TTD Sri Avanakshamma(Amnayakshi) Temple Address, Narayanavanam, Chittor Dist. Andhrapradesh

Narayanavanam, the abode of Goddess Avanakshamma(Sri Parvathi Devi) and Lord Shiva. The other deities in the temple are 'Samkari Devi, Ganapathi. The Goddess Avanakshi Devi's idol looks like 'Kalika Devi' in the sanctum sanctorum. This temple is a Sub-Temple of Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Narayanavanam. The temple is located at a distance of 35KM from Tirupati town, Andhrapradesh.

This temple is under the management of TTD since 1967. TTD was organised 'JEERNODHARANA-MAHAKUMBHA ABHISHEKAM' Mahotsavam on August 14 in the year 2014.

Legend: It is believed that the demon 'Somakudu' stolen 'The Vedas' from the Lord of Creator- Brahma. Goddess Paravathi Devi killed the demon and returned the Vedas to Lord Brahma. The Goddess was appeared as 'Kalika Matha' during the killing of demon. The Lord Brahma installed the small idol of Goddess as 'Amnayakshi(ఆమ్నాయాక్షి) in Narayanavanam.

Later, the Sage Agasthya(అగస్త్య  మహర్షి) was installed the bigger idol replica to the original idol of the Goddess Amnayakshi. The King Aakasha Raja(Father of Goddess Padmavathi Devi) worshipped the Goddess and developed the temple. Sri Padmavthi Devi offered prayers before marriage with the Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy. She performed 'Gowri Pooja' and 'Rudraabhishekam' in this temple. It was described in 'PADMAVATHI PARINAYAM' that Goddess Padmavathi devi and the Lord worshipped the Goddess 'Avanakshamma' before going to Tirumala Temple after their marriage.

Significance of Avanakshamma Temple: Goddess Parvathi Devi saved 'The Vedas' from the demon 'Somukudu'. The Goddess is considered to have Vedas as Her Eyes. She is worshipped as 'Amnayakshi'[ఆమ్నాయాక్షి](Preserver of Vedas). The name 'Amnam'(ఆమ్నాo)  means 'Vedas' and 'Akshi'(అక్షి) means 'Eyes'. Later the Goddess name 'Amnayakshi' is changed to 'Avanakshi Devi' or 'Avanakshamma'(అవనాక్షమ్మ).

The temple is located near to 'Aruna River'. and the Sage Agasthya Temple is located nearer to Goddess Temple.

Main Annual Festivals of Avanakshamma Temple, Narayanavanam:

1. Jatara: The most important festival is 18days Jatara being celebrated in the month of August/September in every year.
2. Navaratri Utsavam: Navaratri Brahmotsvams are celebrated in the month of September/October. Traditionally, this festival begins on the beginning day of  Tirumala Temple Navaratri Brahmotsavams.

How to Reach:
The temple is located nearer to Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple. It is about 1KM distance from Narayanavanam Bus Stop.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Puttur. The temple town is about 5KM from Puttur (Tirupathi-Chennai route).
By Road: Devotees can reach to Narayanavanam temple town by road. It is located at about 35KM from Tirupathi on Tirupathi-Chennai Highway Route.