Gannavaram
is an affluent village near Vijayawada on NH5. (Vijayawada airport
is situated here.) Gannavaram Ashrama came into existence as a small
place of rest and waiting for Sri Swamiji on His travel thru Vijayawada
airport. Local devotees inspired by Sri UV Sivaji slowly expanded
the Ashrama. A unique edifice called Pancha Paduka Mandiram was consecrated
by Pujya Swamiji. Detailed Map containing the significance and narration
about the structure is seen below. The stone structure was sculpted
by Sri D Tirumala Achary of Allagadda - who also has sculpted Vijayawada Marakata
Rajarajeshwari Temple.
The Pancha Padukas stand for
• Five Elementary Principles of 1. Ether 2. Earth 3. Water 4.
Energy (Fire) 5. Air
• Five Deities of our Pantheon - Pancha Ayatana Devata - 1.
Vishnu 2. Ganapati 3. Shiva 4. Ravi & 5 Devi
• Five Important Gurus of our order - 1. Dattatreya 2. Sripada
Vallabha 3. Sri Narasihma Saraswati 4. Sri Narahari Teertha &
5. Sri Jayalakshmi Mata
• Five Shapes (angles have been selected by the sculptor) 1.Circle
2. Triangle 3.Octagon 4. Square & 5. Hexagon.
• The fifth Paduka was made of Marakata Stone.
All the other Padukas were made of Reddish color stone.
Though this shrine was under construction and short of required
facilities, this date was chosen as an exception to accommodate the
urge of devotees to have Sri Swamiji amidst them.
In His discourse, Sri Swamiji explained:
"Pancha Paduka Mandiram is a unique structure dedicated to the
lineage of Guru. Visit to this shrine would make you realise
the philosophy of Sadguru quickly. In addition, primordial Preceptor
Dattatreya will take care of your needs. Listen to Guru Geeta."
Sri Swamiji further added: "No other Temple is permissible in
this Ashrama after this Pancha Paduka Shrine. It would not augur well
for the community. Complete the construction. Beautify this temple
and conduct more spiritual and charitable programs here."

Kumbhabhishekam of Pancha Paduka Mandiram (five Padukas Temple)

Sri Swamiji after consecrating the Pancha Padukas in different Mantapas
(Stone Edifice) in the same sanctum Sanctorum

Pancha Paduka Mandiram. First of its kind.

Pancha Paduka Temple front entrance

Internal positions in the Temple