Tirupati Tataiahgunta Gangamma Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Korramenugunta,

Tirupati,

Andhra Pradesh 517501

Amman

Gangamma

Introduction

The Tataiahgunta Gangamma Temple, dedicated to Goddess Gangamma, is located in Tirupati Town, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh. Goddess Gangamma is revered as the Grama Devata (village deity) of Tirupati.

Puranic Significance

During the time of the Palegondulu rulers, women in the region endured severe harassment. To protect them, Goddess Gangamma incarnated as a beautiful woman in a nearby village called Avilala.
When Palegondulu approached her with ill intentions, Goddess Gangamma used her divine power to attempt to slay him. Fearful, Palegondulu went into hiding.
To draw him out, Goddess Gangamma orchestrated the Gangamma Jatara, during which people dressed in unusual costumes and cursed her for seven days.
On the seventh day, Palegondulu was lured out and slain by the Goddess, restoring peace and justice for humanity.
The Gangamma Jatara is now celebrated annually in May and is a cherished festival of Tirupati.

The temple’s location near the Thathaya gunta (pond) has earned it the name Tataiahgunta Gangamma Temple.

Special Features

Gangamma Jatara is the most significant festival, held every May.
Initiatory rituals: Priests tie a Vadibalu (sacred thread) to the Viswaroopa Sthambam, marking the beginning of the festival.
During the festival, men perform the Chatimpu, roaming through the town while beating drums (dappus) to announce the event and urging residents to stay in town until the festival concludes.
A traditional clay idol of the Goddess is created in the temple’s portico. Devotees offer pongal, sarees, turmeric, and kumkum to the Goddess during the festival.
On the final day, the clay idol is ceremonially broken into pieces.
- Sacred clay fragments are highly valued, often preserved in puja rooms or consumed (dissolved in water) for blessings.
Although there is an official ban on animal sacrifices, devotees sometimes offer goats and fowls at the temple during the festival.