India, that is Bharat, is a land steeped in tradition, spirituality, and deep respect for nature. Here, everything—from the boundless cosmos to the smallest elements of the earth is believed to be interconnected. Ancient sages, understanding this cosmic harmony, channeled divine energies through numerous local deities to benefit humanity.
Have you ever heard of a temple with no doors? A temple that even ISRO scientists visit before every satellite launch to seek divine blessings? Welcome to the Chengalamma Parameswari Temple in Sullurpeta, Andhra Pradesh. The goddess, affectionately called Ammavaru, is revered as the village deity (Grama Devata) of nearby Sriharikota, home to India’s space launches, and is also closely associated with the Pulicat Lake.
The Origins of Sullurpeta and the Deity
Sullurpeta, a small town near the Andhra-Tamil Nadu border, was once a humble village called Subagiri, mostly inhabited by cowherds. According to local legend, while some villagers were grazing cattle and bathing in the Kalangi River, a sudden current threatened to sweep them away. They clung to what appeared to be an old statue and managed to reach the shore safely.
Once the river calmed, they discovered a majestic idol—Ammavaru, depicted with eight arms, weapons in hand, and crushing a demon beneath her feet. The villagers placed the murti under a sacred Raavi (peepal) tree facing east. Strangely, when they returned the next day, the idol had mysteriously turned to face south in her full form as Mahishasura Mardini. That night, the goddess appeared in a dream to the village elder, expressing her wish to remain there. Honoring her request, they built a temple on the same spot.
Over time, Subagiri came to be known as Chengali, then Chengali Peta, and eventually became Sullurpeta during the British era.
Temple Architecture and Unique Traditions
The temple complex is expansive, with a grand eastern entrance (Raja Gopuram) and shrines dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha, and the Naga Devatas. The sanctum sanctorum (Garba Gudi) houses the idol of Chengalamma Parameswari, and the temple priests traditionally belong to the Balija community, who were instrumental in building the temple.
One remarkable feature of this temple is that it has no doors. Legend says a thief once attempted to steal from the temple, prompting plans to install doors for protection. However, the goddess appeared in a dream and declared that no barrier should exist between her and her devotees. The doors that were built were set aside in a corner. In time, a tree began to grow from the carved wooden doors, which devotees believe is an embodiment of the goddess herself. Today, people worship both this sacred tree and the main deity.
Nearby are a Naga Lingam and a Navagraha Mandapam. Couples who wish for children often tie small cloth cradles to the tree and perform pradakshina (circumambulation) to seek the goddess’s blessings.
Festivals and Ceremonies
Every full moon (Pournami), special rituals like Maha Chandi Yagnam and Nava Kalasa Abhishekam are conducted with great devotion. The temple is a favored venue for sacred rites such as ear-piercing ceremonies for girls, Aksharabhyasam (beginning of formal education), marriages, and Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony).
Major festivals like Ganapati Navaratri, Ugadi, Mahashivaratri, and Nagula Chavithi are celebrated with fervor, attracting pilgrims from across Andhra Pradesh and neighboring Tamil Nadu.
The Grand Brahmotsavam
Every seven years, during the months of May–June, the temple hosts a grand Brahmotsavam festival lasting seven days. The celebrations begin with the Sudi Maanu ritual, where a chakra (disc), a black goat, and a garland are tied to a pole and spun around. Symbolizing the victory over evil, an effigy of a large bull—representing Mahishasura—is ritually beheaded.
Devotees also bathe in the Kalangi River, and the festival includes a Teppotsavam (float festival) where the deity is paraded in a beautifully decorated boat. The final day features a grand procession of Ammavaru carried in a flower-adorned pallaki (palanquin).
Visiting the Temple
Sullurpeta is situated along the Chennai–Howrah railway line and is easily accessible by road. With its proximity to Sriharikota and Pulicat Lake, the Chengalamma Temple is not just a spiritual destination but also a place of cultural and natural significance—definitely worth a visit.
(This was originally published on social media platform X and has been republished here with permission.)
Ratnakar Sadasyalu is a blogger with a passion in movies, music, books, and history. A techie by profession, and a writer at heart. Author of City of Victory a book on Vijayanagar Empire.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.