Temples around Rajamundry

Tour of Rajahmundry:

   Having found the trips to Srikakulam and Srikalahasthi interesting, it was time for me to visit Rajahmundry, another sacred place located on the banks of Godavari river in Andrapradesh. The fertile lands, loving people and the last mile connectivity by share autos ensure the trip is always enjoyable.

                The train left Chennai at 21.10hrs and reached Rajahmundry at around 7.45 am. Even though lodges are available, we preferred to stay in railway retiring room. The room tariff is reasonable and is split into 12 hour slots from 6am. The room was spacious and also kept clean and hot water was available in the morning.  After a hot water bath and food at the railway canteen , it was time to move on. The places around Rajahmundry  was captured in the map:

   The trip was decided into two parts.  (northern side and east : Rajahmundry – Samalkot-Pithapuram- Annavaram- Draksharamam- Kotipalli and return to Rajamundry: First day   and Rajamundry-  Bhimaramam – Palakollu- Rajamundry and local temples and Kovvur on second day). The heartening fact was that the entire area was fertile, water bodies were well protected and was flush with water making the journey enjoyable.

First day: On the railway route towards Vishakapatnam, we have samalkot and Annavaram. We decided to go to Annavaram(88 kms from Rajahmundry)  first as we wanted to cover as much distance as possible by train. We could board the train at Rajamundry by 10 am and the train reached Annavaram by 11.30. The  temple is well connected by bus and share autos from railway station.

Annavaram:
This place is considered the second Thirupathy of Andrapradesh. The presiding deity is Lord Venkata Satyanarayana swami and Goddess Ananthalakshmi Satyavathi Ammavaru.
This place is situated on the Calcutta - Chennai train route between vishakapattinam and Rajamundry.
Buses are available from Annavaram railway station to the temple. The temple is 2 miles away from railway station. Buses from kakinada, Rajahmundry and Yeleswaram to Tuni pass through Annavaram. River pampa flows close to the temple.
  The temple is situated on a hill called Ratnagiri. The hill has 250 steps. The temple is of recent origin.
There is a yantra based on Tripad Vibhuthi Narayana Upanisad, which is part of Devarshi Saka of Atharva vedha. Temple is in two stories, the lower one containing the yantra and the upper one containing Vigrahas. There are separate queues for free dharshan and paid dharshan. The temple is well maintained. Free meal is served to all devotees and all basic amenities are also provided.

                  If possible one can start a bit early from Rajamundry and can visit Samalkot first and have dharshan of Lord Shiva and then go to Pithapuram and from there proceed to Annavaram. Whereas Annavaram temple is open throughout the day, Samalkot and Pithapuram temples are closed by 12.30pm. Buses are available from Pithapuram to Annavaram  which is around 40kms away. 

 Pithapuram:

We returned by Bus to Pithapuram from Annavaram by bus. Pithapuram temple is considered as Pathagaya.  There is a temple pond in which the idol of Gayasura is kept in a mandap. The board near the mandap says that when the Gayasura was killed, his head fell in Gaya of Bihar( Sirogaya), Nabi fell in Jijjapur in Orissa ( Nabigaya) and legs fell in Pithapuram (Pathagaya). All these temples are Sakthipeetams.  A visit to this place will give mukthi to all the ancestors and will remove all sins, will give all boons and remove all sorrows. Lord Shiva resembles Cock in the form of Linga and is known as Kukkudeswarar.  Buses and share autos are available from this place to Samalkot. Samalkot is one of Pancharama Shetras(somaramam) (the  others being Bhimavaram ( Bhimaramam), Pallakollu (sheraramam) , Kotipalli (Kurmaramam) and Amaravathi (Amararamam).

This town is a medium town and hotels (for taking food) available.

Draksharamam:

Draksharamam is located to the south east of Pithapuram and is an an hour and a half journey away  by bus. Even though direct buses are available, it is better to reach Kakinada from Pithapuram and then take another bus to Draksharamam or Kotiapalli.  One can also visit Kotipalli (More about Kotipalli later) and then return to visit Draksharamam, which is about 7-8 kms from Kotipalli. Draksharamam temple has a big pond located in front of the temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of 20-25 feet high Linga.

There are many legends connected to this temple. ‘Daksha’ and “arama’ meaning Daksha garden became Draksharamam due to passage of time. It is at this place Daksha did yagna and did not invite Lord shiva and invited his wrath. Ultimately Veerabadra, who was created from the sweat of Lord Shiva killed Daksha here.  No yagna is done in this place till now in recognition of this.

Another legend says that the original linga broke into 5 pieces and fell at 5 different Aramas or places and are known as Pancha arama shetrams. The original Shiva lingam was erected and worshipped by Sun God. Saptha rishis, who in the form of seven branches of Godavari, also   worshipped here and hence this place is known as Saptha Godavari Thirtha.

The third legend says that the Shivalinga was originally a chaitya or stupa of a Buddhist temple and was later worshipped as Shiva. Krishna river basin has been a known seat of Buddhism.

Draksharamam is also known as Dakshinakasi. Vedavyasa is said to have founded this temple and the Ravi tree. Within this temple is a curious well, the mouth of which is in the shape of stung bow. It is called Rudra theertha  and the lingam at this gate is said to be making daily visit to Banaras. Near Eastern Gopuram, below Ravi and neem trees combined, is Sankaranarayana Swami, installed by Lord Ramachandra as Kshetrapala.

It is generally believed that a Divya Sthala becomes Punya Sthala only when Shiva temple has Vishnu installed and vice versa. Draksharamam is a Punya sthalam. Western Gopura has seven stories like Chola temples. Inside this temple architects have constructed a model temple exactly similar to the temple.

Once some Muslim saints were hungry and ate the temple bull. In the ensuring war or words, a Shiva linga was thrown in a pond and Lord Shiva responded to the prayers of the Muslim saints and came out of the pond. Muslims took over the Shiva mutt and constructed a mosque and is a sacred place for Muslims too.(like Nagore). The saint’s descendents are still living here.

Kotipalli:

Kotipalli is located on the banks of the river Godavari, where it joins the sea and is about 7-8 kilometers from Draksharamam. Lord Shiva is worshipped as “Someswara Swamy” and Goddess “Rajarajeswari  Ammavaru”. The temple is located on the banks of the river and holy bath is taken in river Godavari close to the temple, which is known as Koti theertham.  Whomsoever takes Holy bath at this theertha will get salvation immediately.

As per legend a family lived in Kalyanapura town in Kashmir. The father passed away. The mother, Durmadhani, who was lustful, was forced to leave the village and her son.  Her son Sumitra got educated with villagers’ bounty and then wandered and came to Somaprabha. He fell in love with Dumradhani without knowing that she is his mother. Next morning his body was full of Leprous sores and when he had a holy dip at Godavari, the sores disappeared. As this went on for some days, on the advice of Rishi Romasu, he came to know the antecedents of the lady with whom he was living. Both repented their  mistake, had a holy dip and prayed Someswara, also known as Koteeswara Sidda Janardhana,  and  were relieved of their impurities.

Rishi Romasu told them that Lord Moon once committed a heinous sin, and got relieved of his impurities by having a holy bath at the Kotitheertham here and by worshipping Siddhalingam. Lord   Moon then installed Someswaralinga to the south of Kotitheertham close to Siddalinga.

Lord Sudha once narrated that in Vamana Avathara, after sending King Mahabali to nether worlds, Lord came to Kotitheertham and continued his tapascharya. Kashyapa founded this temple in the name of Janardhana Siddeswara( giver of boons). Lord Indira also did tapas at Kotipalli after he was cursed by Gowthama rishi ( after Indira duped Gowthama’s wife Akalya), and got relieved of his sins.

Another legend says that King Sudhakara, fell in love with Gurupathni and was cursed. He also did penance here and got relieved of his sins. Eversince this place is also known as Somatheertham. However as per legend, the best time to have a holy dip is two hours before sunrise.

Rajamundry: Part II/ Day II:

On the morning of Day 2, we took the morning train from Rajahmundry to Bhimavaram (69 kms) , one of the pancharama shetrams. The train goes to Bhimavaram Junction and then on to Pallekollu and terminates at Narasapur. The passenger crossed Godhavari and chugged though lush green fields  and dropped at Bhimavaram at 10.30 am. The view of the Godhavari  river, having flowing water for a width of approximately one kilometer was heartening.

Bhimavaram:

Gunupudi Bheemavaram temple,  Soma Rama is considered as one of the Pancharama temples. The temple here is called Sri Someshwara Janardhana swamy. The face of Shiva lingam in this Pancharama temple is called Sadyojathamukha Swaroopam. The main contribution for temple construction was made by the King Chalukya Bheema during 4th century. The Shiva lingam is called someshwara as it is believed that this lingam has been installed by Lord Chandra. The colour of the linga is believed to change during full moon day and Amavasya. Over and above the Garbhalayam, Goddess Annapurna temple is situated, which is the speciality of this temple and cannot be seen anywhere else in India. This resembles the fact that Lord Shiva holds the Goddess Ganga on his head.

 In the center of the city, the temple of Rain Goddess (Varala Thalli) Maullamma is situated. As per the local people, this temple has got lot of power and by visiting there, all wishes come true. The statue is 8ft hight. Each Fridays special poojas are performed at this temple. Yearly grand celeberations are held during Maha Shivarathri festival.

After havind dharshan at these two temples, we reached Palakollu,20 kilometers away, (another  Shiva shetram), just before the temple closed. There are only two bridges to cross River Godavari  from Kakinada side, one at Yanam and the other near Ravulapalem. So, tourists have take either Yanam or Ravulapalem route.

Palakollu:
            

    This place is famous for Lord Shiva (Eshwara) temple which is considered as one of the Pancharama temples. The temple here is called Sri Kshira Rama Lingeshwara swamy. Palakollu is 20Kms from Bay of Bengal. The temple was constructed during Chalukya period by Chalukya Bheema. The construction took place during 9th century. Gosthani river flows through the town Palakollu . There is a belief that the Shiva lingam is installed by Lord Vishnu. People say that, staying one day in Kshirarama is equivalent to staying one year in Varanasi. Very good South Indian food is available in the town.

Rajahmundry:

Rajahmundry itself is full of temples and Snana ghats like Varanasi. The one at Ishwar ghat is located close to the town and is well connected. Besides the Ghat, there is a temple where one can worship.

There is a ghat on the southern side of Godhavari river called Kovvur. This place can be reached by share autos. A holy dip at the Ghat and an  abhishekam to the Lord Shiva and Nandi installed at the Ghat will be satisfying.

There is also a temple for Kotilingeswara swamy located on the banks of Godhavari river. This temple is quite old and is revered. On the way back from Kotlingeswara temple to Railway station, we find a temple for Lord Ayyappa, constructed similar to the shrine at Sabarimala. There is also an ISKCON temple which is worth worshipping. We have good hotels close to the station, where quality food is available.

Boat ride: We missed one day tour by Boat to Badrachalam from Rajamundry. 

The boat ride includes scenic spots. A look in the web (Punnami Tourism & Travels. ) shows the following package.

Adult - Rs. 900
Child - Rs. 700 ( 5-10 Years )

Tour Schedule

Starts everyday at 7 am. From rajahmundry.
Rajahmundry to Purushothapatnam boat point by road ( 1 hour ).
Polavaram project site, Gandipochamma Temple, Papikondalu, Perantapalli temple (visiting places )
Breakfast & Veg- lunch will be provided in the boat.
A/C boat to non A/C boat shifting at Perantapalli Temple at 3 pm.
Perantapalli to Pochavaram in non a/c boat (1 hour ).
Pochavaram to Bhadrachalam temple 2 hours by road on our vehicles.
Finally reaching Bhadrachalam temple at 7 pm. (Bhadrachalam temple darshan closing Time at 9.00pm ).
Complementary: railway station pickup. 

 One can arrange for night stay at Badrachalam, have temple darshan and return.

Temple tour of Srikakulam

Temple tours of Natarajan – Vizianagaram and Srikakulam

              In an effort to share my travel experiences for the benefit of intending tourists, I am sharing my experience of my visit to Vizianagaram and Srikakulam. Way back in 1979, I worked at Vizianagaram and my then roommate Mr. Krishnavijayam was instrumental in making this trip. The trip was planned for two days and a night besides travel time.

          Vizianagaram is situated approximately 60 kilometers north of Visakhapatnam.  It is a town of approx 2 lakhs. The railway station gives a neat look and has a model railway engine in the front. There is a fort in the heart of the town, which hosts colleges.It is worth strolling around.

         The main bazaar is MG Road. A walk along the MG Road takes to a Shiva cum Krishna Temple, Renganathar temple (in Shivalaya Road), Shiva temple in Shivalaya Road at the end of MG Road besides Amman temples. There is a temple called Ramnarayanam, which is located around 7 kms off Vizianagaram, located on the Simhachalam road, which is worth visiting.

Srikakulam:

A day was allocated to visit temples around Srikakulam. Srikakulam is located about 70 kms off Vizianagaram in Vizianagaram-Bhubaneswar route. Trains are plying at regular intervals and an express train takes approximately 60-75 minutes. We land in Srikakulam Road railway station, a place by name Amudalavalasa.  Medium size eateries are available close to station. Buses and share autos ply from this station to Srikakulam located about 10 kms away. Closer to old bus stand is the place called Arasavalli. There is a temple for Lord Surya (Sun God) at Arasavalli.

Photos of Arasavalli temple for Sun God.:

 

There are many share autos to help reach the temple.  The presiding deity in this temple is Suryanarayana. Lord Vishnu is also known by this name. Agasthiya Maharishi is said to have taught Adhitya Hrudaya-worship of Sun at

this place. As per Legend Lord Indira is said to have entered Koteswara temple at the Srikakulam town in untimely hours and was kicked by Nandhi and he fell two miles away. Lord Indira then constructed this temple as designed by Maya and got relieved of his pain. Lord Suryanarayana is the presiding deity.

For nature lovers, there is one Vijayathithya park in Srikakulam where one can spend some time. This park also offers boating facilities.

Srikurmam: Temple for SriKurmanatha swamy:

 Srikurmam is located about 16 kilometers away from Arasavalli and 10 kilometers west of Bay of Bengal. We travel about 10 kilometers on theroad connecting Srikakulam and Kalingapatnam and then deviate 3.6 kilometeres to reach Srikurmam temple. Plenty of share autos are available from Arasavalli to Srikurmam.

 Share autos substitute bus at many places here and charge slightly more than a bus fare and can be depended upon for their frequency. Lord Vishnu in Koormavathara form is the presiding deity and is known as Srikurmanatha.  Originally a Shaivaite temple was changed as a vaishnavite temple by Sri Ramanujar who lived about 1000 years ago. His thousandth year celebrations are now on and is said to have enlightened all communities about Om Namo Narayana. A separate Sannadhi is also seen for Ramanujar at this temple. There is also a theertham (holy pond) and a separate closet which contains Koormas (tortoises).

Kalingapatnam is 25 kilometres away from Srikakulam town. It is a prominent coastal village which was a miniscule port during the East India Company administration. Besides the bewitching colonnades, the coast is significant as River Vamsadhara merges into the Bay of Bengal at this place. Darga Shariff is also situated over here which means “tomb of religious persons”. It also has a scenic lighthouse and a Buddhist stupa. A photo taken from website shows that the town was popular about 2 centuries  BC to 3Centuries AD and Buddhist teachings started from this place.

Srimukhalingam:

 This place is about 50 kilometers off Srikakulam in the north westerly direction.  The village is situated on the banks of the river Vamsadhara.

There is a 1000 year old Archeological department maintained Shiva temple for Someswara. There is also another old temple for Bhimeswara.  
 There is also another ancient temple for Srimukhalingeswarar.  As per the priest there is a sloka which states that a holy dip in the river Vamsadhara and a holy dharshan of Srimukhalingeswar will relieve one of all past sins. The village was very fertile with lush green fields.

An innovative ice cream cart attached a motor cycle was amusing. A lemon sized vegetable with lot of spikes could also be seen, which could not be seen elsewhere.

It is worth a visit and one will enjoy the beauty of lush green fields and the villages enroute.

Experience in connectivity, stay and hotel arrangements:

   We chose to stay in railway retiring room during our journey. Retiring rooms are available up to 48 hours at railway stations. Some retiring rooms offer Indiantoilets, which can be checked while booking.  Both at Vizianagaram and Srikakulam have more modest restaurants. At Vizianagaram, thali with roti and rice was available in a restaurant located opposite to State Bank of India in MG Road.

   Some of the attractive features observed: Even though there were few buses, share autos supplement buses and the fares are reasonable. These share autos provide last mile connectivity. The water table is good at these places and hence we could observe lot of lush green fields which made travel more pleasant. The temples also offer prasadams at a very cheap rate and if you want to save time, prasadams will be a good substitute for lunch.

Few photos:
Arasavalli: