It is just off the Chennai- Bengaluru national highway, about a 2-hour drive due west and a little south of Chennai. Rail and bus connectivity is plenty. The nearest airport is Chennai.
There was an ancient mango tree at Sri Ekambaranathar temple site. Parvati was said to be praying under the tree for union with Siva. To test her commitment, Siva sent severe heat at Parvati. She prayed and Vishnu responded saying he would protect her like a brother.
He wore the moon so that its cooling rays would fall on Parvati and reduce the effect of heat. Thus, she was protected. The Tamil words Nila thingal thundathan means he who wore a piece of the moon. Since he protected Parvati, He has a shrine in the temple’s northeast corner.
Special Features
The Lord is Nilathingal Thundathan and the Universal Mother is Nilathingal Thunda Nayaki. The theertham is Chandra Pushkarni. The vimana is Purushasukta Vimanam. The Universal Mother sits on the lotus coming from the navel of the Lord which is usually the seat of Lord Brahma.
It is believed that this darshan will change the fortunes of devotees for the better. The temple is one of two temples located inside a temple to Siva. This temple has Saivaite priests. Since the Lord is here to cure, there is no separate shrine for the universal mother. Hence, She is also known as ‘Ner Uru Illa valli’.
The Ekambaranathar temple is considered one of the oldest temples as it dates around 600 CE, mid-Pallava period.
Mangalasasanam
Thirumangai Alwar in Thirunedunthandakam (2059) says the Lord is in water (Neeragam), on the peak of a mountain (Tirumala), in cresent moon (Nilathingalthundathaan), in the prosperous city of Kanchi (in Ooraggam), on the banks of a pond in Vekka, on the southern banks of Kaveri (in Thirupper) and in the steadfast hearts of devotees.
Like a thief, You are hiding everywhere, and I am ever at Your divine feet. Only a small portion of the relevant pasurams are given here.
About a 2-hour drive due west and a little south of Chennai, it is located just off the Chennai–Bengaluru national highway. Rail and bus connectivity is plenty. The nearest airport is Chennai.
Sri Sonna Vannam Seidha Perumal Temple – Sthalapuranam
When Goddess Saraswati took the form of a swift river (Vegavati) to flood Lord Brahma’s yajna-sala, Sri Vishnu laid down in Her path. On seeing Him, the river went underground to avoid coming into contact with him. Hence the Lord here is known as ‘Vegasetu’.
Originally the Lord is said to have been resting on His right hand like in other temples in the Kidantha Ihirukkolam. Much later when Thirumazhisai Alwar was living in Kanchipuram he had a sishya by name Kanikannan.
At one point the local king forced Kanikannan to write pasuram in praise of him. Kanikkannan refused. The angry king told the sishya to get out of town. Kanikannan went and told Alwar this. Alwar went to the temple and informed the lord that Kanikannan is leaving and so is he.
Consequently, Alwar said the Lord need not stay there any longer. The Lord left with the two and they left the town of Kanchipuram. The town went dark as the deity departed. The king panicked. He chased after them and fell at their feet and asked for forgiveness and requested their return. Alwar told the Lord that since they are returning so can He.
The Lord returned to the temple and this time, to witness the history of the event rested on his left hand instead of right. The Lord is known in Tamil as Sonna Vannam Seidha Perumal (The Lord who did as he was told to do).
Thiruvekka – Special Features
The Lord is Yathokthakari or Sonna Vanam Seidha Perumal. The Universal Mother is Komalavalli. The temple tank is Poigai Pushkarni. The vimana is Vedasaara Vimanam. This is the avataara sthalam of Poigai Alwar which has a separate shrine.
This is the only shrine wherein the Lord is in Kidantha Thirukkolam resting on His left hand.
Mangalasasanam
Poigai Alwar in his Mudhal Thiruvandhadhi (2158) says that if one just mentions Venkadam, Sri Vaikuntam, Thiruvekka, Thirukkovalur with its moats filled with flowers where the Lord stands, sits, is at rest, and walks, all that ails one will fall away.
In Moondram Thiruvandhadhi (2307), Pey Alwar sings about this Lord saying that He wears the cooling tulasi garland, He will never leave His devotees, and resides in Alwar’s heart along with resting on Anantha in places like Tirumala, Vekka and Velukkai. Alwar advises (2315) his heart to worship who stayed sitting in Velukkai, resting in Vekka after probably becoming tired by measuring the three worlds standing in one place and killing the miser Kamsa.
There are many legends behind the birth of the Narmada River. The origin and glories of the Narmada River are mentioned in Matsya, Kurma and Skanda Puranas along with Harivamsa, Shatapatha Brahmana, Ramayana and Mahabharata.
While it is said in the Ramayana that the birthplace of Narmada was a part of the Ayodhya kingdom, Mahabharata says that after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas spent some time in Amarkantak, the birthplace of Narmada.
PC – Sapthagiri Magazine
Narmada River – Emerged from Lord Shiva’s Body
Narmada is said to have originated from the body of Lord Shiva. Once upon a time, there was a great famine on earth. At least there is no water to drink. With this famine, all the inhabitants of the earth have suffered. Sages and Gods visited Satyaloka and prayed to Lord Brahma to save the inhabitants of Bhuloka from the terrible famine conditions.
After thinking for a while, Lord Brahma said that Lord Shiva was the only one who could save him from this situation and took all the sages and gods with him and reached Kailasa. He explained the famine situation in the world to Lord Shiva and asked him to save the inhabitants of the world.
Granting their wish, Lord Shiva sent them all away and reached with his deveri Parvati to the top of ‘Rikshaparvatam’ (mountain) and started doing penance. During this penance, drops of sweat fell from Lord Shiva’s body. Those drops turned into a stream and became a river Narmada.
Meanwhile, the river turned into a woman, bowed down to Lord Shiva and received blessings – “you will flourish with undiminished water”. After receiving blessings from Lord Shiva, Narmada turned back into a river. In this way, the Narmada River emerged from Lord Shiva’s body.
Narmada River – Lord Brahma’s tears
There is also a legend that the water from Lord Brahma’s eyes became the Narmada River. In the past, when there was a terrible famine in the world, sages and gods went to Lord Brahma, the creator, and explained the conditions of the famine and prayed to remove the famine. Hearing their prayers, Lord Brahma reached Bhuloka to see the situation for himself.
Lord Brahma saw the famine conditions in the world and the misery of the people there. Seeing all this, Lord Brahma was distressed. Tears fell from Lord Brahma’s eyes. Those drops fell down and turned into a stream and became a river, and the water of that river removed the famine of the earth.
Narmada River – Daughter of the moon
‘Narmada’ is said to be the daughter of Moon in the Harivamsam. Nagas rule the Naga kingdom in the pathaalaloka. There were also some Gandharvas in the pathaalaloka. Among them ‘Moneyus’ are Powerful.
Once Moneyus invaded the Naga kingdom defeated the Nagas and occupied Naga kingdom. After lost their kingdom, the Nagas approached Lord Vishnu and prayed to save them and restore their kingdom. Hearing their prayers Lord Vishnu advised that – “You consult Purukutsu, son of Mandhata who was born of my element. He will help you”.
Later, the Nagas approached Moon and asked him to help in provoking Purukutsu, Moon replied that you should ask for his daughter Narmada. With this the Nagas prayed to Narmada, who instigated Purukutsa. It is said that Purukutsa, enamoured by the charms of Narmada, reached the Patalaloka, defeated the Gandharvas and handed over the kingdom of Nagas to the Nagas.
The Nagadevatas were pleased and gave a boon i.e., Those who remember the names of Narmada, and Purukutsu will not be afraid of snake poison. It is said in the Harivamsa that Narmada and Purukutsu, who were in affection with each other, got married and had a son named ‘Trasadanya’.
Meanwhile, it is remarkable that people who are afraid of snakes and poisons remember and worship the river Narmada even today in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat states.
PC – Sapthagiri Magazine
Names of Narmada River
It is said that the name ‘Narmada’ river originated from the body of Lord Shiva and brought happiness to Lord Shiva. Narmada also has the names ‘Rudrakanyaka’ and ‘Sankari’ as it emerged from the body of Lord Shiva. The Narmada flows with loud roaring waves to reach her husband Samudra.
Hence the name ‘Rewa’ came to the river Narmada. Narmada is referred to as ‘Rewa’ river in a hymn related to Pushkaras. Along with these names ‘Somodbhava’ and ‘Mekhala Kanyaka’ are also there. Narmada has many tributaries, Bangar, Sher, Shakkar, Tawa, Chotatawa, Kanjal, Hiras River are tributaries of Narmada.
Narmada River – Fifth Largest River
The river Narmada originates at an altitude of about 1060 meters above sea level in ‘Amarakantak’ in the eastern part of the Vindhya mountain ranges, about 137 km from Anupur in the Anupur district of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Narmada is the fifth largest river in the Indian subcontinent and the third largest river flowing entirely within India.
All the rivers of our country flow from west to east and join the eastern sea. But unlike that, the Narmada River flows from east to west and merges into the sea in the west. Along with this river, the Tapathi and Mahi rivers of our country also flow from east to west.
Born in Amarkantak, the Narmada River joins the Arabian Sea at Chambat, about 30 km from Barochi in Gujarat. The river travels some distance from there and plunges from a height of 80 feet at Kapidhara Falls.
The Narmada, which travels from the Mandara mountains, flows through the valleys between the Vindya and Satpura mountain ranges. This place is called Narmadaloka. Broach (Bharukachamu) at the mouth of the Narmada River flourished as a port town on the west coast during the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta empires, along with the Satavahanas, the first independent kingdom that ruled South India along with Andhra.
Through this port, the respective rulers conducted foreign trade profitably.
Meanwhile, many Shiv Lingas are rolling in the streams of the Narmada River. These are known as ‘Banalingas’. These are the most sacred. These are collected and placed in the pooja mandir and worshipped.
Projects on the Narmada River
History tells us that the construction of projects on the Narmada River started about a century ago. During the British rule in the year 1909, the construction of a project on the Narmada River for irrigation for agriculture was started for the first time.
At present there are 281 projects including small and big projects on the Narmada River. These include the Tawa Project in Hoshangabad district, the Sardar Sarovar Project in Gujarat State, Rani Avanti Bhai Sagar Project in Jabalpur district, the Omkareshwar Project in Omkareshwar Kshetra and Indira Sagar Project in Khandwa District.
The water of this river contributes a lot to the development of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
Narmada Pushkaras
Pushkaras are held for the Narmada River when Bruhaspathi enters Vrishabha Rasi (Jupiter enters Taurus). The Narmada pushkaras were held earlier in the year 2012. Again this year i.e. 2024, Pushkaras will be held from 1st to 12th May. Narmada is the most holy river.
As per Puranas just touching the water of Ganga gives sanctity and just seeing Narmada gives sanctity. Darshan of Narmada, born from Lord Shiva’s body, bathing in the river, performing pujas on the banks of the river, and doing charity will result in infinite blessings.
PC – Sapthagiri Magazine
Temples on the banks of Narmada
There are many kshetras and temples on the banks of the Narmada River. Devotees will visit those places on the occasion of pushkaras for the Narmada River: Amarakantak, Maheswar, Bedhaghat, Omkareswar, Nareswar and Garudewar are important kshetras.
Amarkantak
Amarkantak is 575 km from Bhopal, 764 km from Ujjain and 120 km from Bilaspur. Pendroad Railway Station on the Indore Bilaspur Railway line is the nearest Railway Station to Amarkantak. Amarkantak is 30 km from Pendroad railway station and has a bus and private vehicle facility.
In Amarkantak, accommodation facilities are available for devotees. In Amarakantak, Sri Narmadadevi temple and Sri Amarakanteswara Swamy temple along with many other temples are important.
Maheshwar
Maheshwar is 91 km from Indore, 276 km from Bhopal, 149 km from Ujjain, 70 km from Omkareshwar, and 57 km from the district headquarters Khargone. Maheshwar has bus facilities from Khargone, Indore, and Omkareshwar.
Accommodation facilities for devotees are available in Maheswar. In Maheswar, the Fort and Big Temple complex is also there. Rajarajeswara Swamy is the main deity of Maheswar.
Bedaghat
Bedaghat is just five kilometres from Jabalpur, has bus service from Jabalpur. There is always a transport facility due to the many visitors coming to see the waterfalls here. Accommodation facilities are available for devotees in private lodges in Bedaghat. In Bedhaghat Chousath Yogini Temple is an important temple.
Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar is 80 km from Indore, 70 km from Khandwa, 150 km from Ujjain and 981 km from Vijayawada. The nearest railway station to Omkareshwar is Omkareshwar Road. It is about 16 km away from Omkareshwar.
Only passenger trains stop here. So it is better to reach Indore or Khandwa and from there take a bus to Omkareshwar. Accommodation facilities are available for devotees in Dharamshalas in Omkareshwar. Omkareshwar is the fourth Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Kshetra.
There are bus facilities from Vadodara to Nareshwar, which is 60 km from Vadodara, 30 km from Curzon and 40 km from Baruha. Vadodara has train facilities from major railway stations in Telugu states. Limited Accommodation facilities are available in Nareswar.
PC – Sapthagiri Magazine
Garudeshwar
Nareswar Sri Dattatreya Swamy temple and Sri Rang Avadhootha temple are important places. Garudeshwar is 188 km from Ahmedabad and 74 km from Vadodara and has bus facilities from Vadodara. Limited Accommodation facilities are available in Garudeswar.
In Garudeswar, Sri Dattatreya Swamy temple and Sri Tembe Swamy Avadhootha temple are important places. Among the above places, Narmadapuram which is 18 kilometers from Itarsi on Itarsi-Bhopal railway line is an important place for Narmada Pushkaras.
Train facilities available to Narmadapuram from Gudur, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Warangal of Telugu States.
Article posted in Sapthagiri magazine by – Dr I.L.N. Chandra Sekhar Rao
Sun, Moon, Mars (Mangala), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter, Sukra (Venus), Saturn (Shani), Rahu, and Ketu are the nine planets.
When you are in a remote village and look at the sky at night without the light pollution of the cities, you become aware of the shining stars (and may even recognize the zodiac formations) in the Milky Way overhead. At certain times of the year, you become very aware of certain glowing bodies and feel that they are reaching out to you.
Navagraha – Celestial influencers
Our ancients counted five of these that were very visible to even the naked eye along with the sun and moon and the two shadow planets, rahu and ketu, as the nava grahas or nine planets. The planetary positions at the time of a child’s birth are believed to influence the child’s destiny.
Thus, the Navagrahas may be considered celestial influencers. It was believed that living beings pass through the periods and positions of these nine and hence, the hardships in life were linked to the position of the grahas. Remedial measures or pariharas to overcome any adverse effects due to the planets were also suggested.
It is not surprising therefore that the worship of these nine celestials has prevailed through the ages with stories about them appearing in various Puranas.
Why! Even the seven days of the week are named after them! Thus we have
Ravivaram (Ravi = Sun),
Somavaram (Soma=Moon),
Mangalvaram (Mangal=Mars),
Budhavaram (Budha=Mercury),
Brihaspativaram or Guruvaram (Brihaspati/ Guru= Jupiter),
Sukravaram (Sukra=Venus) and
Shanivaram (Shani=Saturn).
Worship of the navagrahas is pan-Indian though the way of worship may be different. In many places, they are carved on the roof of many temples. Temples dedicated to Navagrahas are few. Around Tamil Nadu’s Kumbakonam, there are nine temples, each dedicated to one of the nine grahas, and hence they are collectively known as the Navagraha temples.
On the other hand, in many Shiva temples in south India, especially in Tamil Nadu, there is a shrine exclusively dedicated to the navagraha, usually to the northeast of the sanctum. The nine celestial influencers are usually placed on a square pedestal, about three feet off the ground. Surya, the sun, takes the central position, facing east, and the other eight deities are placed around Surya with no two facing each other.
Each graha faces one of the four directions, the specific direction being defined by the pratishta (e.g. Agama or Vaidika) followed by the temple. In general, the navagrahas are to be worshipped after worshipping the main deity.
No wonder Purandaradasa sang ‘Sakala Graha Bala Neene Sarasijaaksha’- O lotus-eyed, you wield power over all the planets You pervade the universe as its protector You are the sun, moon, mercury; you are Rahu, ketu You are Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.
Navagraha Homam
is performed to strengthen beneficial grahas and pacify maleficent grahas for the removal of obstacles from one’s personal or even professional life. The nine planets are invoked by chanting the navagraha stotram and shanti mantras and offering nine types of grain, vastra, and naivedya.
Mangala – Mars
Angaraka means the red-hued in Sanskrit and refers to the planet Mars. We call the day Mangalavaaram (Tuesday), after Mangala, the auspicious one, which is another name for Mars.
In Indian mythology, Mangala is portrayed as red in colour and war-like as can be seen by the mace and spear he holds. He is also depicted showing the abhaya mudra and the varada mudra.
The origin of Mars varies depending on the different mythological texts – some say he is the son of Bhoomi devi and Lord Vishnu, when he brought her up from the depths of the ocean in Varahaavatara. Others say he was born when a drop of sweat from Lord Shiva’s brow fell on the earth.
Either way, he is the son of Bhoomi, hence also known as Bhauma. Mangal’s vahana is a ram. This deity is believed to have an astrological influence on skills of hands, handling of equipment; even anger and strength: the way one uses energy at different levels, including mentally, to analyse situations.
Muthuswami Dikshitar’s kriti in Suruti ragam extols Angaraka – I take refuge in Angaraka, the Mandara tree for humble devotees.
Vaitheeswarankoil Temple
The presiding deity of Tuesday and the son of earth, Bhumikumara. Dikshitar says that he is friendly with the sun, moon and Jupiter; he also promotes brotherhood (bhratrukarakam). And, deenarakshaka pujitam vaidyanatha kshetram, this deity is worshipped in ‘Vaitheeswarankoil‘.
One of the navagraha temples, Vaitheeswarankoil is about 110 km from Thanjavur and 50km from Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Vaitheeswaran, the God of Healing, who cured Angaraka of his affliction.
Mangalnath temple
Another famous temple associated with Mangal is the Mangalnath temple overlooking the Kshipra River in Ujjain. According to the Matsya Purana, this is believed to be the birthplace of Mars.
Let us pray to the Mangala graha to keep us success
Tarigonda is the Birthplace of A great poetess and an Ardent devotee of Lord Narasimha Swamy and Lord Venkateswara Swamy Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba. There was a Big Vishnu temple in Tarigonda. The temple deity is Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy who is known for Sathya Pramanas (Promise) and consideration towards the devotees who are in dire need of God’s blessings and blesses all the devotees liberally.
Tarigonda – Curd Pot
Tarigonda is in the district of Chittoor of Andhra Pradesh State which is 6 Kilometers from Valmeekipuram (Vayalpadu). Previously the place is known as Tarikunda. Tarikunda means the pot in which the curd is churned. There was an interesting Sthalapurana about the temple and God.
It is believed that a woman while churning the curd found the Lakshmi Narasimha Swami in a pot in the form of Salagrama. As the Lord is found in a curd pot the place is known as Tarikunda. ‘Tari’ means ‘Curd’ and ‘Kunda’ means ‘Pot’. Later Tarikunda changed as Tarigonda.
The local ruler by name Rama Naidu who lived in the village had a dream and in that dream, Lord Narasimha Swami directed him to build a temple with Salagrama found in the curd pot.
Tarigonda Vengamamba
Tarigonda Vengamamba a poet, Saint and Ardent devotee of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swami Worshipped Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. Tarigonda Vengamamba was born in the family of Nandavarika in 1730 AD in Tarigonda village of Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh.
Her father was Kaanaala Krishnaiah and her mother was Mangamma. Though they had five male children they visited Tirumala and prayed to Lord Venkateswara for a girl child and the Lord fulfilled their desire by giving a girl child and named her “Venkamma”. As a child venkamma was a devotee of Lord Venkateswara.
From her childhood she feel that Lord Venkateswara as her husband and the villagers believed that she was insane. Her parents forcibly married her to Venkatachalapathi at a very early age. Soon she lost her husband and became child widow.
She refused to accept any one but Lord as her husband and continued to wear Mangalasutram, Kumkuma (Vermilion) and flowers. She used to spend her time in Sri Narasimha Swami temple in Tarigonda doing Meditation (Dhyana) and Puja.
She used to sit near the Sri Anjaneya Swami Statue at Sri Narasimha Swamy temple of Tarigonda. Some villagers believed that she was a Lunatic and some other villagers believed that she was yogini and they called her as Tarigonda Vengamamba.
A Great Poetess…
At the age of 20 she left Tarigonda and went to Tirumala. She is a great poetess. She wrote many books namely- SriKrishna Manjari, RukminiKalyanam, Gopikaanaatakam, Jalakreedaavilaasam, Ashtaangarajayogasaaram, Muktikaantaa Vilaasam, Vaasishta Raamayanam etc.,
One of the most famous of her works is ‘VEKATACHALA MAHATYAM’. It consists of 2000 poems. It is believed that those who read the verses will get married soon and also blessings from Lord Venkateswara. In 1817 in Sukla paksha Navami of Sravanamasam, she entered into Sajeeva Samadhi.
The Samadhi of Matrusri Vengamamba is north of the Sri Varaha Swami temple and near the home of descendants of Tallapaka Annamacharya.
Description of the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple in Tarigonda is built on the main road facing towards East direction. The main Gopuram consists of three stairs. There are five Gopurakalasams on Gopuram. In the temple premises, there is an idol of Sri Vengamamba facing towards North.
To the opposite of main temple there are Garuda, Dwajastambam, Satya pramanala peetham. The main temple consists of Mahamandapa, Mukhamandapa, Antaralayam and Garbhalayam. In Mukha mandapa there is one Upalayam where an Idol of Sri Anjaneyaswami is installed.
It is believed that Matrusri Vengamamba used to pray Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswami sitting behind Sri Anjaneya Swami.
People believe that a visit to this temple frees them from difficulties. Mukhamandapa leads to Antaralayam where the Utsavamurthies are installed. In the main sanctum sanctorum, we find the idol of Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswami having four hands with Shanka, Chakra, and Abhaya hastam along with His Consort Lakshmi Devi.
Goddess Sri Chenchu Lakshmi and Lakshmi Ammavaru
In temple premises, there is a separate temple for Deveri of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. In this temple, we can see the Goddess Sri Chenchu Lakshmi and Lakshmi Ammavaru one after other in a row. It is believed that Goddess bless the childless with children and the unmarried Girls will get married if they pray to the Goddess.
Three inscriptions
There are three inscriptions at this temple available even today.
1st inscription
The first belonged to Sadasivadeva Maharaya of Vijayanagar dynasty in 1559 AD. The inscription implies that the emperor’s assent, and tax reduction as well as tax relaxation was implemented by the local ruler Sri Jillela Vengala Raja deva. Hence, it is undeniable that Tharigonda Temple was existing by 1559 AD.
2nd inscription
The second inscription said that separate structures were built for the kitchen and for performing holy fire (yagasala) at the temple. It was built by Errappa, a disciple of Guru Bhaskaracharya in 1846 AD.
3rd inscription
The third inscription of 1862 A.D. declares that a big wedding hall was built for Lord Narasimha Swamy by a devotee Krishnama setty. Even though these inscriptions are authentic, the name of the temple builder is unknown.
But it can be said that the temple was built in the 16th century A.D. There is a non-dispute word that the builder of the temple and the person behind the development of the village was the same person was Rayadurgam Ramanayani.
Administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
At present, the temple is administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Tarigonda Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy vari Brahmotsavams will be performed every year in the month of Phalgunamasam for Nine days apart from daily poojas.
During Brahmotsavams different vahana sevas including Rathotsavam and kalyanotsavam will be performed in a grand style. Besides Brahmotsavam, Sri Nrusimhajayanti will be performed every year in the month of Vaisakamasam.
Transport and Accommodation
There is no accommodation facility in Tarigonda. It is advisable to stay at Madanapalli and Tirupati. Tarigonda is 100 kilometres from Tirupati, 6 kilometres from Vaalmikipuram (Vayalpadu), 18 kilometres from Madanapalli, and 95 kilometres from Kadapa. There are several buses from Madanapalli.
Satyapramanas
This holy place is known for its proclamations of Truth ‘Satyapramanas’ which people make standing in front of the Balipeetham; such is the faith of devotees in this Deity Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami.
The visit to ‘Tarigonda’ generates peace and joy for the devotees.
TTD Museum / Sri Venkateswara Museum was inaugurated on December 26th, 1980 in Thousand Pillars Mandapam by Dr Neelam Sanjeev Reddy, the president of India. Later it was shifted to a newly constructed building with architectural elements beside Narayanagiri Gardens on 27th September 1999 and was opened by Chief Minister of A.P Sri Nara Chandra Babu Naidu Garu.
The museum contains approximately a thousand objects of Indian culture and heritage.
With elegant features, the sculpture of Vishnu in the form of sudarsana moorthy is on display at the museum entrance. He represented all the weapons in his right and left arms used for the destruction of an enemy. There is a reference to sudarsana moorthy in Mahabharata, Bhagavatha, Ramayana and in Itihasas. It belongs to the 16th-century architectural features.
The museum widely has three floors. The ground floor is totally on display of the objects Photographs, Sculptures, Bronze idols, Wood Cravings and Musical Instruments in chronological order.
The first floor has collections of Paintings, Vahanams, Coins, and other miscellaneous items of Annamayya Bhandagaram, Prasadam carrying vessels, Pooja Samagri, Asanams etc. relating to the temple culture and tradition.
TTD Museum – Photographic Section
The photos of all the sevas performed to Lord Venkateswara are classified into daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, and yearly and some of the sevas are performed following the god’s thidhi and nakshatra.
The major festivals Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasiand Rathasapthami would be celebrated yearly and also the photographs of Vaggeyakara’s who extolled Lord Venkateswara in their sankeerthanas have been on display.
The photos of Silathoranam, Narayanapadam, and Sacred Thirthas are exhibited.
TTD Museum – Sculptures Gallery
In this category, a collection of stone sculptures of historical personalities relating to the stories of Ramayanam, Bhagavatham and mythology. The gallery has some of the rarest and most admirable sculptures in the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara periods.
The highly decorative 16th-century Vijayanagara. sculptures of Bhuvaraha, Trivikrama are of superb sculptural quality in the gallery and the other images of Valmiki Ramayana-Rama abducting Seetha, Trimurthy are particularly noteworthy in their craftsmanship and expression.
TTD Museum – Bronze Section
The art of Bronze casting objects reveals the high standard of technical skill of artisans in the field of metallurgy in ancient India. This section contains bronze objects of Alwars, Bhuvaraha, Nataraja belonged to the 16th century standards for their remarkable quality of the art form.
The images of Hindu Gods, Goddess es – Umamaheswara, Alinganamoorthy, Chandra Sekhara, Kaliyakrishna, Bala Krishna and Nritya gopala are unique creations having artistic vision and technical knowledge.
TTD Museum – Wood Carvings
These are some of the oldest crafts in the world. Prehistoric people used to make decorative handles for their tools and weapons. The Hindu temples were decorated with doors, ceilings and various fittings carved in teak and other woods with patterns of extreme richness and minute elaboration.
This section contains the exquisite beauty of carving figures belonging to mythological stories i.e. Gajendra Moksham, Hiranyakasyapa Vadha, Lakshmi Narasimha, Govardhanagiridhari etc. are the masterpieces on display.
Originally all these wood carvings were collected from the old chariot of Govindaraja Swami temple belonged to the 17th century which was built during the period of Matla Kumara Anantha Raya.
Ivory pallaki which the Mysore king donated to the Srivari temple stands for its highest quality of artistic vision. The four sides of the pallaki are decorated with narrative figures of Ramayana, Sri Krishna Leelas and Dasavatharas in Ivory are could be astonished with the beautification of the carving.
Musical Instruments
Music is a form of art that comes from the Greek words meaning “art of the muses” who were the goddesses who inspired the arts such as literature, music and poetry. T.T.D., Tirumala Museum contains 64 types of musical instruments and they are classified into four categories i.e. Tata Vadya, Sushira Vadya, Avanaddha Vadya, and Ghana Vadya.
TataVadya – String Instruments eg: veena, sitar, tumbura etc.
Sri Tallapaka Annamayya wrote 32 thousand sankeerthanas on Lord Venkateswara praising His glory. These sankeerthanas copied from palm leaves and inscribed on copper plates during the period of Achyutha Raya in the 16th century by Tallapaka Pedda Tirumalacharya and Chinna Tirumalacharya. These were stored in stone chamber besides north side of Srivari Hundi and named Annamayya Bhandagaram.
Later these were shifted to the S.V. Museum, Tirumala. These copper plates are classified into three categories. They are Bhandarekulu, Sadaranarekulu and Talapatra kruti rekulu (Copper plates).
Interested Devotees can witness the script of the copper plates during the museum’s working hours i.e. from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Vahanams
The processional deity of Sri Venkateswara is taken out in processions through four Mada streets of Tirumala in view of welfare of the devotees. Each Vahanam describes the spiritual proximally with the god and remind us the inseparable relation between atma and paramatma.
Coins
The museum has the collection antique gold, silver and copper coins available from Srivari Hundi belonged to 15th century A.D. down to 18th century of different dynasties who were on rule in India.
The famous town of Kanchipuram or Kanchi or Thirukachchi is located 75km due west and a little south of the capital city of Chennai in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Since the Chennai Bengaluru highway goes right by the town, connectivity is no problem.
There is ample bus and train connectivity as well. The nearest airport is Chennai airport. Kanchi is a significant pilgrim centre to personify Hinduism in all its diversity. All religions flourish. Even today one can identify areas labelled as Vishnu Kanchi, Saiva Kanchi, and Jeena Kanchi.
Of all cities, he judged Kanchi as the best. At any time, some three or four religions flourished. It was also a centre of learning. It was referred to as Gatikasthan, the Seat of Knowledge. Persons such as Sri Ramanuja spent their formative years in and around Kanchi. At least as far as Srivaishnavism is concerned the list of eminent scholars contributed by this town is endless.
Sri Ramanuja, Sri Kuresa, Sri Kanchipurna, and Sri Vedanta Desika are just the stalwarts that readily come to mind. It has contributed two Alwars from its environs namely Thirumazhisai Alwar and Poigai Alwar. The latter was born at Kanchi in the Yatokthakari temple area.
The first three or four Alwars were the starting point of the Bhakti movement. A few towns in India can claim this kind of contribution. For the most part, at least three out of every five eminent personalities in Srivaishnavism were from Kanchi within a radius of fifty km around the town. It is almost as if God made Kanchi for learning and teaching.
15 Divya Desams in Kanchi
As far as temples are concerned, there is no street in Kanchi that has no temple. Taking a few of the major religions like the Srivaishnavism, and the Shaivism there are more than thirty-five major temples. It is estimated that there are fifteen ‘Divya Desams’ in Kanchi alone. It is also said that there are more than a hundred Shiva temples.
At one stage it came heavily under the Pallava influence. They ruled the area between 200 CE to 900 CE approximately. Their influence can be seen in Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram on the coast. They supported the construction of many temples in their kingdom.
Legend has it that Lord Brahma tried to perform a ‘yajna’ without his wife Saraswati. She got angry and She tried to attack the place of ‘yajna’ so that the ‘yajna’ would remain incomplete. She sent darkness which Lord Vishnu nullified in the form of a lamp. Hence it is Deepa Prakasar (Thoopul Temple). Then She sent an eight armed Kali to destroy the place. The Lord took the form of eight-armed Nrusimha and overcame Her. Hence it is Ashtabhuja Perumal Temple.
Then She became a river in flood called Vegavati and wanted to fill the ‘yajnasala’ with a terrible flood. The Lord rested in the path of the river (Yatokthakari Temple – Vegasethu) like a dam. She went underground to avoid coming into contact with Him.
Finally, the Lord rose completely in the Punnyakoti Vimana as the ultimate King of Boons (Varadharajan) from the ‘yajna’ flames. The marks of the fire can be seen on the face of the ‘utsava idol’ even today.
In Tirumala and in Srirangam, the Moolavar or main resident idol is ‘Swayam Vyakta’ (Self-Manifest).
Touching Lizards
In Kanchipuram, the ‘utsavar’ (idol seen outside the temple by all) is ‘Swayam Vyakta.’ Just outside the sanctum are two lizards made of precious metal. Legend is that if one touches them and then has the ‘ darshan’ of the Lord, they will be cured of all ills.
Legend is that Rishi Sringibhera had two sons who were cursed by their teacher Gautama to become lizards. They were released from their curses by Sri Varadaraja and attained ‘moksha.’
Perundevi Thayar Shrine and Nrusimha Shrine
The Yoga Nrusimha shrine below Hastigiri Hill facing east is considered by many to be the original shrine in this temple. Many will first worship at Perundevi Thayar and Nrusimha shrines before worshipping Sri Varadaraja at the main sanctum.
Special features
The Lord is called Devadhirajan or Perarullalan or Theperumal or Varadharajan or Varadhan or Athiyuraan or Pranatharthiharan. The Lord is deemed to be a local king and is given all the appropriate honours. He has many other names. The universal mother is known as Perundevi or Mahadevi. She does not come out of the temple (Padi Thandaa Patni).
The temple tank is Ananthasaras. The Vimana above the Lord is Punyakoti and the one above the Universal Mother is Kalyanakoti. The place is known as ‘Satyavrata Kshetram.’
The original main (Moolavar) idol of Sri Varadharaja was made of Athi wood. It is now kept underwater in the Ananthasaras temple tank and brought out for display and worship only every forty years. During that time, for twenty-four days he will be in standing posture or ‘nindra thirukkolam.’
Then another twenty-four days he will be at rest or ‘sayana thirukkolam.’ After the forty-eight days, He returns to His underwater abode in the Anantasaras for the next forty years.
Seevaram Paarvettai
One legend is that the present idol which is made of stone from a nearby (about 20km away due east) village called Pazhaiyaseevaram on the banks of the river Palar. To honour this, the Lord visits the village every year on the day after Sankranthi. He is carried on foot by bearers along the north bank of the river on the way out and then along the south bank of the river on the way back.
The Lord visits most villages along the banks of the river. This festival is known as Seevaram Paarvettai.
Sri Ramnuja & Sri Kanchipurna
Sri Ramanuja was saved from being lost in the forest by the Lord and Mother who appeared before him as a hunter couple and guided him back to the temple. For many years Sri Ramanuja used to bring water for the Lord’s daily Thirumanjanam.
Sri Ramanuja asked Sri Kanchipurna to obtain answers to six questions which Sri Varada answered through Sri Kanchipurna. These six questions are very important to every Sri Vaishnava. They relate to the relationship between the Jeevatman and the Paramatman and the manner of attaining ‘moksha.’
It is Sri Varadan who gave Sri Ramanuja to Srirangam when Sri Periya Nambi appealed to him. Since the Lord gave up Sri Ramanuja to Srirangam, this temple is known as ‘Thyaga Mandapam.’
Gayatri Mantra
Sri Ramanuja bathed in Ananthasaras before taking ‘sannyasam’ and then worshipped the Lord in the sanctum. The climb up Hastigiri consists of twenty-four steps which is the same as the number of syllables in Gayatri Mantra. They are called Gayatri Steps.
PERUMAL KOIL
While Srirangam is referred to as simply “KOIL”, Tirumala as simply “TIRUMALAI”, Sri Varadharajaswamy temple is known simply as “PERUMAL KOIL”. Whenever the Lord is carried out of the sanctum, He is accompanied by Veda ‘parayanam’ and Prabhanda ‘parayanam.’
Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple – 100 Pillared Hall – Kanchipuram (108 Divya Desams)
100 Pillared Hall
The carved single-piece stone chains hanging from the hundred-pillared hall are exquisite examples of the artisan’s skill. The Garuda Seva that happens every year on Vaikasi Visaka is very famous and attracts thousands of devotees. The same can be said of the Chariot Festival that happens a few days later.
This festival, conducted during Vaikasi, known as The Brahmotsavam, attracts thousands of devotees to the temple.
There are two gateways to the temple. The western entry and exit is the one in common use and the road leading to it is known as Sannidhi Street.
Mangalasasanam
In Irandaam Thiruvandhadhi, Sri Bhoothath Alwar speaks of this Lord in the 95th and 96th pasurams (2276 – 2277). He says He is the Lord who tore open Hiranyan’s chest. He has the colour of a blue gemstone. He has been around for a long time. He created time and other things required by us. He resides resting at Thirupaarkadal and He is always available for us in the temple on Athiyur. Athiyur is another name for the area of Kanchi where the temple is located.
In the next pasuram, the Alwar says He is the Lord who has Garuda as His vehicle. He also rests on top of Adhisesha. He is worshipped with the three fires and is praised in the Vedas. He is also the Lord for Rudra who ate the poison which came out of Thirupaarkadal during the churning to help the Devas. He is the Lord who resides on Athigiri.
In Pasuram 2307, Sri Pei Alwar in his ‘Moondram Thiruvandhadhi’ refers to the Lord of Kanchi as He who wears the Tulasi garland. He resides eternally in the temple and in the Alwar’s heart.
Sri Vedanta Desika wrote wonderful poetry about Lord Varadaraja in Tamil and Sanskrit. Sri Kuresa in his opening two stanzas of Sri Varadarajastavam has the best description of Sri Varadarajaswamy and Sri Perundevi Thayar.
May the Lord Pranatharthiharan standing on top of Hasthigiri as its AabhraNam confer on me all auspiciousness always! May that Lord, who has been described as the Supreme One without equal or superior by the Upanishads shower me with mangaLams always!
Adiyen seeks refuge at the lotus feet of the Lord of all devas, who is the possessor of the wealth of Daya, and who always thinks of the wellbeing of His creations. He has taken the vow to bless all of His Bhakthas, who seek Him with the boons of Purusharthams. He is like a limitless mine of auspiciousness. He is also the wealth principle for the Sarva Mangala SvarUpiNi, PerumdEvi ThAyAr” Herself.
– Translation from Sanskrit original by Oppiliappan Koil Sri Varadachari Satagopan.
Sri Perundevi Nayika samedha Sri Varadaraja Parabrahmane Namaha!.
The optimum utility of flowers and garlands used in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams -run temples to make divine portraits besides household materials like paperweights, key chains, table calendars, pendants etc. using the traditional Dry Flower Technology method, has been a major hit with devotees.
The products have also earned the appreciation of the Honourable CM of AP Sri YS Jaganmohan Reddy and other Ministers from the State and Central. TTD and Dr YSR Horticultural University signed an MoU on September 13, 2021, for providing Dry flower technology to make popular products including portraits of the Hindu deities including Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Sri Padmavathi Devi, Sri Rama etc. that would attract the devotees in a big way.
Training and Equipment
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has also succeeded in the process as there is a huge demand for the DFT (Dry flower technology) portraits among devotees. As part of the agreement, the first batch of women workers were given training in making products at the Citrus Research Station.
From September 28 2021 onwards the training classes commenced.
As many as 340 women from self-help groups were provided training and roped in by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to produce the artefacts. One person could make two portraits daily and another 3-4 days to deliver the final product. Till now, these trained women have made 22,219 portraits of A4 size and 850 other artefacts all worth Rs. 1.19 crores.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has spent ₹88 lakhs on the equipment besides training SHG women. TTD has commenced the sale of these portraits and artefacts to devotees from January 25. The artefacts are made available at TTD information centres in Tirumala, Tirupati Local temples, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Chennai.
Following the growing demand for DFT products from the pilgrim public, TTD has decided to construct a permanent shed to manufacture the artefacts which will soon be built at the Citrus Research Station.
TTD inaugurated a new Mobile app TTDevasthanams for the convenience of devotees.
Most of the pilgrims do not know where to stay in Tirumala or how to buy tickets for Srivari ‘darshan.’ Many incidents emphasized the fact that many innocent pilgrims were cheated by the mediators in many ways in Tirumala.
For such devotees, the App is very useful.
Devotees can book their cottages for their stay through this App.
They can also buy tickets for the ‘darshan’ of the Lord by using this magnificent App.
They also buy special tickets for ‘Special Darshan’ for differently-abled persons and senior citizens.
They can also book Kalyana Mandapas online through this special App.
The T.T.D has shown a way to the devotees who want to offer donations / Trusts / Schemes etc. to the Lord directly from home through this App. The special App has been designed as if it has handed over the responsibilities of the pilgrims to the Lord.
Importance of TTDevasthanams – Mobile App
We know that a mobile application is called an App. Today there are many Apps with us in the fields of diet, health, entertainment and education. There is no one without a smartphone nowadays. Smartphones have become a necessity.
The T.T. Devasthanams Mobile App has been designed to make it compatible with the operating systems used in different Mobiles, Tablets and other devices. This app is developed with the support of the Jio platforms.
For this App, the T.T. Devasthanams spent crores of rupees. The effort made by T.T. Devasthanams is praiseworthy as it has brought a wonderful App that is unique in many ways with its wonderful features.
Some people think that it is not necessary to spend crores of rupees on an App. But this version is not correct. After the period of Corona, many modifications have taken place in the matter allowing the devotees to Srivari grand ‘darshan.’ Online ticket booking has become compulsory for ‘darshan’ at that time.
Previously this procedure was already on the website for implementation. This factor depended on the choice of the devotees. After the outbreak of the Corona, online booking became mandatory but not a choice.
In the present age, everything depends on Mobile Apps. So the use of the Mobile App became inevitable. It is like an ‘amla’ fruit in the palm of every devotee.
Devotees of Lord Venkateswara wish to get the grand ‘darshan’ of the Lord many times in a comfortable and pleasant environment. The T.T.D is also trying its best to provide and enhance the facilities of the devotees from time to time.
To achieve the goal, the T.T.D. has planned an innovative and technological mechanism to provide a facility to get the ‘darshan’ of Lord Venkateswara easily. The recent modernized device is the T.T. Devasthanams Mobile App.
It is like a ‘Taraka Mantra’ to the devotees who wish to fulfil their desires in Tirumala with ease and comfort saving their time, money and energy. The Mobile App stands as a symbol for the services rendered by the T.T. Devasthanams. The T.T.D is concentrating on the modernization of the systems and institutions by streamlining the old policies, correcting defective procedures and purifying the polluted environment in the temple.
Its service is highly responsible and requires a sense of dedication and commitment. To the utmost extent, the T.T.D. is playing a vital role as a coordinator between the Lord and His devotees. Bringing the T.T. Devasthanams Mobile App into existence is a commendable attempt to bring the T.T.Devasthanams nearer to the devotees.
As the Gita says:
Ananyas chintayanto
mam ye janah paryupasate
Tesam nityabhiyuktanam
yoga-skhemam vahamy aham.
– (The Gita:9-22.)
Lord Venkateswara will look after the ‘Yoga’ and ‘Kshema’ (welfare) of His devotees. Valuable and comprehensive information about Tirumala is available in the App for the convenience of the devotees.
Besides ringtones, videos are also available on this App. The Brahmotsavams of the Lord, the Brahmotsavams of Goddess Padmavathi, Pavitrotsavams, and other videos related to Srivari ‘sevas’ are available in the App. Through this App, the devotees can follow valuable suggestions and advice in the form of videos.
Most of the devotees do not know what to do and what not to do in Tirumala. Though they make mistakes unknowingly, they cannot get the grace of the Lord. In this regard, full information is available in the videos in the App.
Previously called Govinda App
The main aim of the App is that the devotees should not feel any inconvenience in Tirumala. Previously, there was a Mobile App called ‘Govinda App’ and now on 27-1-2023, T.T.D. inaugurated this new mobile App with the name ‘TTDevasthanams’.
Many new applications were added to this App and modernized as ‘TTDevasthanams Mobile App’ Devotees can see the programmes in the S.V.B.C. through live streaming with the help of this App. They should enter OTP with the User Name to log in. Entering a password is not necessary. The T.T.D has designed it so that even the devotees who do not know how to use a computer can also utilize this App very easily.
TTDevasthanams – Downloads
On the day of its inception alone, lakhs of devotees downloaded this wonderful App which is considered a great privilege.
The most valuable information about
Sundara Kanda Parayana,
the Bhagavad-Gita,
Adiparvam,
Vedaparayanam,
Bala Kaanda,
Virata Parva,
Sabha Parva,
Sampurna Sundara Kaanda and
many other programmes are found in the App in the form of videos.
Besides these, books relating to Srivaru, and other spiritual publications are also found in the App.
Downloading PDF files, Ringtones and Wallpapers
There is a facility to download these PDF files freely in the App. The qualitative wallpaper photos of Lord Venkateswara are put in the App. These photos in many forms will surely attract the hearts of the devotees.
Devotees can download the ringtones of Lord Venkateswara through this App. Highly melodious musical ringtones are also available on the App and devotees can share those ringtones with others.
They can share their grievances through the Toll-free number in the App and email IDs with the authorities concerned. They can ask the officers for solutions. They can buy the ‘Panchagavyas’ products through this App.
The T.T.D. is appealing to the devotees to utilize the new Mobile App and not to entertain the mediators and make their spiritual trip comfortable and auspicious.
If we are looking for a place not much known or not crowded where one can find the serenity that soothes our senses to purify our thoughts, we must visit Sri Kodanda Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Hiremagalur just 5km from Chikmagalur in Karnataka.
Chikamagalur is about 250 km from Bengaluru. This land is also very well known for coffee plantations. There are many temples in Karnataka devoted to Lord Rama but the temple here has a very special historic and mythological background.
History, Architecture and Main Idols of Sri Kodanda Ramachandra Swamy Temple
According to the Skanda Purana, Lord Rama shattered Lord Parshuram’s bow in this place. It was a symbolic act of shattering His pride and arrogance. Lord Parshuram realized His mistake.
It is also believed that nine Siddhas performed penance here so the village pond is known as Siddha Pushkarini. The devotees who come here take holy baths. The water of this pond contains anti-venomous properties and is highly effective in curing snake bites.
As Lord Parshuram lived here, this small town was also known as Bhargavapuri.
Banks of Tungabhadra
This temple is located on the banks of river Tungabhadra and is the largest in this region built in Hoysala style although Garbhagriha and Sukanasi (an external ornamented feature over the entrance to the garbhagriha or inner shrine) sections are built in the Dravidian style.
The navaranga and Mukhamandapa were later additions. These are surrounded by a wall made of bricks and mortar. The temple has three Gopuram supported by columns depicting Lord Rama, Laxman and Krishna.
The central Gopuram faces East and the other two face North and South. This temple seems to have been constructed in several stages. It is now under the administration of the State government.
Statues of Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita
One can see the life-size statues of Lord Rama, his brother Laxman and his wife Sita before they went to the forest. One will wonder how Lord Rama’s ‘sevak’ Lord Hanuman is not here. This is because Lord Rama met him after visiting this place.
Another surprising thing one can notice here is that only in this temple (when one sees these deities) Sita is standing right side of Lord Rama.
Lord Rama’s bow is called Kodanda
There is a belief that Lord Parashuram expressed a wish to see Lord Rama and Sita’s wedding scene and it was granted. In Hindu tradition bride sits to the right of the groom, like this position as is believed is reflected here in the Garbhagriha.
Lord Rama and Laxman are seen with their bows and arrows also. Lord Rama’s bow is called Kodanda. Therefore, this temple is called as Kodanda Rama Temple.
On the premises of this temple, there are small shrines of Sri Yoga Narasimha, Sri Sugriva, Kaliya Mardan Krishna, Srimad Ramanujacharya, Sri Madhwacharya and Sri Vedanta Desika. Among these deities, Yoga Narasimha is a four-foot-high figure with Prabhavati on which there are ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu sculpted.
Main Festivals in Sri Kodanda Ramachandra Swamy Temple
Though the devotees visit this temple throughout the year the temple hosts an annual celebration known as Jatra in February. Along with this, other yearly functions of Ram Navami, the marriage of Rama and Sita are also held to attract devotees.
This temple remains open daily from 6 AM to 11:30 AM and 4:30 to 8:30 PM.
Another rare thing here in this temple is, that the rituals or mantras or slokas of daily puja or any other religious functions held here are carried out by the priests of the temple in local language Kannada instead of Sanskrit.
Important places near Sri Kodanda Ramachandra Swamy Temple
The temple of Lord Shiva. In this temple, a beautiful image of Goddess Saraswati is installed and a very rare eight-legged bull can be seen. The temple of Lord Parasurama. One more place is, according to Puranic tradition and folklore is the spot where Janamejaya performed the Sarpa Yaga.
As mentioned in the beginning, this region is very famous for coffee plantations. So there is a museum for coffee lovers called Coffee Museum in Chikmagalur.
Chikmagalur – Coffee Plantations
The museum open on all days from 10 am to 5 pm except Saturdays and Sundays where one can explore everything about the history of coffee.
