Chengalamma Parameshwari Temple

Introduction to the Chengalamma Temple

The Chengalamma Temple, or Chengalamma Parameshwari Temple, is located on the banks of the River Kalangi, Sullurpeta, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.

Legend of the Chengalamma Temple

According to legend, when a few boys were swimming in the River Kalangi, they found the idol of the Chengalamma Parameshwari. They rushed back home and informed the villagers. Villagers reached the place and tried to take out the idol, but they could not even move it.

The next day, they noticed the idol had reached the shoreline and was facing the south. They were able to lift the idol only after performing Pooja to it. They finally brought the idol to the present spot where the Chengalamma Temple is now.

Initially, the deity's name was 'Tenkali' (Dakshina Kali). Later, it became ′Chengali′, and now she is known as Chengalamma. The village formed around the temple was named Chengali Peta. During the British period, they changed the name to Sullurpeta. The Balija community built the temple, and even today, its members perform Nithya Archana for the deity, followed by rituals.

Four hundred years ago, villagers tried to install the temple door. Chengalamma Parameshwari appeared in a devotee's dream and instructed them that she wanted to bless her devotees at all times. So, they dropped the idea of having any doors, and the temple always remains open.

The Architecture of the Chengalamma Temple

The Chola kings built a small hut for the main deity, Chengalamma Parameshwari, in the 10th century after learning about the deity's origin in the River Kalangi. It features the typical Dravidian style of architecture.

The Chengalamma Temple has a grand welcome arch. A Vanni tree is near the arch. The temple faces south and has a seven-tier Rajagopuram. It has stucco images of various deities. The temple has a shop that sells Pooja items. There are barricades placed in the temple. There is a hall before the sanctum, where devotees stand in queue. Several deities' sculptures are sculpted on its wall. The outside and inside of the sanctum are gold-plated.

The main deity of the Chengalamma Temple is Chengalamma Parameshwari, an incarnation of Parvati facing south. Gold Kavas adorns her.

There are many statues around the temple. Navagraha has a separate shrine. The history of the Chengalamma Temple is written in black stones in Tamil, English, and Telugu. Rooms and kitchens are available for the devotees' use. The temple's main door is always open.

The Chengalamma Temple has a 400-year-old tree under which many small idols are worshipped. People used to keep lemons on top of the idols and worship them, especially during No Moon and Full-Moon days.

ISRO scientists visit the temple to worship the deity before launching any satellite. The Chengalamma Temples are also found in Choolai Chennai, Alamathi Thiruvallur, and Redhills.

Festivals in the Chengalamma Temple

Navaratri, Maha Shivaratri, and Ugadi are the main festivals celebrated in the Chengalamma Temple. It celebrates the Brahmotsavam or Chengalamma Jatra (fair) once in seven years. During the 10-day festival, Theppotsavam (float festival) is grandly celebrated. Chengalamma Parameshwari will be strolling in the River Kalangi on that day.

Devotees from Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu visit the Chengalamma Temple, especially on Fridays and Sundays. They offer animal sacrifice to the deity and worship her.