Yadagirigutta

Sri Maha Vishnu Came from out of the pillar as per the desire of Bhakta Prahladha and killed Hiranya Kashyapa,who is father of Prahladha,who is beloved devotee of Maha Vishnu

In Ancient days Sri Yada Maharshi son of Sri Rushyashrunga Maharshi with the Blessings of Anjaneya Swamy had performed great penance for Lord Narasimha Swamy. After securing blessing for his penance Lord Narasimha had come into existence in Five Avatharas called as Sri Jwala Narasimha, Sri Yogananda Narasimha, Sri Ugra Narasimha, Sri Gandaberunda Narasimha, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. As such this is known as “Pancha Narasimha Kshetram”. The devotees who worship this deity with devotion, the problems faced by them in regarding their “Graha”, the difficulties through evil spirits and their all mental problems are being cured by the God & Godess. All the difficulties faced by the devotees are being cured through herbal medicines like fruits, flowers and Tulasi Teertham. The devotees who believe the Lord. He is appearing to them in their dreams and conducting operations also.

Significance

Yadagirigutta is a census town in Nalgonda district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. 

In Tretayugam, there lived a sage by the name of Yadarishi, son of the great sage Rishyasrunga and Santa Devi who did penance inside a cave with the blessings of Anjaneya (Hanuman) on this hill between Bhongir (Bhuvanagiri) and Raigiri (Now in Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh, India). Pleased with his deep devotion, Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared before him in five different forms as Jwala, Yogananda, Gandabherunda, Ugra and Lakshminarasimha. They later manifested themselves into finely sculpted forms that later came to be worshiped as Pancha Narasimha Kshetram.

There are Purana and traditional accounts of this Shrine, which are widely popular among the devotees. There is mention about the origin of this temple in the Skanda Purana, one of the famous 18 puranas

Another Legend also has it that Sriman Narayana, pleased with YadaRushi penance, sent Sri Anjaneya to direct the rishi to a holy spot, where the Lord appeared to him in the form of Sri LakshmiNarasimha. This spot is marked by a temple located at the foot of the Yadagiri hillock, and is located about 500 meters from the present temple. There the sage worshiped the Lord for many years.

After Yadarishi attained moksha, a number of tribals, Knowing of the Lord’s presence, came to worship Him at this temple. But, not being very learned, these devotees began to engage in improper worship. Because of this, Sri LakshmiNarasimha moved into to the hills. The tribals searched for many years to find their Lord, to no avail.

After many years had passed, the Lord appeared in the dream of a devout lady among the tribe, directing her to a large cavern wherein He revealed Himself to all as five majestic Avatars.The Aradhanam and Puja in this temple are performed according to Pancharatra Agamam. The puja vidhanam (Worship procedure) was set by Late Sri Vangeepuram Narasimhacharyulu who composed Yadagiri Suprabhatam, Prapatti, Stotram, Mangalashasanam and served as Sthanacharya of this temple.

Beliefs

Lord Narasimha is believed to have been worshiped by sages (rushis). The region of Yadagirigutta is reputed to be a “Rushi Aradhana Kshetram” or the place of worship for sages.

As the belief goes, Lord Narasimha has taken on the role of a “doctor” and is known as “Vaidya Narasimha” by his devotees at this shrine to cure many chronic diseases and the role of a ‘do gooder’ to those who are under the influence of bad planets, witch craft and black magic. Many instances are cited of the Lord appearing in the dreams of the devotees, and administering medicines and operated the patients and blessed them with good health. Many devotees tell of vivid dreams in which the Lord comes to heal them from chronic or terminal illnesses, and even mental or emotional problems. A mandala Deeksha (40 day) pradakshina is very popular made by many devotees to get cured of a long standing ailment or chronic disease. Often, the Lord Himself has imparted mantrOpadEsham to select devotees in their dreams.

Climate

The Yadagiri is the most unique, beautiful and pleasant Hillock with moderate Climate in all seasons and the temple is located at a distance of about 60 KM from the Hyderabad, capital city of Andhra Pradesh. The flow of devotees / pilgrims visiting the temple for worship is very high since it is situated near the capital city. There will be heavy congregation of devotees / pilgrims during Saturdays, Sundays and other Public Holidays.

Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy

Brief History:

Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Devasthanam – Abode of Lord Eashwara – at Vemulawada village of Karimangar District in Andhra Pradesh State is one of the ancient and famous Shivate temples. The Institution was categorized as Regional Joint Commissioner Cadre Temple under G.O.Ms.No: 262, Revenue [Endts.I] Department, dated 10/03/1992. The shrine deserves a special mention in terms of its architectural grandeur and spiritual sanctity and is one of the famous Shivate Temples in Andhra Pradesh State. Existence of this shrine is lost in the mists of antiquity and even Puranas mention the existence of the Deity.

The presiding Deity – Lord Raja Rajeshwara in the form of “Neela Lohitha Siva Lingam is known for his boundless benevolence in fulfilling the wishes of the devotees.

This Shrine is popularly known as ‘Dakshina Kasi’ [Southern Banaras] and also as “Harihara Kshetram” for their being two Vaisnava Temples in main Temple complex i.e., Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple & Sri Seetharama Chandra Swamy Temple and Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy is Kesthra Palaka of this Temple being consecrated with Pujas/ festive rituals [both Shivate & Vaisnavate festivals] and Sreerama Navami is the 2nd major festival in this temple.

A Dargah within the precincts of the temple stands as an ample evidence for religious tolerance.

Sthalapuranam:

Bhavishyothara Purana mentions that the Sun-God [Surya Bhagavan] recovered from disability by praying at the shrine here and so this shrine is termed “Bhaskara Kshethram”. And, Indra- the King of Astadikpalaka by devoutly worshipping Lord Sri Raja Rajeshwara-the presiding deity of the shrine, purified himself from Brahmahatya Dosham.

Further, It is said that during 750 to 973 AD this temple was built by Raja Narendra-the grandson of Parikshit who in turn the grandson of Arjuna, was not only cured of Leprosy by which he was afflicted by virtue of killing Muniputra accidentally, by taking bath in Dharmagundam [Pushkarni] but also seen Lord Sri Raja Rajeshwara and Goddess Sri Raja Rajehwari Devi in a vision and received blessings with directions to build a temple and install ‘ Siva Lingam’ which was laying in the bed of the Pushkarni.

Historical Importance: Historically this place was the capital of the Vemulawada Chalukyas who ruled from AD 750 to AD 973. Rock cut inscriptions found in this place, however refer to the village as Lemulavatika.

Literary and Traditional Importance: Tradition associate with this place with famous Telugu poet “Bheemakavi” but there is more definite proof of the famous Kannada poet “Pampa” living here as the court poet of Arikesari – II and dedicated his “Kannada Bharatha” to his royal patronage.
Inside Temples in Complex:

The Temple picturesquely stands on the bank of a large Tank which is called as Gudicheruvu. The Garbha – Griha [Mahamandapam] has “Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi”; Lord Raja Rajeshwara in the form of Neelalohitha Siva Linga ; Goddess Sri Raja Rajeshwari Devi and Nandeeshwara facing the Lord. The sanctum sanatorium encloses Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple; Sri Seetharama Chandra Swamy Temple; Sri Anjaneya Sahitha Kasi Visweswara Swamy

Temple; Sri Dakshina Murthy Temple; Sreeevalli Devasena Sametha Subramanya Swamy Temple; Sri Bala Tripura Sundari Devi Temple; Sri Someshwaralayam; Sri Uma Maheshwaralayam; Sri Mahisasura Mardhani Temple; Kotilingalu; Sri Kala Bhairava Swamy Temple.

In this shrine, Pujas / Rituals are performed according to Smartha Agama and however in Vaisnavate temples located in temple complex, Pujas / rituals are performed according to Pancharathra Agama. The icon of Lord Raja Rajeshwara is consecrated with Chatukala Pujas i.e., Prathakala Puja; Madhyahnika Puja; Pradosakala Puja & Nishikala Puja etc., every day along with Goddess Sri Raja Rajeshwari Devi Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi located in Maha Mandapam.

a] Bus Route:

From Hyderabad via Siddipet

From Khammam via Warangal & Karimangar

From Kothagudem via Warangal & Karimangar

From Mahabubabad via Warangal & Karimangar

From Asifabad via Karimangar

From Karimangar

From Nizamabad via Sircilla

From Kamareddy via Sircilla

From Yadagirigutta via Siddipet

From Warangal via Karimangar

From Narsampet via Karimangar

From Parkal via Karimnagar

From Jagitial

From Korutla

From Basar via Nizamabad & Kamareddy

From Manthani via Peddapelly & Karimangar

From Godavarikhani via Peddapelly & Karimangar

b] Train route:

The nearest broad-gauze Railway Station is Warangal – Khajipet and nearest meter-gauze is Kamareddy and the nearest Airport is Hyderabad.

Medaram Sammakka Sarakka

Sammakka Sarakka Mahatyam One can feel the real presence of the Goddesses as soon as you enter the forest of Medaram. Around 90 Lakhs devotees visited the holy place of Medaram in the year 2006. Medarm is located in Warangal District of Telangana State (India) and devotees from states of Orissa, MP, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra visit the Jatara which is held once in every two years. 

Goddesses temple.

A little festival of tribal origin in Telangana State has become a major pilgrimage in the last six years. The Sammakka festival is held once in every two years at Medaram,  in the heart of the thick forests of Warangaldistrict. The population of the little forest village at Medaram in normal times never exceeds 300. Suddenly, during the month of February it rises to over 90 Lakhs.... of devotees come from all over Telangana State and five neighboring states. This festival is held to get the blessings of goddesses Sammakka and Sarakka. It's believed that in those 3 to 4 days of the Jatara, goddesses real presence is felt.

People believe in Goddesses Sammakka, Sarakka fulfill their desires with their divine and miraculous powers. Issueless Couples visit to pray the goddesses to bless them with children while young girls pray for good life partners.

Many a pilgrim pay their promises made to goddess during the Jatra, by offering Jaggery, calfs, coconuts and donations in cash etc. Pilgrims take bathe in  Jampanna stream to get purified and absolve from sins.

On the special day - Maghasudha pournami

The actual festival begins in the month of Magha, on Sudha Pournami (full moon day) evening when Sarakka (in the form of a vermilion) would be traditionally brought from Kanneboyinapalle, a  neibhouring  village in the forest, and placed on a gadde, an earthen platform raised under a tree. 

By next sunset,the main goddess Sammakka (in the form of a vermilion) will be brought  from Chilukalagutta. There are two gaddes (platforms) Separately one for goddess "Sammakka" and other for goddess "Sarakka".  They are represented by bamboo sticks smeared with turmeric and vermilion (Pasupu and Kunkuma). Since time immemorial, there is a huge tree standing on Sammakka gadde. 

When the priests bring out the ochre box and other relics from a hidden forest location, there is great tumult with frenzied beating of drums, blowing of trumpets and full throated yells. It is said that during the festival a huge tiger prowls around peacefully.Offerings are coconuts and jaggery. They are piled at the foot of the trees.

Brief History

There are many legends about the miraculous powers of sammakka and one of them is,  In 13th century, some tribal leaders who went for a hunting found a new born girl child emitting enormous light playing amidst tigers. She was taken to their habitation and brought up as a chief tain (She later became the saviour of the tribals of the region) she was married to Pagididda Raju a feudatory tribal chief of Kakatiyas who were the rulers of this area. She was blessed with 2 daughters and one son namely Sarakka, Nagulamma and Jampanna respectively

How the festival day will be like…?

    This tiny village located in the thick forest area witness surging crowds start a week before the festival. Hundreds of private and Govt vehicles will be engaged in transporting countless number of pilgrims flocking the venue of historic Sammakka Sarakka jatara site. The Gaddelu, the sanctum sanctorum of this jatara site, will be filled to maximum and the devotees continue to throng the venue. The whole of Medaram village will be lit up for the celebrations. Hundreds of shops and petty business enterprises come up all over. The pilgrims will be  seen spread over 15 km around the venue. Temporary dwellings  spring up presenting a spectacular sight.