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Showing posts from June 8, 2016


Kripi in the Mahabharata - Story of the Wife of Dronacharya

In the Mahabharata, Kripi is the wife of Drona and sister of Kripa or Kripacharya. Story of the birth of Kripi is found in the Agni Purana. She was the daughter of Rishi Sharadvan and celestial nymph Janapadi. Although Sharadvan was born in the lineage of saints, he was more interested in Dhanurveda (science of archery). To show his deep interest some scriptures states that he was born with bow and arrow. An expert archer from a young age, Sharadvan did intense penance in the forest to learn all the nuisances of archery. Keeping his bow and arrow nearby he performed Tapas to get blessings from the Trimurtis. As the intensity of the penance of Sharadvan increased, Indra, King of Devas, felt threatened. He saw Sharadvan as a potential threat to his throne and status. To break the penance, Indra deputed celestial nymph Janapadi. She enticed Sharadvan in numerous ways but found on success. Finally she succeeded but just for a moment – Sharadvan lost his senses for a moment but h

Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple at Amaravati in Guntur District – Amareswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh

Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple, is one of the Pancharama Kshetras, and is located at Amaravati in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Amareswara. The temple is located around 20 km northwest of Guntur at the sacred spot of Amararama in Amaravati. The white Shivling worshipped in the temple is 15 feet high. There is a red stain atop the Shivling. Legend has it that a nail was inserted to stop the Shivling from growing. The red color is blood. Even today one can see red color stains on the Shivling. Since the Sivalinga is so tall here, the archakas mount a pedestal platform on which they conduct regular rituals and Abhisheka.  Mother Goddess Shakti is worshipped here as Bala Chandika. Located on the banks of Krishna River, the architecture of the temple is typical Dravidian style. There are four gopurams or South Indian style temple towers. The temple is believed to have been built during the 10 th century AD. It underwent renovation in the 14 th