Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam - Basara

The Shri Gnana Saraswati temple is located in Basara, Telangana. This temple is situated on the Godavari riverbank. This holy temple is mainly dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. This temple is one of the two most famous Saraswati temples. One is located in Jammu and Kashmir and the second is in Basara. As the goddess of wisdom and learning, Devi Saraswati, people brought their kids to Aksharabhyasam. In order to appease Devi Saraswati, children practise their letter skills and present books, pens, pencils and other stationery to the goddess of knowledge.

History of Shri Gnana Saraswati Temple, Basara

The sage Ved Vyas set out on a quest for peace following the war of Kurukshetra. He arrived in the Kumaranchala hills, which are situated on the banks of the Godavari River, on his voyage. Because he resided there, the area is known as Vasara; yet, due to the influence of the Maharashtrian residents, it eventually became known as BASARA. The goddess who appeared before Sage Vyas and gave him their presence of divinity was revered and contemplated by him. Every day, the Devi gave the sage instructions to scatter three handfuls of sand in three distinct locations. Unexpectedly, these dunes changed into the idols of Kali, Laxmi, and Saraswathi, the goddesses of the gods. It is called Basara Temple as a result. It is said that the king of Nandedu, King Bijalu, built this temple in the sixth century. A special ceremony is held here, named Aksharaabhyasam. Children start their education by doing this Aksharabhyasam with the blessings of Goddess Saraswati.

Significance of Sri Gnana Saraswati Temple

According to legend, the author of the Mahabharata, Maharshi Veda Vyasa, arrived to meditate in the Dandakaryana jungles.He found the banks of the River Godavari to be a wonderfully serene area to meditate.The sage is said to have been commanded by the holy mother to construct temples for the Shakti trio—Maha Saraswathi, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Kali.To do this, the sage Veda Vyasa brought out three handfuls of sand and moulded the statues.At first, this location was known as "Vyasapuri" and was named after Vyasa.It eventually adopted the names Vasara and Basara/Basar. The devout 'Narahari Maluka' is said to have carried out severe penance in the cave, which is around 100 metres from the temple."Vedavathi" is a four-sided monolith rock that, when struck, emits distinct sounds on each side.It is claimed to hold Sita Devi's jewellery.Eight "Pushkarnis", referred to as "Indra Teeratham", "Surya Teeratham", "Vyasa Teeratham", "Valmiki Teeratham", "Vishnu Teeratham", "Ganesha Teeratham", "Puthra Teeratham", and "Shiva Teeratham", are dispersed across the settlement.

Festivals at Sri Gnana Saraswati Devasthanam in Basara

Approximately 10,000 pilgrims go from all over Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra to attend the most significant festivals, Maha Shivaratri (February–March) and Devi Navaratrulu (September–October).

Vasanta Panchami:

Spring is celebrated by Vasanta Panchami. The first day of spring is celebrated with this event. The spring is what Vasantha implies. Vasanth Panchami takes place on Magh-Shukla Panchami. This festival is typically celebrated in February. As the crops mature, the fields turn mustard yellow. Yellow is a colour of spirituality and prosperity.

Maha Shiv Ratri:

In general, February is when Maha Shivaratri occurs on Magh Bahula Trayodashi. The Basara Temple celebrates Maha Shivratri Utsavam every year.

Vyasa Pournima:

Paurnima Vyasa  Ashada Paurnima is the day on which Utsavam is celebrated.  According to the temple's tradition, Veda Vyasa established the temple's deity, which is why Utasavam is celebrated on a grand scale.

Dassera Navratri :

Dassera Navratri Utsavams, also known as Ashwayuja Shudda Dashami, takes place for nine nights. During these nine days, a variety of poojas are conducted.

Things to Do at Sri Gnana Saraswati Temple in Basar

• Respect your Kula Devam or Ishta Devam before beginning your journey to Basara.
• Enjoy a sacred soak in the Godavari.
• Next, give thanks to Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devi.
• Take a shower and change into fresh clothing before you visit the temple.
• Men ought to dress in a dhoti with a top.
• Only pay attention to Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devi within the temple.
• Remain silent while chanting "Om Sri Saraswathyei Namo Namaha".
• Respect all of Basara's traditional practices.
• Then use both hands to offer Pranaamam.
• Having the "Mukulitha Hastha Pranaamam" is lucky.
• Honour other pilgrims' faith and support it.
• Don't put anything in the Hundi.
• According to Hindu custom, wear tilak.
• Keep your thoughts and body clean.
• Wait for your turn for darshan while adhering to the temple's regulations.