Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devi Temple - Basara
Sri Gnana Saraswathi is
the main deity of this temple. Here Saraswathi in the temple is shown in a
seated position with a Veena in her hands and a deity installed by Sage Vyasa.
This temple has a 5-tier
Rajagopuram, temple has two koneru known as Papaharini & Pushkarini.
According to
Mahabharatha, Maharishi Vyas and his disciples and sage Viswamitra decided to
settle down in a cool and serene atmosphere after the Kurukshetra War. In the
quest for a peaceful abode, he came to Dandaka forest and, pleased with the serenity of the region, selected this place. Since Maharishi Vyasa spent
considerable time in prayers, the place was then called "Vasara" and
turned into Basara due to the influence of the Marathi language in this region.
It is also believed that
this temple is one of the three temples constructed near the confluence of the
Manjira and Godavari rivers.
Historically, 'Bijialudu'
a Karnataka king, who ruled the province of Nandagiri with Nanded as his
capital in the sixth century, constructed the temple at Basara.
Many pilgrims come to
Gnana Saraswati Temple Basara to perform the "Akshara abhyasam"
ceremony for the children before they start formal school education. The
children perform the exercise of letters and devote books, pens, pencils notebooks
to the goddess of knowledge.
The temple also has a
Mahakali idol situated on the 1st floor very near to the main temple. Devotees
often go to the nearby mountain which has an Idol of Goddess Saraswati on the
top of the rock. The image of Lakshmi stands beside the Goddess Saraswati in
the sanctum sanctorum. Due to the presence of Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Kali,
Basara is considered as the abode of the divine trinity.
Special poojas and
celebrations are held at the temple during Maha Shivaratri, beginning 15 days
before (Vasantha Panchami) and continuing 3 days after the festival. Devi
Navarathrulu is celebrated for ten days during Dasara.
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