Sri Karakachettu Polamamba Temple Vishakapatnam Andhra Pradesh

Sri Karakachettu Polamamba Temple

Sri Karakachettu Polamamba Ammavari Devasthanam is Shakti temple located at Waltair Main Road in Vishakapatnam -Andhra Pradesh. This deity (grama devata) is considered as the protector of 14 villages (including Valteru/Waltair) around Waltair.

The idol of Karakachettu Polamamba, which is considered to be the reigning deity of Waltair, was apparently netted by a group of fisherfolk some 400 years ago and was offered a Karaka Chettu (sage-leaved Gall Nut tree) as shelter.

History and Significance of Polamamba

In the past, the goddess was called “Jeedipalla Ammavaru” because, during festivals, devotees used to offer cashew nuts at her temple.The goddess, enshrined in the sanctum, is adorned with symbols like a serpent on her head, a sword in her hands, and garlands of lemons. Locals believe Polamamba bestows knowledge, wealth, and strength. She is considered the protector of farmlands, and farmers attribute their abundant harvests to her blessings, earning her the name Polamamba (Protector of Fields).

The temple’s history dates back centuries. The goddess is also known by names like Jeedipalla Ammavaru, Nagadevathe, (Serpent Goddess) and Samudra Devathe (Sea Goddess). Devotees revere her as a goddess who responds to prayers, calling her their family deity. Special prayers and rituals are performed at the temple every Tuesday and Friday, with grand celebrations during Ugadi and Shravana month.

Origin of the Temple
Polamamba is considered an incarnation of Goddess Durga, symbolizing nature’s protection. She is worshipped as the Mother of Wealth and Crops. Around 400 years ago, history records that fishermen found her idol near the shores of Visakhapatnam. Initially, the idol was worshipped in their village, but one day, the goddess appeared in their dreams, instructing them to hand over the idol to the Maddi family of Waltair. The Maddi family later had a dream directing them to enshrine the goddess under a karaka tree (Indian Myrobalan tree) in Waltair. They followed her instructions and built the Polamamba Temple, which is now famous as Karaka Chettu Polamamba.

Two other goddesses, Kunchamamba and Neelamba, are worshipped alongside Polamamba. Nearby, there are sub-temples dedicated to deities like Nestalamma, Bangaramma, Muthyamma, Satyamma, and Pidugulamma. In addition, there is a shrine for Kunchamamba (Lakshmi) and Neelamba (Saraswati), which attracts daily devotees.

Every year, following Ugadi, a nine-day festival is celebrated with grand fervor. Devotees believe the goddess provides food and nourishment to all and fulfills their needs.