Sri Moolasthana Yellamma Temple, Chandragiri: A Sacred Drop of Shakti

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Location

  • District: Tirupati
  • Nearby landmarks: Close to Chandragiri Fort and easily accessible from Tirupati

Main Deity

  • Goddess Moolasthana Yellamma: A fierce and motherly form of Shakti, believed to have originated from a divine drop of Goddess Parvati’s body when Lord Shiva carried her remains after Daksha’s yagna.
  • She is revered for healing ailments, removing negative energies, and granting prosperity.

Sub-Shrines 

  • The temple houses:
    • Sculptures of the Nine forms of Durga
    • Representations of the Ten Mahavidyas
    • Local deities associated with health and protection
  • Devotees also worship Agastya Maharshi, who is said to have consecrated the deity and installed protective idols.

Temple Significance

  • Origin Legend: The temple’s sanctity stems from a neem tree where one of Parvati’s divine drops fell. Sage Agastya identified this spot and installed the idol to protect villagers from cholera and ghostly afflictions.
  • Healing & Vows: People suffering from health issues or addictions (especially alcohol) take vows here. It’s believed that breaking a vow invites the goddess’s wrath.
  • Regional Devotion: Devotees from 36 surrounding villages, as well as from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, visit regularly.
  • Festivals:
    • Fridays (May–August): Animal sacrifices and Pongal offerings
    • Sankranti: Grand celebrations with floral decorations and deity processions on various vahanas
  • Spiritual Energy: The temple is known for its intense spiritual vibrations and is often visited for blessings related to health, business, and family well-being.

History & Legends

  • Mythical Origin: The temple traces its sanctity to the Daksha Yagna episode. When Goddess Parvati immolated herself in Yogagni, Lord Shiva carried her body across the cosmos. Nine drops of her divine essence fell at different locations—one at a neem tree in Chandragiri, where Yellamma manifested.
  • Agastya Maharshi’s Role: During a cholera outbreak in the region, villagers sought help from Sage Agastya, who was meditating nearby. He discovered that 3,326 ghosts were haunting the area. He identified the neem tree as a sacred spot and installed two idols of Yellamma to dispel the afflictions.

Architecture

  • Organic Sanctum: The temple’s sanctum is built around the original neem tree, preserving its natural and mystical aura. The tree itself is considered sacred and central to the temple’s energy.
  • Minimalist Rural Style: Unlike grand Dravidian temples, this shrine follows a rustic architectural style—simple stone structures, open courtyards, and functional layouts that prioritize ritual over ornamentation.
  • Sub-shrines: The temple includes sculptures of:
    • Nine forms of Durga
    • Ten Mahavidyas
    • Protective village deities and sages like Agastya Maharshi

Rituals

  • Weekly Worship:
    • Every Friday (May to August) is considered highly auspicious.
    • Offerings include Pongal, coconuts, and animal sacrifices (hen or goat), reflecting deep rural traditions.
  • Vow Fulfillment:
    • Devotees take pledges, especially to overcome addictions or health issues.
    • It’s strongly believed that breaking a vow invites the goddess’s wrath.
  • Healing Rituals:
    • Special prayers are offered for relief from diseases, mental disturbances, and business obstacles.
    • The temple’s origin story itself is rooted in healing—Sage Agastya installed the deity to cure villagers of cholera.

Festivals

  • Sankranti (Mid-January):
    • The grandest celebration at the temple.
    • The deity is adorned with flowers and taken out in procession on various vahanas (divine vehicles).
    • Devotees from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and surrounding districts gather in large numbers.
  • Kondachuttu Event:
    • A local festival marked by community cooking, family gatherings, and ritual offerings.
    • Celebrated with deep emotional and spiritual fervor.

Beliefs

  • Divine Origin:
    • The goddess is believed to have manifested from a drop of Parvati’s essence that fell on a neem tree during Shiva’s cosmic journey.
  • Spiritual Power:
    • Yellamma is seen as a motherly yet fierce protector, capable of curing diseases and punishing oath-breakers.
  • Regional Devotion:
    • Devotees from 36 villages and beyond treat the temple as a spiritual epicenter.
    • Many believe that sincere prayers here lead to prosperity, health, and peace.

Temple Hours

6:00 AM to 1:00 PM

4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Getting There

  • From Tirupati:
    • Distance: ~12 km
    • By Road: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and APSRTC buses are available.
    • Nearest Railway Station: Chandragiri Railway Station (local trains from Tirupati)
  • By Air:
    • Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (~20 km away)
  • Local Tip:
    • If you're coming from Nellore or Chittoor, early morning buses or private vehicles are ideal to reach before puja hours.

Accommodation

  • Budget Options:
    • Lodges and guesthouses in Chandragiri town offer basic amenities.
    • Tirupati has a wide range—from budget stays to premium hotels and dharmashalas.
  • Pilgrim-Friendly Stays:
    • Look for TTD-run guesthouses in Tirupati for clean, affordable rooms.
    • Some devotees prefer staying near Kapila Theertham or Alipiri, combining visits to multiple temples.

Tips

  • Footwear: Leave shoes outside the temple premises—many devotees walk barefoot from the neem tree entrance.
  • Offerings: Carry coconuts, Pongal, flowers, or animal sacrifice items (if part of your vow).
  • Photography: Restricted in sanctum; ask temple staff before clicking.
  • Language: Telugu is widely spoken; basic Tamil and Kannada are understood by locals.
  • Best Time to Visit: Fridays during May–August, and Sankranti for full festival experience.

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