*Suprabhatam*
*Manimoortheeswaram Uchishta Ganapati Temple -Tirunelveli*
Uchchhishta Ganapati Temple is an Uchchhishta Ganapati temple situated in Tirunelveli in the State of Tamil Nadu. This 900 years old temple is said to be the biggest Vinayaka temple in Asia.
Uchishta Ganapati or Uchitta Ganapati is one of the 32 forms of Pillayar (the eighth form). Moolavar Uchishta Ganapati is depicted on his left thigh with his wife Neelavani (Neelasarasuvathi) in a kolam with his hymn written on Neelavani's abdomen. The tirtha of this temple is called the Rishi tirtha stage of Tamiraparani river. Another highlight of the temple is the Bhairava Theertham well. Vanni tree and palm tree are the main trees of this temple.
This is the Vinayagar temple which houses Asia's largest five-tiered Rajagopuram. Also, the special event of the temple is the rare occurrence of sun rays falling on the Moolavar Uchishta Ganapati every year on the Tamil New Year (the first day of Chitrai month).After entering Rajagopuram, there is a flagpole.Out of the total 3 prakaras,16 types of Ganeshas are enshrined in the prakara around Moolavar Uchishta Ganapati.The length of this temple is about 80 meters. Its width is about 40 meters.
The presiding deity Lord Vinayaka appears here as the sub-deity Parivaramurthi and bestows his blessings here. One of Vinayaka’s 32 forms is Uchishta Ganapati. Since, he is a Brahmachari, watching him embrace a lady is interpreted as his bestowing a child-boon.
Lord Vinayaka enters the inner sanctuary while resting his trunk on a woman’s naval. When a woman becomes a mother, she feels proud. She anticipates that the child will become righteous, noble, and obedient.
*Temple History*
Once upon a time, a demon named Vidyakaran remembered Brahma and did severe penance, so Brahma appeared before him. Vidyakaran asked him to grant him a boon, and Brahma also agreed to grant him a boon. Vidyakaran wished that death should not happen to him, death is common to all, So Brahma declared that he was ready to bestow another boon, so that he who would kill him, alone, unarmed, should fight against himself with his consort and win; Brahma also beckoned to say that only then should he die. Since this was unlikely to happen, Vidyakaran felt that there was no chance of his death and greatly grieved the Devas. The Devas, who were greatly affected by him, complained about him to the three gods, and due to the sacrifices of the three, Adiparashakti appeared before them, granted their request, and caused Ganapati to appear from the yaga. At the same time, Brahma married Uchita Ganapati and Nilasarasuvathi to make Neelasarasuvati appear as his daughter from his yaga. In this case, the trio informed Indra that Vidyakaran's death would be certain if he made Vidyakaran to fight with Ganapati at this time. Legend has it that Vidyakaran, who went to battle with the great Ganapati, who met the great Ganapati when he was alone with Nilasarasuvati, was unarmed and with his consort, fainted to death by the unbearable light of the great Ganapati. In accordance with the request of the Gods to grant grace to all from this same place, the supreme Ganapati along with Nilasarasuvathi is showering grace here.
Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated every year for 10 days in the month of Avani (Tamil) and the rare event of sunlight falling on Moolavar Uchishta Ganapati on the first day of the Tamil New Year Chitrai month. Special pujas are held on important days like on Chaturthi Tithi of every month, on Sankatahara Chaturthi and on the first day of every month.
*.Manoj Inamdar*
*Manimoortheeswaram Uchishta Ganapati Temple -Tirunelveli*
Uchchhishta Ganapati Temple is an Uchchhishta Ganapati temple situated in Tirunelveli in the State of Tamil Nadu. This 900 years old temple is said to be the biggest Vinayaka temple in Asia.
Uchishta Ganapati or Uchitta Ganapati is one of the 32 forms of Pillayar (the eighth form). Moolavar Uchishta Ganapati is depicted on his left thigh with his wife Neelavani (Neelasarasuvathi) in a kolam with his hymn written on Neelavani's abdomen. The tirtha of this temple is called the Rishi tirtha stage of Tamiraparani river. Another highlight of the temple is the Bhairava Theertham well. Vanni tree and palm tree are the main trees of this temple.
This is the Vinayagar temple which houses Asia's largest five-tiered Rajagopuram. Also, the special event of the temple is the rare occurrence of sun rays falling on the Moolavar Uchishta Ganapati every year on the Tamil New Year (the first day of Chitrai month).After entering Rajagopuram, there is a flagpole.Out of the total 3 prakaras,16 types of Ganeshas are enshrined in the prakara around Moolavar Uchishta Ganapati.The length of this temple is about 80 meters. Its width is about 40 meters.
The presiding deity Lord Vinayaka appears here as the sub-deity Parivaramurthi and bestows his blessings here. One of Vinayaka’s 32 forms is Uchishta Ganapati. Since, he is a Brahmachari, watching him embrace a lady is interpreted as his bestowing a child-boon.
Lord Vinayaka enters the inner sanctuary while resting his trunk on a woman’s naval. When a woman becomes a mother, she feels proud. She anticipates that the child will become righteous, noble, and obedient.
*Temple History*
Once upon a time, a demon named Vidyakaran remembered Brahma and did severe penance, so Brahma appeared before him. Vidyakaran asked him to grant him a boon, and Brahma also agreed to grant him a boon. Vidyakaran wished that death should not happen to him, death is common to all, So Brahma declared that he was ready to bestow another boon, so that he who would kill him, alone, unarmed, should fight against himself with his consort and win; Brahma also beckoned to say that only then should he die. Since this was unlikely to happen, Vidyakaran felt that there was no chance of his death and greatly grieved the Devas. The Devas, who were greatly affected by him, complained about him to the three gods, and due to the sacrifices of the three, Adiparashakti appeared before them, granted their request, and caused Ganapati to appear from the yaga. At the same time, Brahma married Uchita Ganapati and Nilasarasuvathi to make Neelasarasuvati appear as his daughter from his yaga. In this case, the trio informed Indra that Vidyakaran's death would be certain if he made Vidyakaran to fight with Ganapati at this time. Legend has it that Vidyakaran, who went to battle with the great Ganapati, who met the great Ganapati when he was alone with Nilasarasuvati, was unarmed and with his consort, fainted to death by the unbearable light of the great Ganapati. In accordance with the request of the Gods to grant grace to all from this same place, the supreme Ganapati along with Nilasarasuvathi is showering grace here.
Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated every year for 10 days in the month of Avani (Tamil) and the rare event of sunlight falling on Moolavar Uchishta Ganapati on the first day of the Tamil New Year Chitrai month. Special pujas are held on important days like on Chaturthi Tithi of every month, on Sankatahara Chaturthi and on the first day of every month.
*.Manoj Inamdar*
Durga temple of Varanasi also known as Durga Kund temple and Durga temple, is one of the most famous temples in the holy city Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). This temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and this temple is dedicated to Devi Durga. The Durga temple was constructed in the 18th century by Rani Bhabani of Natore.
The Durga temple was constructed in the 18th century by the Queen of Bengal - Rani Bhabani. Next to the temple there is a pond (pond) which was earlier connected to the Ganga river. It is believed that the current statue of the Goddess was not created by any human, but appeared in the temple itself.
Chapter 23 of Devi-Bhagwat Purana is described about the origin of this temple. According to the lesson, Kashi Naresh (Raja of Varanasi) had organized Swaywar for his daughter Shashikala's wedding. The king later found out that the princess of forest loves Prince Sudarshan. So Kashi Naresh secretly married his daughter to the prince.
When other kings (who were invited to automatically) found out about the marriage, they got angry and came to war with Kashi Naresh. Then Sudarshan prayed to Durga, who came on a lion and fought for Kashi Naresh and Sudarshan. After the war, Kashi Naresh requested Durga to protect Varanasi and with that confidence, this temple was built.
#Templedarshan #hindustan #hindu #hindutemples #hinduism #hindutemple #durgatemple
The Durga temple was constructed in the 18th century by the Queen of Bengal - Rani Bhabani. Next to the temple there is a pond (pond) which was earlier connected to the Ganga river. It is believed that the current statue of the Goddess was not created by any human, but appeared in the temple itself.
Chapter 23 of Devi-Bhagwat Purana is described about the origin of this temple. According to the lesson, Kashi Naresh (Raja of Varanasi) had organized Swaywar for his daughter Shashikala's wedding. The king later found out that the princess of forest loves Prince Sudarshan. So Kashi Naresh secretly married his daughter to the prince.
When other kings (who were invited to automatically) found out about the marriage, they got angry and came to war with Kashi Naresh. Then Sudarshan prayed to Durga, who came on a lion and fought for Kashi Naresh and Sudarshan. After the war, Kashi Naresh requested Durga to protect Varanasi and with that confidence, this temple was built.
#Templedarshan #hindustan #hindu #hindutemples #hinduism #hindutemple #durgatemple
*Suprabhatam*
*Subramanya Swamy Temple -Vijayawada*
Subramanya Swamy Temple dedicated to the Lord of serpents Kartikeya, the Subramanya Swamy Temple is a shrine located in Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), set on the foot of the Indrakiladari Hills. The temple worships all three forms of Lord Subramanya- Sri Dandayudhapani Swamy as a boy, Sri Valli Devayanai- his original form and lastly in the form of a serpent. It is carved out of sparkling white stone with intricate stonework embellishing the facade. The temple also houses a silver covered Garuda pillar which holds great religious significance for the devotees. There is an anthill by the temple, the natural habitat of snakes, which is worshipped by the devotees with equal zeal and belief.
Situated in the midst of beautiful mountains, forests and rivers, a visit to this temple, devotees has to take a holy dip in the Kumaradhara River to reach the temple gates. The entrance to the temple is made from the back, from where devotees can walk around the deity.Beyond the aforementioned Garuda, the pillar is the main sanctum of the temple where the presiding deities, Subramanya and Shesha reside.
*History*
Legend says that after killing the demon ruler Tharaka, Surapadmasura and Lord Shanmukha reached Kumara Parvatha with his brother Ganesha. He was received by Indra and his followers, who offered his daughter Devasena's hand to Lord Kumar. The wedding ceremony took place on Margashira Shudha Shashti at Kumara Parvatha.
Waters of several holy rivers was brought down for this ceremony, and with these waters, Mahabhisheka also descended which later came to be known as Kumaradhara. Serpent King Vasuki performed penance for several years in the Biladwara caves of Subrahmanya to avoid the attack of Garuda. Shanmuka appeared to Vasuki and declared him his primary devotee. Hence, the prayers offered to Vasuki are nothing but the prayers to Lord Subrahmanya.
The Ashlesha Bali Pooja and the Sarpa Samskara are the two major prayer services held at this temple. The Ashlesha Sarpa prayer service is performed as a protective ritual against Kaalasarpa Dosha.The Sarpa Samskara is done for ridding oneself from the Sarpa Dosha- a fault in the person's birth chart which makes him susceptible to adverse effects of the serpent curse. Affected people can seek the guidance of the priests and perform the required rituals to free oneself from the curse.
Manoj Inamdar*
*Subramanya Swamy Temple -Vijayawada*
Subramanya Swamy Temple dedicated to the Lord of serpents Kartikeya, the Subramanya Swamy Temple is a shrine located in Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), set on the foot of the Indrakiladari Hills. The temple worships all three forms of Lord Subramanya- Sri Dandayudhapani Swamy as a boy, Sri Valli Devayanai- his original form and lastly in the form of a serpent. It is carved out of sparkling white stone with intricate stonework embellishing the facade. The temple also houses a silver covered Garuda pillar which holds great religious significance for the devotees. There is an anthill by the temple, the natural habitat of snakes, which is worshipped by the devotees with equal zeal and belief.
Situated in the midst of beautiful mountains, forests and rivers, a visit to this temple, devotees has to take a holy dip in the Kumaradhara River to reach the temple gates. The entrance to the temple is made from the back, from where devotees can walk around the deity.Beyond the aforementioned Garuda, the pillar is the main sanctum of the temple where the presiding deities, Subramanya and Shesha reside.
*History*
Legend says that after killing the demon ruler Tharaka, Surapadmasura and Lord Shanmukha reached Kumara Parvatha with his brother Ganesha. He was received by Indra and his followers, who offered his daughter Devasena's hand to Lord Kumar. The wedding ceremony took place on Margashira Shudha Shashti at Kumara Parvatha.
Waters of several holy rivers was brought down for this ceremony, and with these waters, Mahabhisheka also descended which later came to be known as Kumaradhara. Serpent King Vasuki performed penance for several years in the Biladwara caves of Subrahmanya to avoid the attack of Garuda. Shanmuka appeared to Vasuki and declared him his primary devotee. Hence, the prayers offered to Vasuki are nothing but the prayers to Lord Subrahmanya.
The Ashlesha Bali Pooja and the Sarpa Samskara are the two major prayer services held at this temple. The Ashlesha Sarpa prayer service is performed as a protective ritual against Kaalasarpa Dosha.The Sarpa Samskara is done for ridding oneself from the Sarpa Dosha- a fault in the person's birth chart which makes him susceptible to adverse effects of the serpent curse. Affected people can seek the guidance of the priests and perform the required rituals to free oneself from the curse.
Manoj Inamdar*
There are many deities in Odisha, whose greatness will leave you speechless. Such a famous temple is the Maa Bhuasuni temple in Cuttack.
The Maa Bhuasuni temple is located on the bank of River Mahanadi. The temple is more than 800 years old.
Maa Bhaasuni is said to be a lively Goddess. According to the servitor of the temple the Goddess is so lively that if someone calls Her with devotion she responds immediately.
Devotees from different parts of the state as well as far away places pay visit to Maa Bhuasuni temle here. Many of them also have wishes that they want to be fulfilled by the blessings of Maa Bhubasuni.
A few years ago the princess of Nepal had come here for darshan of Bhuashuni a few years ago.
Even in the works of legendary saint Achyutananda, there is description of Bhuasuni Pitha and a strange tree.
Telling about the strange tree, the temple priest said that the tree in this pitha is more than 800 years old. This tree with five branched leaves has no name. The servitors insistently says that there is no such tree anywhere else. That’s why this tree is named, the unknown tree queen. If you eat the leaves of this tree in the name of Mother Bhuasuni, it can heal you, says the temple priest. Devotees visit here and tie colourful threads on the branches of this tree to get their wishes fulfilled.
The Maa Bhuasuni temple is located on the bank of River Mahanadi. The temple is more than 800 years old.
Maa Bhaasuni is said to be a lively Goddess. According to the servitor of the temple the Goddess is so lively that if someone calls Her with devotion she responds immediately.
Devotees from different parts of the state as well as far away places pay visit to Maa Bhuasuni temle here. Many of them also have wishes that they want to be fulfilled by the blessings of Maa Bhubasuni.
A few years ago the princess of Nepal had come here for darshan of Bhuashuni a few years ago.
Even in the works of legendary saint Achyutananda, there is description of Bhuasuni Pitha and a strange tree.
Telling about the strange tree, the temple priest said that the tree in this pitha is more than 800 years old. This tree with five branched leaves has no name. The servitors insistently says that there is no such tree anywhere else. That’s why this tree is named, the unknown tree queen. If you eat the leaves of this tree in the name of Mother Bhuasuni, it can heal you, says the temple priest. Devotees visit here and tie colourful threads on the branches of this tree to get their wishes fulfilled.
Sri Nitya Kalyani Temple- Kadayam
Nitya Kalyani Temple is also called as Vilva Vananatha Swamy Temple) located in Kadayam in Tirunelveli District of Tamilnadu.
Historically, as per the stone inscriptions, the Madurai Nayaka kings have developed the current structure of this temple. As per an inscription, Vikrama Pandyan has built the temple around 800 years ago. One of the inscriptions state that the Parivara deities were installed in 1216 CE. Even the Nayakar kings have contributed to this temple. The sage Sundarar had referred this temple and hence it is much older and is also considered as Devara Vaippu Sthalam temple
The north facing temple does not have tower. It is located in a calm and secluded area in the outskirts of Kadayam village. The temple is surrounded by paddy fields.
Legend/History
The King Dasharatha, the father of Lord Ram, was passing through the Bilva forest in today's Kadayam area. He found a Swayambu Shiva Linga and prayed for getting his progeny (as per another legend, he worshiped to get rid of his sin of killing Shravana Kumar). This Shiva Linga was hence called as Bilva Vana Nathar, meaning the Lord of Bilva forest. Later, his name got diluted as Vilvaranyeswarar. As per Kapila Purana, Lord Rama took bath in the river and worshiped Shiva in this site to get rid of his sin of killing Sambukasura.
As per a popular legend, Brahma performed penance towards Lord Shiva and got a divine Bilva fruit. He broke the fruit into three pieces and installed it in three different places, Himalayas, Meru mountain and in Dwada Shanta Van (Kadayam). The Devas maintained this Bilva forest. Lord Shiva Linga appeared on his own (Swayambu Linga) and Pavati worshiped him in this forest. As she appeared as Kausi to kill the Asuras named Sumba and Nisumba, her complexion became darker. She started severe penance in this forest; Brahma made her complexion as golden color and named her as 'Nitya Kalyani'.
It is said that there were many unfortunate incidents happened in those days which made people to believe that the Goddess Nitya Kalyani was angry; they moved away from the temple and started staying in remote places. Later, a Brahmin from Sringeri was believed to have performed some religious rituals to pacify the Goddess.
As per another legend, the Goddess Nitya Kalyani was unhappy and angry as the villagers were pursuing material values at the cost of performing their religious rites. Seven priests died on seven successive days. The Goddess threw her "kedayam", the war shield, to a place which was 4 miles away from the temple. The villagers migrated to the place where the weapon fell. That place was called as "Kedayam" which later became "Kadayam".
There is also another legend which states that the Goddess was unable to bear the noise created by the inhabitants of the village; hence, she threw her "kadagam" (bracelet) to a faraway place and asked the villagers to migrate there. Thus the place was called as "Kadagam" which later became "Kadayam".
Nitya Kalyani Temple is also called as Vilva Vananatha Swamy Temple) located in Kadayam in Tirunelveli District of Tamilnadu.
Historically, as per the stone inscriptions, the Madurai Nayaka kings have developed the current structure of this temple. As per an inscription, Vikrama Pandyan has built the temple around 800 years ago. One of the inscriptions state that the Parivara deities were installed in 1216 CE. Even the Nayakar kings have contributed to this temple. The sage Sundarar had referred this temple and hence it is much older and is also considered as Devara Vaippu Sthalam temple
The north facing temple does not have tower. It is located in a calm and secluded area in the outskirts of Kadayam village. The temple is surrounded by paddy fields.
Legend/History
The King Dasharatha, the father of Lord Ram, was passing through the Bilva forest in today's Kadayam area. He found a Swayambu Shiva Linga and prayed for getting his progeny (as per another legend, he worshiped to get rid of his sin of killing Shravana Kumar). This Shiva Linga was hence called as Bilva Vana Nathar, meaning the Lord of Bilva forest. Later, his name got diluted as Vilvaranyeswarar. As per Kapila Purana, Lord Rama took bath in the river and worshiped Shiva in this site to get rid of his sin of killing Sambukasura.
As per a popular legend, Brahma performed penance towards Lord Shiva and got a divine Bilva fruit. He broke the fruit into three pieces and installed it in three different places, Himalayas, Meru mountain and in Dwada Shanta Van (Kadayam). The Devas maintained this Bilva forest. Lord Shiva Linga appeared on his own (Swayambu Linga) and Pavati worshiped him in this forest. As she appeared as Kausi to kill the Asuras named Sumba and Nisumba, her complexion became darker. She started severe penance in this forest; Brahma made her complexion as golden color and named her as 'Nitya Kalyani'.
It is said that there were many unfortunate incidents happened in those days which made people to believe that the Goddess Nitya Kalyani was angry; they moved away from the temple and started staying in remote places. Later, a Brahmin from Sringeri was believed to have performed some religious rituals to pacify the Goddess.
As per another legend, the Goddess Nitya Kalyani was unhappy and angry as the villagers were pursuing material values at the cost of performing their religious rites. Seven priests died on seven successive days. The Goddess threw her "kedayam", the war shield, to a place which was 4 miles away from the temple. The villagers migrated to the place where the weapon fell. That place was called as "Kedayam" which later became "Kadayam".
There is also another legend which states that the Goddess was unable to bear the noise created by the inhabitants of the village; hence, she threw her "kadagam" (bracelet) to a faraway place and asked the villagers to migrate there. Thus the place was called as "Kadagam" which later became "Kadayam".
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Sri Vidyashankara Temple- Sringeri
Sri Vidyashankara Temple is located at Sringeri in the Chikmagalur district on Sahyadri Hills in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, which is one of the Advaitha Mathas established by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya.The Sringeri temple complex houses Vidyashankara Temple and the Sharada Peetham on the banks of the River Tungabhadra.
History
The Vidyashankara temple was built in around 1338A.D by Vidyaranya in memory of his Guru Vidyashankara or Vidyathirtha, by the support of Vijayanagara Rulers. Also, Vidyaranya was the Head of Sringeri Sharada Peetham from 1331AD to 1386AD who played a key role to establish the Vijayanagara Empire against the Muslim invaders from North India.
The Sringeri Sharada Peetham, adjacent to Vidyashankara temple, was initially established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century and had installed a sandalwood idol of Goddess Sharada along with a Sri Chakra in front of her. However, later due to destruction by Muslim invaders, the broken idol was replaced with a Gold Idol of Goddess Sharada by Vijayanagara Rulers.
Architecture
The Vidyashankara temple built on the Samadhi of Vidyashankara is an admirable monument made entirely of carved stone resembling the architectural style of Hoysalas and Dravidians. The temple structure stands on a high plinth featuring sculptures of the Hindu gods and various scenes of Hindu mythology all over the outer wall. Also, the sculptures of animals like elephant, lion and horses are carved on the bottom sides of the temple. In addition, the rear side of the temple composes sculptures of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations, the Dashavataras. The Vijayanagara Emperors influenced by Vidyaranya, have made great contributions to the temple structures.
There are six doorways leading to the temple and marvelously carved twelve pillars known as Zodiac or Raashi pillars in the temple hall. Each pillar composes a roaring lion with a rolling stone ball in its mouth. The pillars marked with their corresponding Zodiac sign, are arranged in such a manner that the sun’s rays fall on the pillar in order of the twelve solar month. A large elevated circle is marked with converging lines on the flooring that indicates the direction of the shadows from the zodiac pillar. In addition to this, the ceiling is carved extraordinarily with lotus and parrots sculptures.
Entering into the temple on the west side, the main sanctum or Garbhagriha houses Vidya Ganapathy on one side and Goddess Durga on the other side. Shrines of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara with their consorts house in the main sanctum. Lord Shiva’s idol is installed on the Samadhi facing towards East. Above the Garbhagriha, there is a magnificent vimana and the external roof is made up of a sloping structural slab.
Every year, Vidyatirtha Rathotsava is celebrated grandly during Kartika Shukla paksha. Also, Navaratri Festival is celebrated in the Sharada Peetham.
Manoj Inamdar
Sri Vidyashankara Temple is located at Sringeri in the Chikmagalur district on Sahyadri Hills in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, which is one of the Advaitha Mathas established by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya.The Sringeri temple complex houses Vidyashankara Temple and the Sharada Peetham on the banks of the River Tungabhadra.
History
The Vidyashankara temple was built in around 1338A.D by Vidyaranya in memory of his Guru Vidyashankara or Vidyathirtha, by the support of Vijayanagara Rulers. Also, Vidyaranya was the Head of Sringeri Sharada Peetham from 1331AD to 1386AD who played a key role to establish the Vijayanagara Empire against the Muslim invaders from North India.
The Sringeri Sharada Peetham, adjacent to Vidyashankara temple, was initially established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century and had installed a sandalwood idol of Goddess Sharada along with a Sri Chakra in front of her. However, later due to destruction by Muslim invaders, the broken idol was replaced with a Gold Idol of Goddess Sharada by Vijayanagara Rulers.
Architecture
The Vidyashankara temple built on the Samadhi of Vidyashankara is an admirable monument made entirely of carved stone resembling the architectural style of Hoysalas and Dravidians. The temple structure stands on a high plinth featuring sculptures of the Hindu gods and various scenes of Hindu mythology all over the outer wall. Also, the sculptures of animals like elephant, lion and horses are carved on the bottom sides of the temple. In addition, the rear side of the temple composes sculptures of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations, the Dashavataras. The Vijayanagara Emperors influenced by Vidyaranya, have made great contributions to the temple structures.
There are six doorways leading to the temple and marvelously carved twelve pillars known as Zodiac or Raashi pillars in the temple hall. Each pillar composes a roaring lion with a rolling stone ball in its mouth. The pillars marked with their corresponding Zodiac sign, are arranged in such a manner that the sun’s rays fall on the pillar in order of the twelve solar month. A large elevated circle is marked with converging lines on the flooring that indicates the direction of the shadows from the zodiac pillar. In addition to this, the ceiling is carved extraordinarily with lotus and parrots sculptures.
Entering into the temple on the west side, the main sanctum or Garbhagriha houses Vidya Ganapathy on one side and Goddess Durga on the other side. Shrines of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara with their consorts house in the main sanctum. Lord Shiva’s idol is installed on the Samadhi facing towards East. Above the Garbhagriha, there is a magnificent vimana and the external roof is made up of a sloping structural slab.
Every year, Vidyatirtha Rathotsava is celebrated grandly during Kartika Shukla paksha. Also, Navaratri Festival is celebrated in the Sharada Peetham.
Manoj Inamdar