Vidurashwatha

Vidurashwatha ವಿದುರಾಶ್ವತ್ಥ
city
Vidurashwatha Location in Karnataka, India Show map of Karnataka Vidurashwatha Vidurashwatha (India) Show map of India
Coordinates: 13°37′N 77°31′E / 13.61°N 77.52°E / 13.61; 77.52Coordinates: 13°37′N 77°31′E / 13.61°N 77.52°E / 13.61; 77.52
Country	India
State	Karnataka
District	Chikkaballapur
Languages
• Official	Kannada
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	561208
Website	http://vidurashawatha.org/

Vidurashwatha (Kannada:ವಿದುರಾಶ್ವತ್ಥ) is a small village located in the Gauribidanur taluk of Chikkaballapur district in the state of Karnataka, India. Situated near the Karnataka–Andhra Pradesh border and about 6 km from Gauribidanur, it played a major role in the Indian independence movement.^[1]

Etymology

The name Vidurashwatha is derived from that of a big Ashwatha (sacred fig) tree located in this village.^[2] According to a legend of the times of Mahabharata, this tree was planted by Vidura, a courtier in the kingdom of Dhritarashtra; and hence the name Vidurashwatha.^[3] In 2001, this ancient tree fell to the ground.^[4]

The legend says that Yamadharma Raja was cursed to be born as a human being and was thus born as Vidura. After seeing all the bloodshed during the war, Vidura became remorseful and asked Krishna for salvation. Krishna asked him to go for a theerthayatra (pilgrimage). After visiting many places, Vidura came to this place, which was actually a hermitage of Maithreya Maharishi. Once during sandhyavandhana in the river, Vidura got a small sapling when he was about to offer argya to Surya. Maithreya Maharishi asked Vidura to worship the sapling to get salvation. With great devotion, Vidura worshiped the sapling and Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, pleased with the devotion, gave him dharshan, and thus the name of the location became Vidura Ashwatha.

Another story is that, a long time ago when the river was flowing rapidly, two brothers who could not cross the river took shelter on the other side of the river bank where there is a temple to Shiva. In the night, one of the brothers dreamed that Ashwathnaryana came and asked the brother to worship him so that he and his future generations would be benefited. The next day the brother was found on the other side of the river bank under the great sacred fig. From then on, the worship of Ashwathnaryana was done by this family only.

History

Vidurashwatha is known as the "Jallianwala Bagh of the South".^[3] On 25 April 1938, as a part of the freedom struggle of India, a group of villagers had congregated to organise a Satyagraha. Similar to what happened at Jallianwala Bagh, police fired indiscriminately at the group, resulting in the death of around 35 people. A memorial has been erected in this location bearing the names of those who lost their lives in this incident.^[5]

Nagaprathistha: One of the most important ceremonies which is done in this place is Nagaprathista, its basically done by the people who have sarpa dosha in their horoscope. Here the devotees come and pray to the lord asking for a specific boon (Normally for a child or for Marriage) . Once the boon is fulfilled, they perform a prathistha. Not all devotees need to do the same, only those devotees who had taken a vow in front of the lord need to do it without fail.

Nagaprathista when done under the fig tree is the most auspicious and fruit bearing for the devotees, as this fig tress is the oldest and most scared doing prasthita here is considered most beneficial.

Importance of Ashwatha Tree

Salutations to the king of trees, Whose roots is Lord Brahma, Whose stem is Lord Vishnu, And whose crown is Lord Shiva. Moolatho brahma roopaya madhyatho visnu roopine, Agratha Shiva roopaya, vruksha rajayathe Namah ! Adi Shankaracharya interprets this tree as representing the entire cosmos. 'Shwa' in Sanskrit means tomorrow. 'a' indicates negation, and 'tha' means one that stands or remains. He interprets Ashwatha to indicate "One which does not remain the same tomorrow", or the universe itself. The eternal life of the Ashwatha Tree has inspired many Indian philosophers and Hindu thought.

Present

The village has a mosque and a temple and few Shadi Mahals (Marriage hall). The festivals are celebrated with dedication and love.

Notes

for Naga prathistha details and poojas, one can contact the below number Contact 9886504878