Sri Rajarajeswari Ammavari Temple Nellore – Rituals, Festivals, Rahu Kala Deepam Guide

 

Location

• Main Temple: Sri Raja Rajeswari Ammavari Devasthanam, Postal Colony, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
• Area: Dargamitta, Nellore city.
• Accessibility: Well-connected by road; close to Nellore railway station and city center.

Deities & Subshrines

• Presiding Deity:
• Sri Rajarajeswari Ammavaru (Mother Goddess) – worshipped as the supreme Shakti.
• Subshrines:
• Dedicated to Ganapati, Subrahmanya Swamy, Navagrahas, and other deities.
• Daily Chandi Homam performed for Ammavaru.

Temple Significance

• Foundation: Established in 1965–1975, inspired by Sri Arul Jyothi Nataraja Murthy Swami and consecrated by Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.
• Unique Ritual:
• Famous for Rahu Kala Deepam – devotees light a lemon-ghee lamp during Rahu Kalam on Fridays for 18 weeks, believed to fulfill wishes.
• Festivals:
• Navaratri (Sep–Oct) celebrated grandly with special pujas and cultural programs.
• Karthika Masam (Nov–Dec) also draws large crowds.
• Beliefs:
• Devotees strongly believe Ammavaru grants prosperity, protection, and fulfillment of desires.
• The temple is considered a spiritual powerhouse in Nellore, attracting pilgrims from across Andhra Pradesh.

History

• Origins (1965):
• Sri Arul Jyothi Nataraja Murthy Swami of the Rajarajeswari Peetham (Arcot, Tamil Nadu) felt the divine presence of Goddess Rajarajeswari while resting in Dargamitta, Nellore.
• Inspired, he resolved to establish a temple here.
• Foundation (1968):
• With support from devotees and Sri Ratnaswamy Mudaliar, the temple construction began.
• The foundation was blessed by Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Mahaswami of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, adding spiritual legitimacy.
• Consecration (1975):
• The temple was formally consecrated with grand rituals, including Chaturveda Pandits chanting, Japamantras, and Homams.
• Leaders from Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham and Pushpagiri Peetham presided over the ceremonies.

Architecture

• Style:
• Primarily Dravidian temple architecture, adapted to urban Nellore.
• Combines traditional sanctum design with modern mandapams for large gatherings.
• Key Features:
• Garbhagriha (Sanctum): Houses Sri Rajarajeswari Ammavaru.
• Subshrines: Dedicated to Ganapati, Subrahmanya Swamy, Navagrahas, and other deities.
• Mandapams: Spacious halls for Chandi Homam, Rahu Kala Deepam rituals, and Navaratri celebrations.
• Tower (Gopuram): A modest but elegant gopuram marks the entrance, symbolizing Shakti’s presence.
• Symbolism:
• The temple architecture emphasizes Shakti worship, with the sanctum radiating divine energy.
• The layout supports community rituals and mass participation, reflecting its role as a spiritual hub in Nellore.

Rituals

• Daily Pujas & Homams:
• Regular worship of Sri Rajarajeswari Ammavaru with Chandi Homam performed in the temple.
• Rahu Kala Deepam:
• A unique ritual where devotees light ghee lamps inside hollowed lemons during Rahu Kalam (inauspicious period), especially on Fridays.
• Observed for 18 consecutive Fridays, believed to remove Graha Dosham (planetary afflictions) and fulfill wishes.
• Deeksha (Vows):
• Devotees undertake 40-day deeksha before Vijayadasami, culminating in bringing holy water from Pinakini River for Ammavaru’s abhishekam.

Festivals

• Navaratri (Sep–Oct):
• Celebrated with grandeur, including special pujas, cultural programs, and mass participation.
• Vijayadasami marks the completion of deeksha rituals.
• Karthika Masam (Nov–Dec):
• Devotees perform lamp-lighting and special pujas, enhancing the temple’s spiritual aura.
• Fridays:
• Considered highly auspicious for Ammavaru worship, especially with Rahu Kala Deepam.

Beliefs

• Wish Fulfillment:
• Ammavaru is revered as a wish-fulfilling goddess, granting prosperity, protection, and spiritual upliftment.
• Planetary Relief:
• The Rahu Kala Deepam ritual is believed to remove Graha Dosham and obstacles in life.
• Community Faith:
• The temple is seen as a spiritual powerhouse in Nellore, attracting devotees from across Andhra Pradesh.
• Motherly Protection:
• Worshippers trust Ammavaru to safeguard families, careers, and health.

Temple Hours

• Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Evening: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
• Special Days: Extended hours during Navaratri, Fridays, and Karthika Masam for rituals like Rahu Kala Deepam and Chandi Homam.
  (Timings may vary slightly during festivals, so check locally before planning.)

Getting Here

• By Road:
• Located in Dargamitta, Nellore city, easily accessible by autos, buses, and taxis.
• Well-connected to NH16 (Chennai–Kolkata highway).
• By Rail:
• Nellore Railway Station is about 3–4 km away.
• Autos and taxis are available from the station.
• By Air:
• Nearest airport: Tirupati Airport (120 km) or Chennai International Airport (180 km).
• From there, buses and trains connect to Nellore.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit:
• Fridays (for Rahu Kala Deepam) and Navaratri (Sep–Oct) for grand celebrations.
• Early mornings for peaceful darshan.
• Offerings:
• Carry lemons, ghee, coconuts, flowers for puja.
• Lemon-ghee lamps are especially important for Rahu Kala Deepam.
• Dress Code:
• Traditional attire preferred: saree/salwar for women, dhoti/kurta for men.
• Modest clothing expected inside sanctum areas.
• Festival Crowds:
• During Navaratri and Fridays, expect heavy crowds.
• Arrive early, carry water, and plan for longer waiting times.
• Nearby Facilities:
• Accommodation available in Nellore city (hotels, lodges).
• Food stalls and prasadam counters near the temple.