Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple – kotappakonda: Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape, Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple, located on the Kotappakonda hill, stands as a proof to spirituality and divine grace. The journey to this sacred place grows a unique phenomenon—while crows are plenty on the way up, not a single crow is witnessed on the hill. This mysterious hill acts as the divine shrine of Lord Shiva Trikoteshwar, the sovereign ruler of Kailash.
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Mythological Importance
According to mythology, after disrupting the Daksha Yajna, Lord Shiva, in the guise of a little boy, employed in strict penance in Kailasa. During this time, Lord Brahma, along with other deities, sought enlightenment from Dakshinamoorthy Swamy. Lord Shiva pledged to impart wisdom to the Brahmins when they reached Trikutachala. As Lord Brahma visited Trikutachala, he acquired enlightenment, and the temple here is known as the Old Kotappa Temple/Gudi.
The peak where the temple resides is named Rudra Peak, considered to be the site where Vishnu performed penance for Lord Shiva. The Papanasheshwara Temple and the Papanasha Tirtha are also located here. The southwestern peak is known as Brahmashikhara, and it is here that the Trikoteshwara Swamy Temple is situated. Surrounded by the Brahmadis and the subconscious, hence earning its name.
Local Legend and Devotion
A local legend narrates the story of Sundudu, a Yadava, and his wife Kundiri, residing south of the Trikuta hills. Their daughter, Anandavalli (Gollabhama), became a devotee of Lord Shiva. Anandavalli, greatly engaged in her devotion, received a divine visit from Lord Shiva as Jangama Deva, blessing her to develop despite being a virgin. She continued her prayers, and in a test of her devotion, Lord Shiva entered a cave on the hill, becoming a linga. This sacred place is now known as the New Koteshwara Temple.
Historical Legacy
Built in 1761 AD by Sri Raja Malraju Narasimharayani, the owner of Narasaraopet, the Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple stands at a height of 600 feet on the 1587 feet high Kotappa hill. The temple boasts 703 steps leading to the hill, built for the convenience of devotees. Over the years, diverse dynasties. Icluding the Narasaraopet colonists and Raja Malraju dynasties, have made significant donations for the temple’s maintenance.
Devotee Facilities and Development
To facilitate pilgrims, stairways built by Raja Malraju Narasimharayas are commonly used to reach the temple. Additionally, a ghat road was constructed in 1999, permitting devotees to reach the temple by vehicles. Along this road, one encounters Vijaya Ganapati and Sai Baba temples, complemented by beautiful gardens, a museum at Tova, a deer park, a children’s park, a lake, and statues of Lord Krishna, Brahma, Lakshminarayanas, Ganesha, and the three deities—Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Parvati.
Kotappakonda Temple Timings
The Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple opens its doors from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Festivals and Celebrations
The temple celebrates festivals on Mondays, Ekadasi, Pournami, Karthika Masam, and MahaSivaratri, attracting devotees seeking spiritual comfort and divine blessings.
How to Reach
- You can Reach there With the help of Air: Vijayawada International airport – 108 km.
- By Taking help of Bus: Narasaraopet – 15 km, Chilakaluripeta – 9 km.
- By Taking Help of Train: Narasaraopet -16 km, Guntur Railway Station – 55 km.
Address
Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple, Kotappakonda, Kotappakonda Rd, Narasaraopeta, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522549, India.
Embark on a spiritual journey to Sri Trikoteswara Swamy Temple. Where divine grace and mythological significance converge to create a sacred haven for devotees.