Gangapur - Channakesavaswamy Aalayam

The fame of this temple's much venerated archamurti Channakesava is in fact derived from the extra-ordinary gallantry demonstrated by a pious man named Chennayya - an ordinary human, but with a difference. His heroism coupled with infinite faith in Ranganatha became a byword for theism and heroism. Folk-lore literature growing eloquent deified him in a gripping narrative that brings tears in the eyes of the listeners. It appears that once there lived two brothers called Kurmayya and Channayya in this region. And they were ideal brothers to begin with. They led exemplary life and passed for good Samaritans, helping the needy by their superb humanism and admirable heroism. The younger was blessed with a magnetic personality that won many admirers among men and women. Alas that became the prime cause of his untimely death. His piety and beauty ignited love in the heart of the pretty daughter of a Muslim jagirdar ruling over this area. She sought him unsolicited and he gave asylum. The helpless Jagirdar appealed to his boss, who sent him soldiers and they raided his house. Craftily he escaped and took to heels, but was chased by the enemy. He jumped into the temple and saved himself, and later hid himself in the Ranganatha alaya at Bandepalli. The ruthless soldiers exacted the information from his brother by torturing. They found him and severed his head there itself. The irate public killed his brother for letting out the secret. In course of time, the spirit of the brothers appeared to several persons in former form and helped them timely. They passed for gods thus. People see in the Channakesava image, their hero Channayya and offer prayers to him equally with genuine hearts.

The temple is of modest dimensions and its popularity is mainly due to Channayya, who in fact was a great bhakta and drew inspiration of the Lord. Agamic puja is offered and periodical festivals are celebrated with great zeal.

It lies in Gangapur of Palamur district of Andhra Pradesh, commanding bus facilities.

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