Gnana Saraswati Temple
Gnana Saraswati Temple is positioned at Basara Village in Mudhole – Mandal of Basar (Andhra Pradesh). This is the distinctive temple of South India worshipped and visited in the honour of Goddess Saraswati who is the devi of education. It is a holy place of Hindus. It becomes a tradition that beginning of child’s education takes place by worshipping Goddess Saraswati and her blessings yields impartment of knowledge within the child.Therefore, the ceremony of Aksharabhyasham takes place in this temple.This temple is the principal lure of the village of Basara. It is one of the oldest temple of India which dates back from Chalukya period. Unlike other temple this temple does not adorned with carving and sculpture. The atmosphere of peace and divinity resides within this shrine. The minds of the devotees are purified with the sensation of learning.
Getting There
For reaching Gnana Saraswati Temple there are two modes. These modes are road and rail. The bus network has a connection from Basara tomany other cities. The temple is 2.5 km away from Basara Railway station which is connected to many other cities.
Security And Some Tips
There are many security services at Basara which are provided to people for safety and protection. These security services are New Education Path, Onetrack Security Services and P.R Security And Detective Service Pvt. Ltd. Yatris should not carry cash and ornaments with them. They should keep their luggage at safe and secure place.
When to Visit
The best time to visit the temple is during October and March as the weather is pleasant at this time. It is opened all the days of the week. Its timings are 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The duration for visiting the temple is 1 to 2 hours.
What To See And Do
For taking an entry into the shrine devotee has to walk few steps. The inner sanctum consists of the main idol of Goddess Saraswati which is in the sitting posture with her hand containing veena and it is festooned by turmeric. The both sides of the statue are occupied by the idols of Goddess Maha Lakshmi and Goddess Kali. The archanas and special pujas use to take place at 4:00 AM. The time for normal darshan is 7:30 AM. The ritual of Aksharabhyasa takes place from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The Pradoshakaala Puja also takes place in the shrine. After aarti Sarwadarshana takes place in which devotees have the darshan of devi. There are some paid sevas of the shrine like Abhishekam (Rs 110), Special Aksharabhyasam (Rs.500), Normal Aksharabhyasam (Rs 50), Nitya Chendi Havanam (Rs 516) etc.
Where To Stay
There are many guest houses and dharamshalas in Basara for having stay at budget prices. They are: Saraswathi Sadan Guest House , Thirumala Tiruppathi Devasthanam Guest house, Nilanghekar Guest House, Gourla Guest House, Vemulavada Guest House and Basara Dharamshalas.
Where Else To Stay
Yatri can also have their stay at hotels which provide luxury. These hotels are: Haritha Hotel Basar, Indraprastha Resort and Hari Hara Cottages – Basara etc.
Festivals
The festivals are celebrated here with great joy and entertainment. These festivals are:
- Vyasa Pournami
The celebration of this festival takes place on Ashada Paurnima.
- Dasara Navarathrulu
It is celebrated on Ashwayuja Shudda Dashami for nine nights. Various types of pujas take place during this festival.
- Maha Shivarathri
This festival is celebrated every year during the month of February.
- Vasantha Panchami
It is also celebrated during the month of February.
Side Trips:
There are many places near this shrine. These places are: Gudem Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, Khanapur Lake, Kuntala Waterfall, Sai Baba Temple, Venkateshwara Swamy, Natraj Theatre and Gandhi Park etc.
Travel Tips
Yatris should take video camera with them so as to trap each and every moment of the trip. Yatris should also take a personal diary for having the written record of the whole visit along with the feelings and emotions at that time. They should also hire a tourist guide who gives the complete knowledge of the temple including its history. They should also take first aid so as to cure frequent injury.
Hence, the learning and knowledge can be achieved by the blessing of goddess saraswati.