Boyakonda Gangamma Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Boyakonda Gangamma Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Nakkala Palli Main Road, Kota Veedi,

Nakkala Palli,

Andhra Pradesh 515211

Amman

Gangamma

Introduction

• The Boyakonda Gangamma Temple is dedicated to Gangamma Devi, an incarnation of Shakti.
• Location: Boyakonda, Andhra Pradesh (20 km from Madanapalle, 150 km from Bangalore).
• Situated in Chittoor district, Chowdepalli Mandal, Diguvapalli panchayat, Pungunur taluk.
• A significant Hindu pilgrimage center.

Puranic Significance

• Named after the Boyas, ancient locals who first worshipped the goddess.
• Historical event:
  • Tribals (Boyas and Pala Ekari caste) revolted against oppressive Nawab rule.
  • Prayed to Goddess Shakti for help; the goddess descended, protected the tribals, and defeated the Nawab’s army.
  • The tribals built the temple in gratitude, and the Boyas and Pala Ekari caste remain prominent devotees of the goddess.

Beliefs

• Devotees make wishes and return to offer thanks when their wishes are fulfilled.
• Well water near the temple is believed to:
  • Cure skin ailments.
  • Improve crop yield when sprinkled in fields.
• Devotees test the likelihood of wish fulfillment by placing a flower on the deity’s head:
  • Right side fall indicates a positive response, while the left side fall indicates negative.

Special Features

• The temple is situated on a mountain, with the goddess residing near a well.
• Worship practices:
  • Offerings often include hens or sheep, which are sacrificed and consumed by the devotee’s family.
  • Pushkarini water (holy water) is highly revered and believed to ward off evil.
• Associated with Venkateswara’s sister, symbolizing her powerful and protective nature.
• Navaratri festival attracts lakhs of devotees annually.
• The temple was taken over by the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department in 1990, and facilities have since been developed for devotees.

Festivals

• Navaratri festival is the temple’s most prominent celebration.

Century/Period

500 Years old

Managed By

Endowments Department of Andhra Pradesh

Nearest Bus Station

Venkatagirikota

Nearest Railway Station

Bangarapet Junction

Nearest Airport

Bengaluru

Location on Map

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