Nestled in the enchanting state of Andhra Pradesh, the Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Temple stands as a testament to spiritual devotion and architectural brilliance. This sacred temple, dedicated to the revered deity Sunama Jakini Matha, attracts pilgrims and devotees from far and wide, seeking solace, blessings, and a profound connection with the divine. So, let us embark on a virtual journey to explore the rich history, architectural splendor, and religious significance of this ancient temple.
The legend associated with the Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Temple goes beyond the life of Sunama Jakini Matha. The temple is believed to be situated on the very spot where the goddess herself appeared in a divine form. So, the miraculous nature of her appearance and the miracles attributed to her have attracted devotees throughout the centuries.
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History of Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Temple:
Sri Sunama Jakini Matha, hailing from the Malkari gotram of the Are-Katika community, was born in Pinnepalli village in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. At a tender age, she was married to Hanumanthakari Thanji Rao. Known for her deep devotion, Sri Sunama Jakini Matha frequently observed fasting as a part of her spiritual practice.
A Divine Incident:
During one of her fasting days, Sri Sunama Jakini Matha fell unconscious, which led her husband to believe she had passed away. Without informing her family members who resided in Pinnepalli village, he gave the order to bury her. Despite the pleas of the locals, her husband remained adamant. During the preparations for her burial, it came to light that Sri Sunama Jakini Matha was, in fact, still alive. The news was quickly communicated to her husband, but unfortunately, he was under the influence of alcohol and insisted on carrying out the burial despite the revelation. In this unique turn of events, Sri Sunama Jakini Matha entered a state of Jeeva Samadhi (Nirvana), similar to the concept in Buddhism. This incident is believed to have occurred around 1803 AD.
After a few days, Sri Sunama Jakini Matha’s family members learned of the incident and confronted her husband. In a fit of anger, he instructed them to visit her grave and grieve there. Surprisingly, fresh white flowers continued to appear on her grave even after several days. Furthermore, a divine voice (Akashvani) instructed her family members to arrange the marriage of Sri Sunama Jakini Matha’s husband to her sister, Malkuma Jakini. Initially, the idea was rejected by her family members, who engaged in unnecessary gossip. However, they soon realized their mistake and agreed to the marriage, acknowledging the divine nature of the unfolding events. From that moment on, Sri Sunama Jakini Matha became revered as a goddess of reincarnation by the Are-Katika community.
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The Legacy of Sri Sunama Jakini Matha:
Generations continue to pass down the story of Sri Sunama Jakini Matha, inspiring devotion and reverence. Her selfless devotion and the miracles associated with her life have transformed her into a divine figure worshipped by the Are-Katika community. Moreover, her story serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the eternal presence of the divine.
Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Significance:
The Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Temple holds immense significance for devotees who seek the blessings of the divine mother, Sunama Jakini Matha. Hence, it is believed that the goddess embodies Shakti, the divine feminine energy. So, Devotees flock to the temple to seek her blessings for strength and protection and to fulfil their desires.
Architecture:
The Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Temple garners renown for its awe-inspiring architecture and intricate carvings, which leave visitors spellbound. Moreover, the temple complex features a beautiful gopuram (tower) at the entrance, adorned with exquisite sculptures and colourful paintings. And also, the temple’s inner sanctum houses the idol of Sunama Jakini Matha, with intricate detailing showcasing the craftsmanship of the artisans of that era.
Deities in the Temple:
The main deity of the Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Temple is Sunama Jakini Matha herself. She is depicted as a divine mother, radiating compassion and love. The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to other deities, including Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Saraswati, allowing devotees to pay their respects to the divine pantheon.
Accommodation and Facilities:
To cater to the needs of devotees, the Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Temple offers accommodation and facilities within the temple premises. Pilgrims can find guest houses and dormitories to rest and rejuvenate during their visit. The temple also provides basic amenities and food (prasad) to ensure the comfort and well-being of the devotees.
How to Reach Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Temple:
Reaching the Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Temple is a spiritual pilgrimage that can be undertaken through various modes of transportation. Here are the different ways to reach the temple:
By Road:
The Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Temple maintains excellent road connectivity with nearby towns and cities. Devotees can also take buses or hire taxis from Anantapur, the district headquarters, to reach the temple.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to the Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Temple is Anantapur Railway Station. It has excellent connectivity to major cities and towns across the country. So, Devotees can hire a taxi from the railway station or take local transport to reach the temple, which is approximately a 1-hour drive away.
By Air:
The nearest airport to the Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Temple is Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is located at a distance of approximately 190 kilometres from the temple. Devotees can hire a taxi from the airport or take a bus to Anantapur and then proceed to the temple by road.
Local Transport:
Once you reach Anantapur, there are various options for local transport to reach the Sri Sunama Jakini Matha Temple. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local buses can take you to the temple.
Address: 4JMG+7FF, Near Industrial Estate, RS Road,, Gooty, Andhra Pradesh 515401
MAP Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VpfAseQg1uaQD51x6
Conclusion:
Sri Sunama Jakini Matha’s life journey exemplifies the power of devotion and the extraordinary nature of spiritual experiences. From her unwavering dedication to her tragic incident and subsequent worship as a goddess reincarnation, her story resonates with devotees seeking solace, strength, and divine blessings. Hence, the legacy of Sri Sunama Jakini Matha continues to thrive, inspiring generations to embrace faith and spirituality. The temple’s captivating history, sacred legend, and awe-inspiring architecture provide devotees with a serene and uplifting atmosphere. And also, visit to this sacred abode promises a profound spiritual experience and an opportunity to seek the blessings of Sunama Jakini Matha, the divine mother who embodies love, compassion, and strength.
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