The Nookambika Temple, also known as Sri Nookambika Ammavari Temple or Sri Nookallamma Ammavaari Devasthanamu, is a prominent Hindu temple located in Gavarapalem, Anakapalle, near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Nookambika, who is considered one of the nine Shakti forms and was originally known as Sri Anagha Devi.
Here are some details about the temple: History: The temple has a history dating back over 500 years, with some sources mentioning its construction around 1450 A.D. Initially, the goddess was known as Sri Kakatamba, the family deity of King Sri Kakarlapudi Appalaraju Payakarao, who ruled the Anakapalli area. He built the temple to Kakatambika. Around 1611 A.D., Sri Kakarlapudi Appalaraju Payakarao, appointed by the Golconda Nawab, renovated the temple and re-established the worship of the goddess, who came to be known as Sri Nookambika Ammavaru. The temple was later taken over by the Endowments Department in 1937 (some sources say 1935 or 1953) and continues to be managed by them. Deity: The main deity is Goddess Nookambika Ammavaru, one of the nine Shakti forms. She is believed to be the creator of the universe and is highly revered by devotees. Significance: The period from Phalguna Bahula Amavasya (the new moon day in the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna) to Chaitra Amavasya (the new moon day in the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra) is considered a very holy time. Many religious rituals and pujas are performed during this period. Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays are considered auspicious days for performing puja to Sri Nookambika Ammavaru. The temple is known to fulfill the desires of devotees and protect them from woes. Festivals: The most significant festival is the Jatara festival, also known as Kotha Amavasya Jatara. It begins on "Kothamavasya," the eve of the Telugu New Year (Ugadi), typically in March or April. This temple fair continues for about one month and is recognized as a state-level festival. During the Jatara, special prayers, aarti, and cultural programs like Kolatam, folk dances, sankeertanas, and Bharatanatyam are held. Thousands of devotees from across Andhra Pradesh and even from other countries like Malaysia and Singapore visit during this time. The festival concludes with "Nela Pandaga" on the last day. Other festivals like Vinayakachavithi, Sri Devi Navaratrulu (Navratri), and Mahalakshmi Dharma Pooja (a day before Diwali) are also celebrated with special pujas. Special pujas and poor feeding are performed on Makara Sankranti. Timings: Darshan timings generally vary, but typical timings are: Morning: 5:00 AM / 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM / 12:00 PM Afternoon/Evening: 12:00 PM / 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM / 7:30 PM Nivedana (food offerings) usually takes place around 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM. It's always advisable to check with the temple directly for the most current timings, as they might change during festivals or special occasions. Address: Sri Nookambika Ammavari Temple is located in Gavarapalem, Anakapalle, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. A specific postal code is 531002 (for Gavarapalem, Nookambika Temple Street, Nidanam Doddi, Anakapalle). Accommodation: The temple premises offer accommodation facilities including rooms at Kalyan Mantap and cottages. Kakatambika Complex also provides rooms for occupancy. Connectivity: By Air: The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam (approximately 29 km away). By Train: The nearest major railway station is Visakhapatnam (approximately 38 km away), which is well-connected to various parts of the country. By Road: The temple is easily accessible by road from Visakhapatnam (around 24 km), with direct bus services available. The Nookambika Temple is a significant pilgrimage site, attracting a large number of devotees, especially during its...
Read moreIt's a peaceful place.
Anakapalle, headquarter of the mandal is settled at a distance of 34 kms. West of visakhapatnam. This city is important for wholesale promoting for Jaggery which is exported to various places within the country. It is also famous for sugarcane and guava fruits. Sri Nookambika Ammavari Temple is situated in Gavarapalem village in Anakapalle, Visakhapatnam. This is a famous temple in Visakhapatnam District. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Nookambika Ammavaru.
This temple was built in the year of 1450 A.D. by Appalaraju (King). Appala Raju defeated the local rulers and captured their kingdoms and gifted the Kingdom to the Nawab of Arcot. The Nawab in return gifted Appala Raju, the Sabbavaram region, which he ruled by making Anakapalle as its headquarters. He constructed a fort, on its South side he built a temple for his family deity Kakatambika. After the King Appalaraju’s death, the rulers of Vizianagaram took over the kingdom and the fort.
They renamed the Goddess as Nookambika / Nookalamma. Here the biggest festival celebrated once in a year called Nookalamma Jatara. This festival starts from Kotha Ugadi (Kotha Amavasya).Thousands of devotees arrive’s to this temple during tirunalla celebrations. Sri Nookambika Ammavari is one of the None Shakti forms and popularly known as Sri Anagha Devi in ancient days. After some years within the era of kakatiya kings, the temple was restored and also the same immortal was worshiped with the name “Sri Kakatamba” Daily Pujas and Deeparadhana performed here.
Sri nookambika ammavari temple was taken over by Endowments department in the year 1935. Funds of this temple are contributed for renovation of temples from godavari districts to berhampur district. Now this temple is under the control of endowments department and an officer in the cadre of assistant commissioner is appointed as executive officer.
Now the income of the temple runs to a tune of sixty eight lakhs per annum. The temple and premises with coconut trees and vegetation looks very beautiful and attracts devotees. With the contribution of donors new cottages were constructed and also roads were laid to reach. Currently the devotees feel happy to go to the holy temple.
Sri Nookambika Ammavari Temple is a famous temple in Visakhapatnam. A huge number of devotees visit this temple on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays to get the blessings of the goddess. Daily Regular Poojas, Archnas and Deeparadhanas are performed in this temple. Devotees believe Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursday are considered auspicious days to perform pooja to Ammavaaru.
As time passed by Kakatambika turned to Nookambika. In the year 1953, AP Endowments undertook the administration. The crowds are high throughout February, March and April months. Annual festival celebrations begin on Phalguna Amavasya day and endwise...
Read moreThis Nookambika temple is located in Anakapalli municipality near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The temple houses the goddess Nookambika. AppalaRaju, aking hold this area built the temple as this goddess is his family god is at the time. This is one of the finest and most beautiful temples in Andhra Pradesh around Visakhapatnam region. Approximately 450 years ago, in late 1611 AD, the Arcot Nawab appointed Sri Kakarlapudi Appalaraju Payakarao as King for the Anakapalli area. He renovated the temple and brought back past glory and the local goddess as Sri Nookambika Ammavaru. Sri Sri Sri Nookambika Ammavari temple was taken over by the Endowments Department in the year 1937. Sri Sri Sri Nookambika Ammavaru is one of the nine Shakti forms and popularly known as Sri Anagha Devi in ancient days. After a few years in the era of Kakatiya kings, the temple was renovated and the same goddess was worshipped with the name Sri Kakatamba. Daily pujas and diparadhanas are performed here. As the kings lost their dynasties, the daily pujas and other rituals were interrupted and slowly the temple lost its previous glory.
It is believed that the creator of the universe was Sri Shakti Ammavaru and that the creation took place in the time period from Palguna Bahula Amavasya (the new moon day) to April (new moon day). During this holy period there are a lot of religious rituals and pujas that are performed to Sri Nookambica Ammavaru. Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday are considered auspicious days for performing puja to Sri Nookambika Ammavaru.
Now this temple is constructed with many beautiful Arches, Buildings & Developed a lot with utmost Care & The temple is very Spacious also. If you're into Anakapalli or nearby places trip, you have to visit this temple once and enjoy the scenic beauty of this beautiful temple. Info - Some part from Wikipedia. More in...
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