Basar Sri Gnana Saraswati Temple- Telangana

Address

Basar Sri Gnana Saraswati Temple- Basar, Basar Mandal, Nirmal District, Telangana 504101

Deity

Suryeswara Swami Amman: Gnana Saraswathi

Introduction:

• Location: The Gnana Saraswati Temple is situated on the banks of the Godavari River in Basar, Telangana. Basar is a census town in the Nirmal district of Telangana.
• Significance: The temple is one of the two major temples dedicated to Goddess Saraswati in the Indian subcontinent, the other being the Sharada Peeth. Goddess Saraswati is revered as the Goddess of Knowledge and Learning, and this temple is renowned for the Akshara Abyasam ceremony, where young children are initiated into the world of learning.

Puranic Significance:

• Legend of Veda Vyasa: According to legend, Sage Veda Vyasa stayed near the Godavari River during his pilgrimage and performed penance. He created an idol of Mother Saraswati each day from the sand of the river and installed her in this very place, which later became the temple.
• Vyasapuri to Basar: The region was originally known as Vyasapuri in honor of Sage Vyasa. Over time, it came to be known as Basar. The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Sage Vyasa.
• Other Names of Saraswati: Goddess Saraswati in this temple is also revered as Vasara, Gaumarachala Vasini, and Vidyadharini.
• Daily Rituals: The temple opens early in the morning with Rudrabhisheka, using water from the Godavari River, along with milk, curd, ghee, honey, turmeric, and sandalwood. The rituals include the chanting of Sri Sukta and Pancha Sukthas, followed by Alankara (dressing of the deity) and Arati.
• Special Prasad: After the puja, turmeric is offered as Prasad, which is considered sacred by the devotees. Students place this turmeric on their tongues, believing it will help them excel in their studies. Artists also consume the turmeric to enhance their skills.

Beliefs:

• Educational Success: Devotees, especially students, pray to Mother Gnana Saraswati Devi to score high marks and achieve success in their educational pursuits.
• Offering Abhisheka and New Clothes: After their wishes are fulfilled, devotees offer Abhisheka (ritual bathing) and new clothes (Vastras) to the deity as a token of gratitude.

Special Features:

• Daily New Saris: The temple uses a new sari each day to adorn Mother Saraswati. The used saris are auctioned on the second day of Mahalaya Amavasya (in September-October).
• Other Deities: In addition to Goddess Saraswati, pujas are also performed for Goddesses Mahalakshmi and Makali after the main deity’s worship.
• Peacock Vahana Procession: Every Friday, Mother Saraswati is taken in a grand procession around the temple premises on a Peacock Vahana (vehicle).
• Navaratri Celebrations: The Navaratri festival is celebrated with great fervor, following orthodox traditions. The deity is offered 64 Upacharas (respectful offerings) during these days, and the Chandi Homa is performed on the Navami day (ninth day). The final day, Vijayadasami, witnesses a grand procession where Mother Saraswati is carried through the village of Basar on a palanquin.

Festivals:

• Navaratri: Celebrated with great devotion in September-October, the Navaratri festival includes Saraswati Puja, elaborate rituals, and special prayers.
• Vijayadasami: The final day of the Navaratri festival, Vijayadasami, marks the grand conclusion with Mahabhisheka (ceremonial bath), Sundara Alankara (beautiful decoration), and a village procession.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Basar

Nearest Railway Station

Basar

Nearest Airport

Hyderbad

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