Mannar - Alaghumallari Krishna Temple

This legendary thirtha kshetra lying on the bank of Kalindi river was the scene of battle fought between Krishna and Jambavant in the Dwaparayuga over the affair of precious samantakamani. As it was the yuddliabhumi, it was called appropriately Mallahariporuvuru, means thereby that Hari like boxer fought against his opponent Jambavan. In the years followed, it was changed to Mallikrishnavuru which metamorphosed into Mannaruporuru or Mannar for short. All indicate about the battle fought there in the past.

After Krishna's victory, Jambavan gave his daughter Jambavathi in marriage and prayed him to abide in this kshetra along with Satybhama, the darling sweet heart of Krishna. He granted. The garbhagriha contains the images of Sri Krishna flanked by Jambavathy and Satyabhama. The sculptor's craftsmanship serves a rich feast to the eyes and wrings veneration. It has all the essential part, like mukhamantap, mahamantap along with Kalyanamantap. The kshetrapalaka of this renowned kshetra is Jambavantha, and his icon is placed in the garbhagriha itself. Here is a unique marvel? One can see water stagnated in the eyes of Garutmanta's image, installed in a separate niche opposite the archamurti. If a wet cloth is passed over the eyes, it becomes wet testifying to the fact that Garutmantha has been shedding tears of joy at the sight of his master seen buffeted by his two lovely consorts since inception. Curious visitors test this with cloth and share the delight of God's vehicle - Garuda. The temple contains many superb sculptural pieces, and among them, the image of Soundaryavalli installed in a little pavilion can be singled out as an example. The annual Brahmotsav celebrated in Vaisakha masa draws huge crowds.

It lies 3 km off Sulurpet of Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, having bus facilities.

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