Monday, January 28, 2013

About Basara City - History

Basar (also called Basara), the abode of Saraswathi Devi (Goddesses of Learning), is a village situated on the banks of river Godavari, famous for the temple of Goddess Saraswathi. It is one among the two oldest temples dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi in India (the other is in Kashmir). Saraswathi Devi is regarded as "Gnana Dayini", the one who bestows knowledge and wisdom.

The temple at Basar is also the abode of Goddess Lakshmi and Kali, but the presiding deity is 'Gnana Saraswathi Devi'.

Basara city entrance

History of Basara, Andhra Pradesh:

Legend has it that, Great Sage Vyasa, the author of Mahabharata, left on a pilgrimage along with Sage Shuka and other disciples after the Kurukskethra War. The sage reached the serene Kumaranchala hills, towards Dakshinapatnam (southern India). He began meditating in the name of Goddess Saraswati on the banks of the River Godavari and found the place to be very peaceful. The Goddess, who was pleased with his penance, eventually appeared before him and granted her presence in the form of the divine trinity. The Goddess ordered the sage to place three handful of sand at three places every day. Miraculously these sand dunes transformed into the idols of the divine trinity i.e., Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Kali, to Veda Vyasa made Prana Pratishta. Goddess Saraswathi became the presiding deity of the temple. 

This place was initially named after Vyasa and was called "Vyasapuri" or "Varasa" as Veda Vyasa stayed here for a long time and gradually it was called as "Basar".

Other Information:

On the way to Basar, you can halt at some places like a rock garden lush with greenery on the Jankampet tank bund, now known as Asok Sagar. This is a new attraction along with water boating in the serene water of the tank and lake-side restaurant that are provided for tourists. A large idol of Saraswati Devi is being installed on a rock amidst the water. During night time, you can halt here for the panoramic view with lights glittering- a sight which attracts most of the passer-by. 

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