Boyakonda Gangamma Temple – A Sacred Hill Shrine of Shakti

 

The Boyakonda Gangamma Temple is a powerful and ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Gangamma, an incarnation of Shakti. It’s nestled atop a serene hillock in Diguvapalli village, Chowdepalli Mandal, Annamayya District, Andhra Pradesh.

Main Deity

• Sri Gangamma Devi: Worshipped as a guardian goddess who protects devotees from evil and grants boons. Her idol is placed beside a sacred well believed to have healing powers.

Associated Features

• Pushkarini (Sacred Well): Adjacent to the sanctum, this well is considered miraculous. Devotees collect its water for healing and agricultural prosperity.
• Putra Mandapam: A sacred snake pit where the goddess is believed to manifest in cobra form.
• Banyan Tree Shrine: Symbolic site where, according to legend, the heads of enemy soldiers were tied by the goddess.
• Pushpam Aduguta Ritual Spot: Devotees place a flower on the deity’s head to seek divine guidance—right side means approval, left side means caution.
• Sacrificial Offering Area: A designated space where traditional offerings like hen or sheep are made and cooked as part of the ritual.

Highlights

Divine Power & Legend

• Dedicated to Sri Gangamma Devi, a fierce form of Shakti and sister of Lord Venkateswara.
• Revered for protecting tribal communities (Boyas and Yelikas) from Nawab invasions centuries ago.
• The goddess is believed to have manifested from the hill to crush evil forces.

Miraculous Sacred Well

• A Pushkarini (holy well) beside the sanctum is famed for curing skin ailments and boosting crop yield.
• Devotees collect and sprinkle this water for blessings and healing.

Unique Rituals

• Pushpam Aduguta: A flower is placed on the deity’s head to seek divine guidance—right side means approval, left side means caution.
• Traditional animal offerings (hen or sheep) are made and cooked on-site as part of the ritual.

Festivals

Gangamma Jatara

• The temple’s signature annual festival, drawing lakhs of devotees.
• Celebrated with grand processions, special poojas, and cultural performances.
• Devotees offer traditional sacrifices and perform Pushpam Aduguta to seek divine guidance.

Navaratri (Dussehra)

• A nine-day celebration honoring different forms of Shakti.
• Each day is dedicated to a unique goddess form like Durga, Saraswati, Rajarajeswari, and Mahisasura Mardini.
• Includes Velvi rituals, music, and dance, culminating in a massive gathering.

Ugadi

• Marks the Telugu New Year with special prayers and offerings.
• Devotees seek blessings for prosperity and protection in the coming year.

Other Celebrations

• Aadi Month Fridays: Devotees worship the goddess for fertility and emotional healing.
• Pournami & Amavasya Days: Special abhishekams and poojas are performed, often attracting large crowds.

Temple Hours

Opening Time: 5.00 AM

Closing Time: 6.30 PM

Getting Here

 `By Road

• From Tirupati: ~110 km via Punganur. APSRTC buses are available to Punganur, then local transport to the temple.
• From Chittoor: ~88 km
• From Madanapalle: ~20 km
• From Bengaluru: ~127 km; driving takes around 1 hour 57 minutes

By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Pakala Junction (~30 km away)
• From Pakala, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple.

By Air

• Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (~90 km away)
• Travel time from the airport to the temple is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours by road.

Tips

Best Time to Visit: Fridays, Amavasya, and Pournami are especially auspicious. Avoid peak hours if you prefer a quieter darshan.

Dress Modestly: Traditional attire is recommended. There’s no strict dress code, but respectful clothing enhances the spiritual experience.

Use the Sacred Well: Collect water from the Pushkarini for healing or agricultural blessings. Locals believe it cures skin ailments and boosts crop yield.