Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Basar Saraswati, Andhra Pradesh, IN


Deities: Basar Saraswati
Location: Nizamabad (at Basar), Andhra Pradesh, India
Known as: Basara Saraswati
Festivals: Akshara Abhishekam, Devi Nava Ratri, Dattatreya Jayanthi, Vasanta Panchami
Best time to visit: All year around

Basara Saraswati Temple of Goddess Saraswati at Basar is one among the two temples of this Goddess. The other is in Kashmir.

This temple is the most important and most visited place is the temple of Basar, the abode of Goddess of Learning, Goddess Saraswati.

Basar is a village situated on the banks of river Godavari; the serene and pious nature attracts the kith and kin. Built at the confluence of the rivers Mangira and Godavari this temple is adorned by the goddess of knowledge and wisdom The Goddess Saraswati.

This is an ancient temple dedicated to Saraswati - one of the few of its kind all over India. It is said to have been installed by Sage Vyasa in the days of the Mahabharata. Another legend relates it to Valmiki the author of Ramayana. The current structure dates back to the Chalukya period. There is an image of Lakshmi beside Saraswati. Mahakali temple, Papahareswar Temple and Pataleswar Temple are the other places of worship here.

According to a popular legend Great Sage Vyas along with his son sage Shuka and other disciples desponded and dejected by the Kurukshetra War left on a pilgrimage towards Dakshinapatnam (southern India). He retired on the banks of River Godavari for a penance. This was later called Vasar in his honour and gradually is being called as Basar.

During his stay, Sage Vyas bought three handfuls of sand and made them into three heaps daily after the morning bath. The heaps have transformed into the divine trio The Lakshmi, The Sharada and The Gowri. The idol made of sand is smeared with turmeric.

Another popular legend says that Great Sage Valmiki prior writing his Magnus opus The Ramayan; installed Goddess Saraswati and seeks her blessing. One can find the marble Samadhi of Valmiki near the Saraswati temple.

The temple is an example of the Dravidian architectural splendour. The Garbh Gudi or Garbh Griha, Gopurams, Prakarams and the like all are sculptured with grandeur. The idol of Goddess Lakshmi is installed along with Goddess Jnana Saraswati.

The goddess adorns the throne in sitting posture, which is of 4 feet tall.

Another object of attraction is the granite pillar that emits the sound of ‘Saptaswaras’ when struck with a stone, drawing visitors’ attention. Another speciality is the tree called ‘Oudumbra’ at the base of which are installed the sacred sandals of Dattatreya’. It is believed that a barren woman is gifted with a child on mere touch of them.

Devotees stream the temple for the ritual of ‘Akshara Abhishekam’ of their children; the formal starting of education deeming it to be auspicious.

Festival:
The annual festivals of ‘Devi Nava Ratri’, ‘Dattatreya Jayanthi’, and ‘Vasanta Panchami’ are celebrated with utmost dedication and devotion and draws devotees from all parts of the country from all walks of life. A shrine one must visit in one’s lifetime; the abode of Goddess of learning and knowledge is the BASAR Saraswati temple in the Muthol taluq in the district of Adilabad in Andhra Pradesh.

How to Reach:
Basar is well connected by rail and road. One can go by train, The Secunderabad – Manmad Express that stops at Basar. And all state transport buses from Hyderabad.

Accommodation:
The temple authority provides the Devasthanam Choultry for the devotees and visitors for their stay. There are many guesthouses, restaurants and hotels available on reasonable tariffs.
For more information on Basar Saraswati, please visit: www.basaratemple.org

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.

Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner www.YatraKhoj.com and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.
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