Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari
Temple situated in Penugonda
South India is the Treasure House of many temples, among them Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari temple situated in Penugonda, a town in the West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. This Penugonda Kshetram is considered as the ‘Kasi of Vysyas’ and is a holy place for Vysyas.
Kusuma Sresti was the king of Vysyas also known as Pedda Sresti (Elder among Srestis) whose territory was a Vassal state of Vangi Desa (Vanga Kingdom), His capital was Penugonda (Jestasailam) city for all the 18 paraganas during 10th and 11th century A.D. He and his wife Kusumamba were considered an ideal couple and led a peaceful domestic life. They worshiped Lord Siva (Nageswara Swamy) as the part of their daily duties.
Though they had been married for many years, the couple did not have children and on the advise of their Guru Bhaskaracharya performed Puthra Kamesti Yaga, and were blessed with twins, a male baby and a female baby, on Friday the tenth of Vaisaka (Telugu month) at twilight during convergence of Uttara Nakshatram and Kanya (Virgo), who they thought would fight for the welfare of all. The male child was named Virupaksha showed the features of becoming a powerful king, whereas in Vasavi, the inclination towards art & architecture, adoration music and philosophical approach were seen.
When King Vishnu Vardhana, a powerful king of those days, who was a descendant of Pandava dynasty, went on expedition to expand his empire; he visited Penugonda, where he saw Vasavi among the crowd and fell madly in love with her. He felt he could not live without her and was determined to marry her.
Kusuma sresty was neither in a position to accept it nor to deny. The fact that the emperor was already married, was much older and the fact that he was not in a position to prevent this from occurring caused extreme stress for Kusuma Setty.
Vasavi frankly expressed her desire to be a Virgin throughout her life and intended not to concentrate on worldly matters. When Vishnuvardhana was informed about the decision he was furious and sent a battalion with orders to attack mercilessly and to get Vasavi for him. However they were defeated by the army of Kusuma Sresti.
A great Conference of the Chief of all the 18 cities and the leaders of all 714 Gotras of Vysyas were called. In the conference, the Cheifs of 102 Gotras made a firm decision and thought that those who are born must die and cowards die many times before their death but the valiant taste death but once. Even if the opponent is stronger, a spark can burn a heap of straw? They decided to fight for a good cause.
Vasavi offered a different solution during the conference. She spoke that there should not be bloodshed for the sake of a Girl? Why sacrifice the lives of soldiers for a selfish desire. She wanted to follow the path of non-violence and self-sacrifice. She suggested that she would go into the holy pit of fire thus giving herself to the God. Only people with strong will power and moral strength can participate in such self-sacrifice. Vasavi’s new idea was delightful to her parents and they decided to act in accordance her directions. The members of the 102 Gothras also seconded her decision and they expressed their desire to follow her footsteps. Thus on the banks of Godavari, they royal servants arranged 103 Agnikundas (fire pits) in a special way for Vasavi and one couple from each Gothra.
At the time of Agni Pravesam she revealed her true self, which had the glittering radiance surpassing the brightness of sun and it was discovered that she was an incarnation of Adiparashakthi. To safeguard the dignity of woman and to protect Dharma, to destroy Vishnu Vardhana and to reveal to the world the magnanimity of Vysyas she was born in Kaliyuga.
Devi disappeared as soon as she told about HER real self and people saw her in human form. Then all of them entered into holy fire after meditating upon their Gods.
At the same time, Vishnuvardhan planned to attack the kingdom of Penugonda once again with a strong army. On reaching Penugonda he came to know about the events that took place there and he could not bear the great shock and died instantly.
The son of Vishnuvardhana, Raja Raja Narendra repented and regretted the deeds of his father.
Vasavi’s life is worth remembering because of her faith in non-violence religious values and her defence of status of women. She became immortal as she has been mainly responsible for the propagation of reputation of Vysyas throughout the world.
