Bugga Agraharam Temple: Where Annapurna Devi Blesses with Abundance

 

Location

• Situated in Bugga Agraharam, near Nagari, on the banks of the Kusasthali River, about 56 km from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
• Easily accessible via APSRTC buses and trains to Nagari, followed by local transport.

Main Deities

• Sri Kasi Visweswara Swamy – a form of Lord Shiva, enshrined as a sacred lingam.
• Sri Annapurna Devi – goddess of nourishment and abundance.
• Sri Kamakshi Devi – embodiment of divine feminine energy.

Subshrines & Features

• Lord Ganesha, Kala Bhairava, Navagrahas, and Naaga Kanyas (serpent maidens) are enshrined in smaller sanctums.
• Prayaga Madhava Swamy with consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi also present.
• A unique pit behind the Shiva Lingam constantly holds water, believed to be fed by five hidden channels—called Pancha Ganga—whose source remains a mystery.

Temple Significance

• Revered as Dakshina Kailasam, thanks to Gowthama Maharshi, who performed a yagna to bring the essence of Kashi to the South.
• The temple is a sacred site for post-funeral rites like the 9th and 11th-day ceremonies, due to its association with salvation and the flowing Kushasthali river.
• Maha Periyava of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam observed Chaturmasya Vratam here in 1932, and initiated the construction of a Sankara Matam adjacent to the temple.
• Managed by TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams), with major Kumbhabhishekams held in 1932, 2000, and 2013.

Daily and Special Rituals

• Suprabhata Seva: The day begins with awakening the deity through sacred chants.
• Abhishekam: The Shiva Lingam is ritually bathed with milk, curd, honey, ghee, and Panchamritam.
• Alankaram: The deities are beautifully adorned with flowers, silk garments, and ornaments.
• Archana and Harathi: Offerings and lighted camphor are presented to the deities with devotion.
• Prasadam Distribution: Devotees receive sacred offerings after the pujas.

Special observances include:

• Rudrabhishekam performed on Mondays and Pradosham days.
• Annadanam (free food service) organized on festival days and during Chaturmasya Vratam.

Major Festivals Celebrated

• Maha Shivaratri: The most significant festival, marked by all-night vigil, Rudra Homam, special abhishekams, and devotional programs.
• Karthika Somavaram: Mondays in the Karthika month are celebrated with deepa offerings and Shiva pujas.
• Pradosham: Observed twice a month with special abhishekam and circumambulation of the temple.
• Kala Bhairava Ashtami: Dedicated to Lord Bhairava with unique rituals and offerings.

Temple Timings

• Morning Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
• Evening Hours: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Daily Schedule

Morning Session:

• 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM – Suddhi (Sanctum purification)
• 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM – Sarva Darshan (General public darshan)
• 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM – Abhishekam (Ritual bathing of the deity)
• 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM – First Bell (Naivedyam offering)
• 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM – Sarva Darshan
• 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM – Second Bell (Additional Naivedyam)
• 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon – Sarva Darshan
• 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM – Temple Closed

Evening Session:

• 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Sarva Darshan
• 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Abhishekam
• 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM – Night Bell (Evening Naivedyam)
• 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM – Sarva Darshan
• 7:45 PM to 8:00 PM – Suddhi (Closing purification)

Beliefs

• Dakshina Kailasam: The temple is revered as the southern counterpart to Kashi, thanks to Gowthama Maharshi, who performed a powerful yagna to invoke Lord Shiva and bring the sanctity of the Ganga to the Kushasthali River.
• Pancha Ganga Mystery: Behind the Shiva Lingam lies a constantly water-filled pit, said to be fed by five hidden channels called Pancha Ganga. The origin of this water remains unknown, adding to the temple’s mystical aura.
• Divine Manifestation: The Shiva Lingam here is believed to have been manifested by Lord Shiva himself, in response to Gowthama Maharshi’s penance. This makes the temple a Swayambhu Kshetram, a site of self-manifested divinity.
• Presence of Goddess Ganga: Devotees believe that Ganga Mata flows spiritually through the Kushasthali River, sanctifying the land and rituals performed here.
• Blessings of Annapurna Devi: Worship of Sri Annapurna Devi here is believed to remove scarcity and bless devotees with abundance, both material and spiritual.

How to Reach

• By Road:
  Bugga Agraharam is about 56 km from Tirupati and 5 km from Nagari.
  You can take APSRTC buses or private vehicles to Nagari, then hire an auto or cab to reach the temple.
• By Train:
  The nearest railway station is Nagari Railway Station, well-connected to Tirupati and Chennai routes. From there, local transport options are available.
• By Air:
  The closest airport is Tirupati Airport (Renigunta), around 60 km away. From the airport, you can hire a cab directly to Bugga Agraharam.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit:
  Early mornings or evenings are ideal, especially during Karthika Masam or Maha Shivaratri for a spiritually charged experience.
• Dress Code:
  Traditional attire is appreciated. 
• Photography:
  Seek permission before taking photos, especially near sanctums or during rituals.
• Nearby Attractions:
  Consider visiting Nagari Hills, Sankara Matam, or Kushasthali River banks for serene visuals and cultural depth.