Andhra Pradesh Government presents silk clothes to Sri Paidithalli Ammavaru

Vizianagaram district in Uttarandhra, Andhra Pradesh, witnessed a grand devotional event as Endowments Minister Sri Anam Rama Narayana Reddy presented silk clothes to the deity Sri Paidithalli Ammavaru at the renowned Sri Paidithalli Ammavari Temple. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha and Minister Sri Kondapalli Srinivas and others participated in the celebrations. The temple priests welcomed the dignitaries with the traditional Purnakumbha ceremony and blessed them with ancient Vedic chants.

The temple itself holds a deep historic significance, dating back to the 18th century. It is located near Pedda Cheruvu (lake) in Vizianagaram town and is dedicated to Goddess Pydithalli Ammavaru, believed to be an incarnation of Sri Rajarajeswari Devi and associated with the royal family of the Vizianagaram dynasty. The temple was established following the Battle of Bobbili in 1757 when an idol of the goddess was discovered at the lake’s west side, fulfilling a dream vision experienced by a local priest and soldier.

The main festival celebrated at this temple is the Sirimanotsavam, held annually in September or October, typically on the first Tuesday after Vijayadashami (Dussehra). During this festival, a grand procession features a symbolic wooden pole called Sirimanu, which is ceremoniously carried in honor of the goddess. Thousands of devotees participate in rituals, cultural programs, and prayers seeking the goddess's blessings for prosperity and well-being.

This festival attracts a massive crowd, with around 2 to 3 lakh devotees converging from surrounding towns and nearby states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh. On regular days, the temple also sees a steady flow of worshippers, especially on Tuesdays, when special poojas are conducted.

The ministers prayed for the continued prosperity of Andhra Pradesh under the blessings of Sri Paidithalli Ammavaru and highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage through such sacred festivals.