Karakachettu Polamamba History

Sri Sri Karakachettu Polamamba Ammavaru is revered as a self-manifested deity believed to have appeared before the 16th century, possessing a glorious and unique history. During the period when the French and Portuguese were engaged in maritime trade along the eastern coast of India, a group of fishermen from Pedajalari Peta ventured into the sea for fishing. While casting their nets, they miraculously discovered the sacred idol of the Goddess in the waters. The fishermen worshipped the idol with devotion for several days. One night, the Goddess appeared in their dreams and instructed them to hand over her idol to the Maddi clan of Pedda Waltair. Obeying her divine command, they entrusted the idol to the Maddi lineage, who continued to worship her with reverence. After some time, the Goddess again appeared in their dreams and directed them to consecrate her beneath a Karaka tree, located near cashew (Jeedi) trees. Following her instructions, the idol was installed under the Karaka Chettu, and from that time onward, she became renowned as Karakachettu Polamamba Ammavaru. The Goddess is worshipped as the Gramadevatha (village deity) of fourteen coastal villages along the seashore. Every year, a grand and magnificent Jatara festival is celebrated in the month of Chaitra with immense devotion and enthusiasm. On the festival day, devotees traditionally throw cashew fruits (Jeedipallu) onto the temple roof as an offering. Because of this unique tradition, she is also affectionately known as Jeedipalla Ammavaru. The idol of the Goddess bears distinctive divine features. She is depicted with three serpents adorning her head. In her right hands, she holds a lotus and a sword (Khadgam), while in her left hands, she carries a serpent and a kumkuma bharini. Since she was found in the sea, she is worshipped as the Samudra Devata (Sea Goddess). As she bears serpents on her head, she is also revered as Sarpa Devata (Serpent Goddess). On the right side of Polamamba Ammavaru stands the idol of Kunchamamba Ammavaru, and on her left side is Neelamamba Ammavaru. Within the temple premises, sub-shrines are dedicated to Nesthalamma, Bangaramma, Dandu Maremma, Kanaka Durgamma, Pidugulamma, Sattemma, Mutyalamma, and Pothuraju. The temple complex also includes a Gosala (cow shelter), Yaga Sala (sacrificial hall), and Kalyana Mandapam (marriage hall), making it a spiritually vibrant and culturally significant sacred center for devotees.