The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.-G.K. Chesterton
Kotappakonda is a holy town, situated 13 kms south- west of Narsaraopet in Guntur district. Its original name is Kondakavuru, but is more popularly known as Kotappakonda. This place is famous for the temple of Lord Shiva called as Sri Trikoteswara Swami Temple, which is situated on a hill.
The temple is situated on a hill known as Kotappa Konda which is about 1587 feet above sea level and the temple on the hill is about 600 feet in height.
There are three different ways to climb up the hill. These three peaks are known as Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. One of the most fascinating aspect of the hill is that from all angles one could see only three peaks and, therefore, it is called 'Trikutaparvatam', also called as 'Trikutachalam' or 'Trikutadri'. These three peaks can be seen clearly from a distance, from any direction and are named after the Hindu Triumvirates- Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. Devotees mostly climb up the way which was got constructed by Sri Rajamal Raju Narasimha Rayulu.
ETYMOLOGY:
Legend says Siva, after destroying ‘Daksha yagna,' changed into Dakshinamurthi, a 12-year-old boy. Heeding the plea of Brahma, he came down to the place surrounded by three hills named after Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. Since then, the place has become a popular pilgrimage centre. Since Lord Siva is attired in the form of Dakshinamurthi, wedding ceremonies are not performed here.
HISTORY:
According to the inscriptions, this temple is known to have constructed even before 12th century may be around 1172 A.D. During the reign of Sri Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagar Empire huge tracts of lands were donated for the maintenance of the temple by the Zamindars of Amravati, Narasaraopet and Chilakuripet areas.
PLACES TO SEE IN KOTAPPAKONDA:
Of late it has been given a face lift with many facilities and attractions.
The temple precincts and the sanctum sanctorum are renovated and Bharathi Teertha Swamiji of Sringeri Peetham consecrated the deity in the new premises. A "View Point" is erected on the corner of the hill to provide a breathtaking overall view of the surroundings.
The epigraphs of Kotappakonda, has it that the deity, in the shape of Siva Linga on the hill top, is known as Trikuteswara or Trikoteswara. A steep flight of steps leads to the hill where the temple is located. On the way, you come across number of ponds of which eight are located in front of the temple.
A ghat road was constructed to ease the climbing and allow the pilgrims take in and enjoy nature's bounty in its full splendor, in place of an arduous climb up the steep steps and also to accommodate the growing number of visitors. It is 3km distance to reach temple. At the starting of this route we will see Vijaya Ganapati temple, Sai Baba temple. At the turnings of ghat road we can see big idols of Brahma, Lakshmi Narayana, Three Goddess(Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Parvathi), Vighneswara. In the middle of the route there is a children park, museum and Kaliyamardana statue.
There are other attractions for tourists like an artificial Jurassic Park with mobile dinosaurs, sanctuary where you can find peacocks, doves, emus (a large flightless Australian bird that is related to an ostrich) and parrots.
There is a small lake on the way up the hill, depicting the statue of Kaaliya Mardhana, Lord Krishna dancing on the head of Kaaliya (celestial snake with hundred heads). Water flows into the lake from various watershed programs developed at many places on the hill, a blend of modernity with past. There is also a deer park on the way to the temple. A ropeway across the valley provides a panoramic view of the entire village and its surrounding.
Yet another feature of the integrated tourist project is the meditation center, constructed on the lines of the one at Mount Abu, on the top of the hill and an exclusive "Yaga Shala" for conducting 'homam' (holy fire) with a sprawling dining hall.
On the anvil are a ropeway to provide a view of the various tourist spots and a museum to house the artefacts that were discovered in the excavations.
Some of other important places to see in Kotappakonda:
Gollabhama temple:
It is present nearer to Trikoteswara swami temple. She is the devotee of Lord Shiva. She brought Trikoteswara swamy from Rudra sikharam to Brahma sikharam with her great devotion. One should worship her before visiting Lord Shiva.
Nagendraswamy putta:
It is present above the main temple. 50 to 60 steps are there to reach Nagendra swamy putta from main temple. We can see a holy pond while going to Nagendraswamy putta.
Pata kotayya temple:
It is present on Rudra sikharam. This is the first place of Lord Trikoteswara swamy hence the name Paata Kotayya. From here he came to Brahma sikharam because of Gollabhamas devotion.
Papanaseswara swamy temple:
It is present on Vishnu Sikharam. Here a holy pond called Papanasa teertha is also present. Here Lord Vishnu did penance for Lord Shiva. Hence the name Vishnu Sikharam.
Ogeru river:
It is also called as Omkara river. It is at the feet of Vishnu sikharam. On the day of Shivaratri, lakhs of people will come with Prabhas (Structures like Chariots with Lord Shiva's photos, idols etc.) and occupy the area from Ogeru (Omkara) river to the Trikoteswaraswamy temple.
KOTAPPAKONDA THIRUNALLA
(Celebration on Maha Shivaratri):
Maha Shivaratri which falls during February-March, is the important festival celebrated here. Every year and a large number of devotees throng the place. This is also called Kotayya thirunalla or Kotappakonda thirunalla. The sleepy village comes alive on the eve of Mahasivaratri. Milling crowds occupy every inch of the space on and around the hill. 'Prabhas', rectangular frames tapering at the top made of bamboo and decorated with colored cloth and paper, of different sizes are taken in procession as part of the festival. Most of them are 60 to 70 feet high and are carried by the devotees. But the giant prabhas, rising to a height of over 100 feet, are carried on decorated and lighted bullock carts accompanied by a large following. They are placed on a meadow at the foot of the hill. Large manpower, money and material is needed to erect these prabhas and promote a spirit of cooperation and unification enthusing the villagers.
GETTING THERE:
The pilgrimage village is about 13 km distance from Narasaraopet and 20 km distance from Chilakaluripet. You can easilty reach to Kotappakonda by road. The perfect option is to reach here, is from Narasaraopet, Vijayawada and Chilakaluripet you can take a bus for Kotappakonda.
- Nearest Busstand: Kotappakonda
- Nearest Railway station: Narasaraopet
- Nearest Airport: Vijayawada
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