Nestled in the serene
village of Sathravada, near Nagari in Chittoor district, Andhra
Pradesh, the Sri Kari Varadaraja Swamy Temple is a sacred shrine with a
rich history and deep spiritual significance. Located north of the Kosasthaliyar
River, this temple is dedicated to Sri Perundevi Sametha Sri Kari
Varadaraja Perumal, revered by devotees for centuries.
Sthala Puranam
The temple’s legend
traces back to the village of Munipallai, where sages performed penance
and yagnas. An asura named Kari disturbed their rituals, prompting Lord
Vishnu to manifest as Kari Varadaraja Swamy and destroy the demon, much
like his Narasimha avatara for Prahlada. Grateful sages requested the Lord to
reside in Sathravada, blessing nearby villages like Karimbedu, Nagari, and
Therani.
The temple flourished
during the Vijayanagar Empire, with inscriptions dating back 1500 years,
when King Krishnadevaraya and his sub-rulers patronized the shrine. The village
was historically known as Satravadi, a hub of spiritual activity.
Utsava Details
The temple follows Vaikhanasa
Agama Sastra, with Chitra Pournami being its most important
festival. On this day, Lord Kari Varadaraja Swamy, along with Sri Devi and
Bhoomi Devi, blesses devotees at the Kosasthaliyar River. The Garuda Seva,
celebrated with grandeur, mirrors the traditions of the Kanchi Varadaraja Swamy
Temple.
Other utsava idols
include Sri Perundevi, Sri Andal, Sri Anjaneyar, and Sri Chakrathalwar,
making the festivities diverse and spiritually enriching.
Special Celebrations
- Weekly:
- Every Sunday – Special puja for Veera
Anjaneyaswamy
- Every Friday – Special puja for Sri
Kari Varadaraja Swamy
- Annual:
- Ekadasi Thithi
- Rathasapthami
- Purattasi Special Puja
- Margazhi Special Puja
- Bhogi Special Puja
Each celebration includes
abhishekam, alankaram, archana, and aaradhana, enhancing the temple’s
devotional atmosphere.
Other Shrines
- Sri Perundevi Thayaar
and Sri Andal have dedicated shrines.
- Garudalwar
faces the Lord in devotion.
- A special mandapam honors Alwars
and Acharyas, including Nammalwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Sri Ramanujar,
and Sri Manavala Mamunigal.
- Sri Veera Anjaneya Swamy Sannidhi
features an 8-foot idol, where rituals for children are performed to
remove Balarishta Dosham.
Historical Visits
The temple gained
prominence when Sri Paramacharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam visited and
stayed nearby for six months. Later, in 2000, Sri Chinna Jeeyar
Swamigal of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams performed Kudamuzhukku
(renovation), further sanctifying the temple.