Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Maremma Ammavari Devasthanam at Putrela, in Vissannapeta mandal of NTR district (formerly Krishna district), Andhra Pradesh, is a much-loved shrine of the village goddess Sri Maremma. The temple is about 12 km from Vissannapeta and is administered under the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department. Lakhs of devotees from the surrounding districts visit the Mother every year, and the temple is one of the most important pilgrimage centres of the region.
The Goddess – Sri Maremma
The presiding deity is Sri Maremma Ammavaru, a protective form of the Divine Mother worshipped across the Telugu villages as a grama devata – the guardian goddess of the village. Devotees pray to her for the health and safety of their families, protection from illness and misfortune, good harvests and the fulfilment of their vows. At Putrela, the daily rituals of the Goddess are performed according to the Shaiva tradition.
History
According to the temple's history, about two centuries ago a resident of the village, Sri Khambampati Venkayya, brought the idol of the Goddess from Machilipatnam and installed it at Putrela. From that small beginning, the shrine grew steadily in fame as devotees experienced the Mother's grace, and it has developed into the large temple of today.
Festivals and Special Days
- Tirunallu (Jatara): the chief annual festival of the Goddess, when very large crowds of devotees gather at Putrela to offer prayers, fulfil vows and take part in the celebrations.
- Thursdays and Sundays: the most popular days of the week for darshan, when the temple is especially crowded.
- Dasara / Navaratri (September–October): special pujas and decorations for the Goddess.
Please check with the temple for the exact days of the Tirunallu each year.
Offerings
Devotees offer turmeric, kumkum, sarees, bangles and coconuts to the Mother, and many families offer bonams and fulfil vows made in times of need. Families also come to perform their children's tonsuring and other ceremonies at the temple.
Temple Timings
- The temple is generally open from early morning until evening.
- Timings are extended on Thursdays, Sundays and during the Tirunallu. Please check locally before your visit.
How to Reach
By Road: Putrela is about 12 km from Vissannapeta, and is connected by road with Vijayawada, Tiruvuru and Nuzvid. APSRTC buses run to Putrela from Vissannapeta and nearby towns, with extra services on festival days.
By Train: the nearest major railway station is Vijayawada Junction.
By Air: the nearest airport is Vijayawada International Airport (VGA) at Gannavaram.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional, modest clothing is recommended.
- Best days to visit: weekdays other than Thursday are quieter; Thursdays, Sundays and the Tirunallu are very busy.
- Nearby places: Sri Tirupathamma Ammavari Temple, Penuganchiprolu, also in NTR district, and the temples of Vijayawada.