Tirupati Gangamma Jatara

Tataiahgunta Tirupati Gangamma Jatara Prominence

Goddess Gangamma is believed to have been born in Avilala, Tirupati . Tataiahgunta Tirupati Gangamma is worshiped as the younger sister of Lord Sri Venkateswara. The ‘jatara’ is ritualistically observed by native residents of Tirupati. Tirupati Gangamma Jatara is the important festival for Tirupati people. People from different places visit this Temple during the festival. Tirupati Gangamma Jatara is a annual festival which is observed in the first fortnight of May every year.

As a birthday gift from a brother to his sister, The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam sends “Parisu”, an auspicious gift on behalf of Lord Sri Venkateswara, which includes sarees, turmeric, kumkum, bangles etc., to Goddess Gangamma during the Jatara.

Gangamma temple in Tirupati is known as Tataiah gunta Gangamma. According to temple records, `Tataiahgunta’ was associated with a 16th Century devotee,`Tirumala Thathacharyulu’, who was said to have built a `Gunta’ (tank) and consecrated the temple near it.

Tirupati Gangamma Jatara and It’s History

According to folklore, Legend has it that the local chief called as “Palegadu” used to seduce beautiful women. As per his commands, newly-wed women were forced to spend their first wedded night with him. The women prayed to Goddess Jaganmatha who then took birth as Gangamma, at Avilala village, near Tirupati.

When she grew up, Palegadu cast his lustful eyes on Gangamma. Palegadu insulted Gangamma, by pulling her hand in full public view when the later rejected him. When She showed her frightening “Viswaroopam” to him, to escape death, Palegadu fled and hid himself in an unidentified location. In search of him, Gangamma wore several attires for three days. And On the fourth day, she lured the Palegadu, attired as his boss (dora). Mistaking her for his boss, Palegadu came into the public, only to be slain by her.

To mark this memorable event and thanksgiving gesture to the Jaganmatha in the form of Goddess Gangamma, Jatara celebration is being held by Tirupati people.

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Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple Tirupati

It may be mentioned here that TIRUMALA is Kaliyuga Vaikuntam and Sri Vaikuntanathan has manifested Himself as Lord Srinivasa. The sacred TIRUMALA Hills consisting of seven peaks is considered to be seven-hooded Adisesha.

Before going to have darshanam of Lord Venkateswara, pilgrim is supposed to shed his/ her ill-qualities like anger, desire, lust. Pilgrim should reach Tirumala Venkateswara with sattva gunam.

So it is recommended to visit Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple Tirupati ( Azhwar Theertham) prior to climbing Tirumala Hills.

Out of 1008 theerthams in TIRUMALA, Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple Tirupati Pushkarini also known as Azhwar Theertham is the only divya / holy theertham which is at the foot of the  Tirumala Hills. The water springs up from Lords’s right toe in one of the cliffs and hence Kapila Theertham is considered to be very sacred.

Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple as stated in Puranasa

Since Shiva and Parvathi blessed Kapila rishi who was doing penance on the banks of this theertham, this came to be known as Kapila Theertham . It is also known as Azhwar Theertham because there is a sannidhi for Nammazhwar here. It is said that none of the Azhwars climbed the Hills and they did mangalasaasanam (Holy Bath) from this place only.

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