Gnana Saraswati Temple

According to some myth, Maharishi Vyas and his disciples and sage Viswamitra decided to settle down in a cool and serene atmosphere after the Kurukshetra War. In the quest for a peaceful abode, he came to Dandaka forest and, pleased with serenity of the region, selected this place. Since Maharishi Vyasa spent considerable time in prayers, the place was then called “Vasara” and turned into Basara due to the influence of the Marathi language in the region.

It is also believed that this temple is one of the three temples constructed near the confluence of the Manjira and Godavari rivers.

Historically, ‘Bijialudu’ a Karnataka king, who ruled the province of Nandagiri with Nanded as his capital in the sixth century, constructed the temple at Basara.

According to the Hindu Mythology Saraswati is the diety of education. In Hindu tradition every child before joining the school and most of the pupil seek the blessings of the Goddess Saraswati. “Education is a permanent asset to receive or lead a rosy future or devonity”. So that pupil in large scale perform Aksharabyasam.

“Education is a permanent asset to receive or lead a rosy future or devinity”. So that pupils in large scale perform Aksharabyasam. It is believed that in the midst of the koneru Saraswathi Theertha was located. Eight directions appeared even today. It was mentioned in Brahmanda Purana getting that if one bath in Koneru he/she libarates from the various sins committed by him/her.

For the people, who observed deeksha, Madhukaram (Bhiksha or seeking alm) is inevitable and certain Brahmin family members are ever ready to offer Bhiksha to such people.
Deeksha can be observed for seven days, eleven days, twenty one days or forty one days and even for more days. Goddess Saraswathi will appear in the dream of the sadhaka (devotee) and shower her kindest blessings to him. It is a well known experience of many devotees hailing from many places.

In the 17th century, the idols of the temple were reinstated by a chieftain of Nandagiri (Nandeed) subsequent to destruction caused by the Muslim invaders. There is nothing extraordinary about temple’s architecture yet its popularity is certainly creditable. Pilgrims from far and near come to pay their homage to the ‘Goddess of Wisdom’. Basant Panchami and Navaratri are the major festivals observed at the temple.

‘Akshara Gnana’ is a special ritual, in which devotees bring their children to the temple. The significance of the ritual lies in the fact that it marks the formal starting of child’s education. The child is given little bit of turmeric paste to taste, believing that it will clear his/her vocal chords for better learning. The Goddess answers all the prayers of the committed devotees, filling their life with bliss and happiness.