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Basara Sri Gnana Saraswati Temple

Courtesy: Google Images
Saraswati Namastubhyam Varade Kaamarupini
Vidyarambham Karishyami Siddhir Bhavatume Sada

Meaning: O! Goddess Saraswati, my Salutations to Thee, the Bestower of all wishes. I start my education, please bless me for success.

Saraswati Devi - one of the Tridevis (viz Parvati, Lakshmi, Saraswati) - is the Hindu goddess of learning, wisdom, music and pure speech (Vagdevi). It is customary in every Hindu family to worship Goddess Saraswati before they start the formal education of their children as it is believed that She blesses them with a successful education in life.

About the temple

Courtesy: Google Images
Sri Gnana Saraswati temple at Basara is one of the two Saraswati temples in the country. Basara is a small temple town located in the Adilabad district of Telangana bordering the state of Maharashtra.The ancient temple dates back to post Mahabharata war period. It is located on the banks of River Godavari and is at a distance of 200 Km from Hyderabad.

Legends say that Sage Veda Vyasa who went in search of peace after the great Mahabharata War, reached this serene place on the banks of River Godavari. On deep meditation, Goddess Saraswati appeared to him in the form of Tridevi and ordered him to place 3 hands full of sand at three places. Miraculously, these three dunes of sand got transformed into the idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Kali.

From thence, the temple came into existence and Goddess Saraswati became the main presiding deity of the temple. The then small village got its name after Sage Veda Vyasa which came to be known as Vyasapuri. Later Vyasapuri came to known by the name Vyasara. And eventually it took a dialectical change and came to be known as Basara or Basar.

The temple is situated in a lush green surroundings with rocky areas. There are Vyasa Guhalu or the caves wherein Sage Veda Vyasa is believed to have meditated. The temple architecture dates back to the Chalukya period. Most of the devotees from the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana visit the temple in large numbers particularly for performing Aksharabhyasam of their kids.

All the pooja materials for aksharabhyasam are available outside the temple premises with the private vendors. However, if you wish, you can carry all the materials like a new slate, slate chalk, book, pencil, rice, turmeric powder, kumkum etc.

The auspicious day of Sri Panchami / Basant Panchami which is believed to be the birthday of Goddess Saraswati is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the temple. The other important festivals celebrated in the temple are Maha Sivaratri, Vyasa Pournami also known as Guru Purnima and Dussehra / Devi Navaratrulu

The temple is heavily crowded with devotees on these auspicious days to celebrate Aksharabhyasam or the initiation of education for of their kids. There is a belief that children who have their aksharabhyasam in this temple will have a bright education and career.

Temple timings

  • The temple opens at 4.00 a.m and tickets for Abhishekam are sold from 4.00 a.m to 4.30 a.m.
  • From 4.30 a.m to 7.30 a.m Abhishekam performed followed by Alankarana, Harati and Prasadam.
  • From 7.30 a.m to 12 noon there will be sarva darsanam, archana and other poojas. Aksharabhyasam is performed during this time.
  • 12 noon to 12.15 p.m naivedyam and harathi is offered and then the temple remains closed till 2.00 p.m.
  • From 2.00 p.m to 6.30 p.m, the temple opens for sarva darsanam, archana and other poojas. Aksharabhyasam is performed during this time.
  • From 6.30 p.m to 7.00 p.m, pradosha pooja is performed.
  • From 7.00 p.m to 8.30 p.m, there will be darsanam and Maha Haarati.
  • Temple closes at 8.30 p.m.

How to reach

Basar is remotely located yet is easily accessible as it is an important Hindu pilgrim center. The town is well connected with rail and road routes.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamsabad, Hyderabad is the nearest airport to this place. From here you can take either an APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Bus) which ply frequently from Imliban Bus Station and Jubilee Bus Station. You can also go in a train to Basar from Secunderabad RS or Kacheguda RS or can book a private cab.

From Maharashtra, the buses run from Nanded, Bhokar, Hadi Gaon and Mudhkhed

Hotel Accommodation

TTD Guest House with 100 spacious rooms is the main accommodation in the town. Rooms are available for Rs.100/- and Rs.200/- per day. There are other guest houses where AC rooms are offered from the price range from Rs.800 to Rs.1500. (Readers are requested to note that the rates mentioned here might vary). These guest houses are Vemulavada GH, Rajanna Nilayam, Babli Soma GH, Dwaraka Tirumala GH, Vijayawada Kanakadurga, Sri Yadagiri Gutta GH and Sri Srisaila Mallikarjuna GH.

There is even Brahmana and Vysya Choultries near the temple. Besides these, there are other private lodges that offer budget as well as AC accommodations.

Important days to visit the temple

All the 365 days in a year are auspicious to visit the temple, however there are few highly auspicious days that are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The temple is heavily crowded with devotees on such auspicious day to peroform Aksharabhyasam of their kids. Following are the auspicious days to visit the temple for performing aksharabhyasam:
  • Basant Panchami also known as Saraswati Pooja is the best day which mostly falls in the first week of February every year.
  • Vyasa Pournami / Guru Purnima which is celebrated on the Full day in the Hindu month of Ashadam
  • Devi / Dussehra Navaratri
  • Raakhi Pournami- the full moon day in the Hindu month of Sraavan.
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