Exploring Sarpavaram’s Vaikuntha: The Divine Legacy of Bhavanarayana Swamy

 

Location

• Sarpavaram, near Kakinada, in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Just 5 km from Kakinada city, making it easily accessible for pilgrims and tourists.

Main Deities

• Lord Bhavanarayana Swamy – a form of Lord Vishnu.
• Goddess Lakshmi Devi – His eternal consort.
• The temple is also known as Trilinga Kshoni Vaikuntha, as it houses three deities within the complex.

Sub-Shrines 

• Mukti Kasara (Lake of Salvation) – a sacred lake within the temple complex, believed to cleanse sins when bathed in during auspicious days like Karthika Masam, Margasira, and Magha Masam, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Ananta (Sesha) – the divine serpent, honored here for his penance to Lord Vishnu.
• The temple complex includes two lakes, high protective walls, and traditional South Indian architecture.

Temple Significance

• Mythological Importance:
• Ananta, son of Kadru (mother of serpents), performed penance here and was blessed by Lord Vishnu to become His divine bed.
• Sage Narada, transformed into a woman after bathing in the lake, lived a human life before regaining his form—highlighting Vishnu’s maya and mercy.
• Historical Value:
• Inscriptions date back to 1073 CE, with contributions from Eastern Chalukyas, Kulottunga I, and the Reddi Kingdom.
• Mentioned in 15th-century Telugu literature by poet Srinatha, including Kasi Khandamu and Bhimeswara Puranam.
• Protected Monument: Recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for its cultural and architectural heritage.

Rituals

• Daily Pujas: Traditional Vaishnavite rituals are performed, including Suprabhata Seva, Archana, Abhishekam, and Harathi to Lord Bhavanarayana and Goddess Lakshmi.
• Mukti Kasara Snanam: Devotees bathe in the sacred lake called Mukti Kasara on auspicious days like:
• Karthika Masam
• Margasira Masam
• Magha Masam
• Especially on Saturdays and Sundays, believed to cleanse sins and grant salvation.
• Special Homams and Vratams: Conducted during festival days and for personal spiritual benefits.

Major Festivals

Festival Name	Significance & Observance
Ugadi	Celebrated as the New Year; marks renewal and divine blessings
Vaisakha Suddha Ekadasi	A sacred day for Vishnu devotees; special pujas and fasting
Karthika Pournami	Devotees light lamps and take holy dips in Mukti Kasara
Ratha Saptami	Symbolizes the Sun God's chariot; Vishnu worship intensifies

These festivals draw large crowds and are marked by decorated gopurams, processions, and cultural programs.

Beliefs and Legends

• Ananta’s Penance: The divine serpent Ananta (Sesha) performed penance here and was blessed by Vishnu to become His eternal couch. This makes the temple a symbol of devotion and divine service.
• Spiritual Cleansing: Bathing in Mukti Kasara is believed to erase sins, grant moksha, and purify karma, especially when done with faith on designated days.

Scriptural Reference: Brahma Vaivarta Purana

• The temple’s origin is narrated by Sage Agastya to Shaunaka Rishi and other sages in the Naimisharanya forest.
• It centers around the story of Kadru, wife of Sage Kashyapa, and her thousand serpent sons. When they refused to cheat in a bet, she cursed them to perish in King Janamejaya’s Sarpa Yagna.
• Among them, Ananta (Sesha), the most pious, sought refuge in penance to Lord Vishnu at a place that came to be known as Sarpapura (later Sarpavaram). Vishnu blessed him to become His eternal bed and declared the site sacred.

Narada’s Transformation

• Sage Narada, after claiming immunity from Vishnu’s maya, was humbled when he bathed in the lake at Sarpapura and transformed into a woman.
• As a woman, he married Prince Nakunda of Pithapuram and bore sixty sons, named after the Telugu calendar years (e.g., Prabhava, Vibhava).
• After their tragic death in battle, Narada—still in female form—attempted to end her life. Vishnu appeared as a Brahmin and instructed her to bathe again, restoring Narada’s original form.
• Vishnu then declared the lake as Mukti Kasara—the Lake of Salvation—and commanded that all holy places from the three worlds reside there.

Temple Timings 

·        The temple is open to devotees in two main sessions: from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning, and again from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening.

·         Special offerings include the Bala Bhogam, performed between 6:15 AM and 6:30 AM, where light food is offered to the deity. Later in the morning, the Raja Bhogam takes place from 7:45 AM to 8:00 AM, symbolizing a royal meal offering.

·         On Ekadasi, a significant day in the Vaishnavite tradition, a special puja is conducted between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. This monthly ritual draws many devotees seeking spiritual merit and blessings.

Getting Here

• By Road:
  Sarpavaram is just 5 km from Kakinada city, easily reachable by auto, taxi, or local buses.
  From Madhavapatnam Junction, it’s about 3 km, with frequent transport options.
• By Train:
  The nearest railway station is Kakinada Town Railway Station, around 6 km from the temple.
  From there, autos and cabs are readily available.
• By Bus:
  Kakinada Bus Stand is well-connected to major cities like Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam.
  From the bus stand, the temple is a short ride away.
• By Air:
  The closest airport is Rajahmundry Airport, approximately 65 km from Kakinada.
  You can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Sarpavaram.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit:
  Plan your visit during Karthika Masam, Ekadasi, or Ratha Saptami for vibrant rituals and spiritual ambiance.
• Dress Code:
  Traditional attire is appreciated. 
• Temple Timings:
  Arrive early for Bala Bhogam (6:15–6:30 AM) or Raja Bhogam (7:45–8:00 AM) to witness intimate rituals.
• Photography:
  Be respectful—photography may be restricted inside sanctum areas.
• Local Language:
  Telugu is widely spoken. Basic phrases or a translation app can be helpful for non-Telugu speakers.
• Nearby Attractions:
  Consider visiting Pithapuram’s Kukuteswara Temple or Draksharamam, both culturally significant and close by.