Anakapalli’s Sacred Guardian: A Complete Guide to Sri Nookambika Temple

 

Location

• Temple Name: Sri Nookambika Ammavari Temple (also known as Nookalamma Temple)
• Village: Gavarapalem
• Town: Anakapalli
• District: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
• Distance from Vizag: 34 km west of Visakhapatnam

Presiding Deity

• Main Deity: Sri Nookambika Ammavaru
• A fierce village guardian goddess, believed to be a form of Shakti.
• Originally worshipped as Sri Kakatambika during the Kakatiya era.
• Later evolved into Nookambika/Nookalamma, deeply revered across coastal Andhra.

• While the main sanctum is dedicated to Nookambika, the temple complex includes:
• Kalyana Mandapam and Cottages for devotees
• Vegetation-rich surroundings with coconut trees

History & Significance

• Established: Around 1450 AD by Sri Kakarlapudi Appalaraju Payakarao, commander under the Nawab of Arcot.
• Original Deity Name: Sri Kakatambika, later evolved into Sri Nookambika or Nookalamma.
• Spiritual Role: One of the nine Shakti forms, believed to be a manifestation of Sri Anagha Devi.
• Cultural Importance: Revered as a village guardian goddess, especially in North Andhra.

Rituals & Festivals

Daily Pujas:

• Kumkum Pooja, Darshan, Nivedana, Parayanam, Nakshatra Harathi, and Deeparadhana.
• Auspicious Days: Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday are especially sacred.

Major Festival:

• Nookalamma Jathara (Annual Tirunalla)
• Begins on Phalguna Amavasya (Kotha Amavasya), the day before Ugadi, and ends on Chaitra Amavasya.
• Attracts thousands of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states.

Temple Timings

The Sri Nookambika Ammavari Temple is open daily during the following hours:

• Morning: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM
• Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Daily Pooja Schedule

• 5:30 AM – Aradhana: The day begins with the ceremonial awakening of the deity.
• 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM – Balabhoga Naivedyam: A light food offering is made to the goddess.
• 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM – Raja Bhogam: A royal meal offering is performed before the temple closes for the afternoon.
• 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM – Bhogam: Evening food offering to the deity.
• 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM – Veda Parayanam: Recitation of sacred Vedic hymns fills the temple with spiritual energy.
• 8:00 PM – Temple Closes: The temple concludes its daily rituals and closes for the night.

Getting Here

• By Air: Nearest airport is Visakhapatnam (29 km).
• By Train: Major station at Visakhapatnam (38 km); local station at Anakapalli.
• By Road: Direct buses available from Visakhapatnam to Anakapalli (24–34 km).

Tips 

• Best Days: Plan your visit on Tuesdays or Sundays for heightened spiritual energy.
• Stay Options: Temple offers Kalyana Mandapam, cottages, and rooms in the Kakatambika complex.
• Photography: Respect temple norms—some areas may restrict photos.
• Ambience: The temple is surrounded by lush coconut groves, adding serenity to the experience.
• Crowd Alert: Expect large crowds during Feb–Apr, especially around Ugadi.