipped) other than Thiruvanmiyur (Marundeeswarar) and Thirumayilai (Kapaleeswarar). This temple is associated greatly with dance of the Lord which is widely known as ‘Sundaranatanam’ which means dance of Sundarar (another name of Lord Shiva). The most impressive thing in the temple is its Rajagopuram and mandapams. The temple is situated in a vast compound and the inscriptions on the pillars of the mandapams are that of the 12th Century.

Festivals in this temple are celebrated with great significance and are related to the dance of Thyagaraja. The Saivite saint Sundarar’s association with this temple is also celebrated with great reverence.

THIRUVANMIYUR TEMPLE
This old temple is situated in Thiruvanmiyur on the road to Mamallapuram. It was built in the 11th Century by the Cholas. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Marundeeswarar (Lord Shiva). It is said that the author of Ramayana, Valmiki worshipped here. The name is due to his association. ‘Valmikiyur’ in due course became ‘Vanmikiyur’ and finally ‘Vanmiyur’. A shrine dedicated to Valmiki and Pamban Swamigal Samadhi is also found near this shrine.

A few decades ago, the Marundeeswarar temple at Tiruvanmiyur used to be virtually deserted. Today, it has been colourfully painted up and receives a steady crowd. The name of the temple tells the story. Lord Shiva is said to have given relief from health problems to the sage Agastya, the Sun God and the Moon God here. While Agastya was suffering from a stomach ache after he had vatapi, the Sun and Moon were suffering from a terrible disease because of ‘gurupatni dosham’. It was Agastya who named the deity as ‘Aushadeeswarar’, the Tamil translation of which is ‘Marundeeswarar’.

The Sun and the Moon, it is said, perform puja at this temple every evening. The deity faces west as the Sun does the honours at sunset time. Unlike other Shiva temples, this temple does not have a shrine to the Navagrahas because the Sun and Moon are in prayer mode here.

The main ‘lingam’ is described as Swayambu. He is also called ‘Palvannanathan’ because Kamadhenu, the divine cow, used to shower him with milk constantly. There is a small pit on the ‘head’ of the deity which legend says is the mark of Kamadhenu’s hoof. The ‘devi’ here is Thiruppurasundari.

There is an architectural peculiarity in this temple. Part of it has been built in the Chola style of architecture and part of it in the Pallava style. The Kumbabhishekam after renovation was conducted in 1995. Those who visit this temple sincerely believe, as do the priests, that the mixture of sacred ash, milk and water offered at the temple and consumed thereafter can cure any ailment.

THIRUPORUR TEMPLE
This temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga and is situated about 40 km south of Chennai. The Thiruporur temple is located at a place named Thiruporur which is believed to be the place where Tarakasuran was vanquished by Lord Subrahmanya. Soora Samharam, the defeat and salvation to the demon Soorapadman, is an important festival of this temple. It was built by Chidambara Swamigal in the mid-17th Century. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shanmuga and there is a shrine of Devayani inside the temple courtyard. A tank lies on the southern side of the temple and is known as Vallayaar Odai or Shanmuga Theertham.

There are two chakras (wheel) in the temple which were installed by Swamigal. The first chakra known as ‘Srichakra’ is on the left hand of Lord Shanmuga and the second chakra, which is known as ‘Theertha-chakra’ is present in the sanctum sanctorum.
The five smaller shrines located in the temple are of Vinayaka; Lord Muruga with abhaya and varada-hasta; Lord Muruga where he resides with his staff varada-hasta and dhandayudha; Subrahmanya with kamandalu and rosary in hands; and Goddess Durga.

The presiding deity, Lord Shanmuga, is also known as Kandaswamy. There are beautiful stone inscriptions inside and it is believed that the Chola kings used to worship the deity of this temple. The shrine of Devayani has the image of Arcot Nawab inscribed on it.

The stone idol of Lord Shanmuga faces the eastern side and is beautifully adorned with ornaments. An important thing in this temple is that only a particular priest has the right to change the cloth of Lord Shanmuga and put the silver shield on him. A smaller deity is also present near the main idol, which is known as ‘chinnavar’ or younger.

Month: December 2010.

Travelling to Ahobilam Temple and the Alampur Navabrahma Temples

Wednesday, 03 November 2010 10:52 Sarvamangala P

This time we travel to two of the popular temples in Andhra Pradesh - the Ahobilam Temple and the Alampur Navabrahma Temples.

AHOBILAM TEMPLE
Location: Nallamalai Ranges.
Deity: Lord Narasimha Swami

The Ahobilam is a famous temple of South India. It is situated in the Nallamalai ranges near Nandyal Railway Station in Andhra Pradesh. The Nallamalai ranges are to the south of river Krishna, down to Tirupati and are called Sesha Parvatha. Sesha is the name of the king of serpents. The hood of the sesha is at Tirupati, the tail at Srisailam and the middle is situated at Ahobilam. Nallamalai at the tail is called Sringiri, the middle is called Vedagiri and Garudagiri is referred to as at the hood.

The shrine of the Ahobilam temple is situated on the top of the first range and is referred to as Upper Ahobilam and down below is called Lower Ahobilam. A huge temple surrounded by a number of buildings can be seen at Upper Ahobilam; the main shrine here was carved out of a big egg like rock with mandapams.

There is a Lower Ahobilam below with a big temple and enclosures. It was built according to the South Indian style. Pilgrims can stay here in this temple. The priests of both Upper and Lower Ahobilam stay there even today. A number of costly and different types of vahanas for processional purposes are found in Lower Ahobilam. Recently, many pillared halls were added at the Lower Ahobilam.

The inscriptions available at the Ahobilam temple indicate that King Vikramaditya VI of the Western Chalukya line of Kalyani worshipped Malola Narasimha of this temple. The utsava murthi of the temple is made of gold and it is said that it was installed by the famous Kakatiya King, Prataparudra. Now, the great spiritual Jiyars of Ahobilam Matha worship it. It is said that while returning from Srisailam, Prataparudra stopped at Ahobilam and had placed the idol at a place called Rudravaram near the village. King Krishnadeva Raya of the Vijayanagar dynasty is also said to have visited the Ahobilam temple on his victory of Kalinga. He is also said to have made offerings of a diamond necklace, wristlet, a gold plate and gold coins here.

It is believed that the presiding deity, Lord Narasimha, here had a romance with a Chenchu girl, who is locally called Chenchu Lakshmi. During the annual festival here, the romance and the marriage are celebrated in a dramatic way. Ahobilam is one of the ancient Vaishnava shrines of India and it has a matha at Srirangam. The idol of the presiding deity Lord Narasimha is shown in a sitting posture with jatagata or matted hair. This is the unique posture of Vishnu and can only be seen here.

NAVABRAHMA TEMPLES
Location: Alampur.

Situated on the left bank of the Tungabhadra River in Alampur, Nava Brahma is a temple complex of nine shrines dating back to the 7th Century. Nava Brahma temples include Taraka Brahma, Swarga Brahma, Padma Brahma, Bala Brahma, Garuda Brahma, Kumara Brahma, Arka Brahma, Veera Brahma and Viswa Brahma. Built by the Badami Chalukyas, these temples are enclosed in a courtyard and depict various manifestations of the Lord.

The principal shrine in the temple complex is the Bala Brahma temple, which dates back to 702 C.E. Taraka Brahma temple bears inscriptions dating back to the 6th - 7th Century. Swarga Brahma temple with its imposing tower testifies the quality of Chalukyan architecture and sculpture. Padma Brahma temple enshrines a Shiva linga of clear stone with a mirror-like finish. Viswa Brahma temple is noted for its sculptural work depicting scenes from the epic.

A little more in detail about the Nava Brahma shrines are:
Bala Brahma: Bala Brahma is the main temple where the priest conducts rituals and daily worship. It indicates the evolution of the temple, with most of its sculptures lost due to vandalism. There are some minor statues of deities around the central shrine. As the name indicates, it is a temple dedicated to the Lord as a child. There is sufficient ventilation in this temple. The temple contains a pillared hall with three openings. On the ceiling of the temple various postures of Shiva are engraved.

Garuda Brahma: The name indicates the Eagle or Kite. It is named thus because a Garuda is shown carrying Lord Vishnu on the lintel.

Swarga Brahma: This indicates paradise. It is one of the finest pieces of architecture. It has an abundance of sculptures portraying various postures of couples (tending towards romance).

Padma Brahma: This temple has the biggest sanctum sanctorum. The Shiva linga is erected with highly polished black granite (one can literally see their reflection in it). The temple is partly in ruins now.

Taraka Brahma: It is built on a raised platform with a square sanctum. The Shiva linga is missing here.

Arka Brahma: This is a small temple. The gopuram and kalasa are missing.

Kumara Brahma: This temple is close to the main shrine and is fully endowed with sculptures on the façade, which is a delight and epitome of perfection. This is one of the oldest structures and has retained all its original glory.

Veera Brahma: Currently it is a partially damaged temple.

Vishwa Brahma: This is considered to be one of the artistic temples. It has reference to Vishwakarma or the Lord of the Universe. The sculptures etched here are in excellent condition.

Most of the temples have a pyramid type of dome with a circular kalasa on top to complete the edifice. The plan of the sanctum mostly consists of one enclosure where the Shiva linga is located. Originally the temple complex was located inside a fort, which is in a dilapidated state. The fort seems to have been destroyed by the invading armies and local residents who have used the stones for construction of their residences.

The carvings on the temple premises relate to Nataraja, Paravathi, Ugra Narashimha, and scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Lord Kartikeya, Chaturmukha, Nandi, Naga slabs, dancers, drummers and elephants.

Month: December 2010.

Road to Annavaram and Kanaka Durga

Tuesday, 19 October 2010 19:36 Sarvamangala P

This time we will take the road that leads to two of the most popular temples in Andhra Pradesh; the Satyanarayana Swami temple at Annavaram and the Kanaka Durga temple at Vijayawada.

ANNAVARAM
Location: Annavaram, East Godavari
Deity: Annavaram Satyanarayana Swami

This temple is dedicated to Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swami and is built atop the Ratnagiri hill. The temple is of recent origin and resembles a chariot. From the foot of the hill there is a path laid out in stone steps. There is no Sthalamahatmyam (epigraphic record) in the temple and the temple has its own choultries. The river Pampa is considered sacred and runs close to the temple. Devotees bath here and then go to the temple since the temple has no tank of its own. There is also a pathasala (school) for students. The Satyanaravana Vratham is dedicated to Vishnu Sahasranamam, which has to be performed on the Bhishma Ekadashi day at Annavaram.

There is a yantra here based on the Tripad Vibhuti Narayana Upanishad, and is a part of the Devarshi Sakha of Atharvaveda. The shrine is constructed in two stories, the lower one contains the yantra and the upper one contains the vigrahas of the Lord. The garba griha has four entrances. The center is like a panavattam under the Shivalinga, three peethas are constructed here and on top is the chiselled Beejakshara Samputi of the yantra. At the apex there is a monolith pillar and on top is the idol of the Lord with the goddess to the right and Shivalinga to the left. The idols are exquisite and covered in gold.

On the ground floor of the sanctum are the idols of Aditya, Ambika, Gananatha and Maheswara at the four corners with the Lord in the centre forming the Vishnu Panchayatanas. The main temple is constructed like a chariot with the four wheels. In the front of the main temple is the kalyana mantapa decorated in modern style. There are other shrines dedicated to Ramalaya, Vana Durga and Kanaka Durga. Goddess Vana Durga is said to be seen here every night going around the temple, guarding the Lord. The temple is built according to shilpa shastra and reminds one of the Prakriti (universe). The chariot acts as a symbol of the saatloks (seven worlds) underneath, and the seven above, with the sanctum at the heart ruling the universe. The wheels depict the Sun and the Moon. Thrikala archana is performed every day, to the yantra as well as the idols. Salagramas and Sri Chakram in crystal are worshipped along with the idols.

There is an interesting legend about the discovery of the idol. According to the legend, the Lord revealed himself in a dream to a person, wherein he told where his vigraha was abandoned on a hill without worship; and that the local people must consecrate again. The local people discovered the idol at the foot of a tree, worship was offered and the idol was installed at the present spot. The idol was discovered a little to the northeast of the main temple.

There are many festivals held in this temple including Kalyanam, Devi Navaratri in September, the Swayamvara Vardhanti of Sravana Sudda Ekadashi Day, Srirama Kalyana, the Kanakadurga Yatra, the Prabha Utsavam, the Teppa Utsavam and the Jalatoranam.

KANAKA DURGA
Location: Vijayawada
Deity: Kanaka Durga

The temple is located on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity Kanaka Durga is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested, 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 Shiva and Sakti are enacted around this place. The temple was constructed during the Regime of Moghal rulers. According to Sthalapuranam, Moghal Ruler Thanisha with the assistance of his Ministers Akkanna and Madanna managed the temple with head quarters at Kondapalli.

At the temple, the enchanting 4-foot-high (1.2 m) icon of the deity is bedecked in glittering ornaments and bright flowers. She is shown with eight arms, each holding a powerful weapon, in a standing posture over the demon Mahishasura and piercing him with her trident. The goddess is the epitome of beauty.

According to legend, Mahishasura earned the favour of Lord Shiva after a long and 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 people and killed them mercilessly. 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 Mahishasura. Pure energy was used to form Goddess Durga.

Kanaka Durga is specially decorated as Balatripura Sundari, Gayathri, Annapoorna, Mahalakshmi, Saraswathi, Lalitha Tripura Sundari, Durga Devi, Mahissura Mardini and Raja Rajeswari Devi on each day of the Narvarathri festival. The chief deity of the temple is portrayed as blessing the visiting devotees in various forms (avatars) during the ten-day festival. A symbolic representation of the 10 forms of triumph of good over evil is depicted. This form (known as ‘Alankaram’) of the day is chosen as per the astrological star of each day, in accordance with the lunar calendar. On Vijaya Dasami day, the deity is taken in a swan-shaped boat around the Krishna River, popularly known as ‘Theppotsavam’.

Though a ghat road is there, most of the pilgrims prefer to climb the steps leading to the temple, which is an arduous task for women and children. Some devotees climb the hill, decorating the steps with turmeric powder and vermilion to redeem their pledge of Metla Pooja.

Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakiladri. By ascending the steps on the hill, one comes across little images of different deities; prominent among them are Kali, Shiva, and Krishna.

Month: November 2010.

Sojourn to Bhadrachalam and Arasavalli

Friday, 03 September 2010 17:29 Sarvamangala P

This month our pilgrim sojourn will be Bhadrachalam and Arasavalli; the former being the centuries-old Lord Rama temple and the latter being Lord Surya’s.

BHADRACHALAM
Location: Bhadrachalam, near Khammam.
Diety: Lord Rama.
This ancient shrine, which is a Rama temple, is built on a hill, accessed by a flight of steps. This temple is vast in size. The vimana and the mandapams are of fine craftsmanship. This temple is associated with Bhadrachalam Ramadas, an ardent devotee of Rama. Lord Rama is said to have given Ramachandra darshan and liberated his soul. That is why it is called Bhadrachalam in the memory of the Saint Bhadra. The temple underwent renovation in the 17th century. Valmiki had sung the story of Sri Ramachandra here. The spot where the temple stands was where Lord Rama lived before Ravana carried Sita away.

The temple has beautiful pieces of sculpture that captivates the attention with their sheer beauty and excellence of workmanship. Sri Rama is shown here as handsome, well-built, holding the bow and arrow and standing in the Tribhanga pose. Sita stands close to him, also in Tribhanga pose, with a lotus in one hand and the other hand in the katyavalambita posture. The temple was consecrated by Manushya Pratishtha. According to local legends the temple finds its first mention with a Bairagi or mendicant who came from Ayodhya. He resided on a small hillock overlooking the mighty Godavari. Here he carved out an image of Sri Rama and built a small temple. Ramadas was a Taluk official who was sent here to collect the revenues for his masters. He collected the revenues, but instead of remitting them to his masters, he thought that the money could be better used for constructing a temple for Sri Rama, and hence spent all the money for enlarging the small temple. He was found guilty of embezzlement and was sentenced to prison by Tana Shah for 12 years. Lord Rama, pleased with his devotee, chose to appear before the Qutub Shahi ruler, in the form of Gopanna and paid up all the money. The king freed Saint Ramadas and he was also allowed to mint gold coins, popularly known as Ramatangi. Legends also say that an unlettered woman Dammakka lived in a hamlet near the hill. She saw a vision of the images of Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana lying in an unfrequented spot on the hill. Next day, she climbed the hill and discovered the idols on the very spot she had dreamt. Dammakka is said to have built a small mandapa to house these idols. Ramadas expanded the temple and constructed mandapas and gopuras for conducting several festivals for the Lord, particularly Sri Ramanavami which is celebrated on a grand scale here.

It was at Bhadrachalam that Sri Rama lost Sita and it was here that he manifested himself to save his devotee Ramadas. During Sri Ramanavami endless streams of pilgrims do the famous Bhadrachalam Yatra.

ARASAVALLI
Location: Arasavalli, Srikakulam district.
Diety: The Sun God.
The Sun temple in Andhra Pradesh is a very ancient temple and it is dedicated to the God Suryanarayana. According to the legends, it was established by Indra, the Lord of the Devas. Legend says that Indra the king of Gods attempted to force his entry into the temple of Koteeshwara - Shiva and was thrown away by the gatekeeper Nandi. Repentful of his arrogance in attempting to force his entry, Indra enshrined Surya the Sun God in a temple and performed worship services, at Arasavalli.
This temple is located in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. Surya is worshipped by chanting mantras and following many rituals. But, there are very few temples in India for this deity. The Sun temple of Konark in Orissa is the most well-known temple for this deity, which was built in the 13th century AD. The other is situated at Modhera in Gujarat, which was built in 1025 AD. But, hardly anybody knows about this Sun temple in Andhra Pradesh.

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

All these figures are exquisitely carved out of a single black granite stone. A unique style was followed while building this Sun temple. It was constructed in such a way that the rays of the sun in the early morning fall on the feet of the deity twice a year, in February and in June. The rays fall on the feet for a few minutes even though the five entrance gates of the temple remain closed.

The antiquity of the Sun temple of Andhra Pradesh can be traced from the epigraphical evidences. It is known from the inscriptions of the eastern Kalinga dynasty that the sons of Narayana Bhatti called Aditya Vishnu Sarman and Bhanu Sarman were devotees of Lord Surya at Arasavalli Sun temple.

The temple was not repaired for centuries; till it was reconstructed in 1778 AD by a person called Yelamanchili Pullaji Panthulu. During the annual Suryajayanti festival on every Ratha Saptami, thousands of people visit Arasavalli. The third Sunday of the Vaisakha month is regarded to be very propitious to worship the presiding deity of Sun temple at Arasavalli.

The original name Harshavalli means abode of joy. People suffering with eye and skin diseases are believed to be cured by the God at this temple. It is also believed that the temple was built in the 7th century AD by the Kalinga rulers Devendra Varma of Orissa.

This temple is a testimonial for the architectural skills of Vishwakarma Brahmin sculptors. It is believed that the Orissa Vishwakarma Brahmin sculptors, also called as Maharanas, planned the architecture and sculpted this engineering masterpiece. The five idols installed in one place in the temple viz., Aditya, Ambica, Vishnu, Ganesha and Maheswara are worshiped by different devotees.