Devalayam History

The present location of the temple Construction was once resembled a fort. The Vasavi Co-operative Housing Society and Vasavi Graduate Co-operative Housing Society developed 30 acres in to 343 plots and named it as Vasavi colony.

An association by name Vasavi Colony Residents Welfare Association was formed by the plot holders of both the societies and it took the initiative of constructing a temple in 1500 sq yds. Padmasri Ganapati Sthapathi a well known agama shastra Pandith was consulted for the construction of temple. He designed the temple with the blessings of spiritual head his holiness Sri Sri Sri Jayendra Saraswathi swamiji and Sri Sri Sri Shankara Vijayendar Saraswathi Swamyji of kanchi kamakoti Peetam.

Under the president ship of Sri G. Chandra Sekhar approached Sri Sri Pulleru Narayana Dasu garu and requested him to be the honorary president for construction committee. The following construction committee was formed.

Sri Pulluru Narayana Dasu Garu - Honorary President
Sri Gaurisetti chandrashekar Garu - President
Sri Telukuntla Ramesh - Vice-President
Sri Kusuma Radhakrishna Murthi Garu - Vice-President
Sri Bandam Damoder Garu - Secretary
Sri G.C. Gupta Garu - Deputy Secretary
Sri Divvela Satyanarayana Garu - Treasurer
Sri Aepuru Sudhaker Garu - Deputy Treasurer
Sri Somavarapu Satyanarayana Garu - Member
Sri Male Narsimhulu Garu - Member
Sri Dr. Pabba Srinivas Garu - Member
Sri K. Balaraju Garu - Member
Sri Amaravadi Harikishan Garu - Member
Sri A.B. Koteshwararao Garu - Member
Sri S. Hanmantarayudu Garu - Member
Sri S. Nagaeshwar Rao Garu - Member
Sri G.C. Pandurangam Garu - Member
Sri Lakshmi Narsaiah Konda Garu - Member
Sri G. Rajeshwar Rao Garu - Member

92 Maharaja Poshakas has joined to the team to develop the temple.

Foundation of temple was laid on 23 Feb 1991. It took 5 years to complete. The vigraha pratishta was performed on 22 April 1996 by the spiritual heads Sri Sri Sri Jayendra Saraswathi and Sri Sri Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi of Kanchi kamakshi peetam and kumbhabhishekam was performed by Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Chinna jeeyar swamy.

2000 Yards of Land Gifted by Vyshya Graduate Co-operative housing Society for construction of “Archaka Nilayam, Staff Quarters and Goshala the committee also constructed a shopping complex Nitya Pravachana mandapam for devotees and Yaga shala, Chakra Tirtham, Ratha Shalaa, Akshya Bhavan Groud Floor – Pasasadam, Arjith seva, Sesha Vastra vikraya Sala, Manager and Public Relation Office, Frist floor - Ashta Lakshmi Akshya Trust for Anna Danam Second Floor - Administrative office, 3rd Floor Guest house in the Area of two acres.

The Temple is also Running School Name Saradha Shishu Vidyalayam up to 5th class, teaching them Sanathana dharma.

India (Bharath) is the only country in the world that has followed her culture, tradition, customs, ancient dharma (piety), scientific views from time immemorial and for many generations. She has also given importance to moral, pious, and spiritual values.

India is a land which has become a great platform for Vedic Aarsha culture. It is a pious land where Gods descended in the form of incarnations to destroy the evil forces and re-establish dharma or goodness. Here many saints and sages have lived. In spite of diverse cultures, the land has proved to be one. She has proved to be a land for unity in diversity. Many great rulers have been born in this holy land. Many temples, holy places, and pilgrim centres have enhanced her holiness.

Andhra Pradesh is a state in south India which is endowed with all the important features cited, and which is bifurcated now into AP and Telangana. Now Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana has many temples.

In the Vedic culture, there is a system of Gods and Goddesses ruling the universe. There are three main Gods: Brahma ( the creator), Vishnu or Narayana ( the sustainer), and Maheswara (the dissolver). These three have been allotted the three activities or duties of creation, sustenance, and dissolving, respectively. They perform these duties with the help of their respective consorts Saraswathi, Lakshmi, and Parvathi. Of these three goddesses, Lakshmi , the consort of Vishnu or Narayana, is the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. She has manifested herself in 8 forms to bless or grace all the living beings in the universe. It is due to this goddess, all the beings in the universe are prospering.

The importance of the temple

The temple is a grand well-built one, and it is attracting many devotees. The worship of the deities in the temple is done with the chanting of the sacred Vedic charms. This takes the devotees into a state of ecstasy. It is also a place of architectural beauty. The temple is a two-storey building. The ground floor consists of a kitchen, some shops for selling the Prasaadham,and also the office rooms. The deities are situated on the top-floor. There are two ways to reach the top-floor. The right staircase leads to the Ganapathi temple. After worshipping Him we receive His blessing and it gives us so much solace. Then we reach the Dhhwajasthambham ( a tall holy pillar), and the idol of Garuda. After offering a coconut there, we go for Pradhakshinams (circumambulations - going round the place). We offer our salutations there. This implies that all the deities receive our salutations.

According to the Vaishnava tradition, it is customary that the devotees have a dharsan of either God Hanuman or God Garuda, before having the dharsan of the main deities in the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagudi). Accordingly , before entering the sanctum sanctorum where the main deities are situated, we have a dharsan of Garuda Alvar. Garuda is a staunch devotee of Lord Narayana and behaves like a humble servant of the Lord, and also remains standing at the entrance doorway as a door-keeper.

Through the main entrance, we go into the sanctum sanctorum - the Garbhagudi where we have the long - awaited dharsan of Lord Narayana with His consort Sri Adhilakshmi . Lord Narayana is seen having 4 hands. He holds the sacred conch (Shankha) and the sacred disk (Chakra) in two hands. He uses the other two hands to bless his devotees - one hand shows the Abhaya Mudhra (security) and the other shows the Varadha Mudhra (protection). His consort Sri Adhilakshmi is seen beautifully clad in silk colthes, decorated with jewels and garlands. Lord Srimannarayana (Narayana) and Sri Adhilakshmi are surrounded by the other 7 forms of Sri Lakshmi . The 8 forms of Lakshmi are: Sri Adhilakshmi, Sri Santhanalakshmi, Sri Gajalakshmi, Sri Dhhanalakshmi, Sri Dhhanyalakshmi, Sri Vijayalakshmi, Sri Aiswaryalakshmi and Sri Varalakshmi. With the dharsan of these deities, the devotees go into a state of ecstasy.

The Ashtalakshmi temple is flourishing gloriously due to these 8 forms of Lakshmi. The idols are made exquisitely beautiful by being decorated with beautiful ornaments, flower garlands and silken attire, etc. The holy feet of the deities can remove all our difficulties. Their holy hands grace us for our wealth and prosperity. Their faces are seen illumining with divine consciousness. The devotees really undergo an unearthly experience, when they see the pious idols of the deities in the sanctum sanctorum . Their dharsan leaves an indelible impression in their minds. The devotees are spellbound and cannot find enough words to express their unearthly experience after having the dharsan of the deities.

The good results of the worship

Lord Sri Narayana and Sri Adhilaksmi are seen wearing garlands of Salagramas ( a kind of small holy stones). The devotees believe that this particular dharsan will wash away all the sins. The wish to have children for barren women ( women without children) will be fulfilled if they take the Garuda Prasaadham, during the Brahmotsavas. The deities grace the devotees with all kinds of prosperity such as knowledge, fame, wealth, happiness, courage , etc. and also help them to overcome difficulties. They are the embodiment of panacea (Amrutham) for all sorts of ailments for the devotees. The devotees have a lot of faith in them. They believe that all the beings in the world are the children of Lord Narayana and Sri Adhilakshmi, they get infinite happiness in their worship.

The supreme consciousness in the form of Sri Adhilakshmi has descended to the earth from the pure Ocean of Milk, to dispel the darkness from the face of the earth. Hence this temple is rightly called a spiritual centre for the devotees. Many great people such as saints, sages, scholars, spiritualists, philosophers, devotees felt elated (happy) when they visited this temple. The temple's fame has increased with the visits of the holy people for the dharsan of the deities. In the Vedic culture two systems---Smaartha and Vaishnava are followed for the worship of the deities. The priests worship Lord Ganapathi according to the Smaartha system, and Ashtalakshmi and Lord Narayana in the Vaishnava system. The worship is done with pomp and ceremony. At the same time it attracts many devotees. The temple has a special place or platform for performing Homa. Here, everyday in the morning and evening the Homa worship is done. This sort of worship is done particularly here alone and nowhere else.

Everyday in the morning the cow is worshipped in the place opposite to the sanctum sanctorum where Sri Adhilakshmi is located. The cow is considered sacred, because all the deities reside in the different parts of the cow. This cow is a descendent of the Kamadhenu ( the sacred cow in Heaven). The anal part of the cow is regarded as the dwelling place of Goddess Sri Lakshmi. For this reason the cow-dung is considered sacred. So the devotees can have a dharsan of the cow only after it has seen the 8 deities. This sort of worship has its roots in the Vedic culture and tradition. This brings prosperity to the country too. All the types of worship performed in this temple originate in the Pancharathra aagama Saasthra - Srivaishnava tradition.

The Kunkumaarchana and the Sahasranaamaarchana are performed everyday for the devotees. Every Friday, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped with Kunkuma ( saffron powder) and flowers of gold. On every full-moon day, special worship is done with the Sri Suktha - havana and also Navakalasa Snapana for Lord Narayanan and Sri Adhilakshmi. Once in every month, on the day of the star Uttharaphalguni, Abhishekam is done for the 8 deities. Abhisheka worship of Lord Ganapathi is done every month, on the day of the 1st Chavithi (Sudddha Chavithi,i.e.the 4th day of the lunar month). These worships are done with special decorations and offerings of special food items to bring prosperity to one and all. On every festive occasion the worship is done here pompously. Every year they perform Brahmotsavas. During these days, many devotees come from every nook and corner, and spiritual people bring their good wishes for protection ( Mangalaasaasanams). These holy festivities resemble the holy festivities of Thirumala. Owing to these festivities, the surroundings are kept clean and green with decorative leafy festoons, etc. People will be simply waiting for these special festivities.

Temple structure

The structure of the temple leaves an indelible imprint in the minds of the viewers. As it is a marble structure, it illumines gloriously in the moon - light of the full-moon night. In the spacious compound of the temple, there is a flower garden with a water pond. It glows to its glory under the electric lights at nights. Attached to the temple, there are: a function hall to perform the weddings and some other important ceremonies; a platform for certain Homas; and a cowshed. Really this temple is a spiritual centre. Daily, the worship is done for Lord Srimannarayana and Sri Adhilakshmi, and also Lord Ganapathi. There are quarters for the priests who perform different types of worship. The office bearers run their office activities smoothly and meticulously. It looks as though Goddess Lakshmi has set out to rule the temple smoothly

Blissful Goddess

Goddess Lakshmi is an embodiment of divine happiness. Being born out of the Milky Ocean, and also being the dweller of Vaikunta, she has condescended to the earth in 8 forms to bestow peace, happiness, properity, wealth ,etc. on all the living beings in the world. The temple is flourishing well day by day, by the worship of Goddess Lakshmi in 8 forms. Hence everything in the temple reverberates with spiritual energy. Those who worship Her will definitely receive Her grace. Everyday the worship is done with the recitation of the Veda Manthras. Goddess Lakshmi is the giver of celestial bliss. She is here to fulfil the wishes of Her devotees.

There may be people who worship certain other deities whom they like most, because that tradition was handed over to them by their forefathers; but no one will be there who will not worship Goddess Lakshmi.

Who will not aspire for the mercy of such a Goddess who brings prosperity to all? Goddess Lakshmi is the mother of the universe who gives many things such as material things, wealth, prosperity, peace, etc. Without Her grace Her children cannot live. The temple where Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped is in fact a divine abode. Hence this temple as the abode of Lakshmi with Her 8 special forms has become holy. Those who visit this temple receive Her blessings and live happily. In addition to prosperity they have solace (mental peace).

Daily worship in the temple

Both Lord Narayana and Sri Lakshmi , by virtue of being the creators of the universe are worshipped in the Ashtalakshmi temple. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped in 8 forms. This worship is enhancing the greatness of the temple. The description of the different types of worship is as follows:

1.Daily, the worship starts with the Suprabhatha-seva, early in the morning.
2. Different types of worship.
3. Daily , Kunkumaarchana (worship with saffron powder) is done.
4. Abhishekam.
5. Worship of the cow.
6. Homam.
7. Mangalaasaasanams (good wishes of devotees and holy people for protection of God from evil ).
8. Worship of the 8 deities with recitation of the Vedic charms.
9. Every special worship starts with Kunkumaarchana.
10. Every Friday, collective Kunkumaarchana, Puja with flowers of gold, and Abhishekam for Lord Narayanan and Sri Adhilakshmi.
11. Once in every month, on the day of the star Uttharaphalguni, Abhishekam is done for the 8 deities.
12. Worship of Lord Ganapathi is done every month, on the day of the 1st Chavithi (Suddha Chavithi,i.e.the 4th day of the lunar month).
13. Everyday in the morning, the cow which is the embodiment of all the deities receives the dharsan of Goddess Lakshmi.
14. On the full-moon day, special worship is done according to the Vedic tradition, with the recitation of the Sri Suktham. As such the temple reverberates with the chanting of the Vedic charms.

The Brahmotsavas

The Brahmotsavas are celebrated with pomp and ceremony in the temple, in the month of Vaisakha (May), every year, under the auspices of the spiritual heads His Holiness Sri Sri Jayendhra Saraswathi Swami and His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Vijayendhra Saraswathi Swami of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Thridhadi Srimannarayana Chinnajiiyar Swami gives the Mangalaasaasanams. They begin on the 2nd day ( Vidhiya) of the month and last till the 8th day (Ashtami). The important events are as follows:

1st day (Vidhiya) --- Abhishekam for the Utsavamuurthulu - the idols (not the main ones) which are to be taken out of the temple for the dharshan of the devotees and also to participate in a procession after the worship is over.

2nd day ( Thadhiya)--- Dhhwajaaroohana, and the idols are taken out in a vehicle drawn by a swan.

3rd day (Chavithi)--- Collective Kunkumaarchana (worship with saffron powder), and the idols are taken out in a vehicle drawn by an elephant.

4th day ( Panchami)--- Sri Sudharsana Homam, the wedding ceremony of Sri Lakshmi - Narayana, and the idols are taken out in a vehicle drawn by Garuda.

5th day ( Shashti )--- Special Gunarathnokosha Homam, the recitation of the Vishnu sahasranaama, and the idols are taken out in a vehicle drawn by a swan, and also Rathhotsavam.

6th day ( Sapthami )--- , Mahaapuurnaahuthi, Chakrathirthha, worship with flowers, and dolotsavam,the idols are taken out seated on the back of Aadhisheshu.

7th and final day ( Ashtami )--- Ashtottharashathakalashaabhishekam - Abhishekam with holy water in 108 pots. The celebrations end with Amruthakalashaabhishekam.

The Brahmotsavas are celebrated with grandeur. Lacks of people attend them and get the grace and blessings of Lord Narayana and Sri Adhilakshmi. The ardent devotees participate in them with religious fervour and zeal, and receive the celestial bliss.