India is “The Land of Temples”. Almost every temple in India has its unique legend telling a fascinating story about its existence. Amongst such numerous legendary temples in India, the temple of Gnana Saraswati at Basara in Adilabad District in Andhra Pradesh holds a prominent place. Basara Saraswathi Temple is one among the two temples of this Goddess in India. The other is in Kashmir. Basar is a village situated on the banks of river Godavari; the serene and pious nature attracts everyone. Basara temple is surrounded with 
beautiful gardens amidst the dry and barren patches of the north Telangana region, 30-km from Nizamabad. Basar is situated on the banks of River Godavari. It is located at a distance of about 220-km by road and 190-km by rail from Hyderabad. I have accompanied few of my friends of Rotary Club, Rtn. Siva Kumar, Rtn Prabhakar and Rtn. Ravindranath for a brief visit to Basara after an all day District Event of Rotary Club held in Nizamabad on Sunday, the May 3. Devi Navarathrulu is celebrated for ten days during Dasara Festival in Basara Since Maharishi Vyasa spent considerable time in prayers, the place was then called "Vasara" and turned into Basara due to the influence of the Marathi language in the region. Built at the confluence of the rivers Mangira and Godavari this temple is adorned by the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. The presiding deity, 'Gnana Saraswati Devi', is in a seated position with a 'Veena' in hand and bedecked with turmeric. Adjacent is the shrine of Goddess Maha Lakshmi and a little distance away, on the eastern side is the Maha Kali temple. This temple has no exquisite carvings like other temples. Walking ahead a few steps, one enters the sanctum sanctorum - a feeling better experienced than described. A feeling of peace, brightness and unlimited joy engulfs one.
Temple speciality: Devotees stream the temple for the ritual of ‘Akshara Abhyasam’ of their children -the formal starting of education deeming it to be auspicious with the blessings of the Goddess of Knowledge. 'Akshara Gnana' is a special ritual before commencing formal school education wherein the child is given little bit of turmeric paste to taste, believing that it will clear his/her vocal chords for better learning. The Goddess answers all the prayers of the committed devotees, filling their life with bliss and happiness. Basara Aksharabyas can be done by just taking a new slate or notebook wherein the poojari will bless the child by writing the sacred "Om" on it. "Postal Aksharabhyasam" Scheme is in association with the Indian Postal Services is also available. After paying necessary fee in a Post office, Basara Temple will perform pooja on the child's name and send a Magic Slate, Kum Kum, Turmeric, Misri, and Kankanam ( Sacred Thread).
Well, our trip to Basara did make us feel blessed and was spiritual indeed. I would say staying at Bas
ara for atleast one night (as is usually done by devotees) brings more happyness. Staying at Punnami Guest House of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation or Devasthanam Choultry will be the best options to make the visit a pleasant one rather than just taking a snap trip from Nizamabad and visiting the temple for a quick darshan as we did. A shrine one must visit in one’s lifetime; the abode of Goddess of learning and knowledge is the BASARA.
Resources: Log on www.basaratemple.org to find more info about Basara and listen to:
beautiful gardens amidst the dry and barren patches of the north Telangana region, 30-km from Nizamabad. Basar is situated on the banks of River Godavari. It is located at a distance of about 220-km by road and 190-km by rail from Hyderabad. I have accompanied few of my friends of Rotary Club, Rtn. Siva Kumar, Rtn Prabhakar and Rtn. Ravindranath for a brief visit to Basara after an all day District Event of Rotary Club held in Nizamabad on Sunday, the May 3. Devi Navarathrulu is celebrated for ten days during Dasara Festival in Basara Since Maharishi Vyasa spent considerable time in prayers, the place was then called "Vasara" and turned into Basara due to the influence of the Marathi language in the region. Built at the confluence of the rivers Mangira and Godavari this temple is adorned by the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. The presiding deity, 'Gnana Saraswati Devi', is in a seated position with a 'Veena' in hand and bedecked with turmeric. Adjacent is the shrine of Goddess Maha Lakshmi and a little distance away, on the eastern side is the Maha Kali temple. This temple has no exquisite carvings like other temples. Walking ahead a few steps, one enters the sanctum sanctorum - a feeling better experienced than described. A feeling of peace, brightness and unlimited joy engulfs one. Temple speciality: Devotees stream the temple for the ritual of ‘Akshara Abhyasam’ of their children -the formal starting of education deeming it to be auspicious with the blessings of the Goddess of Knowledge. 'Akshara Gnana' is a special ritual before commencing formal school education wherein the child is given little bit of turmeric paste to taste, believing that it will clear his/her vocal chords for better learning. The Goddess answers all the prayers of the committed devotees, filling their life with bliss and happiness. Basara Aksharabyas can be done by just taking a new slate or notebook wherein the poojari will bless the child by writing the sacred "Om" on it. "Postal Aksharabhyasam" Scheme is in association with the Indian Postal Services is also available. After paying necessary fee in a Post office, Basara Temple will perform pooja on the child's name and send a Magic Slate, Kum Kum, Turmeric, Misri, and Kankanam ( Sacred Thread).
Well, our trip to Basara did make us feel blessed and was spiritual indeed. I would say staying at Bas
ara for atleast one night (as is usually done by devotees) brings more happyness. Staying at Punnami Guest House of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation or Devasthanam Choultry will be the best options to make the visit a pleasant one rather than just taking a snap trip from Nizamabad and visiting the temple for a quick darshan as we did. A shrine one must visit in one’s lifetime; the abode of Goddess of learning and knowledge is the BASARA.Saraswathi Namasthubyam,
Varadey Kaamarupinee!
Vidhyarambham Karishyami,
Sidhir bhavathu mey sada !
Oh ! Goddess, Saraswathi, my humble prostrations unto Thee, who are the fulfiller of all my wishes. I start my studies with the request that thou will bestow Thy blessings on me.
Hi sir, You have give nice insights about Basara. This enhanced my knowledge about Basara. Great Writeup.
ReplyDeleteWow... it was really good trip. Basara is one of the famous temple around Hyderabad. Thanks for sharing information about Basara temple. See more information about How To Reach Basara . Happy Hop Around India..................
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