Sacred hill situated in the Palnadu
Kotappakonda Temple
often referred to as the “Hill of Trikuta Peaks
Introduction :
Kotappakonda, often referred to as the “Hill of Trikuta Peaks,” is a sacred hill situated in the Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Located 20 kilometers from Narasaraopet city and 62 kilometers southwest of Guntur City, Kotappakonda is steeped in religious significance and history. Every year, it draws a multitude of devoted pilgrims who come to pay their respects and participate in grand festivals that celebrate the unique history and spiritual essence of this revered place.
Historical Background :
Kotappakonda boasts an intriguing history and fascinating facts that make it a place of deep spiritual significance. The hill is known for its distinct appearance, featuring three peaks visible from any direction, earning it the moniker “Trikutadri” or “Trikuta Parvatham.” These three peaks are named Brahma Hill, Vishnu Hill, and Rudra Hill.
Brahma Shikharam:
The central temple, Trikoteswara Swamy Temple, is located on Brahma Hill, serving as the spiritual heart of Kotappakonda.
Rudra Shikharam:
Old Kotayya Temple can be found on Rudra Hill, the place where Trikoteswara Swamy initially resided. It is known as “Paatha Kotayya Temple,” signifying its ancient origins.
Vishnu Shikharam:
This hill is home to Lord Paapanaseswara Temple, where it is believed that Lord Vishnu performed penance for Lord Shiva. The holy pond “Paapanasa Teertha” adds to the sanctity of the place.
The remarkable history of Kotappakonda intertwines with the story of a devoted cattleman, Sundudu, and his wife Kundiri. Their lives transformed when they were blessed with a daughter, Anandavalli, who later became known as Gollabhama. Gollabhama developed into a fervent devotee of Lord Shiva, dedicating most of her days to offering prayers at the Old Koteswara Temple situated on Rudra Hill.
Her deep devotion led her to forsake materialistic pursuits and embark on an intense penance for Sri Koteswara Swamy. Every day, she made the challenging journey to Rudra Hill, even during scorching summers, to seek the Lord’s blessings. Her unwavering devotion moved Lord Jangama Devara, who appeared before her. Impressed by her dedication, he blessed her with a miraculous pregnancy, even though she was unmarried. Despite her unexpected pregnancy, she continued her daily prayers diligently.
Jangama Devara later instructed Gollabhama not to look back on her way home, no matter what happened. He promised to follow her to her home, where she could continue her penance. Unmindful of her peculiar pregnancy, Gollabhama obeyed the command. However, on reaching Brahma Hill, she lost patience and turned back to see if the Lord was following her. The moment she looked back, breaking her promise, Lord Jangama Devara stopped in his tracks at Brahma Hills and entered a cave, transforming himself into a Lingam. This sacred site is now renowned as the New Koteswara Temple.
Gollabhama eventually understood that her pregnancy was divinely ordained by Lord Jangama Devara to test her unwavering devotion. She felt blessed to have overcome these trials and merge her spirit with the divine.
Festivals and Celebrations :
Kotappakonda hosts a grand annual festival, known as Tirunallu, which is one of the largest and most revered festivals in India. This celebration takes place on the auspicious day of Mahashivaratri, attracting lakhs of devotees from across the Telugu states. The festival is a spectacular display of faith and devotion, and it features various cultural activities, including the construction of ‘prabhas,’ which are triangular arrangements constructed with long tree sticks. These prabhas, contributed by several villages near Kotappakonda, are a central attraction of the festival.
Conclusion :
Kotappakonda stands as a symbol of unwavering devotion and the miraculous grace of Lord Jangama Devara. Its rich history, the unique topography of Trikuta Peaks, and the annual Tirunallu festival make it a cherished pilgrimage destination. The story of Gollabhama’s profound devotion and the transformation of Lord Jangama Devara into the New Koteswara Temple continue to inspire and move countless devotees.
Important Findings :
This research article has explored the captivating history and spiritual essence of Kotappakonda, emphasizing the three peaks and their significance. It has also highlighted the devotion of Gollabhama, Lord Jangama Devara’s divine intervention, and the annual Tirunallu festival. Kotappakonda remains a testament to unwavering faith and the extraordinary grace of the divine.
Editor – Kaalchakra Team
[ Note – Before Concluding anything as a Finale, Please Go through Original Scriptures of Vaidik Literature Written in Sanskrit and Also with Meaning of That time of Language. Because English is a Limited language to Explaining the Deeper Knowledge of Vaidik Kaal. ]