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SRIKURMAM TEMPLE ? THE ABODE OF LORD VISHNU IN KURMA

AVATAAR Puraanaas are the fruits of the vision and selfless preachings of our sages . They are the repositories of highest wisdom explained in a lucid telltale manner. One of these episodes is connected to churning of Cosmic Milk sea by Devatas & Rakshasas for getting nectar and the help of Lord Vishnu in doing so. This episode, as appearing in the 8th Skandha of Bhagavatam, is famous with the name Ksheera Sagara Madhanam. As per our Scriptures , Kurma (Tortoise) Avataar is the second incarnation of the famous Dasa Avataaraas of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu.The message of Kurma Avataar, is that of timely divine help to seekers after they put in their best efforts in attaining/regaining Glory. It took place in the Solar Planetary system during the sixth Manu of Varaaha Kalpa ? Chakshusha.

During Kruta Yuga of 28th Maha Yuga of Seventh Manu ? Vaivaswata, Lord Sri Maha Vishnu remanifested in Srikurmam in Kurma Avataar Form. Legend Says that during Kruta (Satya) Yuga, A Pious King ? SWETA MAHARAJ , observed fierce Penance for many years. Fulfilling his wish, LORD VISHNU manifested (Swayambhu) here in the form of Kurma Avataar. LORD BRAHMA, the creator of Universe, himself officiated the celestial rituals and consecrated the shrine with Gopaala Yantra. Since Kurmanadha is the controlling deity for Saturn, Devotees believe to be relieved of all Sani Doshas with Darshan at the Temple.

This ancient shrine is believed to be prior to the Golden era of SRI RAAMA (Raama Raajyam). For thousands of years, the temple is in the Pilgrimage list of devotees from all over. It has many prominent Features making SriKurmam a world reknowned, sacred shrine. A few of them are

1. More than a Million Year old Shrine where Outer Structures were constructed many a time, after dilapidation of previous one, the present one being more than 700 years old.

2. References in Kurma, Vishnu, Padma, Brahmaanda Puranaas.

3. Only Swayambhu Temple in the World where Maha Vishnu is adored in the form of Kurma (Tortoise) Avataar ? 2nd Incarnation of the Famous Dasa Avataaraas of Lord Vishnu.

4. One of the few Temples in the World with 2 Dwaja Stambhaas ? the second one in the west since deity is facing West.

5. One of the few Vishnu Temples in the World where Abhishekham is performed on daily basis (Like in Siva Temples).

6. One of the Few Temples in the World with centuries old rare Mural Paintings similar to those in Ajanta Ellora Caves.

7. Second Temple in the World with Durga Mata in Vaishno Devi Form., the other being in Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir State.

8. Stone Sculpture at its Peak ? CalledGaandharva Shilpa Kala. 108 exquisitely carved stone pillars where no pillar is similar to the other. Under ground Tunnel to Varanasi (KAASI).

9. Moksha Sthaanam where last rites are performed for deceased , like in Varanasi (U.P.State) / Puri (Odisha State)

10. Visited by many great Kings and Saints including Lava & Kusha, Bala Raama, Sage Durvaasa, Adi Sankaracharya,Ramanujacharya,Narahari Teertha, Chaitanya Maha Prabhu etc.

Unlike many other Temples ,the presiding deity here is facing west and hence there are two DWAJA STAMBHAAS (Flag Posts) in east and west directions. This is also the reason to permit devotees to enter the GARBHA GRUHA (Sanctum Sanctorum) for a closer darshan of the LORD.

SWETA PUSHKARINI ? The Lake in front of the Temple, is formed by the SUDARSHAN CHAKRA. Sri Mahaa Laxmi (the consort of Lord Vishnu), emanated from this lake and is adored in the name of SRI KURMA NAAYAKI, in Varadaa Mudra Posture seated on Garuda Vaahana. Sri Kurmam shrine is believed to be the MOKSHA STHAANAM and that the Sweta Pushkarini has cosmic cleansing powers. So, like in Varanasi,people perform the last rites of the deceased and drop the Asthikaas in it (Ashes Nimajjan), which eventually metamorphose into Saalagraamaas (Divine Stones). Even mother Ganga takes a bath in this lake every year on Maagha Shudha Chaviti (Around February) to cleanse herself of all the sins left by the devotees .

The Prasaadam of the Lord is said to possess mystic curative powers ? After taking this, the celestial dancer Tilottama became devotional and renunciated Desires, King Subhaanga won the war, a devotee by name Vaasu Deva got Leprosy cured.

This Temple is known for its marvelous sculpture, particularly on Eastern & Southern Entrances, apart from the 108 pillars, where no single pillar is similar to the remaining. The unique stones on the floor in the Pradakshina Mandapam (Circumambulatory passage)are said to infuse magnetic energy into the devotees through their feet. The ancient pictures on these walls, made from natural Vegetable colours, resemble those in AJANTA ? ELLORA CAVES. KAASI DWARAM ? the under ground tunnel to Varanasi in north eastern corner of the Pradakshina Mandapam is another magnificent piece of ancient engineering skills. The entry is closed now, since many wild animals and snakes were entering the Temple.

Sri Kurmam, situated on the shores of Bay of Bengal, is easily accessible by Road, Rail and Air. It is about 12 Km from the district Head Quarters town of Srikakulam, which is conveniently located on the National Highway 5 from Chennai to Kolkata. Visakhapatnam City is about 110 Km from the Temple.

Srikurmam Temple is one of the traditional and famous temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the village referred to as as Srikurmam. SriKurmam Temple is that the second Avatar of Lord Vishnu where by He takes the Avatara (form) of a turtle and thus the Lord here is termed as Sri Kurmanatha. This is often the only temple in the entire country wherever Lord Vishnu is seen in Kurmavatara. Some inscriptions has it that the presiding god of this temple Lord Shiva and was idolized by Salivates (devotees of Lord Siva). it was later modification to Vaishnavite by Sri Ramanujacharya ? the foremost necessary philosopher and saint of Sri Vaishnavam (sect of people WHO worship Lord Vishnu).

Being a world renowned temple , Darshan is allowed from 6am to 8pm on all days,with short intermittent closures for Poojas of the Deity. There is a facility for faster/special darshan, for those in a hurry, with special tickets at a nominal amount of rupees ten. Generally it takes less than 30 minutes for Darshan with all devotees being allowed into the Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbha Gruha). However, Devotees are advised to keep sufficient extra time so that they can have a glimpse of the rare and ancient heritage in the Temple. Though there is no Dress code, being an ancient temple, devotees are advised to prefer traditional attire. Photography is allowed except in Sanctum Sanctorum.

Unlike Many Maha Vishnu Temples, Abhishekham is performed to the deity on daily basis (Like in Siva Temples) and devotees can opt for participation with a nominal ticket of rupees Hundred. It is performed in the early hours of the day (4.30am ? 6.00am) and devotees can participate in person. Devotees can bring the materials on their own or request Temple Administration for the same at nominal Prices (Milk, Ghee, Curds, Honey, Sugar, Coconuts, Fruit Juices etc). For those not able to be present, the Temple administration arranges to perform the Abhishekham in their Gothra Namam on the day of their choice at a nominal amount of rupees Hundred. Devotees can write/approach the Temple Administration for the same. If unable to have prior confirmation, Devotees can also directly come to the Temple before 4.30am with/without the Materials to participate in the Abhisekham being performed. Generally there is enough room for last minute entrants. Please view details on Arjitha Sewas below.

Lords Kalyanam is also performed on regular basis. The ticket amount is rupees Five Hundred and Sixteen per couple.Generally, atleast a days prior notice is necessary for organising/rescheduling the Poojas. Those wanting to participate can write/ approach the Temple Administration. Please view details on Arjitha Sewas below.

Some of the main Festivals being celebrated in the Temple are the 3 day Dolotsavam (Falguna Paurnami ? popularly known as Holi) , One day Annual Kalyanotsavam (Vaisakha Shudha Ekadasi) , One day Annual JanmaDinam (Kurma Jayanthi) Festival of Deity on Jyeshta Bahula Dwadasi, One day Festival on Mukkoti Ekadasi etc.

Temple timings is morning 4.30AM ? 11.00AM, Evening 3.00PM ? 7.00PM.

Sri Kurmanadha Temple , Srikakulam , Andhra Pradesh ? 532404.
Contact Number - 09391688445, 09392304040, 08942-283555, 09440955169, 09491573249, 09949242570

Do:

Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to Temple.
Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
Do maintain silence and recite your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.

Don't s:

Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping of God and Goddess.
Do not smoke at Temple.
Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
Do not approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others.
Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.