Location:
Moolapet, Nellore City
Historical Significance:
Nellore is an ancient city, with archaeological evidence indicating human habitation during the Mauryan and Satavahana periods. Artifacts such as silver coins from the Mauryan era and residences from the Satavahana period, along with Greek coins from that time, suggest that this area has been inhabited for at least 2000 years. By the 8th century CE, Nellore had developed into a significant urban center and political hub, expanding into areas like Moolapet, Patte Khan Pet, Bharakasu, and Kotamitta.
According to archaeological officials, the village deity, Sri Irukalal Parameshwari, has been worshipped since the 9th to 11th centuries. The temple of Sri Irukalal Parameshwari is located near a pond known as Swarnala Cheruvu, which was supposedly constructed by Kakatiya Ganapati Deva, as mentioned in the history of Prataparudra. Inscriptions in Telugu, Tamil, and Nagari scripts within the temple’s mandapa provide insights into its historical significance.
By the 13th century, Telugu Chola kings ruled the area, and during this time, they sought assistance from Kakatiya Ganapati Deva, who first invaded the Nellore region in 1203. The Kakatiya dynasty conducted multiple expeditions into Nellore until approximately 1317 CE. During the reign of the great ruler Rudradeva, in 1314-15, his forces experienced abundant rainfall, which the locals attributed to the blessings of the deity.
Another inscription mentions that during the Vijayanagara Empire, an officer named Kanchana, governing Udayagiri, established a market every Friday and allocated part of the revenue from traders visiting the market for the worship of Irukalal Parameshwari.
Further inscriptions indicate that the temple was constructed using large stones, featuring various architectural elements such as the sanctum sanctorum, inner hall, half hall, and main verandah, with the main entrance adorned with inscriptions and stone pillars.
The first idol installed in this temple is that of Chamundeshwari, which was later moved to the verandah. Interestingly, an owl is often associated with this deity, similar to the sculptures of the Sapta Matrikas found in Ellora.
Thus, the temple of Irukalal Parameshwari Ammavaru has gained significant fame and reverence from ancient times to the present day.
7th Century: During this period, the Pallava Emperors, ruling the Nellore region (Simhapuri), installed the deity.
12th Century: Sri Rajendra Ubhaya Kulothunga Cholan, who ruled the region between the Kaveri and Godavari rivers, visited the temple and constructed the Garbhalaya (sanctum) and Mandapam (hall).
13th Century: Sri Jatavarma Sundara Pandyan conquered this region from Manuma Sidhi. He celebrated his victory at this temple and gifted the Lord with several Manyams (land grants) and other lands.
1849: Sri Yeragudipati Venkatachalam Panthulu constructed the magnificent 7-storied Raja Gopuram (main temple tower) on the eastern side of the temple and Chitrakuta Bhavanam on the southern side, next to Sri Ranganayaki Ammavari Temple. He also dedicated several properties to the temple.
Around 90 years ago: Sriman Muppirala Narasimhacharyulu gifted several properties and diamond-studded jewelry. He also donated the famous gold Garuda Vahanam, Addala Mandapam, and the unique gold zari Vishnu Sahasranamavali to Swamy Varu. Additionally, Sriman Muppirala Narasimhacharyulu dedicated an Astothara Sathanamavali saree to Ammavaru.
Deities in the Temple:
The temple houses several deities, including:
Sri Vinayaka Swamy
Sri Valli Devasena
Sri Subrahmanya Swamy
Sri Kala Bhairava Swamy
Sri Varabadhra Swamy
Sri Sahasra Lingeshwara Swamy
Sri Saraswati Ammavaru
Sri Durga Devi Ammavaru
Sri Dakshina Murthy Swamy
Navagrahas (Nine Celestial Bodies)
Sri Nataraja Swamy
Sri Satya Bama along with Sri Venugopala Swamy
Sri Surya Narayana Swamy
Daily Darshan Timings:
Morning 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
How to Reach:
By Road:Nellore – Sri Irukalala Parameswari Ammavari Devasthanam (2.3 KM)
By Rail:Nearest Railway station: Nellore Railway station (4.8 KM)
By Air:Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (118 KM)and Chennai International Airport (186 KM)