Introduction

The Pydithalli Ammavari Temple, nestled in the historic town of Vizianagaram, is a sacred sanctuary with a rich past. The local community holds a special place in their hearts for the temple, which dedicates itself to the presiding deity, Pydithalli Ammavaru and Pydithalli Ammavaru Sirimanu Festival

This ancient temple, dating back to the 18th century, has a captivating legend associated with it. Ancient scriptures state that Pydithalli Ammavaru, not an ordinary deity, belonged to the esteemed Gajapati dynasty and was the beloved sister of King Vijaya Rama Raju.

Temple History

The temple’s history takes us back to a tumultuous period. In 1756 when Vizianagaram’s king found himself embroiled in a fierce. And unrelenting battle with the king of Bobbili. It was during these trying times that a French army general came to the aid of Vijaya Rama Raju. Leading to a pivotal battle on the 23rd of January, 1757.

The conflict, known as the Bobbili Battle, witnessed the near destruction of the Bobbili fort. And the unfortunate loss of many brave Bobbili soldiers. Meanwhile, amid the chaos of war, illness struck King Vijaya Rama Raju’s wife and his sister, Pydimamba, as they desperately attempted to dissuade him from further bloodshed.

At this critical juncture, Pydimamba was engaged in a divine pooja. And it was during this spiritual ritual that she received an unsettling revelation about her brother’s perilous situation. As news of King Vijaya Rama Raju’s tragic demise reached her, Pydimamba fainted, and in her final moments. She expressed her inability to continue living in a world without her brother.

In a remarkable turn of events, Pydimamba sent a profound message from beyond through a dream to Patiwada Appala Naidu, a valiant soldier. In her dream, she directed him to search for her idol on the western shores of a nearby lake and instructed that a temple be erected at that very spot.

As a result, they constructed the Pydithalli Ammavari Temple near Pedda Cheruvu, a tranquil lake, where they found her idol. This temple stands as a testament to the extraordinary devotion and love between a brother and sister.

More Information

This festival brings together an impressive gathering of 2-3 lakh pilgrims from neighboring towns and villages. All drawn by the deep-rooted history and spiritual significance of the Pydithalli Ammavari Temple.

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