Are you looking for a spiritual and cultural destination that will take you back to the ancient times of India? If yes, then you should visit the [Basar Saraswati Temple], one of the oldest and most revered temples of the goddess Saraswati in India. Located on the banks of the Godavari River in Nirmal district of Telangana, this temple is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the divine grace and blessings of the goddess of wisdom, learning, and arts.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Basar Saraswati Temple, such as its history, significance, rituals, festivals, places to visit, tips and trivia, and more. Read on to find out why this temple is a hidden gem of Telangana and how you can make the most of your visit.
History and Significance
The Basar Saraswati Temple, also known as Sri Gnana Saraswati Temple, Basara Temple, or Saraswati Temple Basara, is one of the two temples in India dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, the other being in Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old and has a rich and fascinating legend behind it. According to the legend, the sage Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata, came to this place after the Kurukshetra war and decided to settle down here. He installed the idols of the goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Kali in a cave and performed penance for many years. He also taught his disciples the Vedas and other scriptures in this place, which came to be known as [Basara Devasthanam] or the abode of learning.
The goddess Saraswati was pleased with his devotion and blessed him with the gift of gnana or wisdom. She also manifested herself in the form of a rock, which is still worshipped as the main deity of the temple. The temple is also associated with the legend of the Mahabharata, as it is said that the Pandavas visited this place during their exile and hid their weapons in a nearby pond. The temple is considered to be very auspicious and powerful, as it is said that the goddess Saraswati fulfills the wishes of her devotees and bestows them with knowledge, intelligence, and creativity.
Rituals and Ceremonies
One of the main attractions of the Basar Saraswati Temple is the various rituals and ceremonies performed at the temple, which are unique and special. The most popular and important ritual is the Aksharabhyasam, which is the initiation of children into the world of learning. This ritual is performed by thousands of parents every year, who bring their children to the temple and make them write the first letter of the alphabet on a slate with the help of the priest. The ritual is believed to invoke the blessings of the goddess Saraswati and enhance the learning abilities of the children.
The ritual can be performed on any day of the year, except during the four months of Chaturmas, which are considered to be inauspicious. The timings for the ritual are from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The fee for the ritual is Rs. 100 per child. The parents are also advised to bring some items for the ritual, such as a slate, a chalk, a coconut, some flowers, some fruits, and some sweets.
Another popular and important ritual is the Kumkumarchana, which is the offering of vermilion to the goddess Saraswati. This ritual is performed by many devotees, especially women, who seek the blessings of the goddess for their well-being, prosperity, and happiness. The ritual can be performed on any day of the year, except during the four months of Chaturmas. The timings for the ritual are from 4:00 am to 7:00 pm. The fee for the ritual is Rs. 50 per person. The devotees are also advised to bring some items for the ritual, such as a coconut, some flowers, some fruits, and some sweets.
Another popular and important ritual is the Abhishekam, which is the bathing of the idol of the goddess Saraswati with water, milk, honey, and other substances. This ritual is performed by many devotees, who seek the cleansing and purification of their sins and the removal of their obstacles and difficulties. The ritual can be performed on any day of the year, except during the four months of Chaturmas. The timings for the ritual are from 4:00 am to 7:00 pm. The fee for the ritual is Rs. 100 per person. The devotees are also advised to bring some items for the ritual, such as a coconut, some flowers, some fruits, and some sweets.
Another popular and important ritual is the Prasadam, which is the offering of food to the goddess Saraswati and the distribution of it among the devotees. The prasadam of the temple is very famous and delicious, as it is made with rice, jaggery, ghee, and dry fruits. The prasadam is believed to have the grace and power of the goddess and to satisfy the hunger and thirst of the devotees. The prasadam can be obtained from the temple premises at any time of the day. The fee for the prasadam is Rs. 10 per packet.
Festivals and Events
The Basar Saraswati Temple is also known for its festivals and events, which are celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. The most important and grand festival of the temple is the Vasant Panchami, which is the birthday of the goddess Saraswati. This festival is celebrated in the month of Magha (January-February) and marks the onset of spring.
On this day, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and the idol of the goddess is adorned with new clothes and jewels. The devotees throng the temple in large numbers and offer prayers, flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess. The highlight of the festival is the cultural program, which showcases the talents and skills of the students and artists, who perform various forms of music, dance, drama, and poetry in honor of the goddess. The festival is a feast for the eyes and ears, as it displays the beauty and splendor of the goddess and her devotees.
Another important and grand festival of the temple is the Navratri, which is the nine-day celebration of the goddess Durga, who is considered to be an aspect of the goddess Saraswati. This festival is celebrated in the month of Ashwin (September-October) and marks the victory of good over evil. On this occasion, the temple is decorated with colorful flags and lamps, and the idol of the goddess is placed on a chariot and taken around the temple in a procession. The devotees participate in the procession and chant the names and praises of the goddess. The highlight of the festival is the Dandiya Raas, which is a traditional dance performed with sticks and colorful costumes. The festival is a joyous and vibrant affair, as it displays the energy and enthusiasm of the goddess and her devotees.
Another important and grand festival of the temple is the Maha Shivaratri, which is the night of the lord Shiva, who is considered to be the consort of the goddess Saraswati. This festival is celebrated in the month of Phalguna (February-March) and marks the marriage anniversary of the divine couple. On this night, the temple is illuminated with candles and incense, and the idol of the lord Shiva is brought to the temple and placed next to the idol of the goddess Saraswati. The devotees observe a fast and offer prayers, milk, water, and bilva leaves to the lord. The highlight of the festival is the Rudra Abhishekam, which is the special bathing of the lord Shiva with various substances. The festival is a solemn and sacred occasion, as it displays the love and devotion of the goddess and her devotees.
Another important and grand festival of the temple is the Devi Navaratri, which is the nine-day celebration of the goddess Saraswati, who is considered to be the supreme mother of the universe. This festival is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April) and marks the beginning of the new year. On this occasion, the temple is decorated with flowers and rangoli, and the idol of the goddess is worshipped with different offerings and rituals each day. The devotees visit the temple and seek the blessings of the goddess for their health, wealth, and happiness. The highlight of the festival is the Kalyanam, which is the ceremonial wedding of the goddess Saraswati and the lord Brahma, who is considered to be the creator of the universe. The festival is a auspicious and festive occasion, as it displays the grace and generosity of the goddess and her devotees.
Places to Visit
The Basar Saraswati Temple is not only a spiritual and cultural destination, but also a natural and scenic one. There are many places to visit around the temple, which are worth exploring and admiring. Some of the places to visit are:
Godavari River:
The Godavari River is the second longest river in India and the lifeline of Telangana. The river flows through the temple premises and adds to the beauty and serenity of the place. The river is also a sacred spot for the devotees, who take a dip in the water and perform rituals and offerings to the river goddess. The river also offers some recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, and camping. The river is a scenic and soothing place to visit, as it displays the nature and culture of Telangana.
Vedavathi Sila:
The Vedavathi Sila is a huge rock formation near the temple, which is believed to be the seat of the sage Vedavyasa, who composed the Mahabharata and other scriptures. The rock has a small cave, where the sage used to meditate and teach his disciples. The rock also has some inscriptions and carvings, which depict the stories and teachings of the sage. The rock is a historic and spiritual place to visit, as it displays the wisdom and legacy of the sage Vedavyasa.
Vyasa Maharshi Guha:
The Vyasa Maharshi Guha is a small cave near the temple, which is believed to be the place where the sage Vyasa installed the idols of the goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Kali. The cave has a small shrine, where the idols are still worshipped by the priests and the devotees. The cave also has some paintings and sculptures, which portray the scenes and characters of the Mahabharata and other scriptures. The cave is a mystical and artistic place to visit, as it displays the devotion and creativity of the sage Vyasa.
Kuntala Waterfalls:
The Kuntala Waterfalls is the highest waterfall in Telangana and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India. The waterfall is located about 40 km from the temple and is a popular tourist attraction. The waterfall is formed by the Kadam River, which plunges from a height of 147 feet into a deep pool. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and hills, which create a stunning contrast with the white water. The waterfall is also a romantic and adventurous place to visit, as it offers some activities, such as trekking, swimming, and picnicking.
Pochera Waterfalls:
The Pochera Waterfalls is another waterfall in Telangana and one of the most unique waterfalls in India. The waterfall is located about 50 km from the temple and is a hidden gem of Telangana. The waterfall is formed by the Godavari River, which splits into multiple streams and cascades from a height of 66 feet into a large pool. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forests and rocks, which create a majestic and serene atmosphere. The waterfall is also a refreshing and relaxing place to visit, as it offers some activities, such as bathing, boating, and fishing.
Kala Ashram:
The Kala Ashram is a cultural and educational center near the temple, which is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the traditional arts and crafts of Telangana. The ashram was founded by the late artist and activist Ravindra Sharma, who was inspired by the Basar Saraswati Temple and the goddess Saraswati. The ashram offers various courses and workshops on various forms of art, such as painting, sculpture, pottery, weaving, embroidery, etc. The ashram also has a museum, a library, and a gallery, where the works and collections of the artists and artisans are displayed. The ashram is a inspiring and informative place to visit, as it displays the talent and culture of Telangana.
Getting There
There are several ways to reach Basara from Hyderabad, depending on your preference and budget. You can choose to travel by air, train, bus, or car. Here are some of the options and details for each mode of transport:
By air:
The nearest airport to Basara is Hyderabad - Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is about 253 km away1. You can take a flight from Hyderabad to any major city in India or abroad, and then take a connecting flight to Nanded, which is about 110 km away from Basara. From Nanded, you can take a taxi or a bus to Basara. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Hyderabad to Nizamabad, which is about 40 km away from Basara. From Nizamabad, you can take a taxi or a bus to Basara.
By train:
The nearest train station to Basara is Basar Railway Station, which is about 2.5 km away. You can take a train from Hyderabad or Secunderabad to Basara, which takes about 4 hours. There are direct trains to Basara from Hyderabad or Secunderabad, such as the Devagiri Express, Ajanta Express, Tapovan Express, etc. You can also take a train from Hyderabad or Secunderabad to Nizamabad, and then take another train to Basara, which takes about 5 hours. You can check the train timings and availability on the Indian Railways website.
By bus:
The nearest bus station to Basara is Basar Bus Station, which is about 0 km away. You can take a bus from Hyderabad or Secunderabad to Basara, which takes about 6 hours. There are direct buses to Basara from Hyderabad or Secunderabad, run by TSRTC. You can also take a bus from Hyderabad or Secunderabad to Bhainsa, which is about 40 km away from Basara, and then take another bus to Basara, which takes about 7 hours. You can check the bus timings and availability on the TSRTC online ticket portal.
By car:
You can also drive from Hyderabad to Basara, which takes about 5 hours. The distance between Hyderabad and Basara is about 210 km, and the route is via NH 44 and NH 63. You can either hire a car or use your own vehicle. You can also use online services, such as Google Maps or Rome2Rio, to find the best route and estimate the travel time and cost.
The Basar Saraswati Temple is a remarkable destination that offers a blend of spirituality, culture, nature, and art. The temple is a testimony to the ancient and glorious heritage of India, and a tribute to the goddess of wisdom, learning, and arts. The temple is a place where you can experience the divine grace and blessings of the goddess, and also enjoy the beauty and serenity of the surroundings. The temple is a place where you can learn about the legends and stories of the sage Vyasa and the Mahabharata, and also witness the talents and skills of the students and artists.
The temple is a place where you can participate in the various rituals and ceremonies, and also celebrate the various festivals and events. The temple is a place where you can explore the nearby attractions and places to visit, and also indulge in some recreational and relaxing activities. The Basar Saraswati Temple is a place where you can find peace, joy, and inspiration, and also create some unforgettable memories.
If you are looking for a unique and enriching travel experience, then you should definitely visit the Basar Saraswati Temple and discover its charm and magic.
