SRI VIDYADEESHA TIRTHARU

- ALG Rao

The 379th Aradhana of Sri Vidyadeesha Theertharu was celebrated at his Brindavana on the banks of Godavari, near Sangam Village, Nanded District in the state of Maharashtra on 14^th January, 2010. A brief about the location, route and event is given below.

About Ekachakranagar :

Please refer Sri Nippanikar’s article in Madhwa Siddhanta magazine, May 1994 wherein it is clearly mentioned about Ekachakranagar. The present location is in Nanded district of Maharashtra. Godavari is Vriddha Ganga and flows between two states. Doab is a palce between two holy rivers. Ekachakranagara -- one end of sangam is Sangam village. Other end is Bodhan = Bahudanyapura = Ekachakranagara. There is a temple for Bhima in Bodhan as vanquisher of bakasura. On the way from Bodhan to Sangam there is another temple for Bhima pratishta by Narahari Theertha presently puja is done by madhwas.

Aradhana on 14^th January, 2010 :

The undersigned was accompanied by Sri Govindachar and Sri Sateeshachar from Sri Uttaradhi Matha, Nanded. It took us nearly three hours from Nanded to reach Sangam.

Sri Sangameshwar Temple is on a raised mound and one has to climb about 15 steps to the main dwara. The main deity is Sri Sangameshwara (a swayambu linga). In the outside prakara, Sri Vittala and Rukmini images are there. The temple is situated at one corner of the sangam, giving a panoramic view of the confluence of three rivers, Godavari, Manjera and Haridra. The temple is surrounded by water on three sides. Please see the attached google map, clearly showing the temple complex in the Sangam (The co-ordinates are : 18” 49’ 12.04” N & 77” 52’ 00.65” E). The most ideal spot for a yati to take rest. Except ruzzling of tree leaves and cool breeze, there is no other disturbance here. At times devotees come in small groups to the temple. Shivrathri festival is famous here. There are steps leading to the bathing ghat. Godavari is deep in this place and people do not venture for a swim.

The Moola brundavana of Sri Vidyadeesharu is situated in a corner of the Sri Sangameshwara Temple. It is on the right side, once we enter the temple dwara and clearly visible under the shade of a tree. The local people without knowing the significance of the brundavana have whitewashed the same. There are ornamental flower carvings on the borders of the brundavana. On the facing side, on the base, a kneeling Mukhyaprana with tail raised is visible. The lefthand side inscription is not clear. A thorough cleaning may reveal further inscriptions. Because of thick whitewashing, a clear photo could not be taken.

After snana in Godavari, both the achars started the puja. Considering the Uttarayana parvakala, no abhiseka, alankara and hastodaka could be offered to yatis, during morning on 14^th. Hence, after abhisheka with Godavari water, and nirmalya was offered to Sri Vidyadeesharu. Mangalarthi was also performed. All of us did pradikshina by reciting the charama sloka of Sri Vidyadeesharu.

Thus the 379th Aradhana of Sri Vidyadeesharu was celebrated at his Brindavana on the banks of Godavari, in a simple way, remembering the great yati and seeking his blessings for one and all.

Routes to Sangam Village :

The road condition is very bad, even worst at places. There is no proper public transport. Hence, it is advisable to go by private vehicle. Stretches from Narsi & Kundalwadi are tiresome and bumpy.

From South : Reach Nizamabad or Bodhan in Andhra Pradesh. (Godavari flows between two states). One has to reach the Maharashtra side preferably via Dharmabad. From Dharmabad, proceed parallel to Godavari asking for Sangam village. From Sangam, the road takes a right turn. Instead, proceed left along the mud road walking for one km., which will lead you to the Sangameshwar temple on the river bank. In the temple complex of the temple, in a corner, under the shade of a tree, Sri Vidyadeesha Theerthara brundavana is there.

From North : Reach Huzur Sahib Nanded in Mahrashtra State. From Nanded take route to Narsi – Biloli – Kundalwadi – Dharmabad (upto here it is approximately 102 kms.). From Dharmabad take Nizamabad road which also leads to Sangam Village (7-8 kms.). From Sangam proceed for another one km. to Sangameshwar temple.

Rail route : There is rail route from Nanded to Dharmabad and upto Basar.

Contacts :

1. Sri Ramachar (at Nizamabad) may be contacted at 99494-51812 or 08462232260.

2. Sri Govindachar, Uttaradhi Matha, Nanded : Mobile no. 09989151202

Please also view the photo album attached below.

Thanks and regards,