The ancient temples of Goddess Saraswati doubled as centers of learning. Here is a look at the popular Goddess Saraswati Temples in India.
Kollur Mookambika Temple in Karnataka. The deity worshipped in the temple is Mookamba or Mookambika, the slayer of Mookasura or Kollasura and Devi is manifested here as Adi Shakti (union of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswathi), the only one of its kind in the country. The temple is a favorite spot for initiating children into the world of letters.
Sharada Temple at Sringeri In Karnataka. The shrine was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. The murti of Goddess Saraswati worshipped here is installed on a chakra.
Sharda Peeth in Neelam Valley, 150 km from Srinagar in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The temple is in a dilapidated condition and is believed to be one of the oldest temples dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
Basara Gnana Saraswati Temple, on the banks of the Godavari River, in Adilabad District in Telangana. The presiding deity is shown in a seated position with a veena in her hands. A famous ritual performed in the temple is ‘Aksharabhyasam’ – initiating children into the world of letters. Devotees bring their children here for the Aksharabhyasam ritual especially on Vasant Panchami.
Koothanur Saraswati Temple in Poonthonttam in Nannilam Taluk in Thiruvarur District in Tamil Nadu. The Goddess in the shrine is depicted as seated on a white lotus flower with the symbol of chinmudra in one hand; the remaining three hands hold a chain of beads, talapatra grandham and amruta kalasham. Legend has it that Ottakuthar, a poet in the Chola empire of the 12th century AD, had a vision of Goddess Saraswati. It is believed that Ottakuthar had constructed the temple. A stone image of the poet is seen at its entrance.
Vidya Saraswati Temple At Warangal In Telangana. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped here as Hamsa Vahini. The temples attracts thousands of devotees during Vasant Panchami and Sharad Navratri.
Panachikkad Saraswathi Temple Near Kottayam in Kerala. The temple is also known as Dakshina Mookambika temple. The murti of Mother Goddess Saraswati is surrounded by creepers known as Saraswathi Latha.
Saraswati Temple at Pushkar in Rajasthan. The temple is famous for its architectural beauty. The temple attracts devotees during the Kartik Purnima.
Saraswathi Kshetramu in Ananthasagar Village in Siddipet in Telangana. This temple was built by Astakala Narasimha. Saraswati Puja during Vasant Panchami is the most important event here.
Sringeri Jagadguru Mahasamsthanam Sri Gnana Saraswati Temple at Musheerabad in Hyderabad. Goddess Saraswati in this shrine is depicted as seated on a peacock. The shrine is famous for initiating children into the world of letters on Vasant Panchami.
Kolanu Bharati Temple at Kothapalli Village in Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is also known as Kollam Bharathi and is more than 1000 years old.
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