As per the legends,the Basara Gnana Saraswati temple is one of the two oldest and famous temples dedicated to Goddess Saraswati in India. The other one is located in Kashmir. Veda Vyas on completion of Mahabharata War came down to Dandakarana and settled on the serene banks of Godavari river, he would carry every day a fistful of sand, post ritual bath in the river. He made the idols of goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali by moulding the sand.The place has been a pilgrimage centre at least since 6th century AD, the current structure was supposed to have been constructed by Chalukya kings. The idols have been replaced in 17th century by a chieftain of Nandagiri or present day Nandeed after they were destroyed by the Muslim invaders earlier.
The temple is a simple structure, nothing brilliant architecturally, however, the place attracts many pilgrims from all over AP and adjourning Maharastra and Karnataka.
Kids are initiated into Akshara Gnana in the temple premises, A small bite of turmeric paste is given to the kids to taste as it is supposed toclear vocal chordsfor better learning. The goddess makes one forget everything in her presence one comes out of the temple with immense devotion.
Basanth Panchami & Navaratri(during Dussera) bring about festivities as thousands of pilgrims come over during these period.
On the way from Nizamabad, we came across an old Hanuman temple on a small hillock, the temple was constructed by Swami Samarth Ramdas,Spritual Guru ofChatrapathi Shivaji. The place is known as Sarangapur Hanuman.
Basara has TTD run 100 rooms accommodation, the charges are Rs100 and 200 respectively for different types of accommodation.The state run Tourism department accommodation called Punnami is the best, the tariffis Non Ac Rs 800/- per double bed room, Ac Rs 1260/- the charges are same all over the state, wherever Punammi is located. The private hotels charges vary with the season.
The temple opens at 0400 AM, all those who want to conduct Archana and special poojas can enter the temple, the normal Darshan starts at 0730 Hrs and temple closes around 2130 Hrs.
Incidentally, an IIT was to come up in 11th plan and was under approval during NDA regime, the same has since been approved and being located near Hyderabad for logistic reasons. Instead a 21st century gurukulam has been sanctioned.
I have placed few photographs of the visit, that includes Saranagpur Hanuman temple,Saraswati temple and Ghats of River Godavari. The photos have been taken using Sony camcorder as our digital camera developed some technical hitch, therefore theyare just good enough.
Basara Saraswati Temple
Punnami Basara
River Godavari
Sarangapur Hanuman Temple :
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