Chennakesava Temple

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Overview

The Chenna Kesava Temple is located on the banks of River Penna (or Pennar), in the Kadapa district of the state Andhra Pradesh. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and stands as the main attraction of the village Pushpagiri. Four minor tributaries namely Papaghani, Mandavi, Kumudhvati and Valkal is said to converge with river Penna at this place.

About the Temple

The Chenna Kesava Temple finds mention in many historical texts and literature associated with the famous Pushpagiri temple complex. The revered religious literature of Skanda Purana states this temple in its Srisaila Khanda. It also finds place in Rasaratnakara written by Satyanatha. The Ikshavu inscriptions that were found from this site, describes the temple as the southern gate of Dakshina Dwara – which houses the famous Jyothirlinga of Srisailam. The place is considered sacred dating back to the period of the renowned Karikala Chola of the early Chola Dynasty.

An inscription dating back to 1463 CE mentions about the Vaidyanatha Swamy temple at Pushpagiri. This temple is well known for its varied architectural design which includes those pertaining to many eras. This includes those styles originating from the Early Cholas till the modern day style of architecture. According to Myths, Lord Shiva is believed to have staged his divine cosmic dance at the Bhoga Nandeeswara Swamy temple on top of the Nandi Hills, where three rivers namely Pinakini or Penna River (in vernacular language), Arkavati and Palar are said to have originated.

Rivers Arkavati and Palar took course to become the tributaries of the major river Cauvery, while Pinakini is said to have asked God Shiva the purpose of her birth. She had also sought his reply as to which direction she should flow. Lord Shiva had replied saying his bow would guide her the way. As the bow pointed the direction east, a gorge was created on the earth for giving way for the mighty waters to flow through. Since the bow of God Shiva is called the Pinaka, the river too got its name after the now Pinakini.

A number of rulers from various dynasties are believed to have ruled the place for centuries. They have also been generous in their donations towards the development of this temple complex. The popular ruler of the Vaidumba Dynasty, King Somadeva who usurped power from the Cholas has provided grants to the temple. Other rulers such as the Pallava king Chiddana Devaraja and Yadava Singana of the Kesa dynasty also have their share of contributions towards this temple. The temple of Vaidyanatheswara Swamy was patronised by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna Vallabha who provided lands for the daily maintenance of the temple. A rock inscription to this effect has been excavated by the ASI.

Gangaya Sahini and Ambadeva who were the chieftains of Kakatiya dynasty, are credited with building various other temples of this region in their names and on behalf of their wives and daughters. The Chennakesava temple has been built by the Musunuri Nayaks, under the rule of the later Vijayanagara Kings. According to few inscriptions found on the temple premise, a tantric saint named Aghora Shivacharya is said to have constructed the main Gateway-Tower (Raja Gopuram) of Sri Chennakesava Swamy temple.

How To Reach Chennakesava Temple

Road

The Nearest Bus stop is Kadapa.

Railways

The Nearest Railway station is Kadapa Railway Station.

Airport

The Nearest Airport is Tirupati Airport.

Temple Address