Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Ellaramma Ammavari Temple (also written Yellaramma) is the temple of the village goddess of Mandapaka, about 4 km west of Tanuku in Andhra Pradesh. Ellaramma Ammavaru is the grama devata – the guardian mother of the village – and her temple is so well known that it has brought Mandapaka a special name far beyond the Tanuku region.
The Village Goddess
In the villages of the Godavari delta, the grama devata is the mother who protects her people – their health, their fields and their families. Villagers turn to Ammavaru at every important moment of life, and her festival is the most awaited event of the village year. At Mandapaka, devotion to Ellaramma Ammavaru is a bond that holds the community together: people who have moved away – even to other countries – make every effort to return for her festival.
Vasantotsavalu – the Spring Festival
The temple is famous above all for its annual Vasantotsavalu, the spring festival of the Goddess, which has given Mandapaka its special identity. The festival includes:
- Sambaram – the joyful village celebration in honour of Ammavaru.
- Siribandi Utsavam – the procession of the Goddess's decorated festival cart.
- Gudi Talupulu Mooyuta – the traditional ritual of closing the temple doors.
The exact festival dates are fixed by the temple each year according to the traditional calendar.
About the Temple
The temple's founding year and its local legend have not been published. Mandapaka is a village of many temples: close by stands the Sri Chaturbhuja Kesava Swamy Temple, one of the Pancha Kesava Kshetras, linked with the sage Mandavya, after whom the village is named.
Visitor Information
- Timings: official timings are not published; the temple is usually open in the morning and evening. Please check locally before a special visit.
- Festival crowds: the village is very crowded during the Vasantotsavalu; plan your travel early.
- Etiquette: traditional dress is recommended; remove footwear before entering.
How to Reach
- By Road: Mandapaka is about 4 km from Tanuku; autorickshaws are easily available from the town. Tanuku is well connected by APSRTC buses with Rajamahendravaram, Bhimavaram, Eluru and Vijayawada.
- By Train: Tanuku railway station is about 4.5 km away.
- By Air: the nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport, Madhurapudi (RJA), about 60 km away by road.
Nearby Temples
About 400 m away is the Sri Chaturbhuja Kesava Swamy Temple, Mandapaka. In Tanuku, about 4 km away, are the Sri Kesava Swamy Temple and the Sri Uma Someswara Swamy Temple, Sajjapuram.