SRI DASAANJANEYA SWAMI TEMPLE, MACHAVARAM, VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH...
ssm rao
Andhra Pradesh and Anjaneya
It will not be an exaggeration to state that there is no village in
Andhra Pradesh without a Hanuman temple, especially after the reigns of
Vijayanagara samrajya spreading its wings throughout the present Andhra
Pradesh. Here Anjaneya Swami is popular as Hanumanthudu or Anjaneyalu.
Sri Vyasatheerthulu
The Vijayanagara samrajya was under the rule of Saluva dynasty, later
Saluvas were defeated, making way for the Thaulavs to rule the samrajya.
During 1509, Krishnadevaraya become the emperor of Vijayanagara samrajya. But
during the Saluvas rule and also during Thaulavs regin,Sri Vyasatheerthulu a
devotee of Vishnu and a Hanumathupasakadu was the Guru of the kings. Sri
Vyasatheerthulu was spreading Hanumat Bhakti and spirituality. He had also
installed ("pradishta") many Hanuman idols and constructed temples whenever
he was directed.
His Visit to Machavaram
As Sri Vyasatheerthulu was touring along with his disciples on foot, they
halted at Indra Kiladri and relaxing. Lord Maruti appeared in the form of
vanara and got them up and gave indication to follow him. They all did so and
crossed over mountains and forests and reached the present place of
Machavaram. Lord Maruti in vanara form asked Sri Vyasatheerthulu to construct
a temple at that place and to install the Anjaneya vigraham (idol) with
Sankh
and Chakra on the either side of the idol. After having directed so Lord
Maruti proceeded towards northern direction reciting Ramanamam and
disappeared. As directed by Lord Maruti, Sri Vyasatheerthulu initiated temple
construction and left for another village.
Rediscovery of the Vigraha
In subsequent to fall of Vijayanagera samrajya and power going to others,
many temples were fallen pray and were ruined including many Anjaneya temples
constructed by Sri Vyasatheerthulu. About one hundred and fifty years ago, a
contractor Sri Dunna Veeraswamy Naidu was constructing Eluru – Vijayawada
road. During that time Lord Anjaneya gave him a divine direction by appearing
in his dream to excavate the idol from a particular place. Sri Naidu
proceeded to the site indicated by Lord Anjaneya in his dream, with his
laborers for digging work. A small excellent divine idol form with Sindhoora
decoration was excavated from the very same place where a peepal tree was
existing. He had arranged for a thatched shed then and there for facilitating
the darshan to devotees. Earlier to temple construction the peepal tree was
providing pleasant shelter at the place and that very same tree is still
alive and could be seen.
From then onwards the Lord Anjaneya of this kshethra had been fulfilling the
desires of the devotees with his blessings.
Festivals
This sthala puranam has not been inscribed on any standard form but only
being told by elders since good olden days. This temple is under Endowment
Department of AP Government.
Dhanurmasam and Hanumath Jayanti are the main festivals celebrated in this
temple. Aku (betel leaf) pooja is performed with great reverence. Devotees from
around Vijayawada throng for darshan, especially on Tuesday.
The temple is located 6 km from Central bus stand of Vijayawada, and 5 km
from Vijayawada Railway Station.
Under inspiration of the Lord Anjaneya many devotees had made many slokas
including a panchavimsati, in praise of Sri Dasaanjaneya Swami of this
kshethra.
machavara vasa sathakoti manmatha vilasaa
kasari putra hanumantha keerthimantha ||
Though Lord Anjaneya's murthi(idol) of the kshethra is small, kirthi is great, and a visit to this kshethra can bring peace, love and lot of inspiration.
[ed. 04.04.2002]