Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam
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The Sri Gnana Saraswathi Temple in Basara, Telangana, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi, the deity of knowledge and learning. Situated on the banks of the Godavari River, it is one of the two prominent Saraswathi temples in India, the other being in Jammu and Kashmir. Historical Significance of Basara Saraswathi Temple Origins and Mythology 1. Sage Veda Vyasa's Role: After the Mahabharata war, Sage Veda Vyasa sought solace and a serene place for meditation. He traveled along the Godavari River and chose Basara for its tranquility. Legend says that the sage installed idols of Goddess Saraswathi, Lakshmi, and Kali at this spot. The confluence of these three deities represents wisdom (Saraswathi), wealth (Lakshmi), and power (Kali), making the temple unique in its representation. 2. Connection with the Mahabharata: The temple is associated with the era of the Mahabharata. It is believed that Vyasa brought sacred sand from the riverbank, molded it into idols, and consecrated them here. The temple's alternate name, "Vyasara", is derived from Sage Vyasa's association, which eventually evolved into "Basara." Significance in Education and Rituals 1. Akshara Abhyasam: This temple is a prominent pilgrimage site for families initiating their children into education. The ritual, known as Akshara Abhyasam, involves children writing their first letters with the blessings of Goddess Saraswathi. The tradition makes the temple a symbol of the importance of learning in Indian culture. 2. Trinity of Deities: The temple houses idols of Goddess Saraswathi, along with Goddess Lakshmi and Kali, representing wisdom, wealth, and power, respectively. This confluence makes it a unique place of worship. 3. Spiritual Center: For centuries, the temple has been a center for spiritual learning, where devotees come to seek wisdom and enlightenment. Architectural and Cultural Importance 1. Ancient Construction: While the exact date of construction is unknown, the temple's origins are believed to date back to several millennia, during the post-Mahabharata period. The simple yet serene architecture reflects the spiritual ambiance of the place. 2. Cultural Heritage: Basara continues to be a hub for spiritual seekers and scholars, celebrating the legacy of ancient India’s reverence for education and wisdom. Why It’s Unique It is one of the two prominent Saraswathi temples in India, the other being in Jammu and Kashmir. The triad of deities in one sanctum is a rare phenomenon, symbolizing the balance of intellectual, material, and physical strength. This historical and spiritual background makes the Basara Saraswathi Temple not only a place of devotion but also a symbol of India's deep-rooted cultural and educational traditions. Visiting Information: Location: Basara is approximately 210 kilometers from Hyderabad. The temple is accessible by road and rail, with the nearest railway station being Basar (BSX), about 2.4 kilometers away. Temple Timings: The temple opens early in the morning, with rituals commencing around 4:00 AM. It's advisable to check the official temple website or contact the temple authorities for the most up-to-date timings and any special events. Additional Attractions: Nearby, devotees can visit the Vyasa Guha (Cave), believed to be the meditation site of Sage Veda Vyasa. The serene environment and the spiritual ambiance make it a fulfilling experience for visitors.
Shabarish Boggarapu
00
We went to Basara y'day i.e. on 23.06.2019 for our kid's Aksharabhayasam. 1) We went by car from Hyderabad. Basara road between Navipet and Basara is not good, road widening work is going on now (which is a good move). 480 km to and fro Diesel expense was Rs 1520 /- 2) For Aksharabhayasam, we've two options. Rs 1000 /- ticket for which the puja is done inside the temple and Rs 100 /- for which is done outside the main temple in temple area. We opted Rs 1000/- option. 50-60 ppl are sent in batches inside the main temple. Puja duration is hardly 20 mins. Priest instructs us to chant and do puja. At the end, he calls us and makes kid write on the slate. So, depending on the queue rush, we may have to wait/stand till our turn comes to enter the temple. We waited 40 mins in the queue. 3) We need to purchase slate kit (consists of big slate, small book, kumkum, pasupu, rice pkts & pen) and two garlands which are priced high. We purchased Slate kit costed Rs 200 /- and garlands costed Rs 50 /- each outside the temple. Inside the temple, each garland costs Rs 100/-. One garland is to be put on child and other one is not used. Its better to buy only one. 4) Hotels are pathetic, hence we didn't stay there. Went and returned back on the same day. 5) As of now, there's no water in Godavari river. We had done head tonsure for our daughter and there was running water near the bank where we had bath to our kid. Ghat is very dirty and no maintenance. 6) We carried our own food, as there are no good food hotels/stalls in this place. However, there's a canteen while entering the temple. Didn't try anything there, hence cannot comment on it. 7) ATMs doesn't seem to work or have money. Overall, it's not preferably to stay here overnight, carry your own food, carry enough liquid cash.
Bhaskar Rudra
00
Temple is considered auspicious for Aksharabhyasam. Godavari river is near to the temple. Bus and train facility is also available. Basara is 210km from Hyderabad. TSRTC direct buses available to basara from hyderabad. Journey takes around 5 hours. Clockroom (for luggage) available. Aksharabyasam Timings 7.30-12.30 and 2.00-6.00PM Cost Aksharabyasam - 150 (Outside hall) Special Aksharabyasam - 1000 (in temple permsis) Only kid & parents allowed. For extra persons Rs.100 each. Aksharabyasam takes around 20 mins. waiting time will be around 30 mins in week days. 1-2 hours in weekends. Things required for Aksharabyasam 1. Slate, slate pencil 2. Flower garland - 1 3. One coconut 4. Rice, Haldi, kumkum Other than the above mentioned items nothing is required and people outside will ask you to buy many things are required and charge hefty amount. No one even takes them . Its waste of money. Prasadam: Laddu and Pulihora, each 20rs. Mobile phones are not allowed and need to be submitted in a counter at the entrance. Inside the temple the photographer charging 100 per photo(print) and not even giving the soft copy. Photography and photographers in the temple is a worst business. Stationery and slates available near to the temple premises are costly, remember to bargain. Rush days: weekends and Major festival days like Basant Panchami, Dusshera, etc. Bathing ghat is about 1.5 kms from the temple. Dress changing rooms not available for ladies at ghat. ATM available but some times not working, better to bring along with you. Many shops not accepting UPI/online payments.
Rajesh K
170
This is a very nice place , people believe the goddess is very powerful. It is one of the two famous Saraswati temples in India the other being in jammu and kashmir . Saraswati is the hindu Goddess of knowledge and learning. Children are brought to the temple for the learning ceremony called as akshara abasam. According to Mahabharatha, Maharishi Vysa and his disciples and sage viswamitra decided to settle down in a cool and serene atmosphere after the kurukshatra . 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 BASAR. It is heavily crowded in the time of vasantha panchami, people here will loot you in the name of goddess, the price of room will fly like hell, the room prices will be enormously increased, I still surprised how come government dose not have a control on the price of the rooms, arrangements for the peligrims can be better, security wise, good monitoring by local police men, that's 24 hours, well done, but places are not heginic, can be better, every body brings their children here, please take care of yourself and children, food quality is pathetic, don't try street food, hotel in the temple is better. Take all safety measures for food and health
yaswanth pakyala
00
It is the best and most visited temple here, The camera is not always in the temple, Mainly this temple is visited for the kids for AKSHAR-AABHYASAM POOJA, men must be wearing dhooti for this pooja, with their kids, The importance of this pooja is, to offer the blessings of Devi Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge) therefore this temple is also famous for its name- Gyan Saraswati Temple. It is the belief that, after completion of this Ritual/Pooja the kids are blessed with Godess Saraswati & the process of learning and knowledge in his entire life will be completed successfully without any hurdles, Maa saraswati will overcome all the obstacles in the path of learning of the kids. You need to buy the ticket for ₹150, for this pooja. The dress code is white Dhooti, for men n boys, girls n mother must wear white sari n girls must be in white traditional dress. After taking bath in river Godavari, you may proceed for this pooja in dress code. This city/town is on the banks of river Godavari. Inside the temple, there is Lord Dattatray temple, I don't know whether it's true or not, the story says that, Maharshi Ved Vyas (composed Mahabharat) was here for many years, and did medication & tapsya here, their idol is still present above the temple, in his cave, Photos & Video are uploaded, u may check .
Pradhyumna Khoria
00
Gnana Saraswati Temple is a Hindu temple of Goddess Saraswati located on the banks of Godavari River at Basara, Telangana, India.It is one of the two famous Saraswati temples in the Indian subcontinent, the other being Sharada Peeth. Saraswati is the Hindu Goddess of knowledge and learning. Children are brought to the temple for the learning ceremony called as Akshara abyasam. According to Mahabharatha, 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 this 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. In the 17th century, the idols of the temple were reinstated by a chieftain of Nandagiri (Nanded) subsequent to destruction caused by Muslim invaders.
Kailash Banoth
00
Nearby Attractions Of Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam
BASARA TEMPLE
Vyasa Maharshi Cave

BASARA TEMPLE
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Vyasa Maharshi Cave
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Nearby Restaurants Of Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam
Ruchi Mess
Sri Gnana Saraswathi Restaurant
Manasa Restaurant and Lodge
Jai Bhavani Tea and Tiffin Center
Vagdevi mess
Shiva Sai fast food centre and Biryani point
RAJU TIFFIN CENTER
RIDHU CHICKEN CENTRE

Ruchi Mess
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(78)
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Sri Gnana Saraswathi Restaurant
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Manasa Restaurant and Lodge
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Jai Bhavani Tea and Tiffin Center
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(21)
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Basic Info
Address
Mudhole - Mandal, Basar, Telangana 504101, India
Map
Phone
+91 87522 55550
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Website
basaratemple.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(6.9K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
Description
Gnana Saraswati Temple is a Hindu temple of Goddess Saraswati located on the banks of Godavari River at Basara, Telangana, India. It is one of the two famous Saraswati temples in the Indian subcontinent, the other being Sharada Peeth. Saraswati is the Hindu Goddess of knowledge and learning.
attractions: BASARA TEMPLE, Vyasa Maharshi Cave, restaurants: Ruchi Mess, Sri Gnana Saraswathi Restaurant, Manasa Restaurant and Lodge, Jai Bhavani Tea and Tiffin Center, Vagdevi mess, Shiva Sai fast food centre and Biryani point, RAJU TIFFIN CENTER, RIDHU CHICKEN CENTRE

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