Chennakesava Swamy Temple, Markapur

Chennakesava-Swamy-Temple-in-Markapuram-in-PrakasamChennakesava Swamy Temple located in Markapuram of Prakasam district is a famous temple of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. The presiding deity in this temple is Sri Maha Vishnu in the divine form of Chennakesava Swamy and is seen with His consort Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi. The Lord is called Kesava because He killed a demon called Kesi.

History of the Temple
Chennakesava Swamy Temple was built during 1405-1459 AD, the period of Vijayanagar rulers. The temple has magnificent gopurams. The first storey of the temple was built during the Krishnadeva Raya’s reign, while the other storeys were added in 1837. The walls of Sri Chenna Kesava Swamy Temple were constructed in 1425 AD and have 18 inscriptions. These inscriptions give an account of culture and lives of people during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya. It is said the king gave away 355.14 acres to 14 surrounding villages just so that the people of villages would look after the temple.

Special attractions in the temple

Galigopuram of 135 Feet
T
he temple has a massive Galigopuram of 135 feet in height which can be seen from 5 km away. It is an imposing and majestically magnificent sight.

40 Pillared Mandapam
There is a 40-pillared Mandapam with intricate carving of the deities like Lord Sri Krishna, Lord Anjaneya, Lord Vighneswara and Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi with their respective Vahanas.

Magnificent Kalyana Mandapam
There is also a magnificent Kalyana Mandapam which has 6 musical pillars that produce 7 musical notes of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Da Ni in its correct Aarohana and Avarohana, when gently tapped with fingers.

Sun Rays falling at the Lord’s Feet
The astounding feature of this temple is every year from 16th December to 14th January every morning the sun’s rays enter the sanctum sanctorum through specially placed windows and fall at the feet of the Deity. This is an incredible architectural wonder that speaks volumes of the expertise of the artisans of Vijayanagar Dynasty. This causes the deity’s feet to glow for 20 minutes every day, during which devotees throng to the temple to catch a glimpse of this spectacular vision.

Related Posts

Latest Posts

  • Temples
  • Sacred Places
  • Articles
  • Pancha Sabhai Sthalams / Sthalangal
    Pancha Sabhai Sthalangal refers to the temples of Lord Nataraja, a form of Lord Shiva where he performed the Cosmic Dance. Panc..
  • Pancha Bhoota Stalas
    Pancha Bhoota Stalam or Pancha Bhoota Stala refers to the five Shiva temples, dedicated to Shiva, the most powerful Hindu god a..
  • 18 Shakti Peethas / Asta Dasa Shakti Peethas
    Astadasha Shakthi Peetas Lord Brahma performed a yagna to please Shakti and Shiva. Goddess Shakti emerged, separating from Shiv..
  • Navagaraha Sthala or Temple
    Navagraha Suriyan (Sun), Chandran (Moon), Chevvai (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (jupiter), Sukra (Venus), Sani (Saturn), Rahu (..

Gallery

  • Siddeshwara Swamy Temple, Warangal
  • 10 Unique things you should do in Kolhapur
  • Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Vaari Devasthanams, Bhadrachalam, Khammam, Telangana
  • Sri Brahmaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam, Srisailam, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
  • Maisigandi Maisamma Temple Kadthal,  Mahabubnagar, Telangana
  • Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akhilandeswari Temple, Thiruvanaikaval, Trichy, Tamilnadu
  • Sri Lakshmi Tirupatamma Devasthanam, Penuganchiprolu, Andhra Pradesh
  • Sri Subrahmanyeswara Swamy Vari Devasthanam, Mopidevi, Andhra Pradesh
  • Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devastanams, Vijayawada
  • Sree Bhadrakali Devasthanam, Warangal
  • Sri Lakshmi Ganapathy Temple, Biccavolu
  • Ashok Vatika
  • The Lords Own Country, Dwarka
  • Simhachalam Temple
  • Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple