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.