Question

The famous Saraswati temple is located at ____ in Andhra Pradesh.
A. Basar
B. Rajahmundry
C. Kothapeta
D. Ravulapalem

Answer 1

Hint: In Hindu mythology, Saraswati is known as the Goddess of learning and knowledge. The Gnana Saraswati Temple is a holy shrine for the goddess Saraswati. It celebrates the festival of Saraswati Puja in February on a grand scale. The other famous Saraswati temple in India is Sharada Peeth.

Complete Answer:
Option A: Basar is a town in the Nirmal district of Telangana. The Gnana Saraswati Temple is located in Basar, at the bank of the River Godavari. The temple is around 210 km from Hyderabad. The temple is said to have been built by the Karnataka king Bijialudu. The temple is a well-known spot for “Aksharabhyasam”, the puja done before commencement of formal education.
Option B: Rajahmundry is also known as the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the bank of the river Godavari. Some of the well known temples in Rajahmundry are Syamalamba Ammavari Devasthanam, Mahalaxmi Gudi, Somalamma Temple, Iskcon Temple etc.
Option C: Kothapeta is a village in Andhra Pradesh. Some of the famous temples of Kothapeta are Mandapalli Saneeswaralayam, Yelisetti Vari Palem, Sri Mandeswara Swamy Vari Devasthanam etc.
Option D: Ravulapalem is a town in Andhra Pradesh. Some famous temples of Ravulapalem are Venkateswara Swamy temple, Vakullama Temple, Ravulapadu Shivalayam etc.
Hence, the correct option is, ‘A. Basar’.

Note: The temple also houses an idol of Mahakali which is on the $1^{st}$ floor of the temple. Believers also frequently go to the neighboring mountain which houses an idol Goddess Saraswati and next to her is the image of Goddess Lakshmi. It is considered a very holy place due to the presence of all three.