Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple

Introduction to the Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple

Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple is an ancient temple located in Pedakakani village near Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. It is considered to be the birthplace of the Vrishabhavathi River. Many tourists from across the country visit the temple to worship Malleswara Swamy and perform the famous Rahu Ketu Pooja.

Legend of the Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple

There are many legends about the Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple. According to one of the legends, Sage Bharadwaja reached this spot as part of his spiritual journey. He decided to perform a Yagna, for which he had invited other sages. The Yajna went well, and at the end, they noticed that a crow started eating 'Havissu' (materials offered during a Yagna), which is meant for Yajna Karthas.

Sage Bharadwaja tried to stop the crow from eating it. The crow replied that he was Kakasura, who got the boon from Brahma to eat Havissu. He then said he attained the crow form as a sage cursed him.

The crow requested him to perform an Abishekam with water from holy rivers and Panchamrita to relieve its curse. As requested, the sage performed Abishekam, which restored his demonic form, and performed Abishekam for Shiva with Jasmine flowers. Hence, Shiva was called Mallikarjuna Swamy.

The Architecture of the Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple

Sri Adi Shankaracharya built the Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple, which was later renovated by Sri Krishnadevaraya in 1440 AD.

The Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple is a rock-cut cave temple with a Dravidian architectural style. It has a 60-foot-high Rajagopuram, a Dhwaja Sthambam, and an Addala Mandapa (small hall) with gardens surrounding the temple. In the large Mukti Mandap, devotees perform various rituals and Poojas.

The Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple resembles the Srisailam Temple and is surrounded by stunning scenery. Koneru, the temple tank, is located before the temple and is called Basava Theertha.

Malleshwara, an incarnation of Shiva, is the main deity of Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple. His other names are Jayasena and Mallikarjuna. Malleshwara graces in the form of Shiva Lingam facing the east direction. There are separate shrines for Bhramaramba Devi and Subramanya. The temple is otherwise called Sri Bhramaramba Malleswara Swamy Temple. Bhramaramba Devi is one of the Ashtadasa Sakthi and Sri Malleswara Swamy is one of the Jyothirlingams of Srisaila Kshetram.

Festivals in the Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple

The Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple celebrates Maha Shivratri, Maasa Shivratri, Pradhosha Pooja, Arudra Darshan & Brahmotsavam every year with great pomp. Hordes of devotees throng the temple to worship Malleswara Swamy on these festival days.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple

Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple is famous for Rahu Ketu Pooja, Sarpa Dosha Pooja and Graha Dosha Pooja. Devotees believe that performing Rahu Ketu Pooja and other Poojas here can relieve them from the affliction of malefic planets and help them to receive the abundant blessings of Malleswara Swamy.

Yagnala Bavi is a well that is situated on the eastern side of the Pedakakani Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple. It is believed that Sage Bharadwaja brought water from all the holy rivers and poured it into this well. People believe drinking a glass of water from this well can cure all ailments. Devotees also worship Sri Malleswara for progeny blessings.