Location
- Village:
Lova, near Tuni in Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh
- Proximity:
- 5 km from Tuni
- 65 km from Kakinada
- 90 km from Visakhapatnam
- 20 km from Annavaram
The temple is set between
two forested hillocks—Darakonda and Teegakonda—offering panoramic
valley views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Deity and Sub Shrines
- Main Deity:
Talupulamma Thalli, a fierce and benevolent Grama Devatha
believed to grant wishes
- Form:
A manifestation of Goddess Lalitha Ambika, associated with Shakti
traditions
- Sub Shrines:
- Devotees also offer prayers to Ganapati
at nearby Kailasagiri
- Ritual offerings include goats
and chickens, reflecting folk traditions
Temple Significance
- Spiritual Belief:
Devotees strongly believe that any new venture—especially purchasing a
vehicle—should begin with a visit to Talupulamma Thalli for blessings
- Legend:
Sage Agastya, during his southern pilgrimage, encountered the goddess
here. She self-manifested to protect the region from evil forces
- Cultural Practice:
- Vehicle owners often perform pujas
here, leaving behind symbolic offerings
- The temple is known for its Kumkum
Archana and daily abhishekams
History
- The temple is believed to be over
300 years old, nestled in the forested hills of Darakonda and Teegakonda
near Tuni.
- The region was once called Loya,
later evolving into “Lova” as the temple gained prominence.
- It has long served as a Grama
Devatha shrine, deeply rooted in local traditions and protective
rituals.
Legends
- During the Kruta Yuga, Mount
Meru grew so large it disrupted the Sun God’s chariot path. Sage Agastya,
on a southern pilgrimage, intervened by creating Pathala Ganga and
praying to the Sun.
- While resting under a tree in Loya, Goddess
Lalitha Ambika appeared and revealed her mission to eradicate evil in
the forest. On Agastya’s request, she self-manifested here as Talupulamma
Thalli, promising to protect devotees.
- Locals believe she grants wishes and
protects pilgrims from accidents, especially those with new vehicles—a
tradition still widely practiced today.
Architecture
- The temple follows Dravidian
architectural style, adapted to its hilltop forest setting.
- Devotees ascend a flight of steps to
reach the sanctum, passing through a decorated gopuram and offering
prayers first to Kshetrapalaka Sri Kailasa Ganapati.
- The layout is simple yet spiritually
immersive, with open spaces for vehicle pujas, prasadam cooking,
and ritual offerings like goats and chickens.
Rituals
- Kumkum Archana:
A daily ritual where devotees offer vermilion to the goddess, invoking her
protective and wish-fulfilling powers.
- Vehicle Pujas:
One of the temple’s most iconic practices—pilgrims bring newly purchased
vehicles to seek blessings and protection from accidents.
- Animal Offerings:
Goats and chickens are offered as part of traditional vows, reflecting
deep-rooted Grama Devatha customs.
- Ganapati Darshan:
Before approaching Talupulamma Thalli, devotees first offer prayers to Sri
Kailasa Ganapati, the temple’s Kshetrapalaka.
- Personal Vows (Mokku):
Devotees often return to fulfill vows after their wishes are granted,
offering fruits, coconuts, or participating in temple service.
Festivals
- Annual Jatara:
- Celebrated for 15 days during
Chaitra Masam (March–April)
- Includes processions, special pujas,
and community gatherings
- Ashada Masa Utsavams:
- Held from Ashada Suddha Padyami
to Amavasya (June–July)
- Marked by heightened devotional
activity and folk celebrations
- These festivals attract thousands of
devotees from Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states, transforming the
forested hills into a vibrant spiritual hub.
Beliefs
- Wish-Fulfilling Goddess:
Talupulamma Thalli is revered as a deity who listens to sincere prayers
and grants boons, especially related to health, safety, and prosperity.
- Protector of Pilgrims:
Locals believe that visiting her before any major journey or new venture
ensures divine protection.
- Rain and Abundance:
Folklore tells of a young girl named Talupulamma whose prayers ended a
severe drought—cementing her legacy as a symbol of compassion and divine
intervention.
- Unity and Gratitude:
The temple and its festivals foster community spirit, bringing together
people across castes and regions in shared devotion.
Temple Hours
- Opening Time:
6:00 AM
- Closing Time:
6:00 PM
- Darshan Duration:
~20–30 minutes
- Special Rituals:
- Chandi Homam:
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (only on Pournami days)
- Panchamrutha Abhishekam:
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (only on Swathi Nakshatram days)
- Vahana Pooja:
6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
The temple closes
strictly by 6 PM due to its forest location—plan your descent accordingly.
Getting There
- By Train:
Nearest station is Tuni, ~8 km away
- By Road:
Direct buses available from Tuni; private vehicles and autos are common
- By Air:
Nearest airport is Rajahmundry, ~103 km away
- Nearby Towns:
- Kakinada:
65 km
- Visakhapatnam:
90 km
- Annavaram:
20 km
From Tuni, the temple is
accessible via a scenic ghat road. Vehicles are allowed up to the base,
followed by a short climb.
Tips
- Best Time to Visit:
September to June (avoid peak summer)
- Vehicle Pooja:
Bring your new vehicle for blessings—charges vary by type
- Carry Snacks & Water:
Limited facilities on the hilltop
- Photography:
Allowed in outer areas; respect sanctum rules
- Festival Days: Expect large crowds during Navaratri, Karthika Masam, and Annual Jatara (April–May)
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