ShivaGanga - Om Namah Shivaya

(A request to whoever is reading this post, please do leave your comments.)

Shiva Ganga - The place with amazing facts and wonder, which are still witnessed also experienced.

So much to say about this place, its been one of the memorable trip i ever had. A tailor made place for mountaineering and exploring. One after other we come across so many wonders and hidden facts of that place. We had rested at a small shop selling butter milk n lime juices on the hill, an old man living at that place for more than 50 yrs provided us with details of the interesting facts of that place.

If travelling from Bangalore then Shivganga is about 50 km, just 20 km ahead of Tumkur near Dabaspet. Its about 8+Kms from Dabaspet on the way to Tumkur from Bangalore on NH 4. Its about an hours drive in the morning. It’s a steep mountain and has two Shiva temples, one close to the foot of the hill and another possibly around 5 km uphill! Lord Shiva is known as “Gangadhareshwara”, and his consort “Swarnambha”.

Coming to views , the place has sooper, breathtaking views from high altitudes, the views of the surrounding city, the nearby `pushkarini’ or pond, looks jhinchak from the top of the hill. The first part of the trek which is about 10% - 20% would get us to the first temple. The next part to the top is very steep and tiring. We were too tired and had stopped for having butter milk at old man shop. The thirst was so much had gulped nearly 15 medium size glasses of butter milk in 20 minutes. Within that time had a chat with the old man and came to know many importances n facts of that place. Then started climbing futher n when about to reach the top, we were attacked by monkeys. Need to be very careful at the top, monkeys just dont let you pass unless searched thoroughly. They even check the pockets and bags that are carried. Our bag was robbed and torn by a gang of them. Finally when nothing was found they dumped it on a rock.

Now for some of the Amazing Facts of the place:

1. Ghee changing to Butter on Shiva-Lingam-

We all have heard n might have seen butter becoming ghee on heating continously for long time. Just before entering the temple, there are some stall where they sell ghee in tiny cans. When asked they said to give it to the priest. We 4 of us took a can and gave it to the priest, he took it and emptied the can onto a leaf, put it on the shiv linga (idol) and rubbed for few minutes. After pooja, he gave back the leaf to us we saw that the ghee has changed to butter, the lingam was so cold.. We all just stood staring at the leaf in our hands not able to believe wat we r seeing.

2. Unique Lingam - not connected n gap in between.

When seen from a distance the lingam looks like no different but its been said that the lingam is not connected and its suspended on its own. I mean the lingam we see will be like the image here. The head of lingam of the one within temple is not linked to its surroundings, there is a gap of about 2cm around it. We were informed that once the British after knowing this, tried to test how long is the head of lingam. They brought 3 carts (One big truck) load of thread and let it go down thru the hole by tying to some weight. The entire thread was over yet the end was not reached.

3. Secret passage (Suranga maarga) -

Within the temple there is a secret passage, at corner a hole is known to be the entrance of it. When we peeped into it, it was full of darkness and cold air was blowing.. Its known that the passage leads to 4 other openings in bangalore, one of them in K.R. market (city market). Many have tried to discover the passage route but none have returned from it so far.. Local people say the passage works only for Sri Kempegowda, the king then. He was a yogi (holy spirit), and the passage would open n close on its own. The passage would itself guide him the way to his destination. oooooohhhh... still not able to believe it, hmmm some "open sesame" kinda stuff kya???

4. Water within a hole in a rock (Volakalu theertha) -

On further climbing the hill a small temple will be found and within that we have the Volakalu Theertha. Its a rock in shape of grinding stone of yesteryeards, with a hole in it. When we place our hand in it, its said that we get water in it if the person is good else however tried we wont be getting water. I happen to see a man of 6.2 ft height trying to get water by putting his whole hand, yet he cudnt get any water. His son a kid of abt 9 yrs old, got water as soon as his hand was kept in hole. I was bit lucky to get some water :D.. There have been many scientific explanations given for it.. There seems to be a big lake within the rocks and there are waves flowing which splash the water, when the wave r on high at same moment if hand is placed we get water.. this sound logical not sure how true it is.

5. Various ways the mountain is viewed-

This famous hilltop pilgrim center when viewed from a distance, the outline of the hill resembles the figure of a bull (Nandi) on the east, that of Ganesha (the elephant-headed God) from the west, that of a Cobra on the north and that of a Sivalinga on the south. Shivaganga is also known as Dakshina Kasi, or the Varanasi of the South. Its height is 4.599 feet on which Shivaganga is perched. Shivaganga gets its name from Shiva and ganga ( the water found here is supposed to be holy Ganga from Kashi). The temple is on the top of the the hill (rock). A statue of Nandi is present on the topmost point of the hill. I was able to see 2 of its views and they did resemble as a bull from east and as shivalinga from south.

MORE ATTRACTIONS:

1. Descent of Ganga -

This spot comes in between the hill where there is bit of flat area. There is a small opening, peep into it, we find a lake, saying is that its the water of river Ganga.. Was very very thirsty when reached this point, had a sip of water, IT WAS SWEET. probably my thirst was reason, not sure, but water was very good, when filled in bottle, water was crystal clear. Hmmm now continue of saying.. Ganga had decented on the hill to help complete the rituals during the wedding of Shiva kalyana ustavam (not at all sure how true it is, a myth pakka). I happen to see some newly wed couples performing some pooja / rituals there.

2. Shanthala suicide point -

About this, the name says it all. Queen Shanthala committed suicide, didnt get to know why. This too is at top of hill, there is nothing much but breathtaking or chakkar aane ki view hai. Bachke rehna, Hushaaruuuuu....

3. Nandi at the tip of hill -

This Nandi at the hill top puzzled me on thinking who and how did they do this? its on the tip of hill, there is hardly any space around left even to go round the bull. this is the highest point of the hill.

Till date I have been cursing myself for not carrying camera and capturing those wonders, views and our memories. Sorry for not uploading any photos, will upload if I get from any other source.

Kasapuram - Jai Hanuman

Jai Hanuman..

This blog is about the Kasapuram village where we have one of the sacred temples of Lord Hanuman.

Intro:

Kasapuram , a small village of Guntakal Taluk , Anantapur District , Andhra Pradesh hosts one of the noted temples of Sri Hanuman. Lord is known here as Sri Nettikanti Anjaneya Swamy the Kalpatharu and Varapradata of his devotees. People from far and near throng this place day in and day out, particularly during the month of Sravana to pay their obeisance to GOD and pray for his blessings.

About Idol:

The Idol sees "South" with his face directed towards East - Poorvabhimukhi (in Sanskrit). The Idol is carved in such a manner that he is patiently hearing the supplications of his devoted devotees. He looks as though he is ready to come to their rescue and the same is evidenced by, his "Abhayahasta" (protecting hand - right hand). Clad in "Kaupeena", his left hand, placed firmly on the waist with club in his hand, simultaneously crushing various Idols representing evil spirits, is projected in an inimitable style. The super divine loveliness of the Idol can be witnessed during the time of Abhisheka.

Special Features: (Till date they are happening)
Every year, one devotee gets a pair of shoes ready for swamiji which will be prepared by a cobbler who prepares them observing Brahmacharya and with one meal a day . The next day after presentation one can observe them a little bit worn out with thorns here and there. It was believed and even to this day it is believed, that the swamiji is used to go out in the night by wearing them. As such devotees according to their ability present a pair of shoes to swamiji as and when their desires are fulfilled. Devotees in hundreds visit the temple to appeal to the lord . They sleep in the temple Premises for the night praying god sincerely to come to their rescue in solving the difficult problems. Every year, Saturday in the month of Visakha , Sravana, Karthika and Magha number of devotees visit the temple for Namakaranam and tonsuring functions and Dasangam.They pray for the protection of the lord with the teeming crowds the temple town will have the outlook of a temple - fair every Saturday.Every year the devotees of swami employ them selves in temple service according to their ability to have the blessings of the Lord.

(I personally have seen the below incident)
It is believed that the Lord would certainly come to the rescue of those who are possessed of evil spirits afflilicted with planetary evil influences. Such people take a dip in the swamy wari pushkarini situated in the north-west in the morning and evening and go round the sanctum with wet clothes for 108 times reciting the name of swamiji. This they do for one mandala ie 40 days. During this period they should have one meal in the day.(Ekabhuktam). They should observe brahmacharya and keep them selves away from liquor,smoking,and non vegetarian food. Those who are meticulousin all these will be freed from the evils by God. The swamiji makes those assessed of evil spirit run, roll and shout during their pradakshina unable to bear the brunt of swamijis anger. This can be witnessed in the temple even to this day.

Floating Rock:
In Thretha yuga, the Rama Setuve built by the Vanara sena (monkey army) on the Indian ocean to go to Lanka and rescue Mata Seetha. The bridge was built by Rocks with Lord Sri Ram's name on them. Amazingly the rocks didnt sink and stayed afloat. From 2006, one of the rock from that bridge has been kept in temple within a glass chamber. Its still floating and can be seen from naked eye.

Pooja Details:
-> 4.30 to 5.30 am : Mangala Vayidyam - Theertha Binde Seva Abhisheka for swamy Varu. Alankarana for swamy , Prathahkala Pooja Balabhoga Nivedana, Theertha Prasada Viniyoga.
-> 6.00 am to 12.00 noon : Arjitha Seva , Aku Pooja, Archana , Sahasranamarchana, Theertha Prasada Viniyoga.
-> 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm : Arjithaseva & Darsana
-> 8.00 pm : Mahamangala Harathi - Theertha Prasada Viniyoga.

History:
Shambhukarna, a resident of Brahmaloka, was assisting Lord Brahma in arranging the essential requirements for daily worship.On one day there was some delay in executing his work. On account of this delay Lord Brahma got wild and cursed Shambhukarna. On account of the curse he was born as a man in Bhooloka. In Krithayuga he was born as Prahlada to Hiranya Kasyapu and as Bahlika in Dwaparyuga.In Mahabharatha Sangrama he took the side of Kauravas and fought.

In Kaliyuga, abt 14th century he was born as "Vyasaraya" . In the next birth its said that he was born as Raghavendra Swamy in Mantralaya.

Sree Vyasaraya was the most favoured disciple of Lord Anjaneya and had the opportunity to see the Lord in his true form. Vyasaraya would never take his food without offering prayers to the Lord. It is said and believed that Vyasaraya installed the 732 Idols of Sree Lord Anjaneya in the Districts of Bellary, Anantapur and Kurnool which formed part of Vijayanagar empire. During the course of his nationwide tour Vyasaraya stayed at the ashram of Vijaya Dasara Teertha Swamy at Silpagiri (now Chippagiri in Kurnool Dist). During the course of the soujourn at Silpagiri one day Vyasaraya in his dream saw Nettikanti Anjaneyaswamy, who it is said informed Vyasaraya that he was underneath the soil and over it was to be seen withered neem Tree and that it would become fresh the moment Vyasaraya reaches the said spot. He disappeared so saying. The next day Vyasaraya visited the then known village, Nettikallu, and located the place which the Lord had told him in his dream.

The moment Vyasaraya visited the site, with the touch of his feet the withered tree started bearing fresh leaves.Immediately he sent for the village elders and dug at the site for the 10 feet Idol of Lord Anjaneya. The Idol glowing in all its divine splendour, was taken out and was reinstalled at the present site with full religious rites. Then Vyasaraya sent for the ancestors of present Archakas and gave instructions to them in respect of Archana, Dhoopam, Deepa, Nyvedya offerings etc. He stayed there for some time engaged in "Anushtana" . He offered his tapophala to Lord Anjaneya and left the place.



Real Life Miracles: (happening till date)
The personal experiences of the devotees reveal the wonders (Miracles) of swami. Some of them are mentioned below.

-> The branch Post Master of Pamidi, in Anantapur District had no male child. In the year 1972 his wife visited the temple & offered prayers. She prayed the lord to bless her with a male child. She promised to visit again after be getting a male child. As a token of her promise she had a "Mudupu" and returned. After some time she was blessed with a male child. Their joy knew no bunds. In their joy they forgot about their promise. One day in her dream swamy reminded her about her vow and patted on her back with his right hand. The Swamijis hand print was to be seen on her new blouse.
She got up in great consternation & saw the hand print mark on her blouse. She told the same to her husband. It was indeed a fact. They soon came to Kasapuram and fulfilled their promise. Even to this day the blouse containing the swamijis hands print is preserved in the Temple executive office.

-> In the year 1980 a boy in Dharmavaram in Anantapur Dist had in his 12th year numbness in his legs and hands. The doctors were helpless.Some one suggested his father to go to Kasapuram and pray God. They did so. They had their bath in the Pushkarini and boy went round the temple 11 times with the help of his father for 11 days. The end of day, boy could go round by himself !!!

-> In the year 1985 a lady, who was afflicted with planetary dosha had lost control over her legs and hands. She slowly lost her speech too. She was returned to normalcy after 41 days of sincere service to God.

-> In the year 1987 a bank employ in Kurnool Dist found his legs had gone numb and become very lean. He had medical treatment but to no avail. He came to Kasapuram and engaged himself in swamivari seva for 3 months with perfect devotion. He was restored to normal condition and went home. He is at present a Bank Manager.

-> One Venkata subbaya a Tabalist of Velpula village in Pulivendula Taluk in Cuddapah Dist had a strange experience.For over twenty years "Saturn" used to appear in the form of crow and it used to stratch him with its claws. Its laugh used to be horrible and while taking food he used to see insects in it. Once a sadhu in Dharmavaram saw him and told him to go to Kasapuram and perform seva to Lord Anjaneya.Placing great faith in the words of the sadhu the afflicted tabalist went to Kasapuram and performed seva to the lord for 3 Mandalas and was reading "Hanuman Chalisa". He found relief. He told the same to the other devotees employeed in seva and to the archakas and went home happily. This took place in the year 1988.

-> Once in the year 1992 the wife of a farmer was in an unconscious state in Devanakonda village in Kurnool Dist and on the advice of his friends in the village, he came to Kasapuram along with his wife and with the help of two persons she was taken round the swamiji and was given 3 spoon fulls of "theertha" of the lord. They did so with all devotion everyday. After 21 days she got her speech and after 61 days she could even walk. Ever since that day the farmer has made it a point to visit the temple once in every year with his family.

-> In the year 1999 Kummari Venkateswarulu of Madugula village of Nandikotkur Mandal in Kurnool Dist had a daughter. When she was in 3rd standard, four days before Deepavali festival she had a slight fever and lost her speech sight and was even unable to walk too. He was eking out his livelihood by making earthern pots. He took his daughter to general hospital in Kurnool and on their recommendation to Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad. The doctors in the Neilofer hospital administered medicines for 25 days and were unable to detect the nature of desease that the child suffered from. They returned to their village. On the advice given by one Sunkanna a villager they came to Kasapuram and spent their time in seva for 41 days. They were taking to her round the temple everyday and giving her swamivari abhisheka theertha. Slowly the child got back her speech & sight. They performed seva for another manadala and she could walk. She could happily come back home with her usual sight, speech and walking ability.

-> Last year in the month of August, the daughter of a devotee of Raichur in Karnataka aged about 18 years was in an unconscious state. Her stay in the hospital for 15 days was of no use. The doctor advised for further treatment to another hospital in Bangalore. They on their way to Bangalore came to Kasapuram to have the Darshan of Anjaneya swamy their deity of worship. The girl got down from the car by herself and performed 5 pradakshinas without the help of any one. She sat before swamiji for 2 hours. They however went to Bangalore. The doctors there examined the girl and said that there was only weakness to the child and nothing else. They gave some medicine. After a gap of two months they again visited Kasapuram and went back after performing seva for 11 days.

-> Last year a person from Hyderbad came to Kasapuram along with his wife, on his way to Bangalore for treatment for Blood Cancer to his wife. His prayer to God was fruitfull. After giving treatment for 4 months in Bangalore the doctors advised him to take back his wife saying that she should use the medicines regularly. Having returned to Hyderabad they went to performing pooja to the portrait of swamy at home. It is said that for the past one year his wife is keeping good health. Her husband ever since he came to the temple town was in "Deeksha" till the last month when he had again the darshan of the lord. After giving "Talaneelalu" he went back.

Such instances as these are many and they are solid evidences which speak of the miracles of the "Nettikanti Anjaneya Swamy".

Temple Premises Details:
-> Near this temple the devotees of swamiji have constructed 8 cottages with 110 rooms with all facilities for the sake of the devotees. The construction of more cottages are happening.

-> Towards the North - West there is a mound which is known as Veranna gutta. In olden days there used to be Sivalinga , hoods of the snake. (Naga Padigas) and Nandivigraha . With the passage of time they are broken . At the same site a resident of Vajrakarur by name G K Narayanachar has constructed a temple and has installed the idol of Viswesvara along with the Kasivishalakshmi.
-> A small park in front of the temple has been developed and maintained for devotees.