Edupayala Temple

Introduction to the Edupayala Temple

The Edupayala Temple or Edupayala Vana Durga Bhavani Temple is in Edupayala, Medak district, Telangana. Since the Temple is amidst a dense forest, it is also called Edupayala Vana Durga Bhavani Gudi. The presiding deity of the Edupayala Temple is Vana Durga Bhavani, an incarnation of Durga. It lies between the borders of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Devotees from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra visit this hill temple.

Legend of the Edupayala Temple

The Edupayala Temple is associated with the Mahabharata. Janamejaya, the grandson of Arjuna, performed a Sarpa Yagna to save his father, Maharaja Parikshit, from a curse that said he would die of a snakebite. Sarpa Yagna is a traditional ritual in which snakes are sacrificed in a fire. Janamejaya's aim was to destroy the entire serpent race. The serpents pleaded with Ganga Devi to save them by extinguishing the Yagna fire.

So, Ganga divided the Manjeera River into seven narrow streams. The streams ultimately flowed and touched the feet of Vana Durga Bhavani in the sanctum of the Edupayala Temple. The river flows in seven narrow streams from Ghanpur, forming a meeting point near the temple.

These seven streams are - Jamadagni, Vishwamitra, Vasishta, Atri, Kashyapa, Bharadwaja, and Gautama, named after the seven sages. The Edupayala Temple management releases excess water to the Ghanpur project for devotees to take a holy bath.

The Architecture of the Edupayala Temple

The Edupayala Temple belongs to the 12th century. It is in the Hindu hill temple architectural style. The flight of steps leading to the sanctum is beautifully carved. The temple occupies a vast area and comprises many structures and enclosures.

The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Vana Durga Bhavani, carved out of a single stone. Her idol is depicted with multiple arms, each holding a different weapon and symbol associated with Hindu mythology.

There are shrines for Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, and Saraswati around the sanctum. All these shrines are at an equal distance from the sanctum, a unique feature. The size of the Edupayala Temple is small, and the Gopurams are of moderate height. Various images of local deities can be seen on the walls and pillars of the temple. The small prayer hall can accommodate a few devotees at a time.

The Edupayala Temple features intricately carved pillars, ornate gateways, and exotic sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu epics and mythology. The vibrant colors and fine detailing of the temple add to its aesthetic appeal.

Over 30 lakh people visit the Edupayala Temple every year to worship the presiding deity. They have a customary bath in the seven rivers and pray to her for a good harvest and a prosperous life during Shivratri and Durga Ashtami.

Specialty of Edupayala Temple

During the rainy season, the river water flows high and reaches the legs of Vana Durga Bhavani. Devotees flock here to see this.

The Edupayala Temple is associated with the names of seven famous Indian sages - Jamadagni, Vishvamitra, Vasishta, Atri, Kashyapa, Bharadwaja, and Gautama. It is the place where seven streams converge into the Manjeera River, hence the name Edupayala. 'Edu' means 'seven,' and 'Payalu' means 'streams' in Telugu. The Edupayala Temple becomes inaccessible during the peak monsoon season.

The Edupayala Temple also serves as a spiritual and cultural center that promotes the values of devotion, unity, and social harmony. It has been a meeting point for people from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and shared heritage.

Festivals in the Edupayala Temple

The Edupayala Temple celebrates the Medaram Jatara and Edupayala Jatara festivals very grandly. Edupayala Jatara is also known as Seven Payala Jatara. This three-day grand fair is celebrated during Shivratri. The festival begins on Shivratri and is followed by Bandi Utsavam. Decorated bullock carts from 32 villages participate in the festival. It ends with Rathothsavam. The hereditary trustee starts the Edupayala Jatara. The Medak legislator offers a sari to the Vana Durga Bhavani. This grand Jatara attracts over 5 lakh pilgrims across cities.

Navaratri Uchavalu and Magama Amvasya are observed here.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Edupayala Temple

Devotees perform animal sacrifices, mainly sheep and hens, to Vana Durga Bhavani to fulfill their wishes. They believe that the deity can grant their wishes by accepting their sacrifice. Worshipping Vana Durga Bhavani is believed to bestow strength, courage, and prosperity.