Kapotheswara Swamy Temple- Chejarla

Kapotheswara Swamy Temple- Chejarla

Chejarla Sri Kapoteshwara Swamy Temple in Chejarla village (also called as Chejerla or Cezarla) near Nekarikallu Mandal of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh.Lord Shiva , present in this temple is called as Kapotheswara, who has given a portion of his body to save a pigeon.

According to the inscriptions, the temple at Chejarla was built during fourth and fifth century AD.
According to the historical records found here, the place was once a great Buddhist Monastery later converted to an Hindu temple.

History

Lord here in this temple can be seen in Lingakara. The deity Kapotheswara, who gave a portion of his own body in order to save a pigeon which took refuge with him. Even today, one can see the large cavities on the Idol, as if portions have been scooped or cut out. It is said that the cavities on the Idol were formed when the Lord cut off his own flesh while trying to save the life of a Pigeon (Kapota). The Idol can be seen here with the head cut off and on top of the Linga, there are two large cavities. The cavities in the Idol absorbs the Abhisheka Tirtha and no one known to where this Tirtha is flowing. One can feel the smell of raw flesh and can see the blood flow out of this Idol.

Sthala Puranam

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 Shiva transformed as a hunter, Brahma as an arrow and Vishnu as the pigeon. Lord Shiva 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 fulfill the 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. The 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 Shiva granted Sibi’s wish and transformed them into Lingas. A temple was built for Sibi’s Linga form and called by ‘Kapotheswara’.