India, also considered as the land of temples has a unique legend associated with each of its temples which lends a mythical charm for them. One such temple in India is that of Gnana Saraswathi at Basar which holds a prominent place. Basar is located on the banks of Godavari River, 34 km from the district headquarters of Nizamabad, very close to Maharashtra border in the North Telangana region.

This temple is an abode of Goddess Saraswathi, Goddess Lakshmi and Kali considered as the Holy Trinity. Legends says that Veda Vyasa, his followers and sage Suka had desired to stay at in a serene environment after the Kurukshetra War. Searching for a peaceful abode, they then moved into the Dandakaranya forest and finally chose this place owing to peaceful climate. Maharishi Vyasa was known for performing his regular ablutions in the Godavari river. Each day after this process he used to get sand in fists and made them into images of Goddess Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Kali by means of his mystic power and offered prayers. The place derives its name from Vyasa and called Vasar or Basar (Basara in local dialect). It is also considered to be among the three temples created near the holy confluence of the Manjira and Godavari Rivers by the Ashtrakutas. A Karnataka king by the name Bijialudu reportedly constructed the current temple at Basar.

Basar is an ideal destination for performing "Akshara Abhyasam" where children perform a ceremonial start before starting formal school education. The Puja begins at the temple daily at 4 am while Alankarana starts at 5 am in a pious atmosphere. The temple is flocked by devotees all round the year especially during Maha Shivaratri, Devi Navarathrulu. The temple can be reached by bus and train from Hyderabad (205 km away) and Nizamabad.