Sri Chamundeswari Temple Nellore – Coastal Shakti Shrine Rituals & Travel Information

 

Location

• Situated in Gangapatnam village, Indukurpet Mandal, Nellore District.
• About 24–25 km east of Nellore town, and just 1 km from the Bay of Bengal coast.

Main Deity

• Sri Chamundeswari Ammavaru (Durga Devi) is the presiding deity.
• The idol is over 8 feet tall, a rare and striking feature.
• Installed by Shakteyas/Cholas around 1100–1500 years ago, making it one of the oldest temples in the district.

Subshrines & Associated Deities

• Kalabhairava Temple: Considered unique after Varanasi, highlighting the temple’s Shaivite connections.
• Mukha Mandapam & Dwarapalakas: Re‑dedicated in 1515 AD by Chandragiri Raju Chennapparayudu.
• Other shrines for Ganapati, Navagrahas, and local guardian deities are also present.

Temple Significance

• Historical Importance: Continuous worship for over a millennium; major renovations in 1515 AD and Mahakumbhabhishekam in 2009 by Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamy of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.
• Spiritual Power: Revered as equally significant as the Mysore Chamundeswari Temple.
• Festivals: Annual Brahmotsavams and special pujas attract devotees from Nellore and coastal Andhra.
• Unique Feature: The Kalabhairava shrine makes it a rare temple where Shakti and Bhairava worship coexist prominently.
• Coastal Setting: Its proximity to the sea adds to its sanctity, with devotees often combining pilgrimage with ritual sea baths.

History

• Origins: The temple was consecrated by Shakteyas around 1100–1500 years ago, making it one of the oldest shrines in Nellore district.
• Chola Influence: Historical accounts suggest the Cholas installed the idol of Chamundeswari Devi, emphasizing their patronage of Shakti temples.
• Renovations: In 1515 AD, Chandragiri Raju Chennapparayudu re‑dedicated the Mukha Mandapam and the Dwarapalakas.
• Modern Era: In 2009, Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamy of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham performed Mahakumbhabhishekam, reaffirming its spiritual importance.

Legends

• Chamundeswari Devi: She is worshipped as a fierce form of Goddess Durga, who slayed demons like Chanda and Munda, hence the name Chamunda.
• Local Belief: Devotees believe the goddess protects coastal villages from natural calamities and blesses them with prosperity.
• Kalabhairava Connection: The temple’s Kalabhairava shrine is considered unique after Varanasi, symbolizing the union of Shakti and Bhairava worship.

Architecture

• Main Idol: The idol of Chamundeswari Devi is over 8 feet tall, an extraordinary feature rarely seen in South Indian temples.
• Layout: Traditional South Indian style with a Mukha Mandapam, sanctum (garbhagriha), and subshrines.
• Subshrines: Dedicated to Kalabhairava, Ganapati, Navagrahas, and guardian deities.
• Unique Feature: The Kalabhairava temple within the complex is considered second only to Varanasi in prominence.
• Renovations: The temple has undergone multiple restorations, blending ancient stone architecture with later mandapam additions.

Rituals

• Daily Worship:
• Morning and evening pujas with alankaram (decoration), naivedyam (food offering), and deeparadhana (lamp offering).
• Devotees offer Durva grass, flowers, and coconuts to the goddess.
• Special Sevas:
• Abhishekam with milk, turmeric, and kumkum.
• Kalabhairava Puja – rare outside Varanasi, performed for protection and removal of obstacles.
• Navagraha and Ganapati pujas in subshrines.
• Offerings:
• Traditional modaks, fruits, and rice preparations.
• Devotees often perform kumkumarchana and homams for prosperity.

Festivals

• Navaratri (Dasara):
• The most important festival, celebrated with grandeur.
• Daily alankarams of the goddess in different forms of Durga.
• Cultural programs and community feasts.
• Annual Brahmotsavams:
• Conducted every year since ancient times.
• Includes Dwajarohanam, Rathotsavam, Teppotsavam, and concluding Pushpayagam.
• Attracts devotees from Nellore and coastal Andhra.
• Other Observances:
• Karthika Masam (lighting of lamps).
• Chaitra Pournami and special pujas on Fridays.
• Sea‑side rituals, as the temple is just 1 km from the Bay of Bengal.

Beliefs

• Protective Power: Goddess Chamundeswari is believed to shield coastal villages from cyclones and natural calamities.
• Fulfiller of Wishes: Devotees believe she removes obstacles and grants success in endeavors.
• Progeny Blessings: Childless couples worship here for fertility and family blessings.
• Kalabhairava Worship: The presence of Kalabhairava shrine makes the temple spiritually powerful, second only to Varanasi in this tradition.
• Equal to Mysore Chamundeswari: Locals consider the temple as significant as the famous Mysore Chamundeswari shrine.

Temple Hours

• Sunday & Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Monday to Thursday, Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 – 6:00 PM

Getting Here

• By Road:
• From Nellore (24–25 km): Take the Nellore–Indukurpet road towards Gangapatnam.
• From Kavali (40 km): Drive south via NH‑16 and connect to Indukurpet road.
• By Train:
• Nearest major station: Nellore Railway Station.
• Local autos and buses connect Nellore to Gangapatnam.
• By Air:
• Tirupati Airport (~160 km) or Chennai Airport (~200 km).
• From there, trains/buses to Nellore, then onward to Gangapatnam.
• Nearby Landmark: Just 1 km from the Bay of Bengal coast, making it a unique coastal temple.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit:
• During Navaratri (September–October) and annual Brahmotsavams.
• Fridays are considered especially auspicious.
• Carry Essentials:
• Light cotton clothing (coastal humidity).
• Water bottles and umbrellas during summer.
• Accommodation:
• Lodges and hotels available in Nellore town; limited facilities near Gangapatnam.
• Festivals:
• Expect heavy crowds during Rathotsavam, Teppotsavam, and Navaratri. Arrive early for darshan.
• Unique Offering:
• Devotees often perform Kumkumarchana and Kalabhairava puja here, believed to remove obstacles.
• Sea Bath:
• Many pilgrims combine darshan with a ritual bath in the Bay of Bengal nearby.