Sri Jaganmohini Kesava and Gopala Swamy Temple

Andhra Pradesh, East Godavari, Amaravathi

Situated in Ryali, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, Sri Jaganmohini Kesava and Gopala Swamy Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was built by Raja Vikrama Deva during 11th century and later renovated it. Here, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Keshava Swamy as well as Sri Jagan Mohini. The unique feature of the temple is the idol of Sri Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy Varu. Carved beautifully out of a single black saligrama stone, it depicts Keshava Swamy on the front while the back of the stone portrays Jaganmohini. The temple also houses a shrine of Lord Shiva known as Sri Umakamandaleswaraswami.

Legend

According to the legends, Lord Vishnu disguised as Mohini came in front of Devas (Gods) and Asuras (demons) who were quarrelling over the pot of Amrita (an elixir of immortality). Mohini promised to distribute the Amrita equally among Devas and Asuras. However, for the sake of peace and protection of people from Asuras, Mohini gave Amrita only to Devas and disappeared from there. Lord Shiva who saw Lord Vishnu in the Mohini avatar, fascinated by her beauty and chased Mohini in the presence of Goddess Parvati. While chasing, one flower from the plait of Mohini fell down and Lord Shiva smelled it. In the end, Lord Vishnu came to his true form. The place where the flower fell is named as Ryali which means fall in Telugu.

Architecture

The most unique feature of this temple is the idol of the deity which is 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The idol has been carved out of a single black saligrama stone which portrays Keshava Swamy, on the front and the back side of the stone portrays JaganMohini. Water keeps sprouting from the underground at the idol's feet. The temple also houses the shrine of Lord Shiva in the form of Sri Umakamandaleswaraswami.

Darsan Info

06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Wear neat and modest clothes and avoid shorts for men

Famous Festival

Sri Jaganmohini kesava Swamy kalyanam which is from Chaitra Shudha Navami to Pournami which is during March/April, Sri Rama Satyanarayana Swamy kalyanam which is from Vishakha Sudha Ekadasi to Pournami, Sri Venugopala Swamy kalyanam which is from Jyestha Sudha Ekadasi to Pournami in the month of June, Shravana Bahula Ashtami which also known as Sri Krishnastami in August, Karthika Shuddha Dwadasi which is also known as Ksheerabdhi Dwadasi held in November, Devi Navaratris in October, Mukkoti Ekadasi, Bheeshma Ekkadasi

Culture

The culture of East Godavari district is a rich traditional one in all parts of the district, and reflects the true culture of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for Veda-pandits, the Godavari River and the hospitality of the people.