• Vishnu

SRI KURMAM KURMANATH TEMPLE

Overview


Sri Kurmam is a village near Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India.


About the temple


According to inscriptions in the temple dated 1281 AD, the holy place of Kurmakshetra was reestablished by Sri Ramanujacharya under the influence of Jagannatha Deva at Jagannatha Puri. Later the temple came under the jurisdiction of the king of Vijayanagara. The temple is dedicated to Sri Kurmanatha, the second avatar of Lord Vishnu, Kurma Avatar. There is another temple of Kurmanatha in Kurmai of Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh,India. There is also a Yoganandha Narasimhan temple in front of Sri Kurmam temple. Simhachalam Devasthanam took the responsibility for the temple improvement. The moolasthanam (central piece) is considered to be large saligrama.


About the Deity


Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of the Kurma Avataara


Legend and stories


The most sacred and ancient shrine  of sri kurmam, situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal,  is the only Swayambhu temple in the world where Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of  kurma avataara (Tortoise – The second Incarnation of the famous Dasa Avataaraas). This ancient shrine is believed to be prior to the golden era of Sri Raama (Raama Raajyam). Prominent references about this shrine are available in Kurma , Vishnu, Agni, Padma, Brahmaanda Puraanaas. While the shrine is said to be more than a few million years old, outer structures were reconstructed many a time - after dilapidation of previous one, and the latest temple structure of outer walls is more than 700 years old. Legend says that during Kruta yuga, a pious king - Sweta Maharaj, observed fierce penance for many years. Fulfilling his wish, Lord Vishnu manifested (Swayambhu) here in the form of Kurma  Aataar. Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, officiated the celestial rituals and consecrated the shrine with gopaala yantra. Sweta Pushkarini (The Lake in front of the Temple) is formed by the Sudarshan Chakra. Sri Mahaa Laxmi (the consort of Lord Vishnu), emanated from this lake and is adored in the name of Sri Kurma Naayaki, in Varadaa Mudra posture seated on Garuda Vaahana.


Sri Kurmam shrine is believed to be the “moksha sthaanam” and the Sweta Pushkarini has cosmic cleansing powers. So, like in Varanasi, people perform the last rites of the deceased and drop (Nimajjan) the Asthikaas (ashes) in it, which eventually metamorphose into Saalagraamaas (divine stones). Even mother Ganga takes a bath in this lake every year on Maagha Shudha Chavithi (around February) to cleanse herself of all the sins left by the devotees. The Prasaadam of the lord is said to possess mystic curative powers – after taking this Prasaadam, the celestial dancer “Tilottama” became devotional and enunciated desires. King Subhaanga won the war, a devotee by name Vaasu Deva got leprosy cured.


Unlike many other temples , the presiding deity here is facing west and hence there are two “dwaja stambhaas” (flag posts) in east and west directions. This is also the reason to permit devotees to enter the “garbha graha” (sanctum sanctorum) for a closer darshan of the lord. This temple is known for its marvellous sculpture, particularly on the southern entrance, apart from the 108 pillars, where no single pillar is similar to the remaining. The unique stones on the floor in the pradakshina mandapam (Circumambulatory passage) are said to infuse magnetic energy into the devotees through their feet. The ancient mural paintings (frescoes) on these walls, made from natural colours, resemble those in ajanta – ellora caves. “kaasi dwaram” – the underground tunnel to varanasi in the north eastern corner of the pradakshina mandapam is another magnificent piece of ancient engineering skills. The entry is closed now, since many wild animals and snakes are entering the temple.


Many great people and holy sages offered their prayers in this shrine  including, Lava & Kusha (Sons of Sri Raama, Belonging to Treta Yuga – More than a million Years ago) ., Bala Raama (Elder Brother of Sri Krishna, Belonging to Dwaapara Yuga – More than 5000 Years ago) ., Sage Durvaasa (More than 5000 Years ago) ., Sri Adi Sankaraachaarya (8th century AD) ., Sri Raamaanujaachaarya (11th century AD).,  Sri Narahari Teerthulu (13th century AD)., Sri Chaitanya Mahaa Prabhu(1512 AD) etc.  Sri kurmanadha is a great bestower of peace & bliss and is said to relieve the doshas related to saturn (Sani Graha Doshas).


To protect this temple from the foreign invaders during 11th - 17th centuries , like in many temples in south india, the locals applied lime stone mix on the entire temple complex and camouflaged as a hillock. The solidified limestone layers are still being peeled off now , and the same are visible even today on the temple walls. Temples are the pivots of hindu culture.  Many of our fore fathers sacrificed their lives to protect these invaluable treasures for posterity. With only 3 of the 29 ancient civilizations remaining, and hinduism being one of them, the present generation has the inescapable responsibility to protect, if not further develop, and pass on to the next generations.  


As the great sages said “conserve the nature – preserve the culture – to deserve a future”.


Many straws when twined together make a rope - many drops make an ocean, and your generous offerings, however small or big, will go a long way to safeguard our ancient temples like sri kurmam.


Festivals


Some of the main Festivals being celebrated in the Temple are the 3 day Dolotsavam (Falguna Paurnami - popularly known as Holi) , One day Annual Kalyanotsavam (Vaisakha Shudha Ekadasi) , One day Annual JanmaDinam (Kurma Jayanthi) Festival of Deity on Jyeshta Bahula Dwadasi, One day Festival on Mukkoti Ekadasi etc


Arti/Pooja/seva


Abhishekam (TiruManjanam)
Timings : Everyday Between 4.30 AM to 6.00 AM
Kalyanam Timings : Around 9 AM, only with prior bookings

Timing


Darshan is allowed from 6 am to 7.45 pm on all days,with very short intermittent closures for Poojas of the Deity. There is a facility for faster/special darshan, for those in a hurry, with special tickets at a nominal amount of rupees ten. Generally it takes less than 30 minutes for Darshan with all devotees being Allowed into the Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbha Gruha).


Accommodation


Devotees can choose from 3 options - At Srikurmam or at Srikakulam Town or at Visakhapatnam City. Staying at Srikakulam Town is most preferred in view of better Hygiene, Food Facilities (13Km, Travel Time – About 25 minutes., Buses – Cars – Autos are available). General individual room type Accomodation in TTD Guest House (7 Rooms - Rs 50 per room per day), Dormitory type accommodation in Tourism Guest House or 2 VIP rooms in Tourism Guest House are available at nominal rates. Please contact the Temple office for Reservations. Private Hotels/Lodges (Low End) are also available.


Accessibility


Sri Kurmam, situated on the shores of Bay of Bengal, is easily accessible by Road, Rail and Air. It is about 13 Km from the district Head Quarters town of Srikakulam, which is conveniently located on the National Highway 5 from Chennai to Kolkata. Visakhapatnam City is about 110 Km from the Temple. Ample Parking space is available in front of the Temple for Four/ Two wheelers (Self/ Chauffer driven).

Road

State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates Buses from Srikakulam Old Bus Stand to Srikurmam Temple every 10 minutes, and Non Stop Buses from Visakhapatnam RTC Complex to Srikakulam RTC (Main Bus) complex every 15 minutes. Easy choice is available on Local Taxis/ Autos etc.

Rail

The nearest Railway Station is called Srikakulam Road (Amadalavalasa village - Station Code CHE) which is on Chennai Kolkata Trunk Route and most Express/ Mail/ Special Trains have halts. It is about 12 Km from Srikakulam Town and 25 Km from the Temple. Regular city Buses/Auto Rickshaws/ Taxis are available.

Air

The Visakhapatnam Airport is the nearest and is about 115 Km from the Temple. Many Airlines have frequent flights and connect to major cities in India. Air India/ Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Jetlite , Kingfisher, Spicejet, Indigo etc operate daily flights. A few International Airlines are planning to start their operations soon.


Address


Srikurmam Temple,
SRI KURMAM - 532404,
Srikakulam Dt.,
Andhra Pradesh,
INDIA.

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.

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