Saneeswara Temple - Rajahmundry

Saneeswara Temple is an small shrine situated at Mandapalli, about 28 km from Rajahmundry, in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. The temple enshrines Saneeswara, Bhrameswara and Nageswara in the form of black stone Shivlingas. Hundreds of pilgrims visit this temple every year.

Legend: A great sage Dhadichi gave a great sacrifice by donating his spinal cord for Lord Indra`s `Vajra` to relieve the people from the tyranny of the demon Kartabha. However, the sons of the demon Aswartha and Pippala vowed revenge and created havoc in Mandapalli. Sage Agastya approached Lord Shaneeswar or Saturn with the request for help but Shani stated that till the prayers and penance was completed, he would not have strength to fight and get rid of the demons. He relented when sages agreed to give their `Tapasshakti` (power of penance) to him. He fought and killed the demons and relieved the people of their tyranny. Saturn installed a `Shiva Linga` known as `Someswara` or `Mandeshwara` to mark his victory, around which the Saneeshwara temple is built.

Another legend is sage 'Dhadchi' made a supreme sacrifice in donating his valuable spinal cord for the most powerful weapon known as the "Vajurayudha" of Lord Indra, which was employed by him to kill countless ghostly demons. Saneeshwara TempleThe sons of demon in retaliation to the death of their father 'Kartabha' called 'Aswartha' and 'Pippala' invaded the places of Mandapalli and brought untold miseries to the people living in there. Looking at the miseries of people, all the sages lead by sage Agastya approached Saturn, the son of God Surya who was doing penance to rescue them from ruination in the hands of these two demon brothers.

Saturn refused to take up the job of killing the demons until the completion of his prayers to gain enough strength for the destruction, but yielded when the sages who approached him gave their 'Tapasshakti' to accomplish the task 'Shani'. He made up his mind and killed Aswartha and Pippala relieving the sages and other people from the tyranny of the demons engulfed from a long time.

People jubilant over the annihilation of these demons praised Saturn in many words and sage Agastya and others showered on him many boons. As a mark of his glorious victory over the demons Saturn installed a "Shiva Linga" which is known as "Sameswara" or "Mandeshwara".

FESTIVALS ::

Kalyanam of Sri Swamivaru (Magha Bahula Ekhadasi) (February/March every year). Devi Navaratrulu (Aswayuja Masam Nine days) (September/October every year). Karthika Masam (November/December every year). Lakshapatri Puja (Karthika Masam) (November/December every year). Sani Trayodasi Festivals.

Other Temples :

SRI BRAHMESWARA SWAMY ::

In ancient days this was the area where Lord Brahma performed a great YAGNAM and hence this is called Brahmagundam, as the sacred fire of the Yagnam has not extinguished for a long time. Gouthama Maharshi, made the river Godavari to flow thought it. Hence it is also known as Brahmagundam. Lord Brahma installed the idol of the "Eswara" in this place.

SRI NAGESWARA SWAMY ::

After Saturn killed the Asuras, he gifted away, the holy region to the Maharshis and "Brahmins". Here "Karkotaka" a ferocious Snake-King had performed penance. The Maharshis were terribly afraid of the Karkotaka and at their request the "Karkotaka" left the place. If any one installs the idol of the Lord Siva and worships him, he will be free from the snake bites and threat from snakes.

SRI VENUGOPALA SWAMY ::

Dhadhichi Maharshi presided in Gopala Kshetram on the banks of the Godavari. Gowthama Maharshi implored Trayambakeswara for the river Ganga to flow out from his Jhata Jhutam, in order to get rid of the sins. Gowthama Maharshi installed idol of Lord Venu Gopala Swami beside the river hence this place is called as Gopala Kshetram.

How to Get There : Rail : It is about 38-km from Rajahmundry Railway Station. Road : Bus facilities are available from Rajahmundry. Taxis are also available from here.