SRI
DASAANJANEYA SWAMI TEMPLE, MACHAVARAM, VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH
ssm rao
Andhra Pradesh and Anjaneya
It will not be an exaggeration to state that there is
no village in Andhra Pradesh without a Hanuman temple, especially after the
reigns of Vijayanagara samrajya spreading its wings throughout the
present Andhra Pradesh. Here Anjaneya Swami is popular as Hanumanthudu or
Anjaneyalu.
Sri Vyasatheerthulu
The
Vijayanagara samrajya was under the rule of Saluva dynasty, later
Saluvas were defeated, making way for the Thaulavs to rule the samrajya.
During 1509, Krishnadevaraya become the emperor of Vijayanagara samrajya. But
during the Saluvas rule and also during Thaulavs regin,Sri Vyasatheerthulu a
devotee of Vishnu and a Hanumathupasakadu was the Guru of the kings. Sri
Vyasatheerthulu was spreading Hanumat Bhakti and spirituality. He had also
installed ("pradishta") many Hanuman idols and constructed temples
whenever he was directed.
His Visit to Machavaram
As Sri Vyasatheerthulu was touring along with his
disciples on foot, they halted at Indra Kiladri and relaxing. Lord Maruti
appeared in the form of vanara and got them up and gave indication to follow
him. They all did so and crossed over mountains and forests and reached the
present place of Machavaram. Lord Maruti in vanara form asked Sri
Vyasatheerthulu to construct a temple at that place and to install the
Anjaneya vigraham (idol) with Sankh and Chakra on the either side of
the idol. After having directed so Lord Maruti proceeded towards northern
direction reciting Ramanamam and disappeared. As directed by Lord Maruti, Sri
Vyasatheerthulu initiated temple construction and left for another village.
Rediscovery of the Vigraha
In subsequent to fall of Vijayanagera samrajya and
power going to others, many temples were fallen pray and were ruined
including many Anjaneya temples
constructed
by Sri Vyasatheerthulu. About one hundred and fifty years ago, a contractor
Sri Dunna Veeraswamy Naidu was constructing Eluru – Vijayawada road. During
that time Lord Anjaneya gave him a divine direction by appearing in his dream
to excavate the idol from a particular place. Sri Naidu proceeded to the site
indicated by Lord Anjaneya in his dream, with his laborers for digging work.
A small excellent divine idol form with Sindhoora decoration was
excavated from the very same place where a peepal tree was existing. He had
arranged for a thatched shed then and there for facilitating the darshan
to devotees. Earlier to temple construction the peepal tree was providing
pleasant shelter at the place and that very same tree is still alive and
could be seen.
From then onwards the Lord Anjaneya of this kshethra had been
fulfilling the desires of the devotees with his blessings.
Festivals
This sthala puranam has not been inscribed on
any standard form but only being told by elders since good olden days. This
temple is under Endowment Department of AP Government.
Dhanurmasam and Hanumath Jayanti are the main
festivals celebrated in this temple. Aku (leaf) pooja is performed
with great reverence. Devotees from around Vijayawada throng for darshan,
especially on Tuesday.
The temple is located 6 km from Central bus stand of
Vijayawada, and 5 km from Vijayawada Railway Station.
Under inspiration of the Lord Anjaneya many devotees
had made many slokas including a panchavimsati, in praise of Sri
Dasaanjaneya Swami of this kshethra.
machavara vasa sathakoti manmatha vilasaa
kasari putra hanumantha keerthimantha ||
Though Lord Anjaneya's murthi(idol) of the
kshethra is small, kirthi is great, and a visit to this
kshethra can bring peace, love and lot of inspiration.
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