Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/rba45nNufUI
Location: "JPWR+VQJ, Penugonda, Andhra Pradesh 534320"
Rerference: http://www.penugondavasavi.org/about.aspx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasavi_Kanyaka_Parameshvari
https://xploreall.com/blog/sri-vasavi-kanyaka-parameswari-temple-penugonda/
The Birth place of Vasavi Matha. The
holy Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari temple which finds mention in various
ancient religious texts.
Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshvari is
a Hindu goddess,
primarily revered by the Komati community
of Andhra Pradesh. She is primarily recognised by her
adherents as a Kanyaka form of Parvati,
and sometimes also identified as a form of Lakshmi in Vaishnava tradition.
She is regarded to be a kuladevata ,
Goddess of the clan by members of the Komati community which is known as Vysya
community in Andhra Pradesh, as well as the Arya Vaishya, Kalinga Vaishya,
Arava Vaishya, Marathi Vaishya, Beri Vaishya, and the Trivarnika Vaishya
communities, as per the various versions of the Vasavi Puranamulu, written
in Telugu during the 18th century CE, ancient
tales of Penugonda Kshetram, and Sri Pada Sri Vallabha Charitamrutham sacred
texts.
The Jaina Komatis
venerate her as Shanti Matha Vasavi, who is regarded to have promoted
ahimsa for the benefit of all mankind, and averted warfare and loss of life
through peaceful means.
Legend:
Vasavi Kanyaka Paratneswariwas was
famous for her beauty. The holy temple enshrining the triple deities- Sri
Nagareswaraswamy, Mother Kanyakaparameswari and Mahishasuramardini.
According to legend, a powerful Chalukya monarch
called Vishnuvardhana ruled Andhra in the
11th century CE. During this period, a prominent Vaishya named
Kusuma Sreshti lived at Penugonda, under the king's domain. Due to his wisdom, the
king treated the man like a chieftain. Due to his childlessness, the merchant
prayed to Virupaksha,
who blessed him with a son, Virupaksha, as well as a daughter, Vasavi, who grew
up to become a comely and pious maiden. She caught the attention of the king,
who wished to marry her. Despite the fact that her parents objected to the
match, they could not dissuade the king of his desire. On the day of her
wedding, the bride, her parents, as well as all the leaders of the community's
102 gotras showed
their opposition by leaping into the homam fire,
performing the act of agni pravesham. After her death, Vasavi's soul was sanctified at Penugonda, and
elevated to the status of a deity.
Further:
South India is the Treasure House of many
temples, among them Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari temple situated in
Penugonda, a town in the West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. The temple
is a fascinating multi-colored (Gali Gopuram) seven storied tower with a
beautiful architecture. This Penugonda Kshetram is considered as the 'Kasi of
Vysyas' and is a holy place for Vysyas.
Kusuma Sresti or Setty was the Setty king of
Vysyas also known as Pedda Setty (Elder among Settys) who's territory was a
Vassal state of Vangi Desa (Vanga Kingdom), which was ruled by Vishnu Vardhana
(Vimaladitya Maharaja). His capital was Penugonda (Jestasailam) city for all
the 18 paraganas during 10th and 11th century A.D. He and his wife Kusumamba
were considered an ideal couple and led a peaceful domestic life. They
worshiped Lord Siva (Nageswara Swamy) as the part of their daily duties.
Though they had been married for many years,
the couple did not have peace of mind as there was no successor to the kingdom.
Their many prayers and sacrifices did not bear fruit and hence they were grief
stricken. They approached their Kula guru (family teacher) Bhaskara Acharya
also a Komati who was well versed in shastras and by virtue of his profession
was treated as a Komati Brahman. He advised them to perform Puthra Kamesti
Yaga, which Dasharatha had observed.
During the auspicious hour, the couple started
the yoga. The Gods were pleased and sent prasadam (blessed fruit from god) through
Yagneswara (fire God). They were told that they would beget children after
eating prasadam. With devotion they ate the Prasadam and within a few days the
signs of pregnancy were found with Kusumamba. She expressed unusual desires,
which indicated that she would give birth to children who would fight for the
welfare of all.
During spring season, there was pleasure
everywhere. Amidst this beauty, Kusumamba gave birth to twins, one male the
other female on Friday the tenth of Vaisaka (Telugu month) at twilight during
convergence of Uttara Nakshatram and Kanya (Virgo). The male child was named
Virupaksha, and the female Vasavamba. During childhood, Virupaksha showed the
features of becoming a powerful king, whereas in Vasavi, the inclination
towards art & architecture, adoration music and philosophical approach were
seen.
Under the guidance of Bhaskara Acharya,
Virupaksha learnt the Puranas, fencing, horse riding, martial arts, archery,
statecraft etc.., which were essential to rule his Territory. Vasavi learnt
fine arts and mastered philosophy and was proud to be an intelligent woman.
When Virupaksha attained proper age he married
Ratnavati, daughter of Aridhi Setty of Aelur Town. The huge gathering thought
that even Vasavi's marriage would one day also be observed with the same pomp
and grandeur.
When King Vishnu Vardhana went on expedition
to expand his empire, he visited Penugonda, where King Kusuma Setti received
him and took him in a procession and arranged a felicitation program in the
colorful auditorium. After Manamatha (God of Romance) threw his sweet arrows on
him, Vimaladitya (Vishnu Vardhana) spotted Vasavi among the crowd and fell
madly in love with her. He felt he could not live without her and was
determined to marry her. He sent a minister to enquire about her. The desire of
Vishnuvardhana (Vimaladitya) was like a death blow to Kusuma sresty. He was
neither in a position to accept it nor to deny. The fact that the Emperor was
already married, was much older, the difference in caste and the fact that he
was not in a position to prevent this from occurring all caused extreme stress
for Kusuma Setti.
He discussed these issues with his closest
family and friends and they unanimously decided to let Vasavi decide. Vasavi
frankly expressed her desire to be a Virgin throughout her life and intended
not to concentrate on worldly matters.
Kusuma Setti sent a denial message to king
Vishnuvardhana. The king was furious and sent a Battalion with orders to attack
mercilessly and to get Vasavi for him. The brave Komti's of Penugonda by using
the techniques of Sama, Daana, Bheda and finally Danda, defeated
Vishnuvardana's army.
At this crucial juncture, Kusuma Sresti called
for Great Conference of the Chief of all the 18 cities and the leaders of all
714 Gotras in the presence of Komati Kula Guru Bhaskara Acharya.
In the conference, there was difference of
opinion. The Chiefs of 102 Gotras made a firm decision thought that "Those
who are born must die and cowards die many times before their death but the
valiant taste death but once. Even if the opponent is stronger, can't the spark
burn a heap of straw? Hence, let us fight for a good cause. Whereas, the
leaders of the other 612 Gotras felt that the matrimonial alliance would be
safer and more beneficial."
Bhaskara Acharya said: "We must safeguard
our respect even at the cost of our lives". These words acted as a
catalyst for Kusuma Sresti. Even though they formed a minority he was
determined not to give his daughter Vasavi in marriage to the king. With this
incident, the unity of the Komti's was broken. The Emperor, like an injured
Cobra, took the lead of his huge army with strong determination to destroy his
opponents. In Penugonda necessary arrangements were made with the supporters of
the 102 Gotras to face the consequence.
Vasavi entered into scene and said:
"Why should there be bloodshed among us for the sake of a Girl? Why
sacrifice the lives of soldiers for our selfish desire. It is better to give up
the idea of war. Instead, let us rebel in a novel way. We can control war
through non-violence and self-sacrifice. Only people with strong will power and
moral strength can participate in this kind of self- sacrifice. Vasavi's new
idea was delightful to her parents and they decided to act in accordance with
Vasavi's directions.
As per the directions of Vasavi, at the holy
place of Brahmakunda on the banks of Godavari, the royal servants arranged 103
Agnikundas (fire pits) in a special way. The whole city was observing that day
as a festival day. Then Vasavi asked the couples of the 102 Gotras: "Will
you plunge into this holy fire along with me?" Every one of them whole
heartedly gave their consent. They suspected Vasavi must be an incarnation of
God and requested her to show her real nature or swarupa.
She smiled and revealed her true self, which
had the glittering radiance surpassing the brightness of sun. She said: "I
am the incarnation of Adiparashakthi." To safeguard the dignity of woman
and to protect Dharma, to destroy Vishnu Vardhana and to reveal to the world
the magnanimity of Komti's I come here in Kaliyuga. Like Sati Devi who was
insulted entered into holy fire, I too plunge into the holy fire and enter the other
world. Kusuma sresty during last birth was a great Saint by name Samadhi as per
his aspirations he could attain salvation along with the people of 102 Gotras.
That is why I asked you all to undergo Atma Balidana." Vasavi advised the
gathering about patriotism, honesty, social service, and tolerance etc.
Devi disappeared as soon as the divine words
came out of her mouth and people saw her in human form. Then all of them
entered into holy fire after meditating upon their Gods.
Though Vishnuvardhana felt bad Omens, he
marched ahead and reached the main entrance of Penugonda. Then his detectives
reported what all had happened in the city. He could not bare the great shock
and his heart shattered into pieces. He fell down vomiting blood and he was no
more.
The self-sacrifice of Vasavi and the end of
Vishnuvardhana was the talk of the town. People condemned the deeds of
Vishnuvardhana and appreciated the epoch maker Vasavi and her non-violent
principle.
The son of Vishnuvardhana, Raja Raja Narendra
rushed to Penugonda and repented about the incident. Later on Virupaksha
consoled him and said: "Brother, let us learn and formulate the present
and future on the strong base of past. Vasavi had come to rescue of the people
without giving room for great bloodshed. Her non-violence gave a good
result", hence forth Komatis shall not fight or rule states but shall
engage in the service and as well wishers of others including services like
trade, agriculture etc..,
Virupaksha visited many pilgrim centers like
Kasi, Gaya and other under the guidance of Komati Kula guru Baskara Acharya. To
commemorate the pilgrimage they installed 101 lingams for each Gotras in
Penugonda. Then, Narendra installed a statue of Vasavi as a token of respect.
From that day onwards all Komti's began performing Pooja to her and is
considered as Komatikula Devata-Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari.
Vasavi's life is worth remembering because of
her faith in non-violence religious values and her defense of status of women.
She became immortal as she has been mainly responsible for the propagation of
reputation of Komatis throughout the world. Vasavi, who had rejected worldly
pleasures, won the minds of Komatis and is the champion of peace and
non-violence and will be remembered at all times by one and all.
Bharath Ratna Dr. Sarvepalli
Radhakrishnan, Past President of India, has indeed very rightly described
Goddess VASAVI as the first ever known embodiment of non-violence in the world.
Her path of non-violence was later tread by Jesus Christ, Goutam Buddha, Mahatma
Gandhi, Satya Sai Baba, Potti Sri ramulu of Andhra Pradesh and Martin Luther
King.
Culture and Traditions
Shaivism
The
Jangam Komatis are a sub-group of the Veerashaivas,
who believe Kanyaka became an ardent devotee of Shiva, who turned into a
mendicant.
The
Shaivaite Komatis see Kanyaka as Kanyaka Parameshvari. She is regarded to have
cursed a king and killed him. She later showed herself as an incarnation of
Parvati, and went to Kailasa, marrying the form of Shiva worshipped as
Nagareshwara. This tradition is more common among Beri Komatis and Gavaras.
Vaishnavism
Sections
of the Komatis, mainly the Trivarnikas and Gavara Komatis, for whom Venkateshvara is
the family deity, follow Vaishnavism, and for them, Kanyaka is an incarnation
of the goddess Lakshmi. This
historical tradition stemmed when Vaishnavism spread southwards during the
reign of King Vishnuvardhana, leading to a decline of
Jainism and Buddhism.
Jainism
Komatis
who practice Jainism worship the deity as Shanti Matha Vasavi Devi, the one who
convinced the king to give up his kingdom, and later causing him to become a
Jain monk through the teaching of ahimsa. She is believed to have blessed all
Komatis to take up ahimsa and prosper in trade.
Architecture
The temple is built in strict
accordance with vastu sastra and so possessing sturdy prakars, tall gopuras,
spacious courtyards, several minishrines, vast garbagrihas, grand mukhamandapas
etc. it faces east and a tall tower surmounting over the broad mahadwara
beckons the visitors with its beautiful sculptural pieces adoring it from top
to bottom and on all four sides too. In front of it lies a vast courtyard with
several buildings housing the office room, choultry and quarters for the staff.
In the second Prakara, there are many mandapams installed with adorable
deities, like Vinayaka, Navagrahas, Lord Venkateswara and Kaala Bhairava
besides the exquisitely made colorful statues of Mother Kanyakaparameswari
standing in fire -pit with parents by her side and A beautiful mirror house.
The legend is said to exemplify the
concept of ritual pollution in Hinduism, where Vasavi chooses to end her life
rather than forcibly marry the king, who was both already married, and belonged
to a different varna from her.
Popular Festivals
Temple Timings
06-00 AM – 12-00 PM | 03-30 PM – 08-00
PM.
Parking and Photography
No issues with parking, Dedicated
parking in the old and the new temple (around 200 meters from each other) are
available.
Photography is allowed. Drones can be
used from outside and from a distance.
Route and Stay
For good hotels, Amalapuram or
Palakollu can be destinations. We stayed in Palakollu and covered few
destinations from there. Here is the route we followed:
