GNANA SARASWATHI

GNANA SARASWATHI

There is a myth that Vyasa maharshi, his disciples, and sage Viswamitra, after Kurukshetra war, thought to settle in a serene and cool atmosphere.  In search of peaceful place, they came to Dandaka forest selected this place because of its serenity and coolness.  Since Vyasa marharshi lived there, the place was called "Vasara" and by the Marathi language influence, it turned to "Basara."

It is believed that Basara is one amongst the three temples constructed near the Godavari and Manira river confluence.   Hisotircally, Basara temple is constructed by Karnataka king, 'Bijialudu,' who ruled Nandagiri province Nanded as capital in the 6^th century.

Now,  most of the pilgrims visit Basara for "Akshara abhyasam" to the children before they start their school education.  To the goddess, Saraswath, they devote pencils, pens, and notebooks.  At 4 a.m. in the temple the puja starts with Abhishekam.  At 5 a.m., new sarees adorned to Saraswathi goddess as an Alankarana.

On the eve of Maha Shivaratri, special celebrations and poojas are performed in the temple and continue 3 days after the Shivaratri.  During Dasara, Devi Navarathrulu celebrated for 10 days.

This is located 210 km from Hyderabad (via road), well connected by A.P.S.R.T.C. buses.  It is best to visit the temple by train since the temple is 2.5 km away from Basar Station, we can have autos to visit temple.