Sri Moolasthana Yellamma Temple- Chandragiri

Sri Moolasthana Yellamma Temple – Chandragiri

Sri Moolasthana Yellamma temple is located in Chandragiri, Chittoor district -Andhra Pradesh.This temple enshrines Goddess Moolasthana Yellamma, a form of Goddess Shakti. This beautifully carved temple houses various sculptures of the Hindu religious figurines like the 9 forms of Goddess Durga and the Ten Mahavidyas.

Chandragiri Temple has various legends associated with it. According to one legend, this holy site is the place where one of the blood drops from Sati’s burnt corpse fell on Earth where this temple stands currently.Nine drops out of Sati’s body matter fell at different places when Shiva was carrying her body. Powerful Shakti deities originated at these nine places. One such drop fell at the neem tree in Chandragiri where Moolasthana Yellamma originated.

Another legend mentions that the temple of Moolasthana Yellama Devi was constructed to ward off the evil energies present in the region that caused a chaos among villagers.Once upon a time when there was no proper medical treatment near Chandragiri, villagers died of cholera in large number.

The villagers from 36 villages surrounding Chandragiri met the great sage Agastya Maharshi who was taking penance on the nearby hill. The villagers prayed to Agastya Muni to suggest ways for the cure of these diseases. Then Agastya found that 3326 ghosts were residing in that area, causing trouble to the people. Agastya Muni identified the neem tree where Moolastana Yellamma originated and installed a idol of the deity.

Agastya Maharshi also created another statue of a deity and gave it to the villagers to install and offer prayers. The villagers found two idols of the deity and installed at the neem tree. The villagers offered prayers to the deity and were relieved of the diseases.

It is a profound belief of people here that the deity sanctions their diseases related to health problems, well being and business improvement and prosperity. People hail from surrounding states likes Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and neighbouring districts to offer their prayers to Goddess Yellamma.

Friday rahu kala darshanam is famous in this temple.Especially during Sankranti, there will be a variety of festivities and the deity will be decorated with flowers and carried on different on Vahanas. It is a festival where Moolasthana Ammavaru is going bless the surrounding villages.