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Andhra Pradesh Sri Vasavi Temple Pengonda
Location  | Penugonda, Andhra Pradesh |
Built by  | Virupraksha |
Managed by | Vysya trust |
Also known as  | Vasavi Kanayaka Parmeshwari temple |
Primary deity | Vasavi Devi |
Architectural styles |  Vastu Shastra |
Attraction |  103 Shivling |
Sri Vasavi Kanika Parmeshwari temple is located in Penugonda town of West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. It is birth place of Sri Vasavi Kanika Parmeshwari. This holy shrine is named as Kashi of Vysyas. In legends Shri Vasavi Devi was famous for her beauty. It has its mention in various religious texts. This temple has deities named as Sri Nagareshwara Swami, Mother Kanyakparmeshwari and goddess Mahisasuramardini. All the three icons are beautifully decorated with rich jewelry and beautiful outfits. All the three icons are spectacular and have an overwhelming view. The town is situated on the bank of Gautami River which is tributary of Godavari River. There are 100 temples in this village and this temple is one among them.
Architecture
The temple of Vasavi is an example of architectural beauty. It has beautiful Tall Gopuras, beautiful idols of Gods on the walls of temple all around, spacious courtyards and huge Garbgriha. The temple construction is strictly according to Vaastu Shastra. The temple has east facing main entrance or Mahadwara and a Gopuram (tower).At entrance the first Prakara has vast courtyard having office room and quarters for staff while the second Prakara there are small mandaps with images of Navgraha, Bali and Vinayaka. Another beautiful idol of goddess Kanyakparmeshwari is near fire pit. The Garbhagriha of Nageshwarswami is quiet vast and has a ling in the centre on a pedestal with diamond tripunt on it. This tripunt gleams beautifully on the lingam and gives spectacular view to devotees.
History
Legend of Vasavi is related to origin of this temple. King Kusumashreshti was a King under the rule of Emperor Vishnu Vardhana. King Kusumashresti was childless and thus performed a Putrakamesti Yagna. Thus goddess Parashakti pleased and appeared from Yagna fire and bestowed couple with twin fruit. His wife consumed the fruit and thus gave birth to twin children and gave birth to a boy and a girl. It was believed that boy Virupraksha and girl Vasavi are the avatars of God Nandikeshwar and Goddess Aadi Parashakti.
Virupraksha was the master of Dharmashastra, politics and martial arts while that of Vasavi grew up as exceptionally beautiful girl who is ardent devotee of lord Shiva. She decided to be unmarried and dedicated rest of her life in Shiva bhakti. But Emperor Vishnuvardhan was fascinated and impressed by her beauty and sent proposal for marriage to King Kusuma Shreshti. But King Kusuma Shreshti decided to be with her daughter’s decision of not marrying after discussing the matter with elders of 714 gotra. According to Vasavi her sole purpose of birth is to preach non-violence and she will remain a virgin whole life. When she rejected Vishnuvardhan’s proposal, he decided to attack Penugonda and win her. In order protect her territory and people Vasavi decided to go back to Agni or fire to her original form of Aadi Parashakti. 102 gotrjas decided to enter fire along with Vasavi. For this sculptor Malhara built 103 Kund for this occasion of Magadha Sudha Bidige day when she entered fire with 102 gotrjas. This day is celebrated as Atmarpana day in Vasavi temples and day gives a message of Love, non-violence and sacrifice to the society. Vishnuvardhan died of grief when he heard about salvation of Vasavi. The fire places where 102 gotrjas and Vasavi sacrificed their life are installed with Shivling brought from Kasi and known as Linga Veedhi.
How To Reach
Penugonda is connected to Railway, Road and Airways by nearest destinations. Various trains pass through nearest stations of Tadepalligudem, Rajamundry, Tanuku and Bokaro .Some of the prominent trains of all over India that passes through these stations are Chennai-Howrah express, Bokaro express, Konark express, Prashanti express and Tirumala express. Nearest airport is Vijayawada which is 130 kms from Penugonda town. Penugonda is connected to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Tirupathi, Vizag, Rajamundhri and Nidadavole.
Contact
Executive Officer, Sri Vasavi Temple, Penugonda - 534 320, West Godavari Dist., Andhra Pradesh, Phone: (08819) 246083
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