Sri Goda Rangantha Swamy temple Edulabad, Telangana

Sri Goda Ranganatha Swamy temple, located in Edulabad Village, Ghatekesar Mandal, is a historically significant and exceptionally uncommon temple in India. While numerous temples can be found in the state and throughout the country, the three most notable ones are located in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, while the other two are situated in Telangana State. According to the Vishnupurana and Varaha Purana,Sri Vishnuchitta, Vishnuchittar also known as Perialwar, a temple priest, discovered an infant girl in his Tulasivanam. He bestowed the name ‘Kodhai’ meaning a bundle or bouquet of flowers upon her and raised the child. Kodhai was raised in an environment characterized by affection and dedication. Vishnuchitta, the affectionate father, serenaded her with hymns dedicated to Lord Sriman Narayana. As Kodhai matured into an exquisite young woman, her adoration and dedication to the Lord intensified to the point where she made the decision to wed none other than the Lord himself. Over time, her determination grew stronger and she began to immerse herself in thoughts and aspirations centred on her adored deity. Vishnuchittar was entrusted with the duty of daily carrying floral garlands to the temple of the Lord. Kodhai assembled the garlands. Ultimately, she began adorning herself with the floral garland, originally intended as an offering to the deity. In Hindu custom and traditions, it is often seen as sacrilegious to present something to the Lord that has previously been used by a human being. Nevertheless, Kodhai believed it was necessary to assess the garland's suitability before presenting it to the Lord. One day, her father grew exceedingly distressed upon observing this. He admonished her and instructed her to refrain from committing the sacrilegious conduct again in the future. Kodhai, feeling both fearful and remorseful, crafted a fresh garland for the day's offering. According to legend, it is said that on that particular night, the Lord appeared in Vishnuchitta's dream and enquired why he had chosen to reject Kodhai's garland instead of presenting it to him. Vishnuchittar was informed by the Lord that he had fully and sincerely welcomed Kodhai's offering at all times. This really affected Vishnuchitta, prompting him to comprehend the profound affection that existed between the Lord and his daughter. Since that day, Kodhai has been revered by the followers and gained the title of 'Andal’, the girl who held authority' over the Lord or ruled over the Lord. When Andal reached the age of marriage according to the traditional customs, which was normally around 5-6 years old during that era. I am unsure about the exact age of Andal. Although several Vedanta discourses suggest or assert that she was 5 years old when she got married, I am inclined to assume that her age was around 12-13 years, which is the customary period for females to transition into womanhood. This also allows us to empathise with our own grandparents who were married at a very young age or became mothers at a very young age, typically between 6 and 13 years old (after reaching puberty, these young brides were then sent to live with their husbands). As Andal reached adulthood, she transformed into an exquisite young lady who was now ready for marriage. Consequently, her father took the initiative to make preparations in order to find a suitable spouse for her. Andal, on the other hand, displayed a resolute commitment and steadfastly insisted that she would only marry Lord Vishnu. Her father was perplexed and troubled by this. In Vishnuchitta's dream, the Lord once again appeared and informed him that he would marry Andal at Srirangam. The Lord communicated instructions to the priests in Srirangam simultaneously, using their dreams as a medium, instructing them to make necessary arrangements for the wedding. Upon reaching Srirangam, Andal was filled with immense joy and unable to restrain her excitement over the opportunity to encounter her adored deity. She entered the sanctum of Lord Ranganatha quickly and is believed to have completely merged with him at that instant. The Goda Ranganatha Swamy temple, located in Edulabad Village, Ghatekesar Mandal, Telangana, is a unique and ancient temple in India.

Historically, under the reign of Quli Qutub Shah in the 15th and 16th centuries, Edulabad was referred to as Rayapuram. During that period, Srinivasa Desika Chary and his family coincidentally visited this location as part of a religious journey. Following Desika Chary's demise from poor health, his wife Alavelamma and their son Appala Desika Chary established their residence in this location. During that same year, a wise and knowledgeable individual arrived at this location and bestowed the Manthropadesam upon the mother and child. They were instructed to build a temple at this very site. During that time, the location was a small hill covered with thick vegetation and home to various wild animals and birds, including Garuda Pakshis. Garuda Pakshi serves as the divine mount of Lord Vishnu, so this location is also referred to as Garudadri. Alavelamma and her son, Appala Desika Chary, visited the Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple at Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, with the intention of seeking darshan. Appala Desika Chary had a dream of Goda Devi on the same day, in which she requested to be transported to Rayapuram. On the following day, much to their astonishment, they discovered an idol of Goda Devi in a golden cradle. The deity was transported to Rayapuram and a modest temple was erected. LakshmiNaryana Cheruvu-Lake According to local residents, the lake has existed for over four centuries. Adjacent to the lake, there stands a time-honoured temple dedicated to Sri Laxminarayana. Therefore, it acquired the name Laxminarayana Cheruvu. The neighbouring Goda Ranganatha Swamy temple is also of historical significance. Nevertheless, the current state of the lake, similar to other lakes and rivers in India, is plagued by numerous issues such as widespread encroachments. The fencing and borders were breached, unauthorised pedestrian paths were established, and nalas were concealed. The lake and its surrounds have become contaminated with industrial pollutants, resulting in the transformation of the entire area into a polluted environment. A confluent of the Musi River has conjoined with the lake, resulting in water pollution. There is another legend associated with this temple- as the Andal temple located in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu is the chief temple. This temple at Edulabad is referred to as Uthara Srivilliputhur because it is the second temple in the area. In Srivilliputhur, the deity known as Godha Devi is referred to as Kodhai. Aandal Amma is considered to be a self-manifested deity at this location, although Sri Ranganatha Swamy is there with a little limp and relies on some support for his elbow. Legend has it that Sri Ranganathar, riding on his Garuda Vahan, attempted to disembark in his eagerness to meet Aandal, resulting in a limp on his elbow. Over time, the temple attracted a significant influx of local residents and adjacent villagers, who actively contributed to its gradual development. The primary festivals celebrated at the temple are Brahmostsavam and Goda Devi Kalyamam, which take place in Sravana Masam (August). These are followed by many special and visishta sevas throughout festivals such as Sankranti, Ugadi, Dasara, Diwali, and others. There is a prevalent idea that single girls who perform puja and offer bangles would receive marriage proposals in the near future. Goda Devi is commonly referred to as Gajula Andalamma for this reason.