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Chronology of Events relating to Konkanis/GSBs | By Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai | History of the Temple | Temple and the Mutts | Temple Management and Staff | Social Services. | Complete List of Festivals and Utsavas ! Guest Book ! Dates of important festivals | Location | Religious Links | Contact | Photos | Complete Seva List
SRIMAD ANANTHESHWAR TEMPLE MANJESHWAR
The Temple Location
Traditionally renowned as "Manjula Kshetra" and "The Temple of 18
towns", Srimad Anantheshwara Temple is Situated in Manjeshwar, a small town
of Kasaragod district in Northern Kerala. A Comfortable journey of about 25 Kms
south wards from the port city of Mangalore either by Rail or Road brings you to
this Divine place.
The Details :
A unique combination of Lord Anantheshwara, Lord Bhadra Narasimha and Lord
Subramanya in the same Sanctum Sanctorum enhances Serenity and Sanctity of the
Temple. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Anantheshwara, that is Lord Shiva
accompanied by Lord Shesha or Anantha.
The Image of Lord Shiva Lingam is believed to be "Udbhava" or
"Swayambhoo" which means
self emergent. Lord Mukhyaprana, Lord MahaGanapathy, Lord Rudra, Devi Laxmi, and
Lord Garuda are the other Deities in the Temple.
An Ancient Temple:
The Legends and historic events trace the existence of this Temple for more than
one thousand years. The epic of this place "Manjula Purana" a part of
"Sahiyadri Khanda" in " Skanda Purana" describes that Lord
Shiva Himself installed the Idol of Lord Narasimha here for the worship of
mortals in "Kaliyuga". Long year since then, as can be gathered from
sequel, the Temple fell in ruins. Later according to the epic of the place one
Ranga Sharma, a Gowda Saraswath Brahmin of Goa, on his way to Rameshwaram halted
here at a place called "Shankhamale". He accidentally came across the
ruins of this Temple. Soon he rebuilt the Temple, as guided by Lord Shiva in his
dreams and installed the Idol of "Shesha" which he had brought with
him from Goa, along with the original Idol of Lord Shiva.
"Rashtra Kavi" (The National poet) Late Shri Manjeshwara Govinda Pai,
renowned poet and historian of this place traced the existence and popularity of
this Temple to a period before 7th century. "Madhva Vijaya" which was
written in 12th century clearly narrates the fact of Shri Madhvacharya's visit
to this Temple. Cluster of such historic events prove the very ancient existence
of this Temple. Click
here for Chronology of events relating to Konkanis/GSBs
Annual Festival " Manjeshwar Shashti ":
The annual Car festival which falls on the sixth day of bright half of the month
of "Margashira" (Between November and December) is the most important
event. A six wheeled Chariot called "Brahma
Ratha" is pulled along the Carstreet by thousands of devotees coming
from far and near.
"ROHINI"
An Ant-Hill:
Inside the Sanctum Sanctorum and behind the throne of Divine Idols, there exists
an ant hill called "ROHINI" or "RUWANI". This provides
"Prasadam" in the form of white coloured Soil. The Soil of ROHINI is
believed to possess the biotic power and is everlasting inspite of continuous
extraction for centuries.
"DARSHANA"-The
Reminiscent of Greek Oracle:
The Oracle at the Temple has played a power full role in strengthening the
belief of people in God and provided Divine solutions to the problems of
devotees. It is believed that Lord Shesha reveals Himself to His devotees in
person of a priest who is the surviving descendant of Ranga Sharma the renovator
of this Temple. The Oracle is not in practice since 1935 and efforts are being
made to reinstate the Oracle. The history of the Temple has an exciting
narration about a devotee who was able to realise his dreams of visiting Shri
Thirumala Thirupathy Temple and praying to Lord Venkatramana, by experiencing
the event by the grace of the Oracle.
Procession Deities, Srimad Anantheshwar Temple, Manjeshwar
Click here for more about the Chariot:
The Lord's
Chariot reverently
called "BrahmaRatha" is a magnificent
edifice made out
of wood and decked with flags and decorated with flowers. It was
built in the year 1834 and has a base of 17 ft, maximum girth of
53 ft and raises to the height of 71 ft. when it is decorated
with flags, flowers and other accessories during the annual
festival. About 75 people can be accommodated on the Chariot.
The Lords Idol is taken up the steps of the Chariot and it is a
heavenly sight to behold when, thousands of people pull the
magnificent Chariot with shouts of "Govinda-Govinda"
as it rolls along majestically. one gets feeling that the Lord
Shri Anantheshwara has descended from the very Heavens
Themselves at the call of His devotees.
Click here for more about the Chariot:
Shri
Jogi Gana: A retinue of
Holy Spirits commonly known as Ganas or Bhootha Ganas surround the
precincts of the Temple. These are represented by appropriate
sized granite stones/symbols located in the inner and outer
rounds of the Temple. Legend has it that these Ganas were
established by famous Oracle.
The Jogi Gana situated in the north eastern side of the Temple
is said to be the leader among the Ganas. Though He occupied
the opposite side near a Bakula tree, His granite stone is on
the side of the Temple. There are many anecdotes relating to
this famous Gana and coconuts are offered to this Gana in
abundance.
People also vow to offer a coconut when goods/valuables are
stolen or mislaid during normal times and also at social or
religious functions at the devotee's house.
Madasthan:
This is a view of devotees performing
"Madasthan" round the Chariot.
This is considered the best Seva by a devotee and the Seva most liked by the
Lord. These type of Sevas are performed at Naga Sthalas
May Lord Shri Bhadranarasimha shower His kind blessings on one and all. Prayers to the Lotus Feet of the Almighty Lord.
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Srimad
Anantheshwar Temple, Manjeshwar India