Saturday, April 23, 2016

Chejerla Temple History

Sibi,  Son of Mandhata and grandson of Yayati Maharaj who was ruling the kingdom of  Kashmir had two brothers Mehadambara and Jeemutavahana. Mehadambara took permission from his brother and reached the place Cherum Chorla as part of his pilgrimage where Rishis performing penance in the caves of a hill called Devarakonda. Mehadambara performed penance here along with the sages. After his demise, he was buried on the summit of the hill, as his body would not perish it assumed the form of Linga. Villagers saw this Lingakara and built a shrine called Linga Mehadambeswara. The news carried to the King of Kashmir by his escort.  
Jeemutavahana started to Cherum Chorla to bring his brother's body back. On reaching this place, he too followed his brother's footsteps and his body reached Kailash. The news carried by his escorts to the king Sibi. King Sibi reached this place and started performing Hundred Yajnas as this was so holy. By performing Hundred Yajnas one would reach the realm of Brahma. The three Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Vishnu decided to test Sibi's devotion and descended to the Earth at a place called Rupanaguntla Lord Siva transformed as a hunter, Brahma as an arrow and Vishnu as the pigeon. Lord Siva as a hunter trying to shoot the pigeon. The pigeon flew rapidly and found refuge in the hands of the king Sibi, seeking his protection. And at the same time, Sibi was performing his 100th Yajna. 
Hunter told Sibi that his profession is hunting who lives on the flesh of birds and animals. He requested Sibi to release the bird so that he can kill and eat it. Sibi replied that it is his Dharma to protect the one who approaches him. Sibi determined that it is his Dharma to protect the bird and to fulfil hunter's wish. Sibi placed the bird on one side of the balancing pan and tore portions of his body and placed it on the other side of the pan. Bird started weighing more to balance this Sibi started cutting large portions of his body and placed on the scale. The Gods were pleased with his devotion appeared before him in actual form and restored his life and Yajna. Lord Sibi desired the place of Kailasa for himself and his staff and also desired that all their bodies should be transformed into Lingas. Lord Siva granted Sibi's wish and transformed them into Lingas. A temple was built for Sibi' Linga form and called by 'Kapotheswara'.

Chejerla Temple History


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