Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
The Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Ammavari Temple at Penugonda, in the West Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh, stands at the birthplace of Goddess Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari – the kuladevata (family Goddess) of the Arya Vysya and other Vaishya communities. Revered as the "Kasi of the Vysyas", Penugonda draws devotees from across India and abroad, and in honour of the Goddess the town has recently been officially renamed Vasavi Penugonda.
The Story of Vasavi
According to tradition, in the 11th century, when the Chalukya king Vishnuvardhana ruled the region, a respected Vysya leader named Kusuma Sresti lived at Penugonda with his wife Kusumamba. By the grace of Lord Shiva they were blessed with twins – a son, Virupaksha, and a daughter, Vasavi, who grew up devoted to spiritual life.
When the king saw Vasavi, he demanded her hand in marriage and threatened the community when she refused. Rather than give in to force, Vasavi chose to give up her life. On the banks of the Godavari, 103 sacred fire pits (agnigundams) were prepared; Vasavi entered the fire together with her parents and the couples of the 102 gotras of the community who stood by her. The legend says the flames turned cool around her, and all present realised that she was an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. She has been worshipped ever since as Kanyaka Parameswari – the virgin Supreme Goddess – a symbol of dignity, non-violence and the strength of a united community.
The Temple
The temple has a tall Rajagopuram and a spacious sanctum, and its walls are richly adorned with sculpture. Besides the main shrine of Sri Kanyaka Parameswari, the complex has shrines of Sri Nagareswara Swamy (Lord Shiva), Goddess Mahishasuramardini, Lord Vinayaka and the Navagrahas, and an Ashtalakshmi temple stands nearby. The Nagareswara Swamy shrine is unusual for having two Nandis facing the Lord instead of one. Sculpted images of the Goddess standing in the fire with her parents are among the most moving sights for pilgrims.
Festivals
- Vasavi Jayanti – the birth anniversary of the Goddess, on Vaisakha Shukla Dasami (usually April–May), the temple's greatest festival, celebrated by Vysya communities everywhere.
- Dasara / Devi Navaratri – nine nights of alankarams for the Goddess (usually September–October). The temple has drawn wide attention for decorating the Goddess and the sanctum with currency notes and gold offered by devotees as a symbol of prosperity.
- Karthika Masam – special pujas at the Nagareswara Swamy shrine (usually October–November).
Visitor Information
- Timings: usually about 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM; hours are extended on festival days. Please check locally before visiting.
- Stay: choultries run by Arya Vysya organisations near the temple serve pilgrims coming from far away.
- Etiquette: traditional dress is recommended; remove footwear before entering.
How to Reach
- By Road: Penugonda is about 16 km from both Tanuku and Palakollu, about 38 km from Tadepalligudem and about 54 km from Rajahmundry; APSRTC buses connect it with all nearby towns.
- By Train: Penugonda has a station on the Nidadavolu–Narasapuram line; Tanuku and Palakollu stations (about 16 km) have more trains.
- By Air: the nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport, Madhurapudi (RJA), about 67 km away by road.
Nearby Temples
Close by is the Pancha Kesava shrine of Sri Kesava Swamy, Kotalaparru (about 5 km). Pilgrims also visit the Pancharama shrine of Ksheerarama, Palakollu (about 16 km) and the temples of Tanuku, such as Sri Kesava Swamy Temple, Tanuku (about 16 km).