Sri Adi Narayana Swamy Temple Kodakanchi, Telangana – Deities, Subshrines & Festivals

Location

Village: Kodakanchi, Jinnaram Mandal, Sangareddy District, Telangana.
Distance: Around 40 km from Hyderabad, easily accessible by road.
Setting: Surrounded by lush green fields, a sacred lake (kolanu/gundam), and a large Peepal tree, giving the temple a serene atmosphere.

Main Deities

Presiding Deity: Lord Vishnu as Sri Adi Narayana Swamy, worshipped with his consorts.
Consorts: Sridevi and Bhudevi, enshrined alongside Adi Narayana Swamy.
Unique Feature: The temple houses gold and silver lizard sculptures on its walls. Touching them is believed to absolve devotees of sins or doshas related to lizard contact.

Subshrines

Garupmantha Idol: Located on the ground floor, considered swayambhu (self‑manifested).
Other Shrines: Smaller sanctums for Vaishnava deities and traditional icons, reflecting Kanchi temple practices.
Sacred Tree & Lake: The Peepal tree and temple pond are integral to rituals and local beliefs.

Temple Significance

Historical Roots: Built in the 10th century CE, making it one of the oldest Vishnu temples in Telangana.
Kanchi Connection: Worship style mirrors that of Kanchipuram Varadaraja Swamy Temple. Local folklore says: “If you cannot go to Kanchi, visit Kodakanchi.”
Spiritual Belief: Darshan here is considered equivalent to visiting Kanchipuram.
Cultural Importance: The temple is a major Vaishnava center in Telangana, attracting devotees for its peaceful setting and unique rituals.
Dosha Nivarana: Touching the golden and silver lizards is believed to remove curses or misfortunes associated with lizard contact, a tradition also seen in Kanchipuram temples.

History

The temple dates back to around the 10th–12th century CE, making it one of the oldest Vishnu shrines in Telangana.
It was consecrated with idols of Sri Adi Narayana Swamy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi, and worship has been conducted in the same style as Kanchipuram Varadaraja Swamy Temple ever since.
Because of this, devotees often say: “If you cannot go to Kanchi, visit Kodakanchi.”

Legends

Kanchi Connection: The temple is popularly called Andhra Kanchi. Worship here is believed to yield the same spiritual merit as visiting Kanchipuram.
Golden & Silver Lizards: The temple features carvings of lizards on the sanctum walls, similar to the famous lizard sculptures at Kanchipuram.

Ancient belief: If a lizard falls on a person, it is considered inauspicious.
Remedy: Touching the golden or silver lizard carvings here is believed to remove the dosha (curse).

Sacred Setting: The temple is located near a pond (Gandikunta chervu) and a Peepal tree, both considered holy and integral to rituals.

Architecture

Style: Built in Dravidian Vaishnava tradition, reflecting strong Kanchipuram influences.
Sanctum (Garbhagriha): Houses Lord Adi Narayana Swamy with Sridevi and Bhudevi.
Subshrines: Include Garupmantha (self‑manifested idol), and smaller shrines for Vaishnava deities.
Unique Feature: The gold and silver lizard sculptures on the arch of the sanctum are rare and attract devotees seeking dosha nivarana (removal of curses).
Layout: Traditional prakaram (outer courtyard), mandapams for gatherings, and a sacred pond nearby, creating a serene devotional atmosphere.

Rituals

Conducted in the same style as Kanchipuram Varadaraja Swamy Temple, with Vedic chanting and Vaishnava traditions.
Offerings include flowers, fruits, and naivedyam to Lord Adi Narayana Swamy with Sridevi and Bhudevi.

Touching the gold and silver lizard sculptures (Bangaru & Vendi Balli) installed by Kanchi Peethadipati is believed to remove doshas (curses) associated with lizard contact.

Festivals

Vaikunta Ekadasi: Observed with fasting, prayers, and special darshan.
Sri Rama Navami: Celebrated with kalyanotsavam (celestial wedding of Rama and Sita).
Krishna Janmashtami: Devotional singing and midnight rituals.
Other Ekadashis: Regularly observed with Vishnu Sahasranama recitations.
Annual Celebrations: Local jatara and special pujas during auspicious months, drawing devotees from Hyderabad and surrounding districts.

Beliefs

Kanchi Equivalence: Visiting Kodakanchi is believed to be spiritually equal to visiting Kanchipuram Varadaraja Swamy Temple.
Dosha Nivarana: Touching the golden and silver lizards absolves sins or misfortunes caused by lizard contact.
Swayambhu Presence: The Garupmantha idol is considered self‑manifested, enhancing the temple’s sanctity.
Sacred Surroundings: The Peepal tree and temple pond (kolanu/gundam) are believed to purify devotees and grant blessings.
Prosperity & Protection: Worship here is said to bring prosperity, remove obstacles, and ensure family well‑being.

Temple Hours

Morning Darshan: 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening Darshan: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Hours may extend during Ekadashi, Vaikunta Ekadashi, and annual jatara celebrations.

Getting Here

Location: Kodakanchi village, Jinnaram Mandal, Sangareddy District, Telangana.
Distance from Hyderabad: ~40 km, about 1–1.5 hours by road.
By Road:

Well connected by local buses and autos from Patancheru, Sangareddy, and Hyderabad.
Taxis or private vehicles are convenient for direct travel.

Tips

Festival Crowds: During Vaikunta Ekadashi and local jatara, expect heavy crowds. Arrive early for darshan.
Dress Code: Traditional attire (dhoti/saree or modest clothing) is preferred.
Offerings: Devotees bring coconuts, flowers, fruits, and prasadam items.
Dosha Nivarana Ritual: Don’t miss touching the gold and silver lizard sculptures inside the temple, believed to remove lizard‑related doshas.
Sacred Surroundings: Spend time near the Peepal tree and temple pond (kolanu/gundam), considered spiritually purifying.
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings for peaceful darshan, or festival days for vibrant atmosphere.
Accessibility: Facilities are simple; carry water and essentials if traveling with family.