Sri Gnana Saraswathi temple (more than 2000 years old)
This is a temple dedicated exclusively to Mother Gnana Saraswathi Devi.
The temple uses only New Sari each day for the Alankara of Mother Saraswathi Devi. These used Saris are sold in auction on the second day of the Mahalaya Amavasya day occurring in September-October.
Students pray to Mother Gnana Saraswathi Devi to score high marks and ranks in education and also master an art of their choice.
Realizing their wishes, devotees perform Abhishek to Mother and offer new vastras.
The place was earlier known as Vyasapuri as sage Vyasa installed Mother Saraswathi here. It changed to Vyasara and presently stands with the name Basar. It is noteworthy there is a temple for Sage Vyasa also here. Mother Saraswathi in Basar temple is also praised as Vasara, Gaumarachala Vasini and Vidyadharini.
The pujas begin early in the morning with Rudrabisheka with Godavari River water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, turmeric and sandal in an elaborate manner with the chanting of Sri Sukta and Pancha Sukthas. After the Alankara – dressing – arati is dedicated to the mother as per rules. Mantra pushpas – flowers used in the puja – and abishek water – Theertha are offered to devotees as Prasad. All Alankaras to Mother is done with turmeric only. Only this turmeric is offered as Prasad which devotees consider very important to them. Students place this turmeric in their tongues to achieve distinction in education. Those aspiring merits in arts consume this turmeric Prasad.
The first puja in the temple is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka followed with puja to Lord Brahmma the Creator at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. Pujas to Mothers Mahalakshmi and Makali are performed after pujas to the presiding deity – Gnana Saraswathi Devi.
On each Friday, Mother Saraswathi is taken in procession within the prakaras of the temple on Peacock vahan. Pujas during Navarathri are performed in a grand and elaborate manner as per orthodox rules. During these days, Mother Gnana Saraswathi is offered 64 upacharas (this may be called respectful etiquettes). Chandi Homa is conducted on the Navami day – 9th day. The pujas on Vijayadasami – the last day of Navarathri festival – are performed with Mahabishekas, beautiful alankaras – Sundara Alankara. Mother Gnana Saraswathi is taken in procession on a palanquin through the parts of Basar Village. The devotee crowd is very huge during the Navarathri festival.
Sage Veda Vyasa stayed on the banks of River Godavari for a few days during his pilgrimage with his disciples. During his penance in the place, the sage made an idol of Mother Saraswathi slowly each day with the sand of the place and installed Her in this place.
Maharshi Naradha learnt the glory of the Vysatheertha and the greatness of this place through Brahmma.
This is a temple dedicated exclusively for Mother Gnana Saraswathi Devi.
Comments
Post a Comment