Sri Kurmam Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Location:                     Sri Kurmam Village, 12 miles away from Sri Kakulam, Andhra Pradesh

Built by:                      ancient dynasties of India from 11^th -19 century AD

Also known as:           Sri Kurmam Temple, Kurmantha Temple      

Primary deity:              Lord Vishnu

Important Festivals:     Vaishakhi Festival

Attraction:                   The Salingrama and Kurmantha

INTRODUCTION

A legendary temple in Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to the ditiya (second) avatar Lord Vishnu. The second incarnation of Lord Vishnu from the Dashavatars (10 incarnations) was a kurma (tortoise). Sri Kurmam is a holy pilgrimage for the Hindus. The Kurmanatha (tortoise) depicts prosperity and peace. The temple is located at a distance of 12 miles from the town Srikakulam. The divine place is situated in the southernmost region of the Taluk district.

HISTORY

The sculptor that is worshipped as the deity in Sri Kurmam has not been sculptured by artisans. It is a fossil of a real giant turtle. The front head of the deity is in the shape of a turtle and the Vishnu namam represents it. A Salingrama represents the posterior portion. Adi Sankacharya presented the Salingrama. The artistry of Sri Kurmam is a lustrous belonging of historical India. Dhwajastambams (flag masts) are present at back and forth of Sri Kurmam, which are indeed a unique feature. The Dhwajastambams represent the deity as facing the back of the shrine on the west. The rock carvings have inhabited the shrine since 11 A.D. The shrine premises possesses more than 200 pillars

Discovery of Holy Shrine

Ancient Indian dynasties contributed to the construction of Sri Kurmam. The project began under the initiatives of the kings of the Ganga dynasty, notably Anantha Varma Chodaganga Raju. Rulers of other Indian dynasties like Toorpu, Ayankqa Bheema, Velanati, Calukyas, Velama as well as the Gajapathis contributed their wealth in proceeding with the construction of the temple.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

The nearest airport to the Sri Kakulam town is the Vishakhapatnam airport. The distance of the place from the airport is about 106 km. You will have to take a cab or bus from the airport to reach the place and the journey would be of about 2 and a half hours.

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By Rail

The railway spot nearest to Sri Kakulam is via the Amadalavalasa that is situated at a 20 km distance. Sri Kakulam is a notable railway junction on the broad gauge segment of Howrah-Chennai. The place is well-connected via railways with major cities of the state. Numerous trains are available to board from Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Vijayawada. You can cover up the minimal distance of the village of Sri Kurmam from the Sri Kakulam town by taxi or cab.

By Road

Once you enter the Sri Kakulam town, take the pathway towards Asravalli in the direction of police quarters via cross roads on the NH 5. As you walk straight, you will pass away the Asravalli Bus Junction, from where you can reach the Asravalli Shrine. Again, you will have to walk straight, until reaching Deepavali road bus junction. You have to navigate straight to Sri Kakulam bus stoppage on National Highway 5. At that junction, turn and trod left to bag the road to Sri Kurmam. After reaching the Sri Kurmam village, you can easily go to the temple.

IMPORTANT SHRINES

The Sri Kurmam is a glorious architecture of ancient India. The architectures of Hindu gods and goddesses are noteworthy and so are the lion pillars (depict powers) and the divine Salingrama.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEMPLE

According to Hindu mythology folios, Lord Vishnu first appeared at Sri Kurmam to bestow monarch Swetamahipathi. It is noted that the bones of the dead are disposed at the Swethapuskarani tank are transformed into comas or tortoises.

WEATHER AND TIME TO VISIT

The temple is located in Southern India. Considering the temperature of Southern India, it is quite humid and hot during summers. Monsoons at Andhra Pradesh sometimes get violent during the mid July and early August. The great Vaishakhi festival is held at the temple in April.

ACCOMODATION

·         Nearby accommodations to the Sri Kurmam temple include Hotel Satya A/c (Star hotel), Hotel Nataraj A/c, Hotel Balaji A/c, Hotel kinnera A/c, Hotel Aditya A/c.

·         You can book railway tickets or air tickets online as well. Tickets are available for booking in major and metro cities of India.

TIPS FOR DEVOTEES

As you land in the Vishakhapatnam airport, you can take a cab or taxi or board a bus to reach the temple. This journey is approximately of 2 and a half hour. In the meantime, cabs or buses will halt at tea or coffee shops and food outlets. You can always get down there to purchase some food.

RULES AND RITUALS OF THE TEMPLE

Signify your devotion towards Lord Vishnu: The Sri Kurmam temple is an ideal place to signify your devotion towards Lord Vishnu. The temple nurtures a peaceful environment, where you can offer your prayers.

Cleanse your mind and soul: It is said that one who visualizes Lord Vishnu in the prosperous Kurma avatar with devotion and respect can leave behind all sins and troubles and start his/her life afresh.

IMAGES

http://www.hoparoundindia.com/cityimages/andhra-pradesh/bigimages/Srikakulam-Sri%20Kurmam%20Temple-1.JPG

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPokUlXA49HAJ2nqkPlpmKDgjCzVGuBCgK_6a2OGXJWkGJrpKjfCqEwVy97PfLqwcZcDuNyX2QmgMsaBO30a1ty8EXFkqa1SMIqUGhSaGPNtkFtsAlk3xGJIT-YoqxMlTsYpxNjViSY08/s1600/IMG_0229_aw.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPokUlXA49HAJ2nqkPlpmKDgjCzVGuBCgK_6a2OGXJWkGJrpKjfCqEwVy97PfLqwcZcDuNyX2QmgMsaBO30a1ty8EXFkqa1SMIqUGhSaGPNtkFtsAlk3xGJIT-YoqxMlTsYpxNjViSY08/s1600/IMG_0229_aw.jpg

VIDEOS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGrSJZGmpyU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVXS59zD3mY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NG5Ha4otKc

REFERENCES

http://www.indiantravelportal.com/andhra-pradesh/pilgrimage/sriKurmam.html

http://www.hoparoundindia.com/andhra-pradesh/srikakulam-attractions-how-to-reach/sri-Kurmam-temple.aspx

http://www.charmingindia.com/sriKurmam.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Kurmam#SriKurmam_Temple

Bedse Caves, Maharashtra

Description

Bedse Caves are also known as the Bedsa Caves and are located in the Maval taluka district, Pune, Maharashtra. Bedse caves are the part of a trilogy of caves Bhaja Caves and Karla Caves. There are two main caves and the primary one is the chaitya i.e. the prayer hall. The chaitya has a large stupa and the second cave is the vihara i.e the monastery. The caves face eastwards and early morning sunlight enhance the beauty of the carvings on the cave. The caves can be a simple trek made of steps after reaching the Kamshet, near Pune.

About Bedse Caves

Although lesser known and popular, the Bedse caves are the perfect place for tourists looking for a peaceful place for contemplation and meditation. Located around 35 kms from Pune, these caves have beautiful Buddhist carvings. The Bedse caves mesmerize the tourists with amazing carvings and sculptors. The Bedse Caves are situated very nearby to the forts of Tung, Visapur, Tikona and Lohagad and the Pawana Dam. Though the connecting road is well-maintained, you cannot be too sure about the food facilities that would be available there. Hence, the tourists are advised to carry their own food and water since there is a simple but tiring trek made of steps.

History
The caves are dated to approximately 1^st Century BC and are rock caves that have Buddhists carvings and paintings. Till 1861, the caves were painted and maintained constantly. This was done to please the British rulers who liked to visit the caves often. But, this caused the great loss of plaster that had murals on it.

How to Reach

By Air:

The nearest airport to Bedse caves is the Pune airport that handles both domestic and international traffic. It can be also reached via the Mumbai airport. From the airport, the caves are short 20-25 km drive on a well-connected road.

By Rail:

The nearest railway station is the Pune railway station from the caves can be reached within 2-3 hour drive. The Mumbai railway station also provides accessibility for tourists who do not have direct trains from their location to the Pune railway station.

By Road :

The Bedse caves have a well-connected road route from Pune. After reaching Mumbai, take the NH-24 highway (Avoid expressway). Reach Kamshet and from there take the route towards Pavana Dam or Pavananager. After running straight on the road for 7-9 km turn right which marked as “Bedse”. Up till here the road would be well-maintained but after the turn the road would become bumpy and broken. After driving for 2 to 3 kms the roads reach Bedse village where the vehicle needs to be parked.  After that the steps trek to the Bedse caves starts which take around an hour to reach.

If not having a private vehicle, then the tourists can travel via the various government and private tourist buses that run along the route regularly. The buses also have very reasonable prices. The trip to Bedse caves can be done in one day via road.

Images

http://www.placesnearpune.com/2011/02/bedse-caves-near-kamshet-lonavala/

http://blog.chaukhat.com/2009/02/bedse-2300-year-old-buddhist-monument.html

http://blog.chaukhat.com/2009/02/bedse-2300-year-old-buddhist-monument.html

Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD2WqtJy79M

References

http://www.punesite.com/bedse-caves-in-pune.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedse_Caves

http://www.placesnearpune.com/2011/02/bedse-caves-near-kamshet-lonavala/