Macherla - Channakesavaswamy Aalayam

This exalted Archamurti, the Kuladaivam of Palanati feudal lords has many heroic legends attributed to his glory. He inspired and guided the lords in eradicating social evils and was deemed the beacon light for the devout Vaishnavate adorers. The popular literary piece called Palanati Viracharitra masterly authored by Kavuraju Srinatha narrates the awe-inspiring sports of this Lord. During the heyday of Palnati rulers, it was the centre of spiritual, social, political and literary activities and many exciting events took place here. The temple is an ancient one existing since twelfth century. The origin of Macherla is quite interesting.

Prior to the existence of the present temple, there was a big pond called Mahadevi thataka, and a temple dedicated to Mahadevi was lying on its bank. And so it was called Mahadevicherla, which in course of time is shorted as Macherla. Them are many inscriptions testifying to this account. The temple lies to the south of river Chandravanka. All the visitors invariably bathe in this sacred river before entering the temple. The entrance is adorned with a majestic tall tower. It is a prominent land mark and is visible afar, beckoning the bhaktas at first sight. There is a vast mantap in front of the garbhagriha with huge sturdy pillars beautified with sculptural marvels. They narrate many Puranic stories. There are two more independent temples in the vast compound - Adithyeswaralayam and Virabhadralayam and they are visit- worthy. It claims a very big car; adding splendour to the temple.

The annum festival falls in the Chaitra masa and is celebrated with great pomp and splendour lasting for days. On the fifth day, the car festival is celebrated with unbounded enthusiasm. Many cultural programmes are conducted laying stress on the monumental part played by the Palanati heroes. Huge crowds visit and participate lustily in all the activities. A miss-not occasion that remains in the minds for ever.

It lies 21 km off Gurajala in the Palanadu taluq of Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, commanding all kinds of transport facilities, like four-wheelers.

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