Veerabhadra Swamy Temple in Rayachoti of Kadapa district having rich historical value is attracting devotees from round the corners of the country. The rich mythological values of the temple enables our new generations to get to know these values through their own senses.
History :
The Veerabhadra swamy temple itself is 1000- years old. It is said that the great King Krishnadevaraya used to camp at Rayachoti whenever he visited Srivari temple at Tirupati. In old Rayachoti near the river to the west of the town is a stone very conspicuously set up, with a Tamil inscription dated S.S. I155 which corresponds to A.D. 1233. It records a grant to a temple by a certain king, but none of the names given can be identified with any place in the vicinity. The king is called Nissankapratapa Raya, lord of Karkatapura. Another inscription of the same date at Abbavaram, a village included in the Rayachoti constituency, mentions the name of another king, Thomba, who was 'first ruling from Kalukatayapuram
and then Marujavaduyandapuram his capital.' It is probable that Karkatapura and Kalukatayapuram refer to the same place and it is possible that Thomba who 'was first ruling' there was expelled there from by Nissankapratapa who calls himself 'lord of Karkatapura.' It is not known to Rayachoti what dynasties these kings or chiefs belonged.
Events and Festivals:
Every year Sivarathri and Karthika Pournami celebrations are held on a grand scale. Devotees from far off places especially from Karnataka, visit the shrines regularly.
Legend:
Sati was the youngest daughter of Daksha, the chief of the gods. When Sati grew up she set her heart on Shiva, worshipping him in secret. In the Swayamvara of Sati, Daksha invited all gods and princes except Shiva. Sati cast her wreath into air, calling upon Shiva to receive the garland; and behold he stood in midst of the court with the wreath about his neck. Daksha had no choice but to marry Sati with Shiva. One day Daksha made arrangements for a great horse sacrifice, and invited all the gods omitting only Shiva. Sati was enraged by this deliberate exclusion of Shiva and set out to attend, and confront her father Daksha. She instructed her father that Shiva was in fact the Supreme Being of the Universe and demanded her father invite Shiva to no avail. Daksha then went on to insult Shiva; and as Sati's rage at the disrespect toward Shiva peaked, she declared to her father, "I will tolerate no more of your filth" and she released the inner consuming fire and fell dead at Daksha's feet. Then Sarvajna Lord Shiva came to know about this incident through meditation and became furious at the non-righteous yagna. Shiva burned with anger, and tore a lock of hair , glowing with energy in Kailasa. It was the moment, was born the amsa of lord shiva, lord Veerabhadra, the destroyer of ajnana, sprang from it, his tall body reached the high heavens, he was dark as the clouds, he had a thousand arms, three burning eyes and fiery hair; he wore a garland of skulls and carried terrible weapons. Veerabhadra bowed at Shiva's feet and asked his will.
Maheshwara replied, 'Spoil the sacrifice of Daksha'. Then the mighty Veerabhadra, having heard the order of his lord, bowed down his head to the feet of Shiva; and roaring like a lion loosened from bonds, despoiled the sacrifice of Daksha, knowing that this had been created by the displeasure of Devi. She too in her wrath, as the fearful goddess Rudrakali accompanied him, with all her train, to witness his deeds. - Vayu Purana ” Shiva directed Veerabhadra: "Lead my army against Daksha and destroy his sacrifice; fear not anything, for thou art a portion of my very self". On this direction of Shiva, Veerabhadra appeared with Shiva's ganas in the midst of Daksha's assembly like a storm and broke the sacrificial vessels, polluted the offerings, finally cut off Daksha's head, trampled on Indra, broke the staff of Yama, scattered the gods on every side; then he returned to Kailash.
Lord Veerabhadra Swamy is worhipped as killer of all evils, bestowing good thoughts, prosperity by removing all evils around a person and for the progress of a person.
Temple Timings
Morning: 5am to 11 am
Evening: 4 pm to 8 pm
Lodging and Boarding
Temple guest houses near temple and few hotels near bus stand. By Road Rayachoti is on NH 18 and is well connected to Hyderabad Chennai and Bangalore. The nearest railway station is Kalikiri on the Pakala-Dharmavaram line twenty-eight miles to the south. The distance to Kadapa on the north is 33 miles (48 KM), and Rajampet and Kadiri lie some thirty five miles east and west respectively.
By Rail
Rayachoti is on NH 18 and is well connected to Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore. The nearest railway station is Kalikiri on the Pakala Dharmavaram line twenty-eight miles to the south. The distance to Kadapa on the north is 33 miles (48 KM), and Rajampet and Kadiri lie some thirty five miles east and west respectively.
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