Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Temple, George Town – Legends
Kusuma Sresti, the king of Vysya was ruling a part of
Andhra Pradesh with Penugonda (Jestasailam) as capital city during 10th
–11th Century A.D. Kusumamba was his wife. They were ideal couple
and led a peaceful domestic life. They were ardent devotee of Lord Siva
(Nageshwara Swami). His Kingdom was part and parcel of Vengi Desha, which was
ruled by Vishnu Vardhana VII or Maharaja Vimaladitya. Though they were happy
couple, they didn’t have any successor to look after their Kingdom after their
period.
Worried Couple approached Kulaguru (family Teacher)
Bhaskaracharya. He advised them to perform Puthra Kamestiyaga which Dasharatha
had observed. During the auspicious hour, Kusuma Sresti couple started the
yoga. The Gods were pleased and sent prasadam (blessed fruit from god) through
Yagneswara. There was a divine utterance that they would be get children
after eating prasadam. With utmost devotion they ate Prasadam, within a few
days the sign of pregnancy was found with Kusumamba.
She expressed unusual desires, which indicated that she
would give birth to children who would fight for the welfare of all. Kusumamba gave
birth to twins, one male the other female on Friday the tenth of Vaishaka
(Indian month) at twilight during coincidences of Uttara Nakshatra and Kanya (Virgo)
Male child was baptized as Virupaksha, and the female as Vasavamba. During
childhood itself, in Virupaksha, the features of a powerful king, leadership
qualities were clearly visible, whereas in Vasavi, the inclination towards art
& architecture, adoration music and philosophical approach were seen.
Under the guidance of Bhaskaracharya, Virupaksha learnt
Vedas, fencing, horse riding, martial arts and statecraft archery and others,
which were essential to rule a country. Vasavi learnt all fine arts and got
mastery over the philosophical subjects and proud to be an intelligent woman. When
Virupaksha attained proper age, he married Rathnavathi, daughter of
Aridhisresti of Aelur Town. The huge gathering thought that even Vasavi's
marriage would also be observed with same grandeur and pompous.
Once, Vishnu Vardhana to eradicate his enemies and to
extend his empire went on expedition. On the way he visited Penugonda. King Kusuma
Sresti received him and took him in a procession and arranged felicitation
program in the colourful auditorium on behalf of his subjects. Among the crowd,
Vimaladitya (Vishnu Vardhana) spotted Vasavi who was glittering with her beauty
after when Manmatha (the god of romance) threw his sweet arrows on him which
influenced him a lot.
To enquire about her he sent his minister. He made up
his mind to marry her. He went to the extreme extent that without Vasavi he
could not live in the world. The desire of Vishnuvardhana (Vimaladitya) was
like a deathblow to Kusumasresty. He was neither in a position to accept it nor
to deny. The age disparity barrier of difference of caste in addition to that
Emperor was already married. All these facts crashed his mind into pieces. Kusuma
Sresti sent Vishnuvardhana.
Later he discussed this issue with his nearest &
dearest. They unanimously decided to give most importance to the views of
Vasavi. In turn, Vasavi frankly expressed to be a Virgin throughout her life
and intended to meditate upon eternal problems. Kusuma Sresti sent a denial
message to the king Vishnuvardhana. As a result, the king rose into high anger
and sent a Battalion of his army with words to attack mercilessly and to get
Vasavi for him. The brave Vysyas of Penugonda defeated Vishnuvardhana army.
At this crucial juncture, Kusuma Sresti called for Great
Conference of the Chief of all the 18 parganas, the people of all 714 Gotras.
The conference was presided by Kusumasresty in the begin presence of
Bhaskaracharya. In the conference, there was difference of opinion. The Chiefs
of 102 Gotras thought that ‘Those who are born must die'. Moreover, cowards die
many times before their death. Their valiant never tastes of death but once.
Hence, even the opponent is stronger, let us fight for the good cause. This was
their firm decision.
Whereas, Contrary to this the persons of 612 gotras
urged that the matrimonial alliance would be safer and beneficial. Later on,
Bhaskaracharya told “we must safeguard our respect even at the cost of our
lives". These words acted like a Catalyst on Kusuma Sresti. Even though
they framed minority he stood firm not to give his daughter Vasavi in marriage
to the king. With this incident, the unity among Vysyas was broken. Emperor
like an injured Cobra took the lead of his huge army with strong determination
to destroy his opponents.
In Penugonda also necessary arrangements were made with
supporters of 102 Gotras and the people to face consequence. Vasavi, now
entered into scene and told "Why there should be bloodshed among ourselves
for the sake of a Girl? It does not look nice to sacrifice the lives of
soldiers for our selfish desire. It is better to give up the idea of war.
Instead, let us rebel in a novel way. We can control war through non-violence
and self-sacrifice.
Only people with strong will power and moral strength
can participate in this kind of self- sacrifice, the stream of Vasavi's new
thought was delightful directions to Kusuma couple, and they decided to act in
accordance with directions of Vasavi. On the banks of Godavari, the holy place
Brahmakunda as per the directions of Vasavi, the royal servants arranged 103
Agnikundas (fire pits) in a special way. The whole city was observing that day
as a festival day.
Then Vasavi asked the couples of 102 Gotras as
"will you plunge into this holy fire along with me?' every one of them
whole heatedly gave their consent. There was strong faith in the minds of those
persons that Vasavi must an incarnation of God. They requested her to show them
her real nature or swaroopam. She smiled and revealed her true self, which had
the glittering radiance surpassing the brightness of sun. She told, " I am
the 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
I come here in Kaliyuga. Like Satideva who was insulted entered into holy fire,
I too plunge into the holy fire and enter the other world. Kusumasresty during
last birth was a great Saint by name Samadhi as per his aspirations he could
attain salvation along with the people of 102 Gotras. That is why I asked you
all to undergo Atmabalidhana." Vasavi advised the gathering about patriotism,
honesty, social service, tolerance etc.,
Devi disappeared as soon as the divine words came out of
her mouth and people saw her in human form. Then all of them entered into holy
fire after meditating upon their Gods. Though Vishnuvardhana felt bad Omens, he
marched ahead and reached the main entrance of Penugonda. Then his detectives
reported what all had happened in the city. He could not bear the great shock
and his heart shattered into pieces. He felt down vomiting blood and he was no
more. The self-sacrifice of Vasavi and the end of Vishnuvardhana was the talk
of the town.
People condemned the deeds of Vishnuvardhana and
appreciated the epoch maker Vasavi and her non-violent principle. The son of Vishnuvardhana,
Raja Rajanarendra rushed Penugonda and repented about the incidence. Later on,
Virupaksha consoled him and told “Brother, let us learn and formulate the
present and future on the strong base of past. Vasavi had come to rescue of the
people without giving room for great bloodshed. Her non-violence gave a good
result".
Then, they consoled themselves. Virupaksha visited many
pilgrim centers like Kasi, Gaya and other places, under the guidance of Bhaskaracharya.
To commemorate the pilgrimage, they installed 101 Lingas for each gotra in Penugonda.
Then, Narendra installed a statue of Vasavi as a token of respect. From that
day and even today all Vysyas are performing poojas to her and she is
considered as Vysyakula Devatha-Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshwari.