- Vishnu
Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple
- Vetapalem,Andhra Pradesh
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Overview
Chennakesava Swamy Temple located in Markapuram of Prakasam district is a famous temple of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. The presiding deity in this temple is Sri Maha Vishnu in the divine form of Chennakesava Swamy and is seen with His consort Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi. The Lord is called Kesava because He killed a demon called Kesi.
About The Temple
Chennakesava Swamy Temple was built during 1405-1459 AD, the period of Vijayanagar rulers. The temple has magnificent gopurams. The first storey of the temple was built during the Krishnadeva Raya’s reign, while the other storeys were added in 1837. The walls of Sri Chenna Kesava Swamy Temple were constructed in 1425 AD and have 18 inscriptions. These inscriptions give an account of culture and lives of people during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya. It is said the king gave away 355.14 acres to 14 surrounding villages just so that the people of villages would look after the temple.
Special attractions in the temple
Galigopuram of 135 feet: The temple has a massive Galigopuram of 135 feet in height which can be seen from 5 km away. It is an imposing and majestically magnificent sight. 40-pillared Mandapam: There is a 40-pillared Mandapam with intricate carving of the deities like Lord Sri Krishna, Lord Anjaneya, Lord Vighneswara and Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi with their respective Vahanas. Magnificent Kalyana Mandapam: There is also a magnificent Kalyana Mandapam which has 6 musical pillars that produce 7 musical notes of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Da Ni in its correct Aarohana and Avarohana, when gently tapped with fingers. Sun Rays falling at the Lord’s Feet: The astounding feature of this temple is every year from 16th December to 14th January every morning the sun’s rays enter the sanctum sanctorum through specially placed windows and fall at the feet of the Deity. This is an incredible architectural wonder that speaks volumes of the expertise of the artisans of Vijayanagar Dynasty. This causes the deity’s feet to glow for 20 minutes every day, during which devotees throng to the temple to catch a glimpse of this spectacular vision. Located in Markapur in Prakasam District, Sri Chenna Kesava Swamy Temple is a popular religious destination.
Legend and stories
Chenna Kesava Swamy temple was established between 1405 -1459 AD, under the rule of Vijayanagar. The temple has marvellous gopurams. The first level of the temple was built during the reign of King Krishnadeva Raya while the rest of the levels were constructed in 1837. The walls of Chenna Kesava Swamy Temple were built in 1425 AD These walls has 18 Inblockedions craved on it. These Inblockedions display the information about the tradition, culture and lifestyle of people during the king Krishnadeva Raya’s reign. The king donated around 355 acres of land to the nearby villages so that the people from these villages can take care of the temple.
Festivals
MELA for more than 10 days happens on every year during the month of March and April, at that time it is assumed that at least 100,000 people visit the temple. During this ceremony they take the UTSAV statue of the god on the BIG TERU (Car). Recently they have constructed a brand new car looks great by demolised the old Car.
Accessibility
Air
Nearest airport is Donakonda Airport, which is 32 km away from the temple. Travel Buses and taxis are available to access the temple at Markapur.
Rail
Nearest railway station is Markapur Railway Station, which is 5.4 km away from the temple.
Road
Buses are available from all places in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to reach Sri Chenna Kesava Swamy Temple in Markapuram, Prakasam District of AP
Address
Sri Chenna Kesava Swamy Temple
Markapuram, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Fame
- Freedom from diseases
- Wealth
- Courage
- Relief from adverse effects from bad planetary aspects
- Relief from bondage
Shlokas
Achutham Keyshavam Rama Narayanam Krishna Damodaram Vasudevam Harim Shridharam Madhavam Gopika Vallabham Janaki Nayakam Ramachandram Bhajey
Meaning -Oh Lord who cannot be perished, who also has names like Keshava, Rama, Damodara, Narayana, Sridhara, Madhava, Krishna, Ramachandra the beloved of Janaki, let me say your name regularly.
Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam Devaki Paramanandham Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum
Meaning -I bow to you O Krishna, the ultimate guru, Devaki and Vasudeva's son, and the destroyer of Kamsa and Chanur.
Adharam Madhuram Vadanam Madhuram Nayanam Madhuram Hasitam Madhuram Hridayam Madhuram Gamanam Madhuram Mathuraa Dhipate Rakhilam Madhuram
Meaning -Meaning - Sweet are Your lips, sweet is Your face, sweet are Your eyes, sweet is Your smile, sweet is Your heart, sweet is Your gait, O Lord of Mathura, everything about You is sweet.
Alokya Mathur Mukha Madarena Sthanyam Pibantham Saraseeruhaksham Sachinmayam Devam Anantha Roopam Balam Mukundam Manasa Smarami
Meaning -I think of this Balamukundan as the one who looks lovingly at his mother's face while taking milk from her, who has eyes similar to the red lotus, who is the embodiment of truth and intelligence and other forms.