Chennakesava Temple, Markapur

 Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/d60PXS01U_4

Location: “Sri Lakshmi Chennakesava Swami Devastanam, Kesava Swamy Tempe, Clock tower Circle, Markapur, Chenna, Markapur, Andhra Pradesh 523316”

References: https://ourtemples.info/temple/sri-lakshmi-chennakesava-swami-devastanam-markapur-andhra-pradesh-523316/

                    http://hindutourism.com/2-65-1/chennakesava-swamy-temple-markapur

                    https://sadashree.substack.com/p/markapur-chennakesava-swamy-temple

Chennakesava Swamy Temple located in Markapuram of Prakasam district is a famous temple of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. The presiding deity in this temple is Sri Maha Vishnu in the divine form of Chennakesava Swamy and is seen with His consort Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi. The Lord is called Kesava because He killed a demon called Kesi.

Markapuram was originally part of Kurnool district till 1971 and later became part of Prakasam district. The small town is famous for it’s slate manufacturing and in ancient times was known by various names like Gajaranya during Krita Yuga, Madhavipuram in Treta Yuga and Swargasopanam in Dwapara.

Markapur is located on the Amaravati-Anantapur Express Highway, and can be reached by road from Ongole, Vijayawada, Guntur, Nandyal. Also the Guntakal-Vijayawada rail route passes through the town.

The temple was built between 1405 and 1459 AD during the Vijayanagara period, during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya. The primary attraction of the temple is the huge Galigopuram in front which is almost 135 ft high and visible from almost 5 KMs distance. The first storey of the temple was built during the Krishnadeva Raya’s reign, while the other storeys were added in 1837. Although much under renovation, the temples walls, pillars and the sculptures are beyond excellence and are treat to watch. It is said the king gave away 355.14 acres to 14 surrounding villages just so that the people of villages would look after the temple.

The walls of the temple, built around 1427 AD consists of almost 18 inscriptions providing an account of the people, culture and the way of life of the people who used to stay here. The 40-pillared Mandapam with intricate carving of the deities like Lord Sri Krishna, Lord Anjaneya, Lord Vighneswara and Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi with their respective Vahanas, the Kalyana mandapam with 6 musical pillars able to produce 7 musical notes of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Da Ni are the major attractions of the temple.

One of the most interesting feature of the temple is observed between16th of December and 14^th of January when every morning, sun’s rays enter through the sanctum via the specially constructed windows and fall directly on the feet of the Deity, resulting in the feet glowing for almost 20 minutes.

Legends

There was a milk maid by the name of Marika, a devotee of Vishnu. who worshipped him with milk. Pleased with her devotion, Vishnu blessed her with a son. In gratitude she built a small temple for him, around which the town grew. It was originally called Marikapuram and in due course of time, it became Markapuram.

As per the Sthala Purana, an Asura called as Kesi, used to harass the Rishis meditating on the banks of the Gundlakamma river. Rishi Markandeya, pleaded with Vishnu to protect them. Vishnu realized that Kesi had a boon by which he could only die from a snake. He sent Adisesha, who killed Kesi with his poisonous fumes. He then asked Markandeya to ask for a boon, who asked Vishnu to reside here, which he did in the form of Chennakesava along with his consort Mahalakshmi. Vishnu is called Keshava because he killed the demon Kesi, and Chennakesava is a form of him which is beautifully decorated. Vishnu is known to be an Alankara Priya, someone fond of decorating himself, and Chennakeshava is such a form of his.

Architecture

The temple is built on Dravidian style with a huge gopuram in front. A big prakharam and a huge mandapa leading to the Sanctum. The gopurams is one of the tallest in Andhra Pradesh.

How to Reach

By Bus: Markapuram a big town with APSRTC bus stand having connectivity to major cities around like Vijaywada, Chennai and Hyderabad. NH565 connects Markapur to these cities.

By Rail: Markapur Road railway station offers rail connectivity to cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore. It is around 5 KMs from the city.

By Air: The nearest airport is Vijayawada Airport, about 190 km away.

Stay Options

Markapur itself has good stay options in the form of hotels and residencies

Nearby Places to visit

1)      Gandhi park

2)      Veerabhadraswamy temple, Kadapa

3)      Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

4)      Ishta Kameshwari Temple

5)      Bhairavkona caves

Timings

Monday to Sunday: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm

Parking and Photography

The temple is right at the middle of the busy city. Parking might be a bit challenging although there is space available. It is better to avail a local auto to visit the temple from Hotel, in case you are residing at Markapur only.

Photography is allowed but not in garbagriha. Drones can be easily used from outside the temple but from inside the campus.

Ramalingeshwara Temple, Konidena

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/E7NNBuzzICk

Location: "Sri Ramalingeswara swamy temple (konidena), 228X+CVJ, Andhra Pradesh 523301"

Situated at Konidena around 49.3 KMs and 68.7 KMs from Bapatla, the temple is one of the oldest. Once abandoned but it is regaining it's importance. The temple dedicated to Shiva, it is situated around a remote area and can be reached through a beautiful driving route.

There is not much information available about the temple, but can be visited if there is time.

How to Reach

By Air: Vijaywada is the nearest airport around 100 KMs

By Rail: The nearest railways station to Konidena is Narasaraopet, Arundelpet around 37.3 KMs

By Road: Valaparla is the nearest bus stand to Konidena around 17 KMs. By Road its difficult to reach the location because it’s a remote area. Own vehicles is the best way to travel.

Parking and Photography

Parking is not an issue.

Photography is completely allowed, drones can be easily used.

Nearest placed to stay

Suryalanka beach around 75 KMs, Tenali around 80 KMs, Bapatla around 68.7 KMs, or Markapur around 126 KMs.

Ramalingeshwara Temple, Santhavuru

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/E7NNBuzzICk

Location: "Santharavuru,ramalingeswara swamy temple, R745+43M, Santharavuru, Andhra Pradesh 523185"

Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, located in Santharavuru or Kottapandillapalle (Pandillapalle) , Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to the deity Ramalingeswara (the Hindu god Shiva). The temple dates back to the Chola period (12th century AD).

The temple administrators claim that the temple has a bell that reverberates 108 times when struck once, and that there are only two such bells the other being at Kashi.

 

Timings

Morning from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and in the evening from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM. 

 

Parking and Photography

 

No dedicated parking is available as of now and parking has to be done either in front of the temple

No restriction with photography. Drones should be tried from outside from a distance.

 

Nearby Places to Visit:

 

1)       Amaravati Stupa and Amareeshwara Temple

2)       Undavalli and Akkana Mardana Caves in Vijaywada

3)       Kondaveedu Fort

4)       Mangalagiri Temples (Hilltop and at the bottom): Very auspicious temple

5)       Uppalapadu Bird sanctuary

6)       Temples at Vijaywada

7)       Temples at Iluru, Shrikakulam, Thottavoluru, Yanamalakudduru (All very ancient and very auspicious temples)

8)       Bhattiprolu Buddhist stupa

9)       Brahmalingeshwara Temple, Chebrolu

10)    Sree Dasanjaney Swamy Temple, Ponnur

 

 

How to Reach

 

By Road: The nearest bus stand is around 5-10 KMs. The bridge at Santhuruvuru junction is closed, so first kuccha road is to be taken to reach till Thimmasamundram and then U-Turn through a bridge after around 2 KM to reach Ramalingeshwara Temple at Mangala Chevuru.

By Train: Nearest railway station is around 5-10 KMs

By Air: Nearest airport is Vijaywada around 122 KMs

 

Suryalanka Beach or Bapatla Beach

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/T3c5xr_CphA

Location: "Suryalanka Beach, Andhra Pradesh 522101"

Suryalanka Beach, also known as Bapatla Beach, is a popular beach located in the Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It's situated approximately 9 kilometers from Bapatla and is known for its pristine shoreline, calm waters, and beautiful sunrises. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenery. 

The beach’s natural beauty is a significant draw for people looking to rejuvenate and refresh themselves. The shore of shoreline is extensive. Bapatla Beach ignores the precious stone blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. Otherwise called Bapatla Beach, it draws countless people at the ends of the week and on occasion.

Timings:

9 am to 10 pm

Stay options:

Haritha Beach resort at the Beach and options at Bapatla

Best time to visit Suryalanka Beach Bapatla:

The best time to visit the beach is from November to February, which is winter time in Bapatla Beach. The climate during this time is enjoyable. The best time to holiday on the beach is from October to March.

Experience the Star-Studded Sky in the Evening:

Tourists have decided to stay around in any of the resorts, and they find clear skies. Then, make sure tourists enjoy these clear and star-studded views with a stroll along the cool breeze blowing towards them and waves splashing along their feet, trying to pull the earth away from them or try lying down. Tourists have a bed sheet or a yoga mat.

Parking and Photography

Parking is not an issue.

Photography is allowed and drones can be easily used.

Tourist Places nearby Suryalanka Beach Bapatla

1)      Vodarevu Beach

2)      Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple

 

3)      Kondaveedu Fort

 

4)      Bapu Museum

5)      Uppalapadu Birds Sanctuary

 

6)      Vijayawada Kanaka Durga temple

 

How to reach Suryalanka Beach Bapatla:

By Road: Bapatla bus stand is the nearest bus stand, 8.8km away from Suryalanka.

By Rail: Suryalanka beach is 7 kilometres from Bapatla railway station.

By Air: Vijayawada International Airport is located 100 km away from Suryalanka.

 

 

 

 

 

Bhavanarayana Temple, Bapatla

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/T3c5xr_CphA

Location: “Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple., WF49+939, 13th Ward, Satyannarayana Puram, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh 522101”

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhavanarayana_Temple,_Bapatla

                 https://www.pilgrimaide.com/blog/Bhavanarayana-Swamy-Temple-Sri-Bhavanarayana-Swamy-Devasthanam?srsltid=AfmBOoq7TLBlJOGFR4Hi4ANLjyBSEC1Me22rkQiI1t0d6WRtVSYXcynT

    https://www.pilgrimaide.com/blog/Bhavanarayana-Swamy-Temple-Sri-Bhavanarayana-Swamy-Devasthanam?srsltid=AfmBOoq7TLBlJOGFR4Hi4ANLjyBSEC1Me22rkQiI1t0d6WRtVSYXcynT

 

 

Bhavanarayana Temple is a temple in Bapatla of Bapatla district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bhavanarayana and because of this temple the town of Bapatla got its name. It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.

Bapatla Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Venugopala Swamy. Currently, this temple is under the control of Archaeological Survey of India department. The main deity Ksheera Bhavanarayana Swamy is residing here with His consort Sundarvalli. The deity here is Swayambhu.

Bhavannarayana swamy Temple is one among the oldest temples of Andhra pradesh devoted to Lord Bhavanarayana swamy, who came to be called Bapatla with time. Constructed by the great king Krimikantha Chola in 1465, the temple was restored by King Vasireddi Venkatadrinaidu of Amravati kingdom in 1856.

Legend

According to the legends, the shrine dates back to the Brahma Vyvarta Purana, Agastya, who was a renowned sage, has narrated this story to other saints who belonged to the jungles of Nymisha.

Architecture

The Bhavanarayana Temple was constucted on dravidian style of architecture. The temple gopuram was designed from one rock. The internal walls of the temple are built with hard sandstone. The gopuram of the temple has sculpture of hindu gods and animals.

The temple is currently under construction. There is a big prakhara followed by a Mandapa and garba griha with a shikhara above. The Mandapa is huge with the outer wall containing scriptures in Telugu in every inch.

 

 

 

Timings

Morning Timing - 06:00 Am To 10:30 Pm

Evening Timing - 06:00 Pm To 08:30 Pm

 

Parking and Photography

 

No dedicated parking is available as of now and parking has to be done either in front of the Gopuram or on the sides in front of some house.

Photography is not allowed. Only mobiles can be used. Drones should be tried from outside from a distance.

 

Nearby Places to Visit:

 

1)       Amaravati Stupa and Amareeshwara Temple

2)       Undavalli and Akkana Mardana Caves in Vijaywada

3)       Kondaveedu Fort

4)       Mangalagiri Temples (Hilltop and at the bottom): Very auspicious temple

5)       Uppalapadu Bird sanctuary

6)       Temples at Vijaywada

7)       Temples at Iluru, Shrikakulam, Thottavoluru, Yanamalakudduru (All very ancient and very auspicious temples)

8)       Bhattiprolu Buddhist stupa

9)       Brahmalingeshwara Temple, Chebrolu

10)    Sree Dasanjaney Swamy Temple, Ponnur

 

Famous Festival

1)       The festival of Ugadi is celebrated during the summer months of March and April.

2)       Vaisakha Ekadasi is celebrated in the month of May.

3)       Jyestha Ekadasi is celebrated in the month of June, Chariot festival in summer. Pavitrotsvam, Rathotsavam are the other festivals celebrating in this temple.

 

 

How to Reach

 

By Road: APSTRC bus stand is available at Baptla from where the temple is around 1.5 KMs

By Train: Appikatla is the nearest railway station around 9.9 KMs from the temple

By Air: The closest airport is Vijayawada International Airport, approximately 90 km from the temple.

 

Additional Information

The temple is situated in a very busy town and all kinds of facilities are available around.

Bhavanarayana Temple, Ponnur

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/qTESrzOWm1M

Location: “Sri Sakshi Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple, 3HC2+C4J, Ponnur, Andhra Pradesh 522124”

Reference: https://gotirupati.com/sakshi-bhavanarayana-swamy-temple-ponnur/

 

The Sakshi Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple in Ponnur, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known as Bhavanarayana, and Goddess Lakshmi. It's one of five temples with this name and is located 30 km from Guntur. The temple also has a separate shrine for Hanuman. 

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Bhavanarayana form, which means "the God who bestows salvation. This temple was built by the King Nalaparaju in 11th century AD. Later this temple was renovated by Chola King Kulothunga. It is said that this temple equals to 108 Tirupati temples. Goddess Rajyalakshmi shrine is located within the temple complex. Rathotsavam will be celebrated in a grand.

The temple is also known as Sakshi Bhavanarayana, meaning "witness" in Telugu. This name is associated with a story about a brahmin who made a promise to his brother-in-law in front of Lord Vishnu, who then became the witness.

The temple houses a separate shrine for goddess Laxmi and Hanuman.

Starting with Raja Vasireddi Venkatadrinaidu, the temple has undergone restoration multiple times.

Legend

As per the Legends, A Brahmin by the Name Kesavaiah was childless and used to visit holy shrines with his brother-in-law Govindudu. Kesavaiah had promised Govindudu at the premises of Lord Narayana in Kasi that he will give his daughter to Govindudu for marriage. With blessings from Kasi Narayana, Kesavaiah was blessed with a baby girl and named her AkkaLakshmi. When Akkalakshmi attained the age for marriage, Govindudu expressed his interest to Kesavaiah in marrying Akkalakshmi. Kesavaiah discarded his proposal and asked him for the witness. Govindudu went to Kasi and prayed Lord Vishnu to act his witness. Impressed Lord Narayana manifested in Ponnur and acted as the witness for the Kesavaiah’s promise. Hence, the name Sakshi Bhavanarayana Swamy.

It is also said that Lord Siva also came along with Narayana as the witness and manifested here.

It is believed that Lord Brahma used to take a bath at Brahma Pushkarini (temple tank) while performing penance at Ghostivanam.

 

 

Timings

Morning Timing - 06:00 Am to 12:00 Pm

Evening Timing - 04:00 Pm To 08:00 Pm

 

Parking and Photography

 

Vehicle can move inside the temple complex and parking can be done there.

Photography is allowed but the temple was closed when we visited. Drones can be used from outside, be careful.

 

Nearby Places to Visit:

 

1)      Amaravati Stupa and Amareeshwara Temple

2)      Undavalli and Akkana Mardana Caves in Vijaywada

3)      Kondaveedu Fort

4)      Mangalagiri Temples (Hilltop and at the bottom): Very auspicious temple

5)      Uppalapadu Bird sanctuary

6)      Temples at Vijaywada

7)      Temples at Iluru, Shrikakulam, Thottavoluru, Yanamalakudduru (All very ancient and very auspicious temples)

8)      Bhattiprolu Buddhist stupa

9)      Brahmalingeshwara Temple, Chebrolu

10)  Bhavanarayana Temple at Bapatla.

11)  Sree Dasanjaney Swamy Temple, Ponnur (just a KM away from this temple)

 

Famous Festival

1)      The festival of Ugadi is celebrated during the summer months of March and April.

2)      Vaisakha Ekadasi is celebrated in the month of May.

3)      Jyestha Ekadasi is celebrated in the month of June, Chariot festival in summer. Pavitrotsvam, Rathotsavam are the other festivals celebrating in this temple.

 

 

How to Reach

 

By Road: Direct bus to the temple is available from Guntur and Tenali stations which are 30 km from the temple.

By Train: The nearest major railway junction is at Guntur which is 32 km away. Guntur station is well connected with all parts of India.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Vijayawada which is 79 km from the temple.

 

 

Additional Information

The temple is situated in a very busy town and all kinds of facilities are available around.

Temples at Chebrolu

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/qTESrzOWm1M

Location: “Sri Chaturmukha Brahma Lingeshwara Devalayam, 5GWG+FQ4, Chebrolu, Andhra Pradesh 522212”

Reference: https://www.templepurohit.com/hindu-temple/chaturmukha-brahma-templeandhra-pradesh/

   https://travellerkaka.com/unveiling-the-architectural-splendor-of-the-chaturmukha-brahma-temple/

Chaturmukha Brahma Temple in Chebrolu is a village in Guntur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It serves as the mandal headquarters of Chebrolu mandal in Tenali revenue division It was once a Buddhist site and territorial capital of Kakatiya dynasty.The Archaeologicalexcavations revealed  Buddhist artefacts of Satavahana  and Ikshavaku period. During this period, it was also known with the name Tambrapuri.

The term “Chaturmukha” translates to “four-faced,” and the temple’s idol of Lord Brahma is carved with four faces, symbolizing the four Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda) and the four directions—north, south, east, and west. This representation is meant to show that Lord Brahma oversees all creation, and his wisdom extends in every direction.

The early names of chebrolu were ‘tamrapa’  and ‘tamraba’ . Tamra in sanskri relates to copper. This palce was known for copper and copper related articles since ancient times. Copper alloy utensil are called ‘chembu ‘ in telugu seems to be the reason behind the modern name, Chebrolu.

Not many know that the Sri Chaturmukha Brahmalingeswara Swamy temple here along with a clutch of older temples dating to the reign of Chola, Chalukya, Pallava and Kakatiya dynasties form a fascinating circuit of temples and ancient structures in the fertile landscape of lower Krishna basin.

The most recent records  mention that the Chaturmukha Brahmalingeswara Swamy temple that was built by Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu, about 200 years ago. But the history of this place confirms that the temple must have been rebuilt on an existing temple. This is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, although he is worshipped here along with Lord Siva.

It was a regional fort for the Pallava, Chalukyas and Kakatiya Empires. It became famous during the rule of the Kakatiyas, particularly dring the rule of Jayapa, who ruled this during Ganapatideva’s time. Jayapa’s sisters were married to Ganapatideva, the well known Kakatiya emperor. Jayapa also wrote a celebrated writing on Indian dance, Nrutyaratnavali.

Though the exact date of the temple’s construction is debated, it is believed to have been built during the Chola or the Eastern Chalukya period. Its historical roots and the fascinating myths associated with it make it an important cultural and spiritual destination.

Legend:

One popular legend says that Lord Brahma, who is often known for his role in creation, was cursed by Lord Shiva due to a dispute. As a result of this curse, Brahma was not widely worshipped, and very few temples were built in his honor. This is one of the exceptions, offering a place of worship for those seeking blessings from the god of creation.

The temple is situated in a peaceful, serene, and silent location providing an ambience of spiritual energy and for the devotees, visiting the Chaturmukha Brahma Temple is considered highly auspicious. Lord Brahma is believed to bless worshippers with knowledge, wisdom, and creativity. Since Brahma is the creator, people often come here to pray for new beginnings—whether it’s starting a new phase of life, launching a new project, or seeking solutions to problems.

Another legend states that, Bhrugu Maharshi cursed Lord Brahma that he would not be worshipped on earth. That is the reason why a Shivalinga with carvings of Brahma on its four sides was consecrated at this temple, instead of a separate idols for him.

Architecture

The complex has multiple temples, most of which follow typical Dravidian style of architectures with Gopurams and shikhara above sanctums. However the main Chaturmukha Brahma temple has a simple sanctum with a small shikhara which is beautifully situated in the middle of a pond.tank. The Brahma temple is surrounded by 2 Shiva temples on the east and west and 2 Vishnu temples on the north and south. Additionally 4 temples of Goddess Shakti are there in the 4 corners of the compound manifested in different incarnations.

One of the unique features of the temple is the “Garbhagriha” (sanctum sanctorum), which is surrounded by beautifully carved pillars. These pillars are not only architecturally stunning but also hold mythological significance, depicting scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Culture

The city is famous for Telugu literature and a famous poet named Tikkana (1205–1288) was born in Guntur. He was an eminent poet and translated the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata to Telugu. National festivals such as Diwali, Gurupurab, and local festivals like Sankranti, Shivaratri, and Ugadi are celebrated in Guntur with pomp and fervor.

 

Festivals

1)       Brahmotsavam is the major festival  in honor of Lord Brahma, drawing large crowds from various places in AP

2)       Kartika Poornima, a day dedicated to Lord Brahma when the temple is illuminated with lamps and filled with devotional activities.

3)       Mahashivaratri

 

Nearby Places to Visit:

 

1)       Amaravati Stupa and Amareeshwara Temple

2)       Undavalli and Akkana Mardana Caves in Vijaywada

3)       Kondaveedu Fort

4)       Mangalagiri Temples (Hilltop and at the bottom): Very auspicious temple

5)       Uppalapadu Bird sanctuary

6)       Temples at Vijaywada

7)       Temples at Iluru, Shrikakulam, Thottavoluru, Yanamalakudduru (All very ancient and very auspicious temples)

8)       Bhattiprolu Buddhist stupa

9)       Bhavanarayana Temple at Bapatla.

10)    Sree Dasanjaney Swamy Temple, Ponnur

 

 

How to Reach

 

By Road: Chebrolu is well-connected by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Guntur (20 km away) or Vijayawada (50 km away).

By Train: The nearest railway station is Guntur Junction, about 20 km from Chebrolu.

By Air: The closest airport is Vijayawada International Airport, approximately 50 km from the temple.

Parking and Photography

There is no dedicated parking for the temple. Vehicle has to be parked outside the gate to the complex.

There is no restriction in photography. Drones can also be used inside the complex.

Timings:

06:00 am to 8:30 pm

Additional Information:

There is no restaurants available with in 5kms radius,one can find small tiffin centers nearby temple area. In Guntur city you can find huge restaurants which is 17 kms away from temple.