Friday, January 2, 2015

Srikurmam: Kurmanatha (Vishnu) Temple



This temple dedicated to Sri Kurmanatha, which is the second avatar of Lord Vishnu, Kurma Avatar (Tortoise). According to inscriptions in the temple dated 1281 A.D, the holy place of Kürmakshetra, was actually reestablished by Sri Ramanujacharya under the influence of Jagannatha Deva at Jagannatha Puri, Orissa. Later the temple came under the jurisdiction of the King of Vijayanagara. The deity was worshiped by the Vaishnavas of the Madhvacharya Sampradäya. Some Oriya inscriptions are said to be written by Sri Narahari Teertha, who was in the disciplic succession of Madhvacharya(not to be confused with Madhavacharya). He later became the ruler of Kalinga Province(ancient Orissa) and fought with the Sabaras, and saved the temple of Kürma. Narahari Teertha was a very religious and powerful king who died in the Saka Era 1203. The temple was constructed and dedicated in the holy name of Yogananda Narasimhadeva. This temple was built in the Orissan temple architecture style.
The cancellation depicts the temple.
The Postmaster
Sri Kurmam- 532404
Srikakulam

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