Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/OhngVgPXgL8
Location: "Mandasa Vasudeva Perumal Temple., VFJ5+5JC, Sri Vasudeva Street, Mandasa, Andhra Pradesh 532242"
One of the most beautiful ancient temples with rich motifs and sculptors in its walls, Mandasa’s Vasudev Perumal temple is situated around 1 KM from Mandasa fort in Mandasa Village, Srikakulam District. The temple, situated on the banks of a beautiful lake, was constructed by Raja Harihara Mani Deo, one of the landlords of Mandasa. The town is near the highest peak “Mahendragiri” in the Eastern Ghats in Odissa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vasudeva (Perumal), incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Originally known to be constructed during
the 12th century by Eastern Ganga Kings. Legend says around 1200 AD
the kingdom of Manjusha was established after Raja Vaman Singh Deo from north gave
up his kingdom to do penance at Mahindra Hills and establish the territory,
when he had a vision that he would receive a signal for the location. Ultimately
the kingdom was established downstream the river “suna muddi” (meaning gold
ring). Originally the kingdom of Manjusha was part of Ganjam district of Madras
Presidency, and later shifted to Srikakulam district.
Few accounts say that the history of the
temple dates back to 9th century AD, suggesting a rich and heritage
and cultural significance.
The present form of the temple was
consecrated on the day of Krushna Dwadasi, Vrushchika Lagna, Wednesday, in 1744
AD, by the lunar dynasty heir Sri Hari Hara Rajamani.
This temple flourished during 17th century
and was a great inspiration centre for many a devotee in those days. In the
beginning of this century too it has been a great learning centre for many
scholars of great Vedic tradition. In memory of this importance, this temple
which was in the dilapidated state during the recent years, has been renovated
and reconstructed by HH Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.
Architecture and stories on the wall
The temple's architecture, a blend of
Odishan style at the sanctum (garbhagriha) and Dravidian style at the entrance
(gopuram), becomes the focal point for art and history enthusiasts.
The temple is an architectural wonder and
an infusion of both North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravidian style of
architecture but with its unique design. I personally didn’t find the
architecture near to Kalinga style although many say, it was built by experts
called from Orissa and built in kalinga style. The main deity is Lord Vishnu
(Venugopal-perumal). Internally the pillars and externally the motifs all over
the temple are precise.
Reaching and staying
Mandasa is a very small town and there is
hardly any accommodation there. But the town is very easily reachable via the
Mahendratanaya-Meliaputti Road. If one is a beach lover, he or she can stay at
Baruva Beach around 18 KMs from the temple takes hardly 28 minutes to travel. Baruva
beach is a lovely beach in Bay of Bengal (falls in Andhra) and a beautiful
Haritha Resort at reasonable price is available there.
About
Mandasa Village
Mandasa is a village in Srikakulam
district, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Mandasa has been originally the seat
of the Kalinga kings, but with the kalinga king’s suzerainty to Gupta period
and later the seat moved under Eastern Chalukya dynasty by the end of the 7th
century.
Timings:
Opening
and Closing time of Mandasa Vasudeva Temple
|
Monday |
05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM
- 08:00 PM |
|
Tuesday |
05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM
- 08:00 PM |
|
Wednesday |
05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM
- 08:00 PM |
|
Thursday |
05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM
- 08:00 PM |
|
Friday |
05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM
- 08:00 PM |
|
Saturday |
05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM
- 08:00 PM |
|
Sunday |
05:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM
- 08:00 PM |
Photography and Parking
No issues with parking as there is ample
space outside the temple. Photography is restricted only at the garbagriha.
Drones can be easily used from outside,
where there is a beautiful lake. No restrictions on that too.
Today’s
relevance of the temple and Religious
The religious tourism to the place started
during the 20th century, with government initiating efforts to preserve the
iconography. With recent consistent increase in the number of vistors,
especially during the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, and during the annual
Brahmotsavam, these festivals are becoming major occasions being celebrated
with pump and splendour.
For religious occasions, download from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH2RnF12rXM
Location:
Mandasa Perumal Temple is around 18 KMs
from Baruva beach and can be easily reached via road. Baruva beach is the ideal
location for stay.
Route Map:
