Gadwal - Kesavaswamy Aalayam

The kings of Gadwal were renowned theists and displayed their exemplary religious tolerance in several forms. They built many Saivate and Vaishnavate temples besides, patronizing Peethadhipathis of the three principal sects of Hinduism - Dwaita, Advaita and Vishistadwaita. So the luminaries of the main sects Matatrayam dwelt here amicably carrying on their propagation activities. The household deity of the royal family was Channakesava and they built excellent temples on a grand scale with every part on an imposing manner.

There is an interesting story about the archamurti worshipped here. According to it, on the occupation of this region by Muslims, the temple went without worship for long. And it was ready to collapse. Seeing its decadence, the devout feudal lord by name Sobanadri arranged to transfer the archamurti from the ruined temple to another place, where he built a new grand temple for the Lord. During its transport some leaders of Boya community obstructed it. Sobanadri diplomatically tackled the situation with the assurance that although the Lord was changing its place, the privilege of pulling the temple car on the annual Rathotsav day would be given to them thenceonwards. Elated by it, they cooperated with Sobanadri. An¢ hence the tradition of pulling the Ratha first by them. But later this custoni. was honoured more in breach than in practice. Many members of royal family endowed the temple in several ways, like building towers, vimana etc. in addition to adding new mini-shrines for Sri Rama and Bhudevi from time to tine. Agamic worship is performed in all the aalayas regularly.

It lies in the town of Gadwal, the capital of an erst-while principality. And connected by several kinds of four wheelers.

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