Alihaiderhussain: put up a place

2026-03-25T21:47:01Z

put up a place

New page

{{short description|Hindu temple in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name = Sri Mandavya Narayana Swamy Temple
| script =
| image = Mandavya Narayana swamy temple near Samalkot.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| alt =
| caption = Sri Mandavya Narayana Swamy Temple
| map_type = India Andhra Pradesh
| map_caption = Location in Andhra Pradesh
| map_size =
| coordinates = {{coord|17.0531|N|82.1695|E|display=inline,title}}
| country = [[India]]
| state = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
| district = [[Kakinada district]]
| locale = [[Samarlakota]]
| elevation_m =
| deity = [[Vishnu]] ([[Narayana]])
| festivals = Chaitra Sudha Ekadasi, [[Dhanurmasa]], [[Shravana (month)|Sravana]], [[Kārtika (month)|Karthika]]
| architecture =
| temple_quantity =
| monument_quantity =
| inscriptions = [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Prakrit]]
| established =
| temple_board =
| website =
|native_name=శ్రీ మాండవ్య నారాయణస్వామి ఆలయం}}
{{Hinduism}}

'''Sri Mandavya Narayana Swamy Temple''' is a historic [[Hinduism|Hindu]] temple dedicated to [[Vishnu]] located in [[Samarlakota]] of [[Kakinada district]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[India]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0R1XAAAAMAAJ&q=Mandavya+Narayana |title=Andhra Pradesh |date=1970 |publisher=Director of Information and Public Relations, Andhra Pradesh |volume=15 |page=34 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PkIvDwUCQeUC&q=Mandavya |title=Census of India, 1971: Andhra Pradesh |date=1976 |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]] |series=Part 2, Issue 2 |volume=6 |pages=352 |language=en}}</ref> It is situated near the [[Pancharama Kshetras|Pancharama Kshetra]] of [[Kumararama]] in the Chalukya Bhimavaram suburb of Samarlakota.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mtvwMci-TYYC&q=Mandavya+Narayana |title=Itihas |date=1997 |publisher=Director of State Archives, Government of Andhra Pradesh. |volume=23 |pages=154 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Vasini |first=A. Kamala |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QwHWAAAAMAAJ&q=Mandavya+Narayana |title=Iconography of Śiva: With Special Reference to Select Temples in Northern Andhra |date=1992 |publisher=B.R. Publishing Corporation |isbn=978-81-7018-651-9 |page=24 |language=en}}</ref> Known for its spiritual and historical significance, the temple attracts numerous devotees, particularly during festivals and rituals.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=F. R. Hemingway |url=https://archive.org/details/godavaridistrict01frhe/page/206/mode/2up |title=Godavari District Gazetteer |year=1915 |isbn=978-81-206-1462-8 |volume=1 |pages=207–208|publisher=Asian Educational Services }}</ref>

The exact dating of the temple is a subject of scholarly debate, with some attributing its sculptures to the early [[Eastern Chalukya Empire|Eastern Chalukyan]] period (7th century),<ref name=":32">{{Cite book |last=C. Sivaramamurti |url=https://archive.org/details/EarlyEasternChalukyaSculpture/page/n49/mode/2up |title=Early Eastern Chalukya Sculpture |date=1957 |publisher=Madras Government Museum |pages=37–39}}</ref> while others place its construction in the 11th or early 12th century.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=B. Rajendra Prasad |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JgXqAAAAMAAJ&q=seems+to+belong+to |title=Art of South India, Andhra Pradesh |date=1980 |publisher=Sundeep Prakashan |page=191 |language=en |quote=The Mandavya Narayana temple at Samarlakota also belongs to 11th century A.D. and has undergone reconstruction.}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=B. Sowjanya |year=2016 |title=Recent Trends In Historical & Cultural Studies |url=https://www.svrkgdc.ac.in/uploads/ssr/recent%20Dr.%20B.%20Sowjanya%20SVRK%20GDC%20NDD.pdf |publisher=[[Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University]], Srisailam |page=175}}</ref>

== History ==
Together with the nearby [[Kumararama|Kumararama Chalukya Bhimeswara Temple]], the Mandavya Narayana Swamy Temple features several ancient inscriptions and reflects the cultural and architectural heritage of Chalukya Bhimavaram during the medieval period.<ref name=":0" /> However, the exact dating of the temple remains a subject of scholarly debate.

C. Sivaramamurti, in ''Early Eastern Chalukya Sculpture'' (1957), suggested that the name "Mandavya" might be a corruption of "Manavya," a [[gotra]] associated with the [[Eastern Chalukya Empire|Eastern Chalukyas]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=C. Sivaramamurti |url=https://archive.org/details/EarlyEasternChalukyaSculpture/page/n45/mode/2up?q=mandavya+narayana |title=Early Eastern Chalukya Sculpture |date=1957 |publisher=Madras Government Museum |pages=34}}</ref> He noted that the Vishnu temple once adorned with these carvings no longer exists. However, he attributed the sculptures to the early Eastern Chalukya period, likely during the reign of [[Kubja Vishnuvardhana]]'s early successors. Some of the works reflect a blend of stylistic influences from the [[Rashtrakutas]] and [[Western Chalukya Empire|Western Chalukyas]].<ref name=":32" />

While some scholars, such as B. Rajendra Prasad of [[Acharya Nagarjuna University]], attribute the temple to the 11th century,<ref name=":2" /> an inscription dated 1115 CE provides a more precise timeline. This inscription credits a merchant named Mandavya with constructing the temple and donating 20 buffaloes to maintain a perpetual lamp. In recognition of this contribution, the temple was named after Mandavya.<ref name=":1" />

Further inscriptions highlight the temple's importance over the centuries. A 1177 CE inscription records a land donation by Mallapa Deva for the temple's upkeep, while another inscription from 1272 CE mentions the construction of a pillar in the Thiruchuttu Maliga by Malli Reddy.<ref name=":1" /> Additionally, a [[Indian copper plate inscriptions|copper-plate grant]] from Katama Vema Reddi of the [[Reddi Kingdom|Reddi dynasty]], dated 1393 CE, adds to the temple's historical record.<ref name=":0" />

== Legend ==
Sri Mandavya Narayana Swamy Temple is situated on the banks of the sacred Tulyabhaga River, one of the tributaries of the [[Godavari River|Godavari]]. According to legend, the temple was established by the sage [[Mandavya]] during the [[Treta Yuga]] as part of his penance in the [[Dandakaranya]] region. The deity, [[Narayana|Lord Narayana]], is said to derive his name from this sage.

== Architecture ==
[[File:Relief of Lord Yoga Narasimha at Mandavya Narayana swamy temple.jpg|left|thumb|211x211px|Relief of Yoga Narasimha at the temple]]
As per C. Sivaramamurti , the Mandavya Narayana temple showcases intricate carvings and sculptures that reflect the craftsmanship of ancient Eastern Chalukya artisans.<ref name=":32" /> Although the original structure has been replaced by a modern temple, fragments of early medieval Chalukyan art are preserved in the outer walls and garden. Sivaramamurti noted stylistic influences from the [[Rashtrakutas]] and [[Western Chalukya Empire|Western Chalukyas]] in the sculptures, particularly in the intricate jewelry and figure compositions.<ref name=":32" />

The temple features depictions of [[Hayagriva]], Sesha Sai, Ananta Padmanabha, and Yoga Narasimha, highlighting its artistic and spiritual significance. The central sanctum houses the main deity, [[Narayana|Lord Narayana]], while an adjoining shrine is dedicated to Goddess [[Lakshmi|Mahalakshmi]], referred to locally as Veeralakshmi due to her independent consecration. The temple's walls and pillars are adorned with carvings of Garuda, Mahasiva, and various mythological figures, along with scenes from the ''[[Ramayana]]'', ''[[Mahabharata]]'', and [[Bhagavata Purana|''Bhagavata'']]. Notable sculptures include [[Ravana]] in a warrior pose, [[Rama]] and [[Lakshmana]] resting under a tree with [[Hanuman|Anjaneya]], and [[Krishna]] mesmerizing cattle and cowherds with his flute.<ref name=":32" />

The temple's architectural design incorporates astronomical alignments. At specific times of the year, sunlight falls directly on the deity's feet, demonstrating the technical expertise of ancient builders. This feature reflects the integration of celestial phenomena into temple construction.

== Religious significance ==
The temple is renowned for its sanctity and is regarded as a spiritual equivalent to [[Badrinath]] in northern India. Devotees believe that offerings made here bring prosperity and fulfillment of desires. A local legend mentions a mystical stone, Parusavedini, placed at the feet of the deity by Sage Mandavya, which was said to turn objects into gold. This legend adds to the temple’s mystique.

== Festivals ==
The temple celebrates several major Hindu festivals. Notable among them is Chaitra Sudha Ekadasi, a five-day grand festival that culminates in the celestial wedding of the deity. The temple also observes [[Dhanu (month)|Dhanurmasa]], [[Shravana (month)|Sravana]], and [[Kārtika (month)|Karthika]], with elaborate rituals and special poojas held throughout these months.<ref>{{Cite web |last=R. V. Ramanamurty |date=5 November 2022 |title=మాండవ్య నారాయణ స్వామి గ్రామోత్సవం |url=https://telugu.getlokalapp.com/andhra-news/east-godavari/peddapuram/gramotsavam-of-mandavya-narayana-swamy-8136395 |website=Lokal App |language=te}}</ref> Daily and festival rituals at the temple follow the [[Vaikhanasa]] tradition, with priests from the same lineage performing worship for generations, preserving the temple’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

== Accessibility ==
The temple is part of the [[Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation]] (APSRTC)'s one-day pilgrimage covering the five [[Pancharama Kshetras]]. Regular buses and other transport facilities make it accessible to devotees from nearby regions.

On October 30, 2021, a theft at the temple resulted in the loss of ₹12,000, along with [[Closed-circuit television|CCTV]] cameras and [[Hard disk drive|hard drives]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 October 2021 |title=సామర్లకోటలో చోరీ |url=https://www.andhrajyothy.com/2021/andhra-pradesh/east-godavari/robberry-samarlakota-narayana-swami-templemrgsandhrapradesh-518289.html |access-date=19 November 2024 |website=[[Andhra Jyothi]] |language=te}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[List of Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh]]
* [[Vaishnavism]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Hindu Temples in Andhra Pradesh}}
{{Vishnu temples}}

[[Category:Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Kakinada district]]
[[Category:Kakinada district]]
[[Category:Vishnu temples in Andhra Pradesh]]

Mandavya Narayana Swamy Temple - Revision history

Alihaiderhussain: put up a place