The Sri Maha
Pochamma Temple at Adelli village in Sarangapur
Mandal, Nirmal district, Telangana, is a powerful folk shrine revered
for its fierce guardian deity and deep-rooted tribal traditions.
History &
Significance
According to local
legend, during a devastating famine and epidemic, villagers prayed to Lord
Shiva for protection. In response, he sent his daughter Pochamma Devi to
safeguard the region. She chose to reside in the forested hills of Adelli,
where she continues to bless devotees with health and protection.
The temple is also known
as Dharmaraju Konda and is considered a Pandava
Kshetram, with mythological links to the Mahabharata era.
Deities Worshipped
- Sri Maha Pochamma Devi –
the main deity, depicted with four arms holding a trishula, damarukam, abhaya
hasta, and akshaya patra, standing with one leg on a
demon.
- She is worshipped alongside seven
sister goddesses (Sapta Matrikas): Brahmani, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani,
and Chamundi—uniquely enshrined in the sanctum.
- The goddess is fond of curd
rice (perugannam), which is offered as naivedyam.
Rituals & Beliefs
- Devotees offer turmeric
(pasupu) instead of kumkum, and the sanctum is often filled with
heaps of turmeric.
- A unique belief: if you stand a ₹1
coin upright before the deity, it won’t fall—seen as a sign of divine
presence.
- After darshan, devotees cook meals
nearby and share community feasts under the trees.
Festivals
The grandest celebration
is the Ganga Neella Jathara, held annually during Devi
Navaratri (post-Amavasya Saturday and Sunday before Dasara).
- On Saturday, the goddess’s ornaments
are taken in procession through nearby villages.
- On Sunday, they are ritually
cleansed in the Godavari River near Sangvi and
returned in a silver vessel.
- The temple draws massive crowds
every Sunday, with an atmosphere reminiscent of the Medaram
Sammakka-Saralamma Jathara.
Temple Timings :
6.00 am to 6.00 pm
Tips
Best Days:
Sundays are the most vibrant, drawing large crowds from Telangana, Andhra
Pradesh, Maharashtra, and even Odisha.
Festival Alert:
The Ganga Neella Jathara, held during Devi Navaratri (Saturday
and Sunday before Dasara), is the biggest event—plan travel and accommodation
early.
Offerings:
Bring turmeric (pasupu) instead of kumkum—turmeric is the
sacred offering here.
Naivedyam:
The goddess loves curd rice (perugannam)—devotees often cook and
offer it on-site.
No Hotels Nearby:
Stay in Nirmal or Bhainsa and travel early in the morning
Photography: Be respectful—avoid flash or photos inside the garbhagriha
How to reach the Temple :
21 km from Nirmal
56 Km from Bhainsa
60 km from Armoor
Nearby Temples :
Basara Saraswathi Temple – 87 km
Dichpally Sri Rama Temple – 88 km
Siddula Gutta Siddeswara Temple - 62 km.