Kotappakonda Temple

History of the  Kotappakonda  Temple


According to the inscriptions, the temple was in existence even before 1172 A.D. Among several kings who ruled the place Sri Krishna Deva Raya gifted large chunks of lands for the maintenance of the temple. The Zamindars of Narsaraopet Chilakuripet, Amaravathi and several others, have donated liberally for the development of the temple. The height of the Kotappa Konda or Kotappa hill is 1587 feet and the Temple of Sri Trikoteswara Swamy is at the height of 600 feet.

There are three different ways to climb up the hill. Devotees mostly climb up the way which was got constructed by Sri Rajamal Raju Narasimha Rayulu. One of the most fascinating aspect of the hill is that from all angles one could see only three peaks and, therefore, it is called "Trikoota Hills" and the God seated therein is famous as Trikoteswara Swamy.

These three peaks are known as Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. Anent to the legend, Lord Siva after destroying "Daksha Yagnam" pacified and converted himself into a 12 years old boy and with a great deal of austerity commenced penance as Dakshana Murthy in Kailasam. Then, Lord Brahma and other Gods appraoched and offered prayers to Dakshana Murthy and entreated him to impart the knowledge of "Brahma". Dakshana Murthy accordingly agreed and asked them to come to Trikoota hills where he imparted them the knowledge of "Brahma" making these hills very sacred.

Since Dakshana Murthy observed strict celibacy, no marriages take place in this temple. There is yet another folklore of Salankayya of Yellamanda village who was a great devotee of Lord Siva and eking out his livelibhood by selling firewood. With the result of undivided devotion to the Lingam at Rudra hills he became rich. One day while performing prayers he saw Jangama Devara.

In appreciation of the devotion of Salankayya Jangama Devara daily used to visit his house and consume milk. After some time Jangama Devara disappeared. Salankayya searched for him in every nook and corner of the region and could not find him anywhere. In a fit of disappointment, Salankayya stopped taking any food and water. As the matter stood thus, there lived a cowherd called Sundudu with his wife Kundiri in South side of Trikoota hills.

Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple Kotappakonda

                                       

They had a beautiful daughter called Anandavalli. Her parents became rich soon after her birth. Anandavalli was deeply devoted to Lord Siva and was not interested in her wordly life. She always spent her time in singing the glory of Lord Siva and used to offer prayers at old Koteswara hills she declined to change her way of life and commenced penance for Sri Koteswara Swamy. Pleased with her penance Jangama Devara appeared before her. She came to know Jangama Devara was, none other than a person, who used to take milk in the house of Salankayya. From then onwards she daily visited Rudra hills and after performing celestial bath offered milk and part-took the balance.

Salankayya came to know the presence of Jangama Devara and appraoched Anandavalle and requested her to see that Jangama Devara showers the blessings on him. Anandavalle could not concede the request of Salankayya as she was engaged in her deep penance. After some time, in the hot summer Anandavalle used to visit Rudra hills to perform prayers. One day she collected a pot of water for celestial bath and after keeping it at a safe place proceeded to procure "Maredu leaves". Then, a crow came and sat on the pot, and with its weight the pot fell down throwing out the entire water. Anandavalle became furious and cursed, that no crow should enter the area. Then onwards and till now no crow appears on the Rudra hill.Jangama Devara pleased with her penance appeared and imparted her the divine knowledge. This had in no way deviated her concentration and she further prayed him as God and as well as her Guru.

Jangama Devara, commisserated at her penance and wished her to lead a wordly life. With his divine power he made her pregnant though she was a spinster. Unmindful of her pregnancy she carried her daily prayers as usual. Aghasted at her deep devotion Jangama Devara again appeared and told that she need not take so many troubles in performing poojas and promised her that he would come to her house where she could do her supplication and asked her to proceed without turning her back.

Anandavalle accordingly proceeded towards her home and Jangama Devara came down from Rudra mountain and followed her. After reaching Brahma hill, Anandavalle lost her patience and turned back. Immediately Jangama Devara reminded of her promise and stopped at Brahma hills and entered the cave of the hill and turned himself into a Lingam. The same sacred place is now called Kotha Koteswara Temple. Anandavalle also stayed there and, in the meanwhile, she delivered a boy. She repented of her action in seeing back inspite of caution given by Jangama Devara and decided to end her life. Within a moment of above thought, assailing her mind the newly born boy disappeared from the scene.

She then realised that her pregnancy and delivery of a boy were of the creation of Jangama Devara to test her reverence towards him. She felt very happy as she got through all the critical trails and became one in the God.

Kotappakonda, the temporal abode of Trikoteswara Swamy, is a village, 13 kilometers south- west of Narsaraopet in Guntur district. Its original name is Kondakavuru, but is more popularly known as Kotappakonda or Trikutaparvatam, a three-peaked hill nearby. Though surrounded by other hills, the three hills, also known by the names of Trikutachalam or Trikutadri, can be distinctly seen from a distance from any direction. The three peaks are named after the Hindu Triumverate, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. The epigraphs at Kotappakonda clearly state that the deity established in the shape of Sivalinga on the hill top is known as Trikuteswara or Trikoteswara. A steep flight of steps lead to the hill and the deity is located at a height of 1,587 feet. There are a number of ponds on the hill of which eight are located in front of the temple.


Mahasivaratri, which falls during February-March, is the important festival celebrated here with great devotion and fervor every year and a large number of devotees throng the place. The sleepy village comes alive on the eve of Mahasivaratri. Milling crowds occupy every inch of the space on and around the hill. 'Prabhas', rectangular frames tapering at the top made of bamboo and decorated with colored cloth and paper, of different sizes are taken in procession as part of the festival. Most of them are 60 to 70 feet high and are carried by the devotees. But the giant prabhas, rising to a height of over 100 feet, are carried on decorated and lighted bullock carts accompanied by a large following. They are placed on a meadow at the foot of the hill. Large manpower, money and material is needed to erect these prabhas and promote a spirit of cooperation and unification enthusing the villagers.


Of late it has been given a face lift with many facilities and attractions for not only the devout but an average tourist sojourn and serenity. The place is all set to become a major tourist attraction, providing "Rakthi, Bhakthi and Mukthi" (entertainment, devotion and salvation) to the visitors. The local MLA and Minster for Medical & Health, Sri.Dr.Kodela Sivaprasada Rao has taken a lot of initiative in mustering funds from the government as well as private parties to develop the place as an integrated project.


The temple precincts and the sanctum sanctorum are renovated and Bharathi Teertha Swamiji of Sringeri Peetham consecrated the deity in the new premises. A "View Point" is erected on the corner of the hill to provide a breathtaking overall view of the surroundings.

A ghat road was constructed to ease the climbing and allow the pilgrims take in and enjoy nature's bounty in its full splendor, in place of an arduous climb up the steep steps and also to accommodate the growing number of visitors. The entire stretch of the road is lighted and a deer park is developed on the way.

A small lake is created on the hill, depicting "Kaleeya Nardhana", with the statue of Lord Krishna dancing on the head of Kaleeya (a venomous snake) was placed with special lighting effects in the middle of the lake. Water flows into the lake from various watershed programs developed at many places on the hill, a blend of modernity with past.

Another attraction for the tourists is the artificial jurassic park with mobile dinosaurs of monstrous size developed by a private company at a cost of Rs. 1 million. Sanctuaries for peacocks, doves, emos and parrots was developed by the Forest Department. Four VIP guest houses and a 30-room choultry was constructed by the Endowments Department and the TTD to cater to tourist needs. All this was done on a war footing in a little over two months.

Yet another feature of the integrated tourist project is the meditation center, constructed on the lines of the one at Mount Abu, on the top of the hill and an exclusive "Yaga Shala" for conducting 'homam' (holy fire) with a sprawling dining hall.

On the anvil are a ropeway to provide a view of the various tourist spots and a museum to house the artefacts that were discovered in the excavations.




Sevas at Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple Kotappakonda

Sri Trikoteswara Swamy 

Arjita Puja Details
Name of Puja
Cost

Abhishekam
30/-Rs

Asthotharam
15/-Rs

Archana
5/-Rs
Vahana Puja ( Bhari Vahanam )
30/-Rs

Vahana Puja (Two Wheller)
10/-Rs

Darshanam
1/-Rs


Saswatha Puja Details
Name of Puja
Cost

Saswatha Abhishekam ( Life time once a year )
1,116/-Rs

Every day nitya gothara nama phadakam (One Year )
516/-Rs

Saswatha Asthotharam ( Life time once a year )
558/-Rs


Daily Sevas Details
Time Programme ( Pooja ) Place of Pooja
Ticket Cost

5:30 - 6:30 am Eka Rudrabhishekam Nakshtra Mandapam
116/-Rs

5:30 - 6:30 am Darsan of above Programme Gantala Mandapam
20/-Rs

6:30 - 12:30 am Abhishekam Nakshtra Mandapam
30/-Rs
6:30 - 1:00 pm Darshan, Archana Gantala Mandapam
2/-Rs and 5/-Rs
1:30 -1:45 pm Archana on Gotras Panchaharati darshan Nakshtra Mandapam Gantala Mandapam 20/-Rs
3:30 - 7:00 pm Ashtothara Pooja, Archana, Darshan Gantala Mandapam 15/-Rs, 5/-Rs and 2/-Rs
7:00 - 7:30 pm Pradoshakolarchan, Gotranamamulu, Panchaharati, Darshan Nakshtra Mandapam Gantala Mandapam 20/-Rs



Payment for sevas can be made through Demand Draft drawn on any nationalised bank, in favour of Sri Trikoteswara Swami Vari Devasthanam, Kotappakonda. Requests have to be sent to the following address:
Sri Trikoteswara Swami Vari Devasthanam
Kotappakonda, Narasarao Pet,
Guntur (Dt) Andhra Pradesh.
Ph: 08647-43133(On the hill),
08647-47111(Down the Hill).

OUM NAMAHAA PRANAPAARTHAYASUDHA GNANAIKA MURTHAEE


NIRMALAYA PRASHAMTHAYAA DASKHINAMURHAEE NAMAHAA



How To Reach Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple Kotappakonda?


12 km from Narsarao Pet, 13 km from Chilakaluri Pet (on NH 5), 90 km from Vijayawada and 350 km from Hyderabad.
How to go:
Air: Nearest airport is Gannavaram near Vijayawada
Rail: Nearest railhead Narsaraipet
Bus: Regular State buses from Hyderabad and major towns of A.P.



Accommodation At Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple Kotappakonda :
Government guest houses or Devasthanam chowltry.
When to go:
Devotees during Mahasivaratri and tourists between October - February.

 

Other Visiting Places Near Kotappakonda Temple:


Trikoteswaraswamy temple, the deer park, bird sanctuaries, Kaleeya lake and meditation center.

Mahashivaratri

, Siva's great night, venerates Parashiva. Devotees of Siva consider it the most holy night of the year.

Mahashivaratri is the night before the new-moon day in February-March. We observe it both as a discipline and a festivity, keeping a strict fast and all-night vigil, meditating, intoning Siva's 1,008 names, singing His praise, chanting Shri Rudram, bathing the Sivalinga and being near the vairagis as they strive to realize Parashiva. The Vedas proclaim, "The Lord, God, all-pervading and omnipresent, dwells in the heart of all beings. Full of grace, He ultimately gives liberation to all creatures by turning their faces toward Himself." Aum Namah Sivaya ".

All Hindus consider it most important to live near a temple, and we build one wherever we find ourselves in the world. This is a most meritorious act, earning blessings in this life and the next. Religious life centers around the temple. It is here in God's home that we nurture our relationship with the Divine. Not wanting to stay away too long, we visit the temple at least weekly, and we strive to attend each major festival, when the shakti of the Deity is most powerful. Devout Siva bhaktas attend daily puja in the temple.

All Siva bhaktas visit the temple on Siva's most sacred day of the year, Mahashivaratri. Being the homes of the Gods and God, temples are approached with great reverence and humility. Draw near the temple as you would approach a king, a governor, a president of a great realm, anticipating with a little trepidation your audience with him. The Vedas say, "May the Lord find pleasure in our song of praise! Priest among men, may he offer due homage to the heavenly beings! Great, O Lord, is your renown." Aum Namah Sivaya ".

This special sacred night, Mahasivaratri, will soon be here. Make it the most important spiritual event of your life. Remembering your goal, which is God Realization, the purpose of human birth, draw close to God Siva. Climb to the top of Mount Kailas within yourself, experience the presence of God Siva within as your very Self, permeating the entire universe. Prepare yourself for this great night by performing your sadhanas to perfection. Never forget the power of one life lived in perfection. You are a microcosm within yourself. Clean your home, make your heart a pure fountain of love, strive for harmony in your joint and extended family, with the families of all devotees and everyone you know. Fill the mind with thoughts of Siva. Begin now, clearing the mind, climbing daily within toward the summit of God-Realization.

Our most sacred night of the year is approaching, and we all want this to be the best, most wonderful and profound festival ever. We can make it that, or we can make it an ordinary night. It is within our power to do either, but we can't do both. So let's make it a time of being as close to God Siva as we possibly can. Isn't that our purpose for coming to this planet? You can make your mind a perfect place, full of thoughts of God within, so full that other thoughts seem insignificant by comparison.

On Sivaratri night, chant silently Siva's perfect mantra, Aum Namasivaya. We want to enjoy ourselves on Sivaratri night. Spiritual life is joyous life. The more joyous we are, the closer we are to the Source of joy and bliss. So, be happy on Sivaratri. Sing with a full heart. See God in everyone and in everything. Forget all the problems life brings. Forget all of the pains of the past and the not- yet-remembered future. Of course, we will be fasting, and that will help us feel the bliss of our Self as it permeates the world around us. And we will all be thinking of Siva, only of Siva. If your mind wanders, bring it back to Siva's feet. Let Siva's presence fill you completely during the night.

Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple Kotappakonda video






Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple Kotappakonda Contact Phone Number: 


 

Sri Trikoteswara Swami Vari Devasthanam
Kotappakonda, Narasarao Pet,
Guntur (Dt) Andhra Pradesh.
Ph: 08647-43133(On the hill),
08647-47111(Down the Hill).

Amaravathi Amareswara Temple/How To Reach Amaravati Amareswara (Shiva)Temple/Accommodation at Amaravati temple

Amaravathi Amareswara Temple/How To Reach Amaravati Amareswara (Shiva)Temple/Accommodation at Amaravati temple /Famous hindu temples in guntur district


Amaravathi (అమరావతి) is a small town situated on the banks of the River Krishna in the Guntur District   of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is famous for its Amareswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the famous Pancharamas. Amaravati, also known as Dhanyakataka/Dharanikota was the site of a great Buddhist Stupa built in pre-Mauryan times. It was also the capital of Satavahanas, the first great Andhra kings who ruled from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE, after the downfall of Maurya empire.

Amaravati   Amareswara (Shiva)Temple

The Skanda Purana gives a picture of the place and the Siva temple located here. Sage Narada explains to Sounaka and other saints that Amareswara is situated in Amareswaram on the bank of river Krishna and is on the southeastern side of the Srisailam temple.

History Of Amaravathi :


According to Vajrayana traditional sources the Buddha preached at Dharanikota/Dhanyakatakam and conducted Kalachakra ceremony, which would take the antiquity of Amaravati back to 500 BCE. Taranatha, the Buddhist monk writes: "On the full moon of the month Caitra in the year following his enlightenment, at the great stupa of Dhanyakataka, Buddha emanated the mandala of "The Glorious Lunar Mansions" (Kalachakra). This shows that Dhanyakatakam (Amaravati) was a very important place at the time of composition of this tantra. The recorded history of Amaravati and nearby Dharanikota dates from 2nd century BCE.It was the capital of Andhra Satavahanas who ruled from 2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE. After the decline of Satavahanas, Andhra Ikshvakus and later Pallava kings ruled Krishna river valley. Subsequently, Eastern Chalukyas and Telugu Cholas held sway over the region. Kota Kings were in control of Amaravati during the medieval times. Kota kings were subdued by Kakatiyas in 11th century CE and Amaravati became part of the unified Telugu empire.

The stupa

The town was the site of a great Buddhist stupa originally built during the reign of emperor Ashoka. It was completed in 200 CE and is decorated with carved panels which tell the story of Buddha's life. The region between Krishna and Godavari rivers was an important place for Buddhism from the 2nd century BCE and some ancient sculpture in low relief has been found here. During the Satavahana period (2nd century BCE-3rd century CE), Dharanikota near Amaravati was chosen as the capital. The stupa was then adorned with limestone reliefs and free standing Buddha figures. During the period of the decline of Buddhism, this stupa was also neglected and it was buried under rubble. There is a 14th century inscription in Sri Lanka which mentions repairs made to the stupa and after that it was forgotten.

Around the year 1796 CE, Colonel Colin Mackenzie, who visited the site twice, prepared drawings and sketches of the relics in the area. Eventually, several European scholars including Sir Walter Smith, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Alexander Rea excavated the site and unearthed many sculptures that once adorned the stupa. Many bas-relief medallions and paneled friezes decorated the Amaravati stupa. Similar to Sanchi Stupa, the stupa was decorated with carvings of life and teachings of Buddha and events of Jataka Stories, e.g. taming of a rogue elephant by Buddha. The 95 ft tall stupa was made of brick with a circular dome and platforms protruding in four cardinal directions. Recent excavations have revealed remains of an Ashokan pillar, the first such example of Mauryan art to be found in South India.

This stupa is related to the Vajrayana teachings of Kalachakra, still practiced today in Tibetan Buddhism. According to the Kalachakra tantra texts, Suchandra, the King of Shambhala and many of his retinue received the initiation into this practice by the historical Buddha. For this reason, the Dalai Lama of Tibet conducted a Kalachakra initiation at this location in 2006.

Art historians regard the Amaravati art as one of the three major styles or schools of ancient Indian art, the other two being the Gandhara style and the Mathura style. Some of the Buddhist sculptures of Amaravati betray a Greco-Roman influence that was the direct result of the close trade and diplomatic contacts between South India and the ancient Romans. Indeed, Amaravati has itself yielded a few Roman coins. The Government Museum at Egmore (Madras Museum) and British Museum, London host the "Amaravati Gallery".

Chinese traveller and Buddhist monk Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) visited Amaravati in 640 CE, stayed for sometime and studied 'Abhidhammapitakam'. He observed that there were many Viharas and some of them were deserted, which points out that Hinduism was gaining ground at that time. Xuanzang wrote a glorious account of the place, Viharas and monasteries that existed.

For more details log on to http://www.amaravati.org/ 

 

Amaravati School



The Amaravati school of Dravidian art had great influence on art in Sri Lanka and South-East Asia as products from here were carried to those countries.[9] Trade between the dynasties of Tamilakam led to cultural exchange in the Sangam period. Sculptures such as the Vallipuram Buddha reveal a period of influence between Andhra and Jaffna at this time. In a pioneering study and meticulous documentation of the Buddhist sculptures of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ulrich Von Schroeder has listed up with measurements several lime stone sculptures, both round and in relief, from the Sri Lankan sites. The chapters in the work clearly go with a heading 'Imported Sculptures from Early Amaravati School', and 'Imported Sculptures from late Amaravati (Nagarjunakonda)'. It is clear that the artist guilds in Amaravati-Nagarjunakonda were engaged in the large scale supply of Buddhist sculptures, as also brahmanical, to Sri Lanka and other South-Asian countries.





Religious ideology was a potent force providing cohesion and identity to trading communities and it was perhaps through these channels that the early Buddhist/ Brahmanical images found their way into South-East Asia and Sri Lanka. At Sempaga in Celebes, a bronze image of Buddha of the Amaravati School was found. The earliest sculptures from Dong-Duong. Dong Tuk (Siam), exhibit Amaravati style. A bronze Buddha from South Djember and Sikendeng on the west coast of Celebes, and the colossal statue at Bukit are all in characteristic Amaravati style. It is quite likely that these image were brought from Andhra centers by the colonists. The transport of the large stone Buddha of Palembang must have been more difficult. It is the oldest relic from Amaravati in the archipelago. Sea route voyages connected Indian ports of the South such as Machilipatnam, Ghantasala etc., with Indonesia. Amaravati school also had a great influence over other South Indian sculpture.

Lord Amareswara (Shiva)Temple:


                                                             

Amareswarudu In AmaravathiTemple

                                                           

The Amareswara (Shiva) temple walls have lot of inscriptions that give information about the kings who ruled over the area. The present holy shrine of Amaralingeswara (Lord Shiva) temple is associated with the reign of Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu who ruled the region before the advent of the British rule (See Amararama). People around Amaravati widely believe that the temple was constructed to install peace after a massacre of 1000 violent tribesman plotting against the king in a sinister carnival organized to capture them. Later Venkatadri Nayudu built a temple in the same spot upon guidance from scholars of his court. He was well-known for his benevolence , munificence and construction of a large number of temples and education centers in the Krishna river delta.



                                                       

How To Reach Amaravati   Amareswara (Shiva)Temple


By Air : The nearest airport is Vijayawada (82 km).

By Rail : The nearest railheads are Guntur and Vijayawada. A good network of connect Guntur to Amaravati.

By Road : Amaravati is situated 20 miles northwest of Guntur and is connected by a good motorable road.

Local Transportation : Taxis and buses are available from Guntur.


Accommodation at Amaravati temple 


Accommodation is available in the Rest House, Hotel Mamta and Swapna Lodge at Amaravati. There are also a Public Works Department Travellers Bungalow, some choultries and sheds for pilgrims' to stay.


Amaravathi Hotel
Tel: +91 8645 255332
Cell: +91 9948391758
Located in close proximity to the place Amravathi, and just 70 km from Vijayawada, this hotel is managed by AP Tourism. The affordability is a pleasant surprise.
Room Type No. of Rooms Tariff per day
A/C Room
Non A/C Room 2
2 Rs. 800/-
Rs.600/-
Rs.100/-

*For extra person in A/C room, Rs.300/-.
*Non A/C room, Rs.200/-.
*Taxes extra as applicable.

 

                                                                   Amaravathi Amareswara Temple - Amaravathi

                                                      

 

Nearest visiting places :


Undavalli Caves Near Vijayawada..

The Undavalli Caves, and example of Indian rock-cut architecture are located in the village of Undavalli in Guntur District, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The caves are 6km south west of Vijayawada, 22km north west of Guntur City and about 280 km from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

vundavilli caves

These caves have been carved out of solid rock on a hillside in the 4th to 5th centuries A.D.They have four stories with a huge statue of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture sculpted from a single block of granite inside. Other shrines are dedicated to Trimurti and to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.They are among the earlierst example of Gupta architecture, primarily primitive rock-cut monastery cells carved into the sandstone hills.
The walls of the caves display sculptures carved by skilled local craftsmen. The structure of these caves resemble the Buddhist viharas in their architectural and sculptural proficiency, and can be seen as signs of a past Buddhist culture. The caves are surrounded by the green countryside

VISHNU STUPA AT VUNDAVILLI CAVES

The caves are associated with the Vishnukundina kings of 420 to 620 A.D. They are dedicated to Anantapadmanabha Swamy and Narisimha Swamy.From the high hill above the cave overlooking the Krishna river many fine specimens of rock cut Hindu architecture can be seen.