Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri has a history of 2000 years of its existence. It is the holy land engulfed with the divine resonance and vibration. Ancient Vedic culture was founded here on spirituality, where Nature is valued and worshipped. It was Yagnas and prayers that inspired cosmic peace here.
Sri Kshetra is blessed by Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva performed penance at Sri Kshetra, during which he devoured two demons, Chuncha and Kancha, who were pestering elements of the area for a very long time. At the end of his austerity, Lord Shiva entrusted a Siddayogi, establishing a ‘Natha tradition’ and guided him to disseminate the righteousness in the society.
Lord Shiva also assured to reside in Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri, in the form of Panchalingas viz. Lord Gangadhareshwaraswamy, Chandramouleshwaraswamy, Malleshwaraswamy, Siddeshwaraswamy and Someshwaraswamy; of which Lord Gangadhareshwaraswamy is known as the ‘Presiding Deity’. Thus, Sri Kshetra came to be known as “Panchalinga Kshetra”.
Lord Kalabhyraveshwaraswamy, the manifestation of Lord Shiva, is the ‘Protecting Deity’ of Sri Kshetra. He extends his grace to all and bestows divine experience and liberation. Goddess Parvathi resides here in the form of Stambambike.
Sri Math serves free food to more than twenty thousand people every day. This feeding programme has earned the Math another name – “Annadani Math”.
‘Bindu Sarovara’ is formed naturally on the middle hill of Sri Kshetra. It is believed that this holy place is formed by the holy water, discharged by the Jata of Lord Gangadhareshwara, who is stationed a few hundred feet high above this lake. Dedicated devotees take a holy dip to dispel their ignorance and accumulated sins.
Sri Kshetra is surrounded by a beautiful forest, which appears to radiate an aura of abiding serenity, spiritual solitude and peace. This area is known as ‘Mayura Vana’, where enchanting peacocks live freely.
Millions look to this ancient Monastery, for both spiritual and mundane guidance. Apart from teaching spirituality, Sri Kshetra is set out to uplift the rural community through education and healthcare programmes – the two most pressing needs of the society.
