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.