Bhavanarayana Temple, Sarpavaram
| Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple | |
|---|---|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Kakinada district |
| Deity | Lord Bhavanarayana (Vishnu) |
| Festivals | Ugadi, Vaisakha Sudha Ekadasi, Karthika Pournami, Ratha Saptami |
| Location | |
| Location | Sarpavaram, Kakinada |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Country | India |
.svg)  Location in Andhra Pradesh | |
| Geographic coordinates | 16°57′N 82°15′E / 16.950°N 82.250°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | South Indian |
| Completed | Ancient period |
| Inscriptions | Eastern Chalukyas, Kulottunga I, Reddi Kingdom |
Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple is a historic Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated in Sarpavaram, approximately 5 km from Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, India.[1] The temple is renowned for its mythological significance, intricate architecture, and historical inscriptions dating back to various dynasties.[2] It is recognized as one of the State Protected Monuments by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Andhra Pradesh.[3]
History and architecture
[edit]The temple is an important site among the 108 Vaishnava temples and features inscriptions of the Eastern Chalukyan kings, Chola King Kulottunga, and Katayavema Reddy of the Reddi Kingdom.[2][4][5] Evidence suggests that the temple was repaired and rebuilt through successive ages by many kings. The structure exemplifies a blend of Chalukyan and Chola architectural styles, known for their red stone masonry and intricate carvings.[2]
Building of Stambha Mandapa (Navaranga) and Sukhansi along with Garbhagruha was a contribution of Chalukyas. The temple's gopura (tower) is decorated with depictions of various deities and mythological scenes. The pillars and mandapa (hall) showcase detailed artistry, including images of dwarapalakas (gatekeepers) Jaya and Vijaya.[2]
The Bhavanarayana Temple is referenced in 15th-century literary works by the poet Srinatha, including Kasikhandamu and Bhimeswara Puranam.[6]
Mythological significance
[edit]The origins of the temple are rooted the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. The great sage Agastya narrated the tale of Sarpavaram to other sages in the Nymisha forest. According to the legend, Sage Kasyapa's wife, Kadru, gave birth to a thousand serpent sons. When Kadru's trick to deceive her co-wife Vinata failed due to her sons' disobedience, she cursed them to perish in King Janamejaya's serpent sacrifice. Ananta, one of Kadru's pious sons, chose to perform penance at Sarpavaram to seek Lord Vishnu's protection. Lord Vishnu, pleased with Ananta's devotion, appeared and declared that the place would be named "Sarpapura" in his honour, promising that He and His consort Lakshmi would reside there and would be consecrated there by sage Narada.[1]
Deities
[edit]The Bhavanarayana Temple is dedicated to its main deity, Lord Bhavanarayana Swamy, who is worshipped alongside his consort, Sri Rajyalakshmi Devi. Within the Paatala Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple, the deity is depicted seated on Garuda. Opposite to the main shrine, Rajyalakshmi Devi has her own dedicated space. The temple also houses a shrine for Manavala Mahamuni near the main deity.[6]
The temple complex includes additional shrines dedicated to Garudadeva and Lord Hanuman.[7]
Festivals
[edit]The temple celebrates several key festivals:[1]
- Ugadi (March/April)
- Vaisakha Sudha Ekadasi (May)
- Jyeshta Sudha Ekadasi (June)
- Karthika Pournami and Ekadasi (November)
- Ratha Saptami (February)
Condition and restoration efforts
[edit]Despite its historical and religious importance, the temple is currently in a deteriorating state. Cracks on pillars and rainwater seepage have raised concerns about structural safety. Local devotees and spiritual leaders, including Chaganti Koteswara Rao and Garikapati Narasimha Rao, have called for government intervention to preserve this ancient temple.[2]
Significance
[edit]The temple is considered one of the holiest sites, visited by saints like Agastya and Vyasa. It holds the promise of divine blessings and salvation for devotees who worship here or reside nearby. The location has been esteemed as a sacred Punya Kshetra since ancient times, with royal patronage from the Rajas of Pithapuram supporting grand festivities.[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple, Sarpavaram". East Godavari District Web Portal. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Kakinada: Ancient temple in Sarpavaram in pitiable condition". The Hans India. 10 August 2022. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ "Protected Monuments in Andhra Pradesh". Archaeological Survey of India. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ Suryakumari, A. (1982). The Temple in Andhradesa. Sarvodaya Ilakkiya Pannai.
- ^ South Indian Inscriptions (in Telugu). Superintendent, Government Press. 1986.
- ^ a b "నారదుడి కోసం వెలసిన భావనారాయణుడు". Eenadu (in Telugu). 12 January 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ "Bhavanarayana Temple - where Ananta became Vishnu's bed". Tirtha Yatra. 21 January 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
