DRAKSHARAMAM BHIMESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE

Monday, August 17, 2009

The shivalinga in Draksharamam temple is 14 feet high and in the ground floor we will have darshan of the Shivalinga with Panavattam and in the second floor about 4 feet high top portion is seen. I waited for that night as I wanted to perform the ABISHEKAM which is done only in the morning hours. Next day morning I took the poja samagri and a archaka bhraman / poojari. Luckily this poojario was already explaining to t a group of 5 people about the various parts of the temple, so, I joined with them. when we reached Main deity the abhishekam was performed on the name of my daughter and son-in-law. I prayed to the lord severally to give them good health, wealth, prospority, happy married life and a son with good qualities.

My plan to visit the temples this saturday and sunday is fruitful and I retruned to vijayawada by bus. There I met my brother for a short time in the bus stand as he contacted me over cell phone. My brother was going to sullurupet by bus from vijayawada. I returned home hyderabad by 11 pm. Next day morning Monday as usual I hurried for the morning meting at 9 am as I have to perform the duties of officiating T

ANNAVARAM SATYANARASWAMY TEMPLE

ANNAVARAM SATYANARASWAMY TEMPLE ON SATURDAY 7TH AUGUST 2009

Morning I reached Annavaram by train at 7 am and took teple bus from the station. Reached hill top temple area in 10 minutes and tried for accommodation. since there is provision for couples only I went to the lockers room put mybelongings over there. took bath and started for darshan. 2 hours in the que but the darshnam has given the blessing that i wished. prayed to the almighty to bless my children particularly my daughter and her family.

Satyanarayana swamy vratham is performed by couples. large no. of newly married couples accompanied by relatives gave abeautiful sight as the croud is mostly due to the marriage period.

Astothram is the pooja one can have if u r a single since vratham is for the couples.

then I proceeded to downward journey and as i reached the ground buses are available for kakinada. reached kakinada and then took a bus to draksharamam that is Kakinadu to Kotipalli bus. Reached in 1 hr time and then proceeded to Draksharamam temple about 5 mintues walk from bus stand.

NAIMISARANYAM VENKATESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE BY TELUGU PEOPLE

In all our vrathas we hear it all started in Naimisarnyam.  Our telugu people have (vijayawada acharyulu vallu) built venkateswara swamy temple in Naimisharnyam near the Gomathi river.  round this area about 40 small hut type Asram known as Naradasramam is already existing.  The acharyulu has taken us for the first anniversary of the temple.  It is a ice place. A passenger train took us to Namish and then walked down for 20 minutes to reach the temple.  Gomathi river is about five minutes walk from the temple.

BALAJI TEMPLE CHAKERI KANPUR

This temple was built by Telugu  people  in 1993 and located at  Air Force station chakeri and we were requested to perform the Prana Prathista of the deity.  For three days and  night with Bhakthi Sradda and Nista myself and my wife have performed all the Poojas as per the  instructions of the Veda Pandits.  Every year Pooja is performed on the marriage day that is on August 10 for the Aayurarogya aiswrya putra poutrabhi vriddi.

I used to spend lot of time at temple and during the troubled period 2001 - 2003 many times the poojari has prayed for the welfare of our family. Still continue to pray and on 10 August every year mnatrapushpam is performed.

CHINMAYANANDA MISSION TEMPLE, VIHAR LAKE SIDE, MUMBAI

As\I have already given in the Vihar lake and Powai lake post this temple is nearer to the Hostel No.9 of IIT Powai Bombay where I was staying during my Ph. D. days (1975-1980)


Mostly, I used to go on Sunday mornings to Chinmayananda Mission temple and 10 am to 11 am I used to hear to Chinmayananda swamy's pravachanam (Chinmayananda  himself used to give the discourses) and then go to Vihar lake and back by 1 pm to Hostel for lunch.  Lunch is the only meals we used to eat no other additional snacks as I was maintaining hand to mouth with the 400 rupee scholarship I was getting.  That was the young age, so no health problems, I was 42 kgs only when I joined for Ph.D.



Chinmaya Mission temple is on a hillock top with a huge shivalinga structure as the temple structure.  Inside the huge shivalinga structure is the main diety and the discourse hall (a huge hall that can accommodate more than 100 devotees and  can sit comfortably)

VIHAR LAKE AND POWAI LAKE, BOMBAY

I did my Ph.D. at Chemistry Department, IIT Bombay during the period 1975 to 1980.  Vihar lake is the lake that caters to the drinking water in the Powai area to Khar and Dadar.  It is a picnic spot with some children play park etc.  Often I used to go the Vihar lake as I was staying in the last Hostel (Hostel No.9 was the last Hostel those days) and I can walk over the pipe line and cross over to NITIE and then over to Vihar lake.
Mostly, I used to go on Sunday mornings to Chinmayananda Mission temple and 10 am to 11 am I used to hear to Chinmayananda swamy's pravachanam (Chinmayananda  himself used to give the discourses) and then go to Vihar lake and back by 1 pm to Hostel for lunch.  Lunch is the only meals we used to eat no other additional snacks as I was maintaining hand to mouth with the 400 rupee scholarship I was getting.  That was the young age, so no health problems, I was 42 kgs only when I joined for Ph.D.

I also used to go to Powai lake once in a while as this is on the Chinmaya mission temple side but, a longer distance to walk.  From Powai park surrounding the Powai lake, I used to take a bus to IIT after crossing the Powai park.  The park is having some deers and peranimals peacocks and sadhu janthuvulu only.  No tigers, no elephants.  Vihar lake and Powai lakes are on either side of the pipeline that carries drinking water to the city. Pipe line is a huge 2.5 meter dia and walking over the pipeline is a fairly easy and I used to enjoy it very much.  Now my weight has grown and body become weak (72.5 kgs) I maynot be able to walk over that pipeline.

Chinmaya Mission temple is on a hillock top with a huge shivalinga structure as the temple structure.  Inside the huge shivalinga structure is the main diety and the discourse hall (a huge hall that can accommodate more than 100 devotees can sit confortbly)

Also, some of the   working day evenings I used to go inside the IIT powai, the guest house area where the otherside of Powai lake is located.  There is a lawn and I used to sit for half an hour along with a book.  I was too much attached to reading and i was hardly seen ever without a book in my had. My Ph.D. bathch mates  used to tease me and say' you are a bookworm' .

All of a sudden, in an unplanned way sometime in July 1978 I went home for holidays and I was taken to see the girl  (daughter of Munagapati Ramulu garu) by Ande Sheshagirirao Babaiand my parents.  Till that time my mind was completely engaged in research - I communicated three papers to international journals by that time and no thoughts of marriage or not even interested to see girls with that kind of view.  All of a sudden in my thoughts this idea of marriage was pushed and I was refusing to marry till completion of  my Ph.D.  But, nature is so strange, it has done its bit by provoking love at first sight with the girl I have seen.  On the next day, I had some work at Waltair Andhra University and I went to Waltair beach side where poetry has come out as a flow and a beautiful poem has been scribbled just like that.  I purchased a novel of Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani "EE tharam katha' and send it across to Muthyalamma (and already I have changed her name  with a beter name Muthyala devi.   My father told me, one should not call one's wood-be wife amma, so the change.)
The Pelli chupulu as on 10 July 1978 and in just a month's time August 10, 1978 I got married inspite of my strong protest. I have completed my experimental work, but, thesis writing is a big job.  I have no money except 500 rupees scholarship and on top of it my father-in-law brought her to Bombay to make a family life in the IIT QIP Quarters that I have been alloted in the month of Dec. 1978. My wife helped me a lot by copying the paras of literature into a note book and then I used to edit and compose my thesis from that matter. Searching job has become the priority as I did not have any financial support although verbally, my brother-in-law told me to ask for money if I need. I have incured debts of couple of thousands by the time I got a job in Hindustan Lever, Chakeri, Bombay. The salary was 1700 ruppes and it saved me from all the trouble as scholarship was just 500 rupees only.  But then, I have to vacate the accommodation given by IIT.
Any how I stayed wth the Pandit's ( Hall manager of Hostel No.9) quarter near Powai lake corner  afte struggling in 2 to 3 months in other quarters. From there I completed Ph.D.Thesis and I was about to give viavoce on 22 Oct. 1979 when the shock of my beloved Professor happened a week before. I cried lke a child as it is Prof. Biswas who was my actual mentor.

SIDHI VINAYAKA TEMPLE, DADAR, BOMBAY

In Dadar, Bombay Siddiviyanaka Temple is well known for the Vara Sidi Vinayaka that is nowdays seen on the TV channels.  I used to catch a bus from AntopHill Central Government Colony  near King Circle railway station and then go to Prabha devi where the temple is located.  During eighties this was a small temple but afterwards they have constructed a huge 3 floor building in the same area with the temple and diety at the ground floor (untouched).  Vara Siddi Vinayaka temple usedto be a common place for the prayers during Dasara and Vinayaka Chavithi periods. About 10 times I visited the temple and the Aarathi Jaya deva Jayadeva  jaya mangala murthy is impressive and takes you to the immortal world of Lord Ganesha.

BAPATLA AIR FORCE STATION, SURYA LANKA, Guntur district

Air force station for air to air missiles is located near Bapatla sea coast SuryaLanka.  This is about 4 kms. from Bapatla Clock tower area.  Tempos run during peak hours and they charge 6 rupees. I could not enter into the Airforce area for I didnot carry my ID card and I donot have any contact with airforce employees over there.

The idea to visit this palce came because one of my office person (Shri Rajendra Prasad) told me that he visited Surya Lanka that is close to my village Epurupalem.  From Epurupalem, during one of my week end visits to see my parents, I went for a morning walk upto my village high school then, took auto to Bapatla around 6:30 am.  The auto fellow told me where to get the next auto for Surya Lanka.  the second auto for surya lanka is in the side road not visible on the main (GT Road).  Suryalanka beach  is smaller than Chirala vodarevu and no people around.  I returned back in the same auto, as autos are not so frequent because of lack of customers.

It is a nice place. but you have to find some acquaintance to go inside the airforce base residential area as it is having security and closed gates.

RAMOJI FILM CITY, SANGHI SHIVA TEPLE, HYDERABAD

RAMOJI FILM CITY is located on the Hyderabad - Vijayawada highway on the rigth side as we proceed from Hyderabad.  For me living near the new Shamshabad airport on Srisailam road the route is via LB Nagar Junction.   I visted 4 times the film city.  First time I went on my scooter and visited for 2 hours and returned back after lunch.
I went along with my daughter's father-in-laws family during Sankranthi period 2009.  we took a sumo as the people are more and straight headed towards Ramoji film city in the morning by 8 am. Goli  Ramesh joined me at his house in Uppal.  Then, we went to Ramoji Film city, it was more memorable as two children Sweety and Kuchulu are there and it was really enjoyable.  No. of attractions are there given in the pamphlet and the ticket is 250 or so per head.  We returned back by 3 pm. from the Fim city.

In June 2009, Nagabhushana Rao's father came along with his brother Dakshnina Murthy from Epurupalem/ Jandrapet.  I took a vehicle this time also, and joined them for a wedding party on the way to Ramoji film city.  After lunch we went to Ramji film city.

SHANGI SHIVA MANDIR
After Ramoji Film city we have seen Shangi temple. ON THE WAY BACK AFTER 1 KM WE HAVE TAKEN A LEFT TURN TOWARDS THE Sanghi Polymers   pvt ltd and the residential quarters or the Sanghi Village It has turned round the Ramoji Film city and way to the hill top is adjacent to one of the gates of  the Ramoji Film city.  Of course this gate is meant for cargo and utilities or staff of Ramoji Film city only.

Shaghi temple on the hill top is beautiful and it is seen from long distance much above the Ramoji Film City.  I have been wondering how we can approach this temple for a visit for the last 3 or 4 years.  The white marble temple is like Birla mandir.  Croud is not there so, we have enjoyed the temple visit. very much.  Prayed to the Lord to give wisdom to Anil, Venkat, Mothi and my wife to understand the love and concern that I am having towards them and to unite my family at his will.

TIPPU SULTAN PALACE, BANGALORE WITH THE TIPPU'S MISSILE

This is located near the Bangalore Bus stand near Market.  Market bus stand is only 1 km away from the main Kempe Gowda bus stand.  At the corner bfore the bus stops we can get down as all people get down over there but, if you miss then walk 300 meters backwords to reach Tippu's summer palace of Bangalore.  I went through the displayed items one and all as I was particularly curious to see the Tippu's Missile.  I was trying to catch it from the net before and have some idea how it looks like.  The real Tippu's Missile was a feast to my eyes although the other visitors didnot  show that much interest.  There is only one watchman  to see that people don't scribble on the wall.  Of course, there is entry fee nominal Rs 3 or so and security at the gate.   It has two floors.  There are rooms in the ground floor and on top of it thefirst floor is for the Sultan (throne at the centre) surrounded by place for the important people and sena nayakas.  The lower rank soldiers and common people will see from the lawns and ground floor area.

Worth a visit as it has historical importance.  Battle with Tippu was a night mare for the British forces and Tippu has won the battles against British initially.  

SHIVA TEMPLE , AIRPORT ROAD BANGALORE

This huge Shiva temple in Bangalore airport Road is one of the attractions in the city.  It is listed in the sight seeing tour of  Bangalore. A huge Shiva image on White snowy Himalayan structure captures the eye all visitors.  Entry ticket is there for this Mandir as it is promoted by Tourism development board.  All Jyothirlingas and all known Shivalinga replicas are found  in a closed circular path with aircondtioning and in a concealed structure.
    Most enjoyable for a visitor.
I prayed to the Lord to give my children to give them the Gnana Netram to realize the the hatred that they have deveoped on the basis of some false stories created and pushed into their minds.  I prayed to the Lord to forgive my wife as she was a simple Lady but just  fallen into the trap laid by my professional enemies.  I prayed to the Lord to destroy with fire from his third eye all  the tripurasuras who have trapped  innocent lady and disturbed my family.

HAREKRISHNA TEMPLE, JUHU BEACH, BOMBAY

I have visited Hare Krishna Mandir in Juhu Beach Bombay as one of my friend KS rao of IIT Bombay (native of Chirala) used to invite me sometimes for festivals.  In his own home he has a Mandir and Bhajan once a week.  The structure of Hare Krishna Mandir is vast is a delightful sight for the Pandith and Pamara Jana alike.

ISCON TEMPLE BANGALORE

In one of the visits to Bangalore, I visited ISKCON temple, in 2007.  I remeber, a decade ago, I saw the construction work going on for the temple.  The temple is well maintained and glory to Lord Krishna.  It is worth visiting the temple.

 

RAMAKRISHNA MATAM & PANDURANGA TEMPLE, WALTAIR BEACH

TheRama Krishna Math is located on the Waltair (Visakhapatnam) sandy beach.  Panduranga Vittal temple is also adjacent to it.
I was doing my M.Sc. in chemistry during 1972 - 1974, those days in the evenings after the classes are over, I used to take my reading material and go to the beach side.  During  the Aarathi time 7 pm I used to go the Panduranga Vittal temple.  During discourse periods ( as per the announcements) I also used to attend the discourses by Rama Krishna Math saints. The beach was wonderful but, it has changed a lot after my study period.  Thoe days a few students like me and retired professors who have built their houses around that area used to attend the discourses.  Other than that it was secluded area, but, now a days it has become somewhat like city type with lots of new constructions and more number of people.  I have seen waltair once again in the nineties.
All in all the dolphin's nose, light house, Ramakrishna math, Vittal temple and the rushing sea waves, a wonderful that captures the mind.

VARAHA NARASIMHA SWAMY TEMPLE SIMHACHALAM VISAKAPATNAM

In Vishakhapatnam during my M Sc days 1972-1974, I visited Simhachalam two times.
It was on the hill top.
I climbed over the stairs and I was so thin and lean less than 42 kgs, so I was climbing the stairs so rapidly that I could cross many behind me.  The temple is one of the Krishnadevaraya periodtemple with huge Prakaram and sculputres.  The diety of the Varaha Narasimha swamy is inside a linga structure formed by pasting Gandham over the diety. So, i was a bit disappointed as I can not see the real diety's.    But, I prayed severally to the Lord to do all the good for me and my parents and sisters and their families.  I was still a studentof MSc at that time.
In the second visit we went with a group of friends and climbed further up the hill after the temple.  Temple is located some what below the top of the hill.  Then we went on walking climbing down with dangerous and steep so-called steps.  This route was hardly used by the sheapards or cow heard boys to take the goats for green leafy stuff.  then by the time it is sawn, we reached a raod in secluded area on the other side of Simhachalam.    Some how we managed a lift on a truck going towards waltair after it was dark and reached late night the student Hostel in Waltair where we are staying. I was staying in  the Vinaya sagar Hostel  during the second year of my MSc. My room mate was Nageswarachari a srikakulam boy with excellent english proficiency.  He used to appreciate me for my talent in understanding chemistry.  When I was doing my Ph.D he came for interview  in ACC cement company and he has secured the job.  He has written me a letter with a high level poem in English 10 stangas of 4 lines each and I have kept it close to my heart for two decades almost but, now, I can not trace it nor I can find his address.  So strange, a person who was my room mate and who was so nice to me, how time turns the memories into the images run infornt of your  eyes as backlash.

MUMBA DEVI TEMPLE, PRINCES STREET BOMBAY

The Mumba Devi temple in Princes street of Bombay is only 2 kms from Bombay VT station.  Now VT station(victoria terminus) is renamed as Chatrapathi Shivaji Terminal  or CST.  During my Ph.D. period, 1975 to 1978 (before marriage) I used to go Princes street to see my village friend and Typing institute batchmate Sanka Madhusudana rao.  He was working in Vysya bank and stays in the cloth shop of his uncle Basavaiah garu(also a Chirala man).  Many chirala business men are customers of Basavaiah cloth stores as he deals with 1% commission basis and extends credit with his surity from the main market.

The importance of Mumba devi temple in Princes street is that Bombay or now the Mumbai is named after this Mumbadevi temple.  The temple is centuries old but is encroached on all both sides by the shops only the entrance is visible and then once inside the temple you feel some what releaved of the croud. around in the main road.  I prayed to the Godess to give me all the good things and good education.

JHANSI FORT, JHANSI

Jhansi is on the Delhi madras train route an important junction.  Since I stayed in Kanpur 1988 upto 2003, I have to pass through Jhansi station and for reservation purposes, I sometimes have to stay whole day as the trains are availabe only in the night time towards Madras. So, I visited the nearest Jhansi Fort  a few times.  There is lot to explore as the fort is the historical monument that revels the first freedom fight by the Indians against British.  The Jhalakari Bai statue just before the Fort on the road junction is another inspiring thing.  Jhalakari Bai a brave lady, who fought with British as though disguised as Rani Laxmi Bai. The temple where Laxmi Bai used to do the Pooja is inside the fort area but at the ground level.  The place where from she has jumped with the horse during fights is where the Indian Tirang / flag is flying now.  I read the history of Rani Laxmi Bai, and her Bittur childhood days, marriage at the age of seven and getting a son fighting with the British as the Maharaja died.  An young and patriotic Lady like Rani Laxmi Bai;s life is remembered by one and all Indians.
Jhalakari Bai belong to Handloom weavers community, I think it is known as Kurmi.  In UP Kurmi Skatriyas are now clubbed thier caste under scheduled caste.  The equivalent Handloom weavers in Andhra Pradesh are Sali, Padma sali, Pattusali etc. and are classfied as Backward class : B category (not creamy layer).
The British colonel Stuart  is also one of the person who has fought with the Jhansi Rani.  Gwalior Maharajas adn Jhansi Rani were having some good relations as both are Maharastrians but, at the time of final assault  the Gwalior Maharaja kept himself away from supporting the Jhansi Rani for the fear of getting the British annoyed.
Intimate study reveals that Jhansi Rani left  the fort leaving Jhalakari Bai as the Rani over there, and she reached the nearby friendly fort but, was attacked by the British who followed her up.  As the fate is imminent Ranileft his months old kid with one of the sainiks and ordered him  to burn the hut by locking herself inside.

ALLAHABAD TRIVENI SANGAMAM

Allahabad Triveni sangamam is well known to all Hindus and all Indians.  I  worked in DMSRDE Kanpur from May 1988 upto Feb 2004.  I attended the marriage of Dr A K Tripati at Allahabad in the year 1990 along with my family. Janardan sriram also came but alone.  We enjoyed every bit of marriage party as we are from the grooms side and the bride's family has given warm welcome as we are special invitees.  It is one of the happy social gathering and memorable incident during our Kanpur stay.
On the 2nd day after the marriage, we went to see the Allahabad Triveni Sangamam where the Ganga and Yamuna rivers meet.  The third river Saraswathi is invisible.  Then some people go inside to bathe but we did not venture into that as the flow was high.  Janardan sriram told me stories that the boat walas do mischievous things during kumbha mela (that comes once in 12 years) to pay homage to the departed souls.  People from all parts of India will arrive for the Kumbha mela.  Janardan told us that they (boat walas take them inside on boat and then drench the boat and remove the gold ornaments in the pretext of  bringing them out of the waters to safety.
It may be true but, I was not in a position to ruin my happy visit with this type of thoughts at that oment.  I cut short his talk by  changing to another topic on science.

GWALIOR SUN TEMPLE AND SCINDIA MAHARAJA PALACE, GWALIOR

I had vsited Gwalior on four occassions primarily the Air Force station in connection with Mirage aircraft trails for the Piston insulators in the break assembly that I have developed.  I used to stay in the Residency as the same has been converted in to Guest House by the Air Force.  Adjacent to the Residency, Sun temple is built by  Birlas.  It has structure similar to the Sum temple of Bhuvaneswar.  It is made of white marble stone and is very attractive.  I have attended the Aarathi in the evenings.
I also visited the Maharaja Palace of Gwalior that belongs to the then Member of Parliament Madhav Rao scindia. A portion of it they are staying but, most part is left for public viewing.  Small entry fees is charged.

Photographs with British show that the Raja's have been faithful to British and had intimate relations.  

BIRLA RADHA KRISHNA MANDIR KANPUR

Radha KrishnaTemple, popularly known as Birla Mandir is at the city cener  of  Kanpur.  I used to go this temple around 6:30 pm and have Aarathi at 7 pm and reach home before 8 pm.  Since I was travelling to IIT by this route and on my own scooter for academic work and for experimental as well as technical discussions with some of the professors in IIT, I have been visitng the temple on my way back to home at Krishnapuram.  I  used to drive 50 to 60 kms for the purpose of IIT visit and on the way back the temple visit.
Birla Mandir in Kanpur is a white marble temple with wide prayer hall and three dieties centre one being Radha Krishna adjacent to it east side Hanuman Mandir and west side Shiva temple. The pictures are made of stones with color stone push fit in to the grooves made.  It is beautiful.  Aarathi is very memorable.

LUCKNOW RESIDENCY, BUL BULLAYYA AND BULUND DARWAZA, LUCKNOW

During my  16   years stay in Uttar Pradesh Kanpur,  most of my spare time has been spent in order to counter the problems that the office gang has been creating to me and to my school going children. Probably, this is the only weekend trip I made during the entire period of 16 years.  In Lucknow, people appeared to be more polished and the criminals are somewhat less in number as compared to Kanpur.
I visted in the morning Bulund Darwaza a passage through which we go to Bul-Bullayya a Mahal that has so many rooms and routes, it is very difficult to trace back the route that we have started.  I just entered the first floor then I did not venture into the thing as I did not want to spend away too much time over there.  Then I visited the residency the ruined buildings of the British which has been captured by the Indian Mutiny (First freedom fight) during 1850's.  Samadhis for the the British Generals and colonels have been built within the compound wall after the british recaptured the same after one year.  It made me feel proud of our Indian Mutiny and partially successful  first war of Independence.  

NANARAO Pishwa PARK, BITTUR

This is adjacent to the ruined palace of the Nana rao Pishwa.  It is in this palace (ruined by the Biritsh later) tha the planning for first Indian Mutiny has shaped.  There has been a secret passage form with in the palace of  Pishwa into the Ganga river and after reaching ganges he used to escape to destinated place where the secret meetings with the people are held.
The park has the simple Head and shoulder structure of  Nanarao Pishwa and a 1000 square meters park with a lawn. Not maintained that good.  Mulayam Singh Yadav inagurated the park and spent 1 crore for the development.

BITTUR VALMIKI ASHRAMAM, LAVAKUSHA BIRTH PLACE, NEAR KANPUR

Bittur is on the Ganga river bank where the river takes a turn towards Kanpur so, the river here is curved.  This about 30 kms from Kanpur beyond IIT Kalyanapur and I took my brother to this place by scooter in one of his visits.  Later I went on my own to explore the area further.

The Valmiki asram is on a hillok, cemented stair case is built and there is a Deepastambham where we can climb inside the deepastambam stair case.  when we reach the top  we can see the whole place nicely.  The ganga river is half km away.
Sitha kund, a 10 feet deep cenmented well where Sitha left to join her mother Bhudevi,  the place where Sitha as  Vanamali used to cook (Kitchen of Sita) a small room on the right side of the main Valmiki temple and the place where Lava & Kusha were taught by Valmiki the main Valmiki Mandir a medium size temple with Valmiki in sitting posture at the centre.

Numerous temples with old people staying over the ashram type environment are found around the area.  All this is at the very beginning of the Bittur village.

After the Valmiki temple pass through the village 2 kms and we reach the dead end where the ruins of the Nanarao palace and a memorial adjacent to the area known as Nana rao park inagurated by Mulayam singh yadav are seen.  there is a secret passage through which they
used to reach ganges ruver in case of secret missions, as the british were watching their moments over the land.

Other things we can see in BITTUR are the Nanarao Pishwa the place where Jhansi Laxmi Bai spent her childhood (7 years old).  The Biritish have runied the entire palace as it is in this palace the first sipayi tirugubatu has been planned.  Jhansi Rani was supported by Nanarao Pishwa till he himself escaped or died after Britsh has demolished the palace.

SARASWATHI DEVI TEMPLE BASARA ADIALABAD DT.

Basara is in the news that a new IIT of Andhra Pradesh should be made in Basara.  Basara is in Adlabad district and I travelled by bus from Hyderabad.  The main Saraswathi Devi Mandir is at the centre of a walled cound newly constructed and surrounding the temple.  There was a que  of  devotees for Darshan not very long and had the opportunity to have a clear Dharasan of Saraswathi Devi Godess.  I prayed to the Godess to give wisdom to m children and make the family united.
Back to the main diety temple but within the fortified temple structure,  there is Gnana Jyothi, that is Jyothi to be lit by the devotees for enlightment or Gnana.  All things are made available at Rs.10, I have lit the Gnana  Jyothi in the name of my children.
Outside the temple there is a Vyasa Mandir over the hillock.  After that I went to the River and after that returnd back to Hyderabad.

MANGALAGIRI NARASIMHA SWAMY TEMPLE

Mangalagiri is on the other side of the Krishna barriage near Vijayawada but comes under Guntur district.  Mangalagiri Narasimha swamy temple gali gopuram is a tall one and it is seen from a very long distance.  Over the hill there is Panakala Rayudu temple.  In Panakala rayudu temple whatever amount of Panakam ( water with Bellam) you pour in the mouth of the diety in the hill nothing returns indicating that the swamy is drinking everything you give.   I have seen Narasimha swamy temple in my childhood days,  but memory is short.  I wish to visit once again to recover the deity that I have seen during my childhood days.

VIJAYAWADA KANAKA DURGA DEVI TEMPLE

The temple is visible to all very near to the Krishna Barriage and at some height on the hill but not exactly at the top most part of the hill.  One can climb the stairs in a few minutes.  Vijayawada Kanaka Durga temple is very famous.  As a young boy I first visited this temple along with my sister Jaya prada during Dasara period in the year 1967.  i was in class XI during that period.  My brother-in-law had taken me to a cinema in Anubham Poorna Shakara Rao has also taken me to a cinema.  Those days I hardly saw any movies as my father was against wasting money to see thera meeda bommalu. that is cinema.  I remember that I  have seen Lava Kusha along with my parents.  Another movie I have seen is  Chandi Rani with my second brother-in-law.  This one in Vijayawada theatre is the third film probably, I still remember the name of the movie Kannepilla and the heroin is Jaya lalitha, but, I don't remember the story of the movie at all.  After my return to school younger brother of my brother-in-law ( living with foster parents) who was also my class mate made fun of me by calling me "Llapinneka"  I got annoyed as I didnot understand what he means by Llapinneka.  It was almost a week when I got through a friend that means reverse way of reading kanneplla which is the cinema that I have seen in Vijayawada.  I think I only have told him that his brother has taken me to that movie as he was enquiring to know from me.  Afterwords I laughed it off as I am busy in studies stood first in the school. Unfortunately, as  Varda rajulu  do not study well he failed and discontinued studies.

AMARAVATHI AMARALINGESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE AND BUDDIST MONUMENTS

  .Amaravathi in Guntur district is on the Krishna river coast.
The temple has a high structure and the Shiva linga is two floors high. In the second floor also, the archakas have climbed over ladders on either side to do the abhishekam.
Then I went over to see the Buddist Monuments.  Notable is the stupa structure that is a huge circular one.  some diety sculpture s of Budda are located at the entrance and at the centre of the stupa.
I was hardly 14 years old at that time and it made tremondous impact on my thoughts and gave rise to the foundation to my interest in visiting historical places and temples. i also the museumof the Buddist stupa that are moved from the site into the safe exhibtion area of museum.

Background of visit : My eldest sister Venkata subbamma used to stay in Kanchekacherla near Nadigama on the Vijayawada - Hyderabad highway during my college days. So I visited Kanchekacherla two times.  First time my brother-in-law took me from Vijayawada by Launch (machined boat). We took launch from a place     back to the hill of Kankadurga temple.  Jouney by lauch  took an hour or two.
Opposite to Kanchekacherla on the other side of the river Amaralingeswara swmay temple is visible from my sister's residence. During my return journey to Chirala  I visited Amaravathi.

PONNURU ANJANEYA SWAMY AND SAHASRA LINGESWARA SWAMY TEMPLES



Two Gali Gopurams facing WEST on the
PONNUR to GUNTUR HIGHWAY




Sahasra lingeswara swamy gudi, Ponnur
Also known as Veyyi Lingala gudi inside the
temple complex of Veeranjaneya swamy Aalayama 




The Hanuman statue is one of the tallest >30 feet
hence the enclosed temple looks like a tall
building During Aarathi we will have a
  magnificient darshan of Lord Veeranjaneya

 Ponnur Temples are very famous in our region as the 30 to 40 feet high monolithic statues of Hanuman and Garud are in the temple along with Sahasra lingeswara swamy (1001 Shiva Lingas)

The present form of the temple is elegant and it has a few rooms for the devotees who want to stay over night.

Anjaneya swamy is 35 feet tall and main Pooja is performed and aarathi on all days.  The Garud deity is 40 feet tall. and Garud temple is facing the Anjaneya swamy temple.

In 1970's I used to see both the statues in the horizontal position since erection was not done.  The Head of Hanuman  with head of Rama and Sitha is broken due to over weight  so the statue is made smaller by carving again the head of Hanuman within the body area.  I visited this temple recently when my father died since it is customary for us to spend a night after the 9 day cermony  and before the end of a month.  My father died on October 19 2006  so i stayed one night around 30th October 2006 in the temple.  Again, my mother died on 19 October 2008, so on 30 October 2009 I stayed a night in the temple premises.  Aftr one night's stay, early morning took bath and performed prayer and then returned to Hyderbad.  both times. My relation P Nageswararao helped me book the room each time.

It is really one of the  important temples to be visited in this  region.

NAGARJUNA KONDA BUDDIST MONUMENTS

BUDDIST  MONUMENTS  of 3rd  /  4th century are reassembled as the artificial lake formed because Nagarnasagar dam has immersed the area.  The Budda idols are kept in the museum.  The launch started at 9 and second trip at  11:30 after the first batch returns to the shore.  The lauch station is on the Gutur side bank also known as right bank launch station.  Ticket is about 75 rupees ( altoghter 100 rupees).  We can have cool drinks and some snacks in the Museum premises.  Since it was lunch time I took the Noodles with hot water poured into the packaged cup noodles.  Taste is not good. Samosa is available.  but, no meals n the museum area.
The launch names are Jariya and Shanthisiri.

PENUGONDA DURGAM NEAR PUUTAPARTHI ANANTHAPURAM

I visited penugonda during my 3 days stay at Sri Satya Sai Ashram Puttaparthi.  I went by bus in the early morning 6 am. and reahed Penugonda at 7 am.  I went by walk in the area that is at the foot of the fort about 1.5 kms and saw no. of small temples of vijayanagara period.  I didnot go up the hill to see the fort ans they warned me theat Chenchulu vallu may rob us if we are alone.  Only a group of 4 or more should venture to go up the hill.
Like Hampi there is Hawa mahal towards the edge of the pengonda kota village one single road adjacent to the fort area.  entrance looks like fort only.  then there is a storey that mahamantri thimmarusu was kept in jail here in penugonda fort jail and his eyes were removed as he supported his son who has declared himself as independent  king of the Jamin that he was looking after.  I have not seen the cinema    MAHAMANTRI THIMMARUSU BY NT RAMA RAO/  It is said that the details are shown in that films.I have come across a photo of the Jail in which  Mahamantri Thimmarusu was kept and his eyes are removed for allegedly posioning the son of Krishnadevaraya as the cunning Bahamani sultans actually killed the Yuvaraja and thrown the blame on Thimmarusu.  Later Krishnadevraya realised the truth and the storey of Krishnadevaraya has almost ended just with 20 years rule.  It is given in the wickipedia that blinded thimarusu didnot accept the patronage of Krishnadevaraya again and lived begging near Thirupathi temple and died as a beggar.


By 9 am I have returned back and had Darshan of Sri Satya Sai Bhagwan.

PULICOT LAKE NEAR SULLURUPET

This is a pretty good lake and storks and birds of special colorful variety visit every year from as far away as Australia.  This lake is protected by Government.  Fishing is prohibited in the lake.  Thsi lake is formed by back water of the sea so, the water is salty.  Hence it is called  salt water lake.I visited this lake two times during my sullurupet visits.

CHENGALAMMA TEMPLE, SULLURUPET, NELLORE DT.

IN SULLURUPET CHENGALAMMA TEMPLE IS FAMOUS. My brother stays in Sulurpeta and I visited a few times.  He took me on his bike to the temple which is 4, 5 kms away from the town towards Tada / Chennai.  The temple is now maintained by the Endowments department.  Good face lift is given.  Chengalamma Godess is believed to bless with devotees with immediate results and bless the devotees whatever they pray for.  Korkelu therche talli chengalamma.

On the way back from oneness temple vedayapalem to Tada and then to sullurpet I took RTC bus coming from Chennai (Tamilnadu RTC bus)it took diversion from the highway at chengalamma temple into the town area.  The highway also passes and touches the bypass near DRDL quarters of DRDO/ ISRO campus.

Trivikrama, Agasteswara swamy temples, Cherukuru Bapatla

This temple has a special significance as the diety in the temple is TRIVIKRAMA Maha Vishnu. that is Vamanavathara Vishnu murthy has shown his trivikramavataram at the time of measuring with his feet entire Bhumi or Prithvi with one foot; entire Akash or sky with second foot and sending the Bali chakravarthi to Pathala lokam against the third feet of land that he has given as danam.

Agasya maha muni has also made prathista of Maha shiva lingam 4 feet high and agasteswara swamy temple is located 500 mts away from the main temple of Trivikrama sri maha vishnu temple.

My classmate Budati Ramana Murthy is presently acting as the executive officer for this temple and so, I visited this temple three times during the last 2 years on certain occassions of festivals.

Ramana murthy helped me with contacts f Kotappa konda EO and Vallurama temple EO at Ongole. I am thankful to him for all the help co-operation extended during my visits to various temples with relevant information.

Motu palli, Uppugunduru Shiva temple, near China ganjam chirala.

Motupalli is on the sea coast like vodarevu in chirala.  Travel in RTC bus from chirala to  Uppugunduru and then take auto rikshaw to motupalli.  Auto wala took 7 rupees but, only limited no. of trips they make becos he should enough no. of customers.  It is very nice sandy area but, the temple is completely destroyed, some renovation work is going on by the archelogical department.  Once it is rebuilt then, it may get trasferred to Endowments department for proper Pooja of the diety.  Storey is that once it was very famous port and the sea flood has taken away the remains . and the petty theievs also have digged the area under the main shiva lingam for the navaratna and gold.  The shila sasanas are in telugu, as well as kannada indicating that the area was properous during krishnadevaraya period.  The history is that ratnalu was sold in the streets of motupalli.  Now a days rehabilitation for the flood victms of machilipatnam is seen in the area after taking 90 degree right turn from the temple.  One watchman is there in the temple who will be looking after the renovation work going on under the archlogical department.  There is one SriRama temple just before reaching the shiva temple.  this is some what in a better shape and some pooja is being done .  Theere is a well near Srirama Temple and passer by is using the same to drink water.  Water is very sweet and potable.  The sea shore is about 1.5 to 2 kms but, the sandy area without a road is very difficult to walk.  so, I gave up the idea of going upto the sea shore.

ANKAMMA DEVATHA TEMPLE, KOCHHERLA

KOCHERLA IS THE VILLAGE TOWN ON THE ROAD CONNECTING THE KAREMPUDI VINUKONDA ROUTE. THIS PLACE IS 10 KMS AWAY FROM VINUKONDA. Upparapalem the vilage of Rohini's father in law is about 4 kms from Kocherla. At the side road to upparapalem in the small village town of Kocherla is located the Ankamma Devatha temple. The Mandal is Epuru.
The temple of Ankamma Devatha has an adjacent temple of sister of Ankamma devatha. On the Pournima day on May 10, 2009 I visited this temple as father in law of Rohini invited me. i went from Chirala along with Hari ( now completed 1 yr. BSc Compue sicence) . Early morning I prayed to our Kula devatha Ankamma devatha at Epurupalem then started to Narasarao peta. From there we proceeded to Vinukonda and then took an auto rikshaw to kocherla. There was huge rush at the temple as it was a special occassion of Thirunalla of Ankamma devatha. many peo-le are still cutting Bali of goats and some hens and a few even the small oxen (only one or two) on the road opposite to the temple. After praying to the Godess for the blessings to my daughter and soninlaw and for their happy married life, for the blessings to get a male child and then to my family my sons and my wife health and change in the mind set of thinking I proceeded to Upparapalem village. By 2 pm we reached upparaplalem, had some prasadam as lunch with goat meat as ammavari prasadam. Then by 4 pm started back to Hyderabad. Ravi is also there in Upparapalem. Then back to home by 11 pm in the night.

My village name epurupalem appears to be derived from Epuru madalam and the family Godess Ankamma devatha is also seems to be the godess Ankamma devatha at kocherla. My father used to tell me that my grand grand fathers have come from long a distance as there was famile and no drinking water at the place where they were earlier. He could not give me any further details. Probably it may this Epuru Mandalam area. Hari has been telling me all the way during journey.

Praise to Ankamma thalli and prayers to mother to bless my children and my family.
sarvejana sukhinobhavanthu.

NEELAMPATI LAKSHMI AMMAVARI TEMPLE

Godess Neelampati Sri Laxmi  Ammavaru born in 15th century
in the village Nidanampadu. Speciality is that SILA and Neem tree
in the open park like area is worshipped. As per tradition Temple is
not constructed.  Minimum facilities for Devotees have bee made.

This temple is located on the Karumpudi to Durgi route in Palanadu. Macherla is the nearest big junction. I have seen many times a board with a small girl picture during my chirala to Hyderabad trips as I was frequently visting my parents at my native place chirala 2004 onwards.
Adigoppula is the village nearby. away fromthe village after one km distance a side road leading to the fields of Adigoppla and the Lakshmi ammavari temple is located 6 kms away from the cross road.
The occassion is quite a good turn. at the instance of father in law of Rohini as they have prayed at the time of marriage and after they invited me to join them for the piligrimage on April 18 /19th 2009.
Bethamcharla Subba rao garu, father in law of Rohini and his family consisting of daughter Subhashini, grand children sweety and kuchulu and his wife and Kasturi (sister in law of BSR garu) and her husband Srnivas K .

It is a memorable trip as we prayed with intense faith that my daughter should join her husband in USA with in a short period. This happened, within the next week itself my daughter has gone to USA and joined her husband.

I am indebted to the Godess for this very kind act and will be visiting the temple once again in the near future.

The temple islocated 6 kms away from the main road and the there is no temple as such it is in the open under a tree. Kode duda are brought and the same are made to go round the place socalled temple with out any built structure. Then, Bali is given with male chicken and we had prasadam by 3 pm. After that I returned to Hyderabd from there itself. Others have travelled back to Piduguralla.

VALLURAMMA TEMPLE NEAR ONGOLE

On AUGUST 15, 2008 I visited to the temple of Valluramma devatha as my mother was bedriddenwith bed sores and on bed in epurupalem. Next to Ongole town railway station the village with Granite stone carrys and crane arrangements is the place I got down. thentook auto rikshaw at the railway crossing adjacent to the station and reached the temple in 10 minutes ( 2 kms). This temple is developed by Endowments department and reasonably good facilities are developed. Temple has a big compound wall and a couple of buildings are construted with in the premises. Opoosite to the temple on the other side of the main roadthere are shops and hotels. Adjacent to the temple we can get utensils and chairs etc from tent wala shops. for rent. I prayed to the Godess for the speedy recovery of my mother and particularly, the powerful Godess I prayed severally for the marriage of my daughter as that is sravan masam. my mother told me looking into the tears in my eyes the same day morning that Klyanam vochhina kakku vachina agadu refering to the marriage of my daughter I know, y mother read through my eyes the inner feelings what I am thinking. So, I prayed to Mother Valluramma to bless my daughter Rohini for the marriage.

Later I have returned to epurupalem and then to Hyderabd. Next trip during Aug 21. 2008 my mother's condition deteriorated further and I took her to Kamineni Hospital in Hyderbad. Ultimately, on October 19, 2008 exactly on the same date as my father passed awed 2 years ago that was on 19 oct. 2006, my mother left her physical body and reached the heavenly abode to join with my father.

My prayers to Mother Valuramma have been granted in silence and without my knowing my daughter got married on 21 Aug. 2008, I think the same day when I took my mother to Kamineni Hospital Hyderabad.

After my mother's demise, on Nov. 7, 2008 (the birthday of my elder son Anil) I have been able to tace out the mothi's fatherinlaw's address and met them at their home in Piduguralla. Several people helped me whithout any reservations in my search process and I am thankful to each one of them.

I owed a thanks giving Darshan of Mother Valluramma but, I have to delay it as I am told the tradition is preventing any visits of this nature until completion of six months after my mother's demise thus, I stayed on waiting for the day. On 9th June Poornima day myself, my sister, brother in law, Arikati Srinivas and the tenants family (in my house) wife and husband went to the Mother Valluramma temple and with hen bali (sacrifice) we have performed the pooja and Mokku. I prayed Mother Valluramma to get my elder son Anil married to a good family girl within the next 2 years and the younger son Venkat also to be blessed with a good wife in another years time after elder one's marriage. And I will be visiting Mother Valluramma again and prayed to the Mother to get the marriages of my sons to be performed by me and my wife with traditional marriage rituals. Looking forward for the mother Valluramma's grace and blessings.
All praise to Mother Valluramma.

CHILUKURI BALA JI TEMPLE, HYDERABAD

Chilukuri Balaji temple is famous in Hyderabad. From Mehadipatnam bus stand or junction on theleft side we have special buses running for Chilukui Balaji temple Rs.10 ticket and I reached one day mrning at 11am. The temple is known for the devotees as the God who fulfills the mokku. Exam period after the results the crouds are too much. When I went the croud was moderate as there is no special festival or occassion. Many devotees are performing their mokku 51 times going round the temple and writing one full page of om venkatesaya namah etc. The temple surroundings are maintained some what better, since the endowment department want to take it away from the hands of the pujaris but, the courts did ot yet decide on the matter. There is no Hundi in the temple. All in all it is a memorable trip and agin went another time and prayed for the changing the mind set of my sons Anil, Venkat and Mothi and to get my daughters marriage at the earliest with a good person. The later prayer is performed by Lord and am yet waiting for the change in mind set of Aniland Venkat till date. I have also prayed for the good matches for my sons as well. I am looking forward to the Lord's mercy on these counts of getting proper good girls as daughter-in-laws with in the next couple of years and for the change of the mindset of my beloved sons Anil and Venkat.

Om Venkatesaya namaha

Astha Lakshmi Temple near LB Nagar Hyderabad

This temple is situated near LB nagar in Hyderabad.
I visited the Asta Lakshmi temple once in 2007 and prayed all the eight dieties for the forgiveness of the sins committed knowingly or un knowingly by each one of my family members and unite the family again.
In 2008, July 21st I admitted my mother for the bed sores and hip joint fracture. Around end of July 2008, fracture occured during 6 weeks stay at sullurupeta at my brother's home. From June 25 to 4 Aug we admitted her to DRDO Apollo Hospital and it was decided that we may not go for the complicated operation at the advanced age of 83 years. For 8 weeks she was atEpurupalem. Since condition is deterating I brought my mother to Hyderabd and admitted in Kamineni Hospital which is adjacent to LB Nagar junction and in that context I had been to AstaLakshmi temple a few times and prayed severally for the improvement in the condition of my mother. From 22 Sept 2008 to 14 October my mother was in the Hospital then, they discharged her as the hopes of recovery seems to be far. On 19th October 2008 my mother passed away at my RCI quarters. I was with my mother till her last breath and cried like a child as no other ( my sister, and brother didnot turn up) person is with me. First she had a stroke at around 1 pm lasted for half an hour. Then, at 5 10 pm. this time I called for the doctor and he declared at 5:35 pm as my mother is no more. I prayed to the Lord for the soul of my departed mother to rest in peace in the heavens.
My children Anil and Venkat and my wife I called and send messages aswell. They didnot turn up the again I prayed to the Lord for forgiveness and for the reckless ness they have shown to grandmother's departed soul. I called my borther and sister and asked them to make necessary arrangements at Epurupalem. By 7pm we left with the body in aBelero car along with my nephew Prabhakar. and reached by 4 am in the early hours 20th Oct. 2008. We performed the last rights by 2 pm and then looked into Lord's eyes for giving me the courage for the future course action to be performed by my physical body.

Kotappakonda Trikuteswara swamy temple

Kotappa konda is near chilakaluripeta 2 hours journey from Chirala by ordinary bus. As a child I used to wonder when my classmates tell me that they had been to Chilakaluripeta and kotappa konda thirunalla and there were huge PRABHAs for Mahasivaratri. I never had the courage to ask my father to send me or allow me to visit the temple although I had huge curiosity to know how that experience is as my classmates used to tell me. But, what did not interest me was that they storey tellers used to boast as though they touched their should with the girls who came for the thirunalla, probably this kind of antisocial activity is the one my father also told me about the chilakaluri peta thirunalla. Hey GOD Forgive me for not visiting the sacred and most beautiful temple in my neighbourhood for 5 decades of my life.

Itis only recently, that I visited the temple 2 years ago, after the death of my father in 2006 Oct. 19. I think I visited first time in Dec. 2007 or so. After my first visit I have visited the temple as many as 6 times with the last 3 years. Once I took my daughter in the month of March 2009 afew daysafter Mahasivaratri. The surrounding are beautiful. The main deity is a 4 or 5 feet tall shiva linga and the executive engineer of the temple is a collegue of my class mate Ramana Murthy. We had special Pooja performed2 times during the visits. ( not on festival days).

One side attraction I found each time is an young man with silver paint o body and standing in statue position like Mahatma Gandhi in the very very hot sun. He doesn't wink an eye and the one rupee coins in front of him doesn't interest him as he looks like a Gandhi came alive. One of the evenings when he was about to leave becos it has become night, he told me he may get as much as 200 rupees on sundays and never less than 100 Rs. daily and thatis all his bread and butter. I enjoyed the trip and prayed to the Lord again and again to restore the severed connection with my children Anil and Venkat. I was delighted that Rohini (my daughter was on my side as I prayed that moment.

Tirupathi Venkateswara swamy temple

When i was 10 years old my father took entire family to Thirupathi. On the way near Nellore he last the purse and then made us wait in the railway station. My father went back to Chirala and then brought money second time so, the happy trip wasn't that much exciting although we performed all the rituals like kesa kandanam and waiting in long ques and had darshan.
Second time I visited when I passed my SSLC exams and got first mark in the school. This time I went along with one of my classmate Mr. Ramesh Damarla. I had my kesa khandan but Mr.Ramesh was not willing to stand in the long que for darshan and told me I come every year to thirupathi becos my father comes here to sell gold (donga bangaram) and thus, dragged me to return back with out darshanof Venkateswara swamy. For manyyears I felt very guilty within my thoughts and prayed severally to the Lord to forgive me for the fault. I was not confident of returning to Chirala on my own that is the reason why I yielded to return with Rameshbabu even without darshan. To get rid of this guilt of not having darshan is subsided when I took my entire family my wife and three children in the year 1984 after I joining DRDO as scientist. I was all sad throught the period 1968 to 1984 since I made a mistake of not having darshan in 1968. I did visit and had darshan in 1969 after my PUC exam. but, that didnot give me full satisfaction.

I did my MSc i n AU Waltair and Ph.D. in IIT Bombay. I have visited thirupathi not less than 8 or 10 times. (3 times during the last 6 years)

Darshan of Thirupathi venkateswara swamy is very special. I think I neednot go in to the details. I cherished every moent of darshan.

SrikalaHasti temple

This temple I visited a couple of times once during my childhood when my father took entire family for a visit. Later 10 years ago, again, I visited it on my wayback from Tirupathi after Tirumala Venkateswara swamy darshanam. The temple is a hige complex with scupures.

The story of Bhakta Kannappa is narrated to this place. Kanchan mukhee nadi jalam is very shallow water river and sand is shining like gold so the name kanchan mukhee nadi for the river.

Veerabramendra swamy matam BANAGANAPALLI and Belum guhalu

On my way back from Kurnool, I first visited banagana Palli then went to Belum Caves which is about 20 kms from banaganapalli. In banagana palli I saw the Veera bramendra swamy .Matam. The matham is located on the road side about 200 yards away and in the village outskirts. I prayed to Bramam garu to save me from the trouble this separation from my kith and kin and reuite the family.
 After praying to veerabramhendra swamy at Banaganapalli I moved to Belum caves (Bilum in Sanskrit) which is just 20 kms awy. The ticket to the site is 25 rupees and they will take the bacth of 25 people at a time 1030 am we started to go inside the caves and it took less than 2 hours. The caves are majestic as these formed out of calcium rock. and dissolution of calcium minerals in flood waters. It is made public for viewing during 1980. although it was discovered 100 years agao by a british fellow. Inside there are indictions that the place was used by Buddist monks for meditation. some calcium rocks hanging structures give beatuful music like sound as we touch and hit with a stick if  large pressure used it may break the rock so, we should exercise caution not to damage the rock. Guide is with us and he will take care of any such prohibited activities from the guests. it is a memorable event.

SRISAILAM MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY TEMPLE

THIS IS THE SRISAILAM DAM NEAR THE TEMPLE.





Srisaila mallikarjuna swamy temple is over the hill and the bus has pased over the bridge after the dam and then reached in another 30 minutes the temple area on the hill top. Journey to srisailam is through ghat road and nallamala forests where naxal problem and the tiger reserve are compunded then, check up at some gate near nallamala entrace to check bus and passengers.

we reached the temple and took a room in Padmasali satram. took bath and headed for darshan. it is a vast temple and the entry is faily easy as the day is not any festival day.
The shiva lingam is only inches height and we can go very near to the shila lingaunlike other temples where we are not allowed inside the main diety's place. My father used to tell me great things about Srisaila Mallikarjuna swamy. My grand father has to my father the name of mallikarjua rao after srisaila mallikarjuna swamy. My grand father subbarayudu is an ordant devotee ofshiva with the lingam hanging in his nech with in a small box like things. I know I have seen the box as well as the small shiva lingam in my house during my child hood days.

After the darshan I have not spend much time in seeing around. The temple has elephant and we can have blessings with the tusk of the elephant. after the blessings with the tusk over our head , we give some dakshina and the elephant gives it the man / his master.

All in all it's a great place for the people who have faith in Lord Mallikarjuna swamy. I prayed severally to the deity to cure the ills and unite the family. I donot know exactly what made my children not to talk to me inspite of my best efforts and loving behaviours. I have given everything to them as a father should provide. It is just Grahadosha and prayed the Gods to cure the ills of grahadosha.

BELUM GUHALU NATURAL CAVES OF CALCIUM ROCKS

During one of my visits to Puttaparthi, From Puttaparthi I took  a bus to Anantha pur and then to Tadipati.  From Tadipatri I took bus to Nandyala and on the way after crossing Kolimigundla, I reached Belum guhalu.  This is a request stop and will stop only if the passengers are there.  Since the AP Tourism is developing the caves as a tourist attraction bus, will certainly stop (even the express busses )  but, we have to ensure that the conductor is aware of your destination.  The caves are open in the morning about 10 am and toursits are taken inside as a group b a guide of APTDC.  In the afternoon if enough no. of tourists (say 20 people) are there then again the 2nd batch is taken inside.  Some days second batch may not e there.  It takes about 2 hours to see the place.
Inside the caves you see the calcium containg rocks are dissovled in rain waters and formed hanging structures as though some sculpture has made it . 1000 hanging linga strcture is one beautiful signt.  About 150 fet deep under the land area  thes things are located.  2 kms length we have covered under the ground

  Fascinating.  To enter the cave there is a very big well ( bhavi type structure ) and you go down 20 meters deep insdie by stair case.  At this depth the cave is levelled and the path appears plain inside. The caves are formed because of the ore of calcium stalactites have been dissolved by rainy water passing through underground channels.  Stalactites  give metallicsound as you hit with wooden stick of  or by hand so the musical chamber is formed at one of the sites.  The dripping water makes the hanging shivalinga structures and is knonw as sahasra linga corner.  It appears some buddist monks stayed here for meditation purposes. In USa Luray Caves are also made of similar stalactite  calcium stones. The photo below is not taken in Belum caves however it looks similar. The bottom photo is from a  similar stalactite cave in USA.

  

AHOBILAM NARASIMHA SWAMY TEMPLE

background : My father-in-law visitied Ahobilam with his family and JOGI (type of procession with diety's photo in his arms ) Pooja along with his family that was before my marriage in Aug 1978.

Having bent of mind towards the GOD now my sankalpam to reach the temples as much as I can, Lord Narasimha moved me to see the temple. Located in forest area one has to walk over the hills to see the nava narasimha temples located one above the other on the way to the hill top where the ugra narasimha stambham is located.
The trip starts with the darshan of Main diety at the groundlevel of the hill. I have climbed over to two more temples over the hill but, moving further is a difficult thing considering my physical stamina. I prayed to the Lord to bless one and all, the near and dear, my children Mothi ANIl and Venkat and my beloved wife.

Ghat route buses run between Ahobilam and the nearest RTC bus stand ( Allagaddais the nearest RTC bus stand / small town now) that is 6 kms away from ahobilam. Buses run to Nandyala so I moved in the afternoon to Nandyala and from there to Mahanandi (15 kms away from Nandyala)

MAHANANDI TEMPLE, KURNOOL DISTRICT

Mahanandi temple in Kurnool district is a famous Shiva temple for the fresh waters that flow from within the temple to the ponds where the devotees take bath(there are two ponds one inside the temple complex and second one outside the compoundwall) . I took bath in the fresh waters and went for Darshan. I got the Rudraksha from the temple Poojari as a blessing that I am wearing now a days.
I visited Mahanandi after visiting Ahobilam Narasimhaswamy temple during one of my return journey's from bangalore during 2008 during rainly season.

Lepakshi (Veerabhadra swamy) temple near Hindupur

I travelled from Bangalore to Lepakshi via Hindupur. I realised later that the Bangalore Puttaparthi route the highway is a better road and smoother ride and hightec buses run in that route.
Verabhadra swamy the main diety in the temple is in human form and the temple is like the Hampi style with number of dieties.
Lepakshi temple is built during 15 . 16 th century and king Achyutharaya ruling at Penugonda is the Vijayanagara king. The temple was bult by Kosadhikari (Treasurer Virupanna) with money from the treasury and the king was annoyed so instead of getting punished by the king virupanna has removed his eyes on his own and died in the temple premises as the local guide put it. One of the Kalyana Mandapa is incomplete even today.
There is a big bull of granite Nandi vigraham 1000 meters away from the temple separately outside. This is also one of the big Nandi carved in monolithic granite stone.
The Nandi in Kurnool district Mahanandi is definitely bigger but, that was made of cement (not monolithic)

NARASIMHA SWAY TEMPLE AT KHADIRI

Kadiri Narasimha swamy temple is nearer to Puttaparthi. This was built by Vijayanagara kings. Here Kandipappu and rice are given as mokkubadi in the hundi placed near the entrance of the main diety's mandapam.
From Kadiri I moved to Puttaparthi. The place where the Poet Vemana has written the famous vemana sathakam is also on the way to putta parthi or nearby. One very old banayan tree is also known to be famous in the area known as Pillalamarri. Due to time constraints, I could only visit Kadiri Narasimha swamy temple before I could reach Putta parthi.

Before visiting Kadiri I visited Lepakshi temple near Hindupur.

PUTTAPARTHI SRI SATYA SAI MANDIR, KALPA VRIKSHAM

THREE TIMES I VISITED Puttaparthi for the dharshan of SATYA SAI. AND ALSO SEEN NEARBY NARASIMHA SWAY TEMPLE AT KHADIRI AND PENUGONDA THE HISTORICAL FORT, SECOND CAPITAL OF VIJAYA NAGARA KINGS.
I was told this is the place where Mahamantri Thimmarusu eyes were removed and punished /imprisoned for allegedly supporting the high handed ness of his son against the Vijayanagara kings / Krishnadevaraya. I have not seen the movie of Mahamantri timmarusu yet and I am not fully aware of the historical happenings of that period.

 PUTTAPARTHI CHITRAVATHI RIVER IS TOWARDS THE END OF LANE EXACTLY FACING THE SRI SATYA SAI MANDIR GATE.  THE RIVER WAS DRY AT THE TIME OF MY VISIT (SUMMER PERIOD)  KALPA VRISHAM IS THE RAVI CHETTU ON TOP OF THE HILLOCK. i SEARCHED FOR THE stair case and located 50 yards  before the end of lane on the right side.  I climbed over the hill and saw the place where Satya Sai Baba  has spend his childhood deeply involving himself in meditation and has realized that he is incarnate of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba.  Manasa Bajare famous among the songs that  Sai composed himself was written and sung at the topof this hill under the kalpavrisham.

I also visited the small temple which was originally the house Sai is born and where his parents lived .  I also saw a Shiva mandir, one Sri Krishna temple all walkable distance from the main temple of sri satya sai state.  

HAMPI HISTORICAL PLACE & VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE

During one of my return journeys from Bangalore to see my daughter and family, I visited Hampi once the capital of Vijayanagara empire.
The main temple where worship is performed daily and is in good condition is the Virupaksha temple.
History : Srikrishna devaraya ruled this kingdom during 1509 to 1529, Tuluva dynasty. Son-in-law krishandevaraya (Aliyadynasty RamaRaja) was powerful, but served unde the tuluva dynasty sadashiva during 1571 to 1646. son-in-law of krishnadevaraya ie. Ramaraja was killed in the battle of Rakkasa Tangadi and Vijayanagaram was destroyed and the capital was shifted to Penugonda near Puttaparthi. I visited Penugonda another time during my 3 day visit to Puttaparthi for Srirama Navami celebrations. I heard to Bhagawan sri satya sai and also visitedPhysics depart of the SSS Inst of Higher learning and University. I made good friendswith the warden and the prof and head of dept of computer science and statistics during putta parthi visit.

Mantralayam Raghavendra swamy math

I visited Raghavendra swamy math sometime in2008 during my return journey from Bangalore. I was making trips to Bangalore to talk to my children and to make my wife to realize the necessity of getting my daughter married.
The Raghavendra swamy math main temple has the mahasamadhi of Sri Raghavendra Swamy on 12-8-1671 (325 years ago).

St Philomena Church in Mysore

Since the guided tour by bus has taken us to various places we had the opportunity to visit this church. The structure is a marvellos two very tall towers and prayed to the Saint and Lord for mercy as I was doing when I was going to the church in Ireland that was nearer to my Mountjoy square residence / home.

SHIRDI SAI DHARSHAN

DURING APRIL 2009 I VISITED SHIRDI ALONG WITH MY BELOVED DAUGHTER SEEKING BLESSINGS FROM SHIRDI SAI.
I booked APSRTC return ticket inclusive of accommodation. We reached early morning the Hotel very near to the temple complex. Took bath and started by walk to the temple. We have delightful Dharsan with in 2 hours. Since the bus only next day night we have to stay in hotel that day aswell as the next day. I have gone to Sai Dharsan two more times during the evening and morning prayers Arathi time.

This was my second trip. My first visit to Shirdi Sai temple was during my visit to Poona in June 2008 as Gangadhara Sc.D guide in the IAT Poona JRF Interview committee Board. That I started in the morning at 5:30 hrs by taxi and returned to Guest house by 4 pm. Since I have to travel by Air next day morning. Taxi fellow charged 2700 although it was just 90 rupees by bus one way.

Badrachalam SRI SITHA RAMA ALAYAM

LAST YEAR 2008 I visited Bhadrachala Sriramalayam. I reached by RTC bus via Kothagudem. I stayed in Padmashali satram one night. The main temple is 2 kms from bus stand and the satram is walkable distance. It is on the banks of Godavari river.
Early morning I have gone for the Darshan of Lord Rama (Sitadevi sahitha) and seen the alayam. Some of the namunas of the ornaments given by Sri Ramadasu are on dsplay while the original gold ornaments are in Reserve bank. I prayed to the Lord to punish the Blackmailers who disturbed my family at Kanpur and give health wealth and prosperity to my children and peace of mind to my wife and me.
I also visited the Parnashala about 5 kms from the main temple. By 11 :00 am I reached Koona varam Launch station. Papi(ti) kondalu is very beautifulplace by boat. When we returned from the boat ride it was 5 pm. During return journey towards the end for 10 minutes there was heavy rain and it appeared dark although it was just not even 5 pm. From Koonavaram I reached Bhadrachalam that day night and returned to hyderabad same night.

SURENDRAPURI NEAR YADAGIRIGUTTA

TWO WEEKS AGO, ONE OF THE SUNDAYS I visited Yadagirigutta and then nearby Surendrapuri Kaladhamam. This is built by Kunda Satyanarayana in memory of his son Surendra who died a very young age of twenties.
YADAGIRIGUTTA NARASIMHA SWAMYTEMPLE :

oneness temple (Amma Bhagawan Alayam)Tada

Location : nearby places in Nellore district near Sullurupeta / SHAR srihari kota
I went to see my brother in Sullurpeta one of the sundays in July 2009. After my mopther's niryanam on Oct. 19.2008 I visited my brother's home. Sudheer my brother's younger son joined Polytechnic college near Tada but, comes under Tamilnadu area as it is the border area. We went to his college and on the way back, I got down at Tada railway station. I took auto to Oneness temple of Sri Amma Bhagawan Alayam near Vedayapalem. Since it was evening I could visit the Meditation Hall with the Golden Ball thae one that was appearing to Bhagawan since his childhood days. Since there was some stampede during last year Pooja time the entry is restricted and ticket of 50 rupees for prayer / meditation hall for 30 minutes is used as the restriction.
It was a nie visit but, Dharshan of Amma Bhagawan is given only in the morning hours during the prayer in the same meditation hall (Hall of Golden Ball)
I prayed to the Lord for the well being one and all near and dear.

VEMULAWADA RAJARAJESWARI SWAMY DEVASTHAMNAM

ON THE WAY BACK FROM Kaleswaram, I reached Vemulawada near Sirisilla (Karimnagar district nearby) and visited the temple. Here Lord Shiva is known as Rajarjeswara swamy Shiva Lingam.
Kodepooja is nothing but, performing the Pradakshana around the temple along with a Kode duda.
After the Darshan of Rajarajeswara Shiva Lingam in the main temple I went to the tickets counter and got Kodeduda Pooja ticket and gone to the front side of the temple where the KOdeduda are available. Then, with Vidhividhana I performed the Pooja Pradakshanam for the welfare of my children and for the reuniting of family.
In the temple complex area, I have performed "Kodepooja" to bless my daughter and son-in-law to lead happy married life, to bless with a child and prosperity.

In the main temple complex SUBHANANDA DEVI (PARVATHI DEVI) TEMPLE
Adjacent to the main temple with in the compound wall area Subhananda devi ammavari alayam is located. Here Parvathi devi is known as Subhananda devi.
Also, there is Saraswathi ammavari temple outside the compound wall. but attached to the main temple area.

SANGAMESWARALAYAM IN KALESWARAM
This temple is at the bathing site at Godavari river. It is known that married couples worship with Ghee the sangameswara swamy on Mondays for getting a male child. When I visited in this temple premises some construction work is going on probably with upgradation.

KALESWARAM MUKTHESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE

One of the sundays in July 2009 I visited Kaleswaram in Karimnagar district. I went via karimnagar as I was notfully awareof the routes leading to Kaleswaram. After reaching kaleswaram, I came to know frequency of the buses is more from Hanumakonda in Warangal district. Kaleswaram is in Karimnahar district however, the traffic is more via Hanumakonda.

The word TELUGU is derived from TRILINGA DESAM.
Kaleswaram, Draksharamam and Kalahasti are the three Maha Lingas and the area surrounded by these three Shiva lingas is known as TRILINGA desam. Fortunately, by now, I visited all the three Shiva Lingas and pray to Lord for his grace and mercy.

The main temple has two shivalingas one of Lord Shiva and the other of Kala "Yama". One has to pray to Linga that represents YAMA or Kaleswara and then the adjacent Muktheeswara swamy Lingam. As per the puranas Shiva granted a boon to Yama that since sinners are getting rid of their Papas by praying to Lord Mukteswara thus, bypassing Yamaloka, Shiva granted this boon of paying the respects to Yamadharmaraja first then only the prayers to Lord Muktheeswara will be heard. By passing Yamadhramaraja is thus avoided and that satisfied the ego of Yamadhrmaraja and to the extent people think of the responsibility of paying for the PAPAS that they have done knowingly or unknowlingly in this life on earth .

Both shivalingas are more than 1 feet heigt and look solid 10 inch or 1 feet dia.

The temple is located on the bank of Godavari river where it meets Praneetha river from Maharastra. Main temple is about 1 km from the rivers sangam which is having a V shape. Since crossing the river by boat will make u enter into Maharastra I oberserved number of devotees from Maharastra background. Accommodation was available on payment of 70 rupees but, gets filled as the piligrims visit on sundays more in numbers.

Then, I visited the ADI MUKTHEESWARA SWAMY ALAYAM WHICH IS 1.5 KM AWAY FROM THE main temple. The Shivalkingam here is having a nose type two holes and all the waters will go in to the middle of the Godavari river through inside underground paths and the mystery is GOD'S own creation.

AT this site MUKTHEESWARA SWAMY ALAYAM adjacent to the godavari river, another existing miracle is the natural occurance of PASHANAPETIKA VIBHUDHI THAT is the natural Vibhudhi from the stones. One has to dig in the Sravana masam (this month) for 1 or 2 meters then u will get stone type structures small and big (apple size to big 1 feet dia size rocks) and when u break it that contains the Vibhudhi ie pashanapetika vibhudhi. In the Adikuktheeswara temple this vibhudhi containing rock one foot dia cut at one corner is left with some water so that the gnadham type liquid we can applyto fore head brukuti centre. I also brought a small half of apple size piece already cut and using it with a drop of water at the time of daily prayer. It is some what yellow / brownish in color.

Mysore Chamundeswari temple, brindavan gardens and Mysore Maharaja Palace

On Monday 23 march 2009
Last night at 12 : 40 am I reached Bangalore Kempegowda busstand and did not find any alternative, so, I travvelled to Mysore by KSRTC Bus and spend away the night time in the bus. as i reached it was 5 am and then took a room in near by hotel. the mysore trip by hired swaraj mazda bus was arranged by the hotel fellows at a cost of 140/- +160/- i.e. 300/- started at about 9:00 am and returned by 9 pm.
Mahishasura mardini or chamundeswari temple is oneof the main attractions. mysore maharaja palace, tipus srirangapatnam were also shown. mysore maharaja palace and museum are two other interesting things. lastly the brindavan garden is the final attraction and the musical fountain has shown the best features.