Brief About Sri Kamkshi Vaidyanath Temple
An Ancient temple which is said to be built many centuries ago and rebuilt by many kings is on the Penna River at a PanchaNadi Sangamam. 16Kms from Kadapa / Cuddapah / Devuni Gadapa in Andhra Pradesh.
How to reach?
This temple is located in Chinnamachupalli village which is around 8 kms from the NH40 (Kurnool – Chittoor Rd). There is no public transport at all from the highway. Not even Autos. You may need to hire an auto from Cuddapah or near by villages. Best way is to use your own transport instead of depending on the public transport. Note that this article is being written during December 2022. Things may change later. Current road condition is very bad. It is single road with pot holes in majority of the places.
This temple is on East side of the Penna River. Do not confuse with Pushpagiri – The Hill on the West Bank of the Pinakini River.
Google Map Location: https://swalp.in/eastpushpagiri
What is the Story Behind Sri Kamakshi Vaidyanath Temple?
Sri Kamakshi Vaidyanath Temple
There is no clear history / story about this temple on when it was first constructed. But the Vaidyanath Swamy who was told to be a Swayambhu here centuries ago has been worshipped by many including Adi Shankaracharya, Rashtra Kutas, Chola, Kakatiyas etc… The current temple is constructed by Karikara Chola. Many kings have donated several villages around this village and is said to have many properties in and around this temple. It is said that this Shankaracharya mutt has huge properties with which they can even buy cities. However, during course of time all these properties were encroached and currently this temple is in a situation that it doesn’t have basic funding for Deepa, Dhoopa and Naivedya. There are multiple sayings about this Kshetra during Satya and Treta Yugas. In Satya Yuga, Garuda dropped a drop of nectar (Amrit) and henc the formation Amrita Sarovar. During Treta Yuga, Rama worshipped this Vaidyanatha swamy.
Sri Chakram and Adi Shankaracharya’s Visit
Adi Shankaracharya visited this place and prayed Kamakshi Devi here. He also had put up a Sri Chakra in front of Kamakshi Mata which can be seen even now. This is a permanent structure and cannot be moved.
Citation of this temple in Puranas
This Kshetram is very very anicent. One of the citation is available in Srisaila Khanda of Skand Purana which praises that this temple is ‘Nirvrutti Sangameswara’ . Another citation is in Sriranga Mahatmya of Garuda Purana.
An ASI Site, Many Sculptures and the ruins
Currently, this temple is being in the hands of ASI. Near by temple you can see a lot of ruined temples and some of them are not even accessible to enter into. One can see many sculpture on the walls, around the temple. This temple which is also called Andhra Hampi, is said to be an attractive site for both Nastiks (Non Believers) and Astiks (Believers) as there are so many things to learn, understand from these sculptures.
The Nectar Pool / Amrit Sarovar and Pushpagiri
If you are reading about Sri Kamakshi Vaidyanatha Temple then you should also know the story of Amrit Sarovar (The Nectar Pool) as well as the Hill which is called Pushpagiri on the opposite bank of the Penna River.
Who Constructed Pushpagiri Temples?
There are various kings who constructed various temples of the Pushpagiri temple complex. The current construction of Sri Kamakshi Vaidyanath temple is by Karikala Chola.
Temple Timings
Temple is open from 8:30 to 4:30. It may be closed during the lunch break. However, you can call the poojari in the number provider outside the poojari if the temple is locked. He will come and open. Locals can also help you in reaching out to poojari as it is a very small village.
Mysteries and Interesting Points
- The Architecture – It is really mystery on how they have constructed and who constructed this temple. As per the inscripts found there, many kings and in different eras / centuries have rebuilt this temple. You can see hundreds of monuments that were kept standing inside the temple all around. I am guessing they all are found during escavations.
- Panchanadi Kshetra: Pinakini / Penna River – River Penna it self is mystery by its nature as it flows to both East and West due its bow shape. That is why it is called Pinakini (Bow Shaped). It is said that there are 4 rivers got merged in to Penna River at this place. However, only Kundu and Papagni rivers are visible and got merged at a little far away place from Pushpagiri. There is a scope for research of what those 5 rivers that got merged in to one and what happened to the course of the remaining invisible rivers. Is it something like Saraswathi river which is now not existing but the river bed is still available underground and is now visible with a satellite image.
- Hari Hara Kshetram: Like many Hindu sites this is also another Hari Hara Kshetra. The only difference is here both Hari and Hara and Swayambhu.
- Sri Chakra and Adi Shankaracharya: Adi Shankaracharya established Sri Chakra at this place which is said to be very powerful. This is the only Shankar Mutt in AP state established by Adi Shankara.
Other Sightseeing Places Nearby
- Bheemeshwara Swamy Temple, Raghaveshwara Swamy Temple and Trikooteshwara Swamy Temples in the same complex just behind the main temple.
- Kasi Viswanath Swamy Temple — Another Ancient Temple which comes on the way to Sri Kamakshi Vaidyanath Temple.
- Temple Complex on the West side of the River Bank which contains many temples including Chenna Keshava Swamy Temple.
- As the temple is on the bank of the Penna River, one can get down in to the waters of the Penna River. However, utmost care has to be taken or take the advice of the locals as there are no proper safety measurements by the authorities.
Development Needs
- Publicity: Very less number of devotees do visit this famous, ancient and powerful temple. It needs more publicity.
- Roads: Very narrow roads to the village and lots of pot holes. Needs expansion as well as fill the pot holes.
- Accommodation: No accommodation. APTDC should construct cottages.
- Food and Water: No food stalls. Villagers can expand their shops in to food stalls when there are more visitors keep coming. No drinking water facility so people are buying the plastic water which is causing plastic piling up in that eco friend area.
- SwatchBharat: Needs cleaning of the surroundings as well as temple premises. As a responsible citizen, we need to make sure every temple is clean and green.
- Renovation: Needs renovation of destroyed temples in the village near by the temple as well as little away from the temple.
- Boating can be provided to the west bank of the Penna River where there is another group of temples especially Sri Chenna Keshava Swamy temple is present. Currently, one need to travel nearly 20 to 30mins to reach the other side. Having a boat will not only attract tourists but also comfortable for those who would like to the other side of the bank. It also creates a few jobs.
- Bridge between the banks: A bridge between the two banks can be constructed so that the travel between the two temple complexes will be easy. If it is not financially viable then a foot over bridge like that of Laknavaram can also be built.
- Eco Tourism: As it is on the bank of a river and is a remote and peaceful area. There is a lot of scope for eco tourism.
- Pujari: Very sad to comment on a pujari but unfortunately the pujari doesn’t have the basic explanation skills and he doesn’t see to pronounce the mantras properly. Certainly, there should be a well trained poojari in such prestigious and ancient temple.