Sri Marakata Rajarajeswari Temple

Sri Marakata Rajarajeswari Temple was built by Avadhoota Datta Peethadhipathi His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji and is devoted to the Goddess Rajarajeswari, who is the chief deity of SriVidya Upasakas, Seekers of SriVidya. Legend says and so do the seekers believe that she is present in every human and manifests as Shat Chakras and establishes herself in the Sahasrara. It is architecturally one of the most ornate temples in Vijayawada.

The temple appears to be carried by 108 Yakshas who are present at the lower most part of the temple. The second layer depicts elephants carved out impeccably and they are symbolic of prosperity and knowledge. The temple has nine concentric layers Avaranas namely Bhuparam, Bahirdasaram, Ashtadalavaranam, Chaturdasaram, Bahirdasaram, Antardasaram, Shodasadalavaranam, Astakonam, Trikonam and Bindu. Bindu is said to be the abode of Goddess Rajarajeswari. It is believed that this is the sole origin of the whole universe and is the state of ultimate bliss, Sarvanandamaya Chakram.

Idol of Goddess Rajarajeswari

The idol of Goddess Rajarajeshwari is carved out of a single Emerald. She has the Ajna Chakra at her foot. The energy is said to gradually move upwards from the Muladhara, base Chakra, transcend all intermediate layers and reach to the Ajna Chakra.  The Goddess sits on the Sahasrara Chakra.

The nine forms of the Goddess, Navadurga, are also present in the temple. On the Northern side sits Shaila Putri, Rahmacharini and Chandraghanta Devi, towards the Eastern side sits Kushmanda, Skandamata, and Katyayani and on the Southern side sits Kalaratri, Mahagowri and Siddi Dhatri.

Structure of the Temple

The temple has two entrances-the outer one is known as Lakshmi Dwaram and the inner one is known as Saraswati Dwaram. At the Lakshmi Dwaram there are two gatekeepers standing on Lions. Right after that one finds the Ashta Lakshmis and Jaya Lakshmi Mata, the mother of Swamiji. Above them lie the Gadharvas and atop them is Gaja Lakshmi. Above them are exquisitely carved out flower garlands sculpted as an arch. On either side of the entrance one can also see the Hayagreeva and Agastya, who brought the great Goddesses’ secrets into this world. Below them on either side of the lions lie the sculptures of Narada and Tumbura. They are the two musicians who excel at their art and their art seems to please the Goddess.
After the Lakshmi Dwaram one reaches the Saraswati Dwaram. On either side are present the Ashta Ganapati Statues. Both side of the entrance are flanked by Gandharva Maidens and then gatekeepers perched beneath them. Mother Saraswati sits at the center of the entrance. The sides of the entrance are adorned by sculptures of Rashi Chakra and Navagrahas which signify the role time plays in our lives.
In the Garbhalaya (Sanctum Sanctorum) sits the idol of Goddess Rajarajeswari. At her feet sits a tortoise also carved out of Emerald. The roof of the Garbhalaya is adorned with the Shri Chakra. It has 108 Triangles.

Festivals at the Temple

Sri Marakata Rajarajeswari Temple holds number of festivals to celebrate the Goddess and her innumerable miracles. Apart from the Sri Bala Swamiji Birthday celebrations and ceremonies where gurus and preachers visit to share the secrets with the disciples and devotees, the temple celebrates Navrathri with pomp and glory. All nine days of the festival are observed with fervor and belief. The main manifestations of Maha Lakshami, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Kali are worshipped on three different days.

Contact Details:

Avadhoota Datta Peetham
Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashram, Ganapati Temple Street,
Near Autonagar gate, Datta Nagar, Patamata,
Vijayawada - 520 010.
Phone: (+91) 866 2555541
Email: [email protected]

Also read:
Kanaka Durga Temple
Temples in Vijayawada