Yellamma Pochamma Temple is an ancient shrine, situated at Balkampet, near Hyderabad, in Hyderabad District, in the Telangana state of India. It is considered to be one of the oldest and famous temples of Hyderabad. The temple of "Sri Ellamma" is believed to be in existence since 15th century AD. It is said that the temple has taken its present form in 1919 AD.
Deity of Yellamma Pochamma Temple
The temple is dedicated to deity Sri Ellamma, a traditional manifestation of Goddess Parvati or Shakti. Sri Ellamma is known by varied names like Bala Tripura Sundari, Balakamba and Bala. The idol of Sri Ellamma lies 10 feet beneath the ground level. The area where the idol is placed is called as `bhoogarbha swayambhu vigraham`. Literally, "Ellamma" means mother to all. Locals believe that Sri Ellamma is Renuka Devi, the mother of Lord Parashuram. It is also believed that Ellamma is Kaliyuga Avatar of `Sri Chinna Mastha Devi`, whose upasana is one in Dasamaha Vidya of Tantsopasana.
Significance of Yellamma Pochamma Temple
There is a temple within the premise. Devotees believe that a bath with this water cures all kinds of skin diseases and epidemics. This water is taken as "Theertham". To the south of Yellamma Pochamma Temple, the idol of "Pochamma" was installed and "She" is acknowledged as the ruler of this sacred land. Pilgrims can have the darshan of Akhand Jyothi enshrined in the Garbha Gudi (inner sanctum).
Festivals of Yellamma Pochamma Temple
The most important festival of this temple is the divine marriage ceremony of Goddess Yellamma. It is celebrated in Ashada masam with great enthusiasm. The other significant festivals of this temple are Bonalu in Ashada masam, Durga Navaratri during Dasara in Ashwayuja masam, and Vasantha Navaratri in Chaitra masam. All these festivals draw tourists and devotees from varied distant places of India.
Nearby Shrines of Yellamma Pochamma Temple
Devotees can also have a glimpse of other sacred temples that are nestled in the vicinity of this ancient holy place. Some of the well-known temples are Sri Ganesha Temple, Sri Pochamma Temple, Sri Nagadevata Temple, Sri Rajarajeshwari Devi Temple, etc.
