Introduction to 5 Most Famous Maa Saraswathi Temples
The 5 most famous temples dedicated to Maa Saraswati include the following:-(i) Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam, Basara, Telangana, (ii) Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka, (iii) Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Kochi, Kerala, (iv) Saraswathi Temple, Kaleshwaram, Telangana and (v) The Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, Kottayam, Kerala.
Devotees worship Goddess Saraswati by chanting the Vidya Mantra-
Saraswati Namasthubhyam Varade Kamarupini, Vidhyarambam Karishyami Siddhir Bavathume Sadha. (सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणि । विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा ॥ ) which means that Salutations to Goddess Saraswati, who bestows blessings and fulfils wishes. Bless me with information and intelligence, I need to achieve wisdom as I start my educational journey.
Other Saraswati mantra are:|| ॐ ऎं सरस्वत्यै ऎं नमः || Aum Aing Saraswathye Namah which means – Salutations to Goddess Saraswati.; || सरस्वति महाभागे विद्ये कमललोचने । विद्यारूपे विशालाक्षि विद्यां देहि नमोस्तुते॥
It is correctly said that knowledge is power. Intellect and sharp acumen a treasures that no one can snatch away as they ever remain with the individual.
In Hindu religion and traditions, emphasis is laid on acquiring knowledge, intellect, education, and acumen which is believed to be bestowed by Maa Saraswati.
Basant Panchami festival is dedicated to Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of learning and wisdom. Devotees don yellow clothes during the Basant Panchami festival. The festival of Basant Panchami usually falls in the month of January-February ( Magh- Phaguna).
Benefits of chanting the Saraswati Vidya mantra:
Chanting of Maa Saraswati’s Vidya mantra enables devotees to focus and concentrate on their pursuits of learning. It enables persons to be well-informed and adopt a reasonable approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
Education is the very fulcrum for overall excellence and well-being. Maa Saraswati bestows intellect and wisdom which make individuals sail through life. In one of the Japanese shrines, the Goddess Saraswati is propitiated as Benten-Saraswati.
As per Hindu culture and traditions, prime importance is attached to quality education, and the process of acquiring knowledge, wisdom, intellect, and talent is considered to be the blessing of Goddess Saraswati. Considering the importance attached to education in the Hindu religion, it is of paramount importance to discuss the 5 Most Famous Maa Saraswathi Temples in India. These are the following:-
Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam, Basra, Telangana
Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam, Basra, Telangana is located in the serene and picturesque locale on the banks of the holy river Godavari. The current structure of the temple was built during the Chalukya period.
The holy shrine of Maa Saraswati is situated at a distance of about 200 km from Hyderabad and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam is at a distance of about 30 km from Nizamabad.
The legend associated with Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam, Basra has it that Maharishi Ved Vyas, after the battle of Mahabarat embarked on a pilgrimage to find solace and peace.
The sage arrived here in the lush green Kumaranchala mountains on the banks of the holy river Godavari and did penance and meditation.
The Rishi propitiated Goddess Saraswati who ordered the sage to place three sand dunes. The sage placed the three sand dunes which transformed into three forms of Goddesses viz. Maz Saraswati, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Kali.
In the Basra village 8 ‘Pushkarnis viz. ‘Indra Teeratham’, ‘Surya Teeratham’, ‘Vyasa Teeratham’, ‘Valmiki Teeratham’, ‘Vishnu Teeratham’, ‘Ganesha Teeratham’, ‘Puthra Teeratham’ and ‘Shiva Teeratham’ are there.
At Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam, Basra, and Telangana, the devotees perform various Pooja Archana including the Abhishekam, Kumkum Archana, and Akshara Srikaram.
The presiding deity- Maa Saraswati, bedecked with turmeric is in a seated position with a ‘Veena’ in hand. Besides, the idols of Goddesses Maha Lakshmi and Maha Kali are also placed.
Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam, Basra, Telangana Temple Timings: The temple opens at 07:30 am and closes at 08:30 pm.
Basara is about 210 km from Hyderabad and is well connected by Rail and Road. The nearest railway station is Basara and the nearest airport is Hyderabad (145Km), and Nanded (110Km).
Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam festivals:
Vasanta Panchmi festival: At the shrine of Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam, festivities and celebrations are held during Vasanta Panchmi during the month of Magha-Shukla with gaiety and grandeur.
The devotees coming from far and wide immerse themselves in religious fervour and spirituality. They don yellow clothes.
Maha Shiv Ratri festival: The festival of Maha Shivratri is celebrated on Magh Bahula Trayodashi during February.
Vyasa Poornima festival: Vyasa Poornima Utsav is celebrated in honor of Rishi Ved Vyasa.
Dusshera Navratri festival: Dusshera Navaratri festival is celebrated on Ashwayuja Shuddha Dashami or Dusshera Navratri which lasts for 9 days.
Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka:
Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka is dedicated to Goddess Tridevi Mookambika who appears in three forms viz. Goddess MahaSaraswati, Goddess Mahalakshmi and Goddess MahaKali who represent Knowledge, wealth and Valour respectively.
Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka was re-built during Keladi rule by King Shankanna Nayakka and Shivappa Nayaka.
In the 8th century, Adi Shankara established the idol of Mookambika behind the Linga in the sanctum sanctourm of the Sri Mookambika Temple in Kollur Karnataka.
The Goddess Mookambika is worshiped as Maa Saraswati in the morning, Maha Lakshmi at noon, and Goddess Parvati in the evening.
The architecture style of Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka
Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka is built in Dravidian architectural style. The sanctum sanctorum is in quadrangular shape and has Vimana Gopura tower. The idols of deities viz. Subrahmanya, Dashabhuja Ganpati, Anjaneya, Chandramouleeshwara, and Gopalakrishnan are there around the sanctum sanctorum.
Mookambika Road Byndoor Railway station in Byndoor in Udipi District is the nearest Railway station to Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka.
The presiding deity Mookambika is carried on Car festival(Rath yatra)
on the Mahanavmi day. Chandika Homa puja is performed during the Navaratri celebrations and on Vijayadashmi day. Besides this, during the Dhanu month, Naivedyas are offered and Mangalaasthi is performed.
The legend associated with Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka
As per the legend associated with Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka, the demon Kaumahsura was desirous of seekin a boon from Lord Shiva. Vagdevi made him dumb (Mook) to deprive him to seek the boon. Vagdevi integrated the powers of Tridevi and all the Gods into her and killed the Mookasura(Kaumahsura). Kola Maharishi did penance here at Kollur.
Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka is connected by road, rail and airways. The nearest bus stand is in Kollur; the nearest railway station are Kundapura and Byndoor Railway stations; and the nearest airport is Mangalore airport which is about 140 km from the temple.
Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka timings:
5 am to 1.30 pm; 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm darshan; 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Kochi, Kerala
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Kochi, Kerala is located in Ernakulam(Kochi) in the state of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati Lakshmi or Rajajrajeswari and MahaVishnu. The deity is worshipped in three forms – Goddess Saraswathy in the morning, Goddess Lakshmi at noon and Goddess Durga in the evening.
At the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Kochi, Kerala, festival-The Makam Thozhal is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur. It is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (mid-February – mid-March). The best period to visit the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is from October to March.
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Kochi, Kerala Timings:
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Kochi, Kerala Timings (Morning): 04:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Kochi, Kerala Timings(Evening):04:00 pm- 08:45 pm.
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Kochi, Kerala Pooja Timings: 8:45 pm Every day
Saraswathi Temple, Kaleshwaram, Telangana
Saraswathi Temple, Kaleshwaram, Telangana, an ancient temple is located in Kaleshwaram in the premised of the Kaleshwara Muktaeshwara Swamy temple which is dedicated to both Lord Shiva or the Mukteshwara Swamy and Lord Yama or Kaleshwa.
Saraswathi Temple, Kaleshwaram, Telangana, is dedicated to Goddess Maha Saraswati. Saraswathi Temple, Kaleshwaram, Telangana is situated on the confluence of two holy rivers-Godavari and Pranahiti in the Jayashankar Bhupalpally district of Telangana.
Saraswathi Temple, Kaleshwaram, Telangana is popularly known as Southern Indian Kashi and devotees perform ablutions and tarpan for the sake of liberation of the souls of their ancestors.
Saraswathi Temple, Kaleshwaram, Telangana Timings: 4.30 a.m. to 1 pm. and from 3.30 p.m.to 8 pm.; The Abhishegam timings : Parvathi Devi, Saraswathi Devi Abhishekam 6 am to 7 am. (Tuesday).
Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, Kottayam, Kerala
Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, Kottayam, Kerala is an ancient temple. Kumaranalloor was earlier known as ‘Thingalkkadu which later came to be known as ‘Indu Kaanam’. In the old scriptures, the Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, Kottayam, Kerala, the temple is referred to as Mahishari Kovil.
Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, Kottayam, Kerala was built by King Cheraman Perumal. The temple is one of the important 108 Devi temples (Durgalayas) in Kerala.
At the Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, Kottayam, Kerala, the Naalambalam and Sreekovil Sri Chakras in the hand of the Goddess are ring-like with a handle.
Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, Kottayam, Kerala Darshan timings: 04:00 am to 11:30 and 05-08 pm.
The story of Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, Kottayam, Kerala
King Cheraman Perumal began the construction of a temple at Udayanapuram to install the idol of goddess Durga and started the construction of another temple at Kumaranalloor to install the idol of lord Kumara or Subramanian.
However, at Madurai Meenakshi temple, the gem-studded nose ring of Devi was lost. The king made the allegation against the priest and granted 41 days to find the nose ring failing which he was to be executed. The innocent priest was perplexed and took refuge at the feet of Devi. Devi appeared in his dream on the 40th day night and the priest felt a divine light and was led to leave the place and moved ahead and reached the site of the Kumaranalloor.
At Kumaranalloor, the temple was under construction to install the idol of lord Subramanyan or Kumaran. King Perumal brought an idol lying in the water at Vedagiri, a nearby place. The priest, who followed the divine light(Tejas) from Madurai, became the priest of the temple. His residence is known as Madurai Illam.
Conclusion:
In Hindu religion, culture, and traditions, Maa Saraswati signifies to bestow knowledge, intellect expertise, and skills involved in art, music, painting, dance, drama, and oratory. Parents of young children, throng in large numbers to the Temples of Maa Saraswati to perform Akshara puja ceremonies at the start of their educational journey.
Committed students strive whole-heartedly with single-point devotion and dedication to acquire knowledge, wisdom, and intellect. Practice makes a man perfect. With the blessings of Maa Saraswati, opportunities to excel and learn start knocking at the doorstep of devotees.
Devotees visit the 5 most famous temples dedicated to Maa Saraswati viz. Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam, Basara, Telangana, Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka, Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Ernakulum, (Cochin), Kerala, Saraswathi Temple, Kaleshwaram, Telangana and the Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, Kottayam, Kerala in large number. Pilgrims from far and wide seek blessings of Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of learning.
For interesting astrology-related videos, subscribe to us on Youtube
FAQs About 5 Most Famous Maa Saraswathi Temples
Q. 1 Which is the oldest Saraswati temple in India?
Ans.1. Oldest image of Goddess Saraswati was excavated at Kankali Tile in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. It dates back to 132 CE. However, the oldest Saraswati temple in India is Gnana Saraswati Temple in Telangana.
Q.2. Why is Kollur Mookambika famous?
Ans. 2. Kollur Mookambika is famous for being one of the 108 Durgalayas and Shivalayas; The deity was installed by theologian and Philosopher Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century; the temple is located in the foothills of the Kodachadri Hills on the banks of Souparnika river.
Q.3.What is special in Kollur?
Ans.3. Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka is dedicated to Goddess Tridevi Mookambika who appears in three forms viz. Goddess MahaSaraswati, Goddess Mahalakshmi, and Goddess Mahakali represent Knowledge, wealth, and Valour respectively. Sri Mookambika Temple Kollur Karnataka was re-built during Keladi rule by King Shankanna Nayakka and Shivappa Nayaka. The temple’s roof is made in copper and the crest is gold-plated.
Q.4. What is special about Chottanikkara temple?
Ans.4. There are many special features associated with the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala, India which include:- that the presiding deity is worshipped in the morning, noon, and evening each day in Her three forms viz. Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Durga. Ancient wooden carvings are unique. Makam Thozal festival is celebrated in mid Feb.-March.
Q.5. What is the story of the Bhagavathi Amman temple?
Ans.5. The Bhagavathi Amman Temple in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India is dedicated to Devi Kanyakumari, a form of Mother Shakti. The temple story relates to Devi Kanyakumari and the demon Banasura.
Q.6. What is the story of Kumaranalloor Temple?
Ans.6. Kumaranalloor Temple in Kerala, dedicated to Goddess Durga(Karthayayani Devi) is associated with a story relating to King Cheraman Perumal, and a priest from the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, who while searching the lost gem-studded nose ring of the Goddess, followed a divine light in a dream which led him to the under-construction Kumaranalloor Temple, where he installed the idol at the perfect time, thus fulfilling the Goddess’s wish to have the missing piece placed there.
Q.7. What is the dress code for Kumaranalloor Devi Temple?
Ans.7. The dress code prescribed for Kumaranalloor Devi Temple:Men: Need to remove their shirts and vests.; Women: To wear traditional sarees or North Indian suits.
