Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam

One well-known temple in Telangana is the Sri Gnana Saraswathi Temple. Goddess Saraswathi, also popular as Sri Gnana Saraswathi, is famous for starting the Aksharabhyasa path. The other oldest Saraswathi Temple in India is in Kashmir. The Basara Temple is one of the popular places to visit in Basara.

The temple is for Goddess Saraswati, who is famous as the Goddess of learning. The statues of Goddesses Lakshmi and Kali are also kept here. Bijialudu, a king of Karnataka, built the temple at Basara in the sixth century. He was in charge of the province of Nandagiri and made Nanded his home.

The History of Sri Gnana Saraswathi Temple

The story goes that Sage Veda Vyasa came to Basara on the banks of the River Godavari in Dandakaranya, looking for peace after the Kurukshetra war. He began to meditate here because it made him feel calm. The Goddess told the wise man to put three handfuls of sand in three different spots daily. Somehow, these sand mounds changed into statues of Saraswathi, Lakshmi, and Kali, the three goddesses of love.

These are the gods who rule over Basar right now. People originally called this place Vyasapuri but later changed it to Basara or Basar. The religious image of Goddess Saraswathi shows her sitting down with a Veena in her hands. The shrines of Maha Lakshmi and Maha Kali are a short walk from the temple.

Why is the Sri Gnana Saraswathi Temple significant for Aksharabhyasam rituals?

One of the most well-known traditions at the Goddess Saraswati temple is Akshar abhyasam. It is the official start of school for a child. For the Aksharabhyasam rite, many people bring their kids to the temple, especially on Vasantha Panchami day. People believe performing this rite on a child will help them do well in school.

What are the main festivals celebrated at the temple?

Around tens of thousands of worshippers bathe in the river Godavari and ask the Goddess to bless them during Mahashivarathri, Dassera Navratri, and Vasantha Panchami. At the Vyasa Purnima holiday, people remember Sage Vyasa, who built the temple. It's a big deal at the temple and happens yearly on Ashada Purnima. Many also opt for Basara tour packages to experience the temple festivities.