Mandavya Narayana Swamy Temple
| Sri Mandavya Narayana Swamy Temple | |
|---|---|
శ్రీ మాండవ్య నారాయణస్వామి ఆలయం | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Kakinada district |
| Deity | Vishnu (Narayana) |
| Festivals | Chaitra Sudha Ekadasi, Dhanurmasa, Sravana, Karthika |
| Location | |
| Location | Samarlakota |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Country | India |
.svg)  Location in Andhra Pradesh | |
| Geographic coordinates | 17°03′11″N 82°10′10″E / 17.0531°N 82.1695°E |
| Architecture | |
| Date established | 11th or early 12th century |
| Inscriptions | Telugu |
| Part of a series on |
| Hinduism |
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Sri Mandavya Narayana Swamy Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located in Samarlakota of Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, India.[1][2] It is situated near the Pancharama Kshetra of Kumararama in the Chalukya Bhimavaram suburb of Samarlakota.[3][4] Known for its spiritual and historical significance, the temple attracts numerous devotees, particularly during festivals and rituals.[5] The temple's origins are generally dated to the 11th or early 12th century.[6][7]
History
[edit]The historical significance of the Mandavya Narayana Swamy Temple is evident from several ancient inscriptions.[5] While the temple is generally attributed to the 11th century by scholars such as B. Rajendra Prasad of Acharya Nagarjuna University,[6] an inscription dated 1115 CE offers a more precise timeline. This inscription credits a merchant named Mandavya for constructing the temple and donating 20 buffaloes to maintain a perpetual lamp. In honour of this contribution, the temple was named after Mandavya, becoming the Mandavya Narayana Swamy Temple.[7]
Further inscriptions highlight the temple's importance over the centuries. A 1177 CE inscription records a land donation by Mallapa Deva for the temple's upkeep, while another inscription from 1272 CE mentions the construction of a pillar in the Thiruchuttu Maliga by Malli Reddy.[7] Additionally, a copper-plate grant from Katama Vema Reddi of the Reddi dynasty, dated 1393 CE, adds to the temple's historical record.[5]
Together with the nearby Kumararama Chalukya Bhimeswara Temple, the Mandavya Narayana Swamy Temple reflects the cultural and architectural heritage of Chalukya Bhimavaram during the medieval period.[5]
Legend
[edit]Sri Mandavya Narayana Swamy Temple is situated on the banks of the sacred Tulyabhaga River, one of the tributaries of the Godavari. According to legend, the temple was established by the sage Mandavya during the Treta Yuga as part of his penance in the Dandakaranya region. The deity, Lord Narayana, is said to derive his name from this sage.
Architecture
[edit]The temple showcases classical South Indian temple architecture with detailed carvings and sculptures. Highlights include depictions of Hayagriva, Sesha Sai, Ananta Padmanabha, and Yoga Narasimha. The central sanctum houses the main deity, Lord Narayana, while an adjoining shrine features Goddess Mahalakshmi, referred to locally as Veeralakshmi due to her independent consecration.
The temple walls and pillars display artistic brilliance, with carvings of Garuda, Mahasiva, and various deities. Many sculptures also represent mythological events and regional cultural elements. The intricate designs reflect the craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
Architecturally, the temple is notable for its intricate sculptures and its alignment with astronomical phenomena. At certain times of the year, sunlight falls directly on the deity's feet, showcasing the technical expertise of ancient builders in incorporating such celestial details into the temple's design.
Religious significance
[edit]The temple is renowned for its sanctity and is regarded as a spiritual equivalent to Badrinath in northern India. Devotees believe that offerings made here bring prosperity and fulfillment of desires. A local legend mentions a mystical stone, Parusavedini, placed at the feet of the deity by Sage Mandavya, which was said to turn objects into gold. This legend adds to the temple’s mystique.
Festivals
[edit]The temple celebrates several major Hindu festivals. Notable among them is Chaitra Sudha Ekadasi, a five-day grand festival that culminates in the celestial wedding of the deity. The temple also observes Dhanurmasa, Sravana, and Karthika, with elaborate rituals and special poojas held throughout these months.[8] Daily and festival rituals at the temple follow the Vaikhanasa tradition, with priests from the same lineage performing worship for generations, preserving the temple’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Accessibility
[edit]The temple is part of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC)'s one-day pilgrimage covering the five Pancharama Kshetras. Regular buses and other transport facilities make it accessible to devotees from nearby regions.
On October 30, 2021, a theft at the temple resulted in the loss of ₹12,000, along with CCTV cameras and hard drives.[9]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Andhra Pradesh. Vol. 15. Director of Information and Public Relations, Andhra Pradesh. 1970. p. 34.
- ^ Census of India, 1971: Andhra Pradesh. Part 2, Issue 2. Vol. 6. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 1976. p. 352.
- ^ Itihas. Vol. 23. Director of State Archives, Government of Andhra Pradesh. 1997. p. 154.
- ^ Vasini, A. Kamala (1992). Iconography of Śiva: With Special Reference to Select Temples in Northern Andhra. B.R. Publishing Corporation. p. 24. ISBN 978-81-7018-651-9.
- ^ a b c d F. R. Hemingway (1915). Godavari District Gazetteer. Vol. 1. pp. 207–208. ISBN 978-81-206-1462-8.
- ^ a b B. Rajendra Prasad (1980). Art of South India, Andhra Pradesh. Sundeep Prakashan. p. 191.
The Mandavya Narayana temple at Samarlakota also belongs to 11th century A.D. and has undergone reconstruction.
- ^ a b c B. Sowjanya (2016). "Recent Trends In Historical & Cultural Studies" (PDF). Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University, Srisailam. p. 175.
- ^ R. V. Ramanamurty (5 November 2022). "మాండవ్య నారాయణ స్వామి గ్రామోత్సవం". Lokal App (in Telugu).
- ^ "సామర్లకోటలో చోరీ". Andhra Jyothi (in Telugu). 31 October 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
