Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Tatayyagunta Gangamma Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is the temple of Sri Gangamma – the gramadevata, or guardian goddess, of Tirupati. Loved by the people of the town as their protecting Mother, she is revered as the younger sister of Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala. Her temple is the centre of the colourful Tirupati Gangamma Jatara, one of the best-known folk festivals of Andhra Pradesh.
History
The temple takes its name from the Tatayya Gunta, the tank beside which it stands. According to temple tradition, the tank and the temple are associated with Tirumala Thathacharyulu, a devotee of the 16th century, who is said to have built the tank and consecrated the Goddess near it – which is why she came to be called Tatayyagunta Gangamma. Over the centuries the temple has remained the heart of Tirupati's own devotional life, alongside the great pilgrimage to the Seven Hills.
Sister of Lord Venkateswara
In Tirupati, Gangamma is honoured as the sister of Lord Venkateswara, and the bond between the two temples is kept alive every year. During the Jatara, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams sends a Parisu – an auspicious gift of saris, turmeric, kumkum and bangles – to Gangamma on behalf of Lord Venkateswara, just as a brother would send gifts to his sister.
The Legend of the Jatara
According to local tradition, Gangamma protected the people of the region from a tyrant chieftain, Palegondulu, who harassed the women of the area. When he hid from her, the Goddess went about the town in a different disguise each day to find him, and on the last day she found him and destroyed him. The townspeople joined her in disguise – and the veshams (disguises) of the Jatara recall that story to this day.
The Gangamma Jatara
The Jatara is celebrated for about a week in early Vaishakha (usually May), with dates announced by the temple each year:
- Chatimpu – the Jatara opens with the traditional proclamation in the town.
- The veshams – each day devotees, especially men, take on a different disguise as a vow to the Goddess: Bhairagi, Banda, Thoti, Dora, Matangi and Sunnapu Kundalu vesham, smeared with coloured pastes and garlanded with neem.
- Viswaroopa darshan – on the last day the Goddess is worshipped in her cosmic form made of clay, and the sacred clay is shared with devotees.
- Offerings – devotees fulfil their vows with pongali, turmeric, kumkum, neem garlands and saris. Animal offerings, once part of the folk tradition, are now officially restricted at the temple.
Worship through the Year
Devotees offer turmeric, kumkum, neem leaves and lamps to Gangamma and pray for protection, good health and the fulfilment of vows. Tuesdays and Fridays are especially crowded, and many pilgrims to Tirumala make a point of visiting the Goddess in Tirupati as well.
Visitor Information
- Timings: official timings are not published; the temple is usually open from early morning to night. Please check locally, especially during the Jatara.
- Jatara crowds: the streets around the temple are very crowded during Jatara week; plan to walk the last stretch.
- Etiquette: traditional dress is recommended; remove footwear before entering.
How to Reach
- By Road: the temple is on Gangamma Temple Road at Tataiah Gunta, in the heart of Tirupati; autorickshaws and city buses reach it easily.
- By Train: Tirupati railway station is about 1 km away.
- By Air: the nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, Renigunta (TIR), about 16 km away by road.
Nearby Temples
About 5 km away is the temple of Lord Venkateswara's consort, the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanur, and also near Tirupati are the Sri Vakulamatha Temple, the Srikalahasti temple (about 40 km) and the Swayambhu Ganesha of Kanipakam.