A Living Legacy of Devotion
🌿 Our Sacred Origins & Founding Families
Shri Shri Nalla Pochamma Devalyam
Shri Shri Nalla Pochamma Devalayam stands as a living testimony to the unshakable faith, devotion, and dharma of the families who sowed its spiritual seed over eight decades ago. Founded through the divine will and unwavering service of the Ciddenki, Torthi, and Alukapall's families, this temple rose from a humble sanctified corner to a grand spiritual epicenter — where the energy of Nalla Pochamma Thalli Ammavaru pulses through every stone, every ritual, and every prayer.
In its earliest days, the temple was a modest thatched structure built with love, simplicity, and immense reverence. It served not only as a place of worship but as a protector of the village’s collective soul. The divine presence of Nalla Pochamma Amma was invoked daily by elders who believed not just in rituals, but in surrender. The temple's origin is not just a chapter in history — it's a legacy of living devotion passed from heart to heart, generation to generation.
The Humble Beginnings
The story of this temple begins in a modest setting — a thatched sanctum in a peaceful village, far removed from noise, yet full of spiritual resonance. At a time when resources were limited but faith was abundant, the elders of the three families came together, driven not by status or position, but by a divinely inspired call to protect and invoke the energy of Nalla Pochamma Thalli Ammavaru.
The early days were marked by simple offerings: a lamp lit with oil, a flower garland handwoven with devotion, and daily namaskaram by elders like Ciddenki Durgaiah & Maisamma Garu, Alukapalli Durgaiah & Narsamma Garu, and Torthi's. These caretakers maintained the deity with pure devotion, offering food, prayers, and protection from elements — ensuring the presence of Amma was never left unattended.
Over time, what began as a sacred corner under open skies became a spiritually charged center of faith, known across surrounding villages as a place where Amma listens and where healing begins.
Generational Devotion – A Spiritual Inheritance
As the years progressed, the responsibility of the temple was passed on to the second generation, where Sri Ciddenki Shankar Garu emerged as the temple’s guiding light. A man of vision, humility, and deep reverence, he recognized both the spiritual importance of preserving traditions and the practical need for growth and structure.
In 2003, under his leadership, the temple underwent a landmark transformation. The sanctum was rebuilt with traditional rituals, walls were reinforced with divine intent, and a new era of pujas and festival organization was established. This was not simply renovation — it was punarprathisthapana, the reawakening of the temple’s spiritual force.
Accompanied by Smt. Ciddenki Lalitha Garu, Shankar Garu led the temple into its modern spiritual phase, welcoming more devotees, conducting large-scale festivals, and ensuring that the divine flame of Amma remained ever bright.
🔱 Inheritors of the divine service.
After the divine departure of Shri Shankar Garu, the sacred duty was inherited by his sons — Sri Ciddenki Shiva Kumar Garu and Sri Ciddenki Prashanth Garu — who have continued the family’s spiritual stewardship with passion, discipline, and deep commitment.
In 2016, the brothers led the Shikara Prathisthapana Mahotsavam, a grand three-day event marking the installation of the new temple spire — symbolizing the temple’s elevation both physically and spiritually. This celebration was attended by hundreds of devotees and marked a new chapter in the temple’s public devotion and community service.
Today, Shiva Kumar Garu and Prashanth Garu oversee the temple’s daily rituals, annual jatara celebrations, Bonalu festivities, Annadanam, and manage the temple’s expanding outreach — including digital presence, seva coordination, and infrastructure improvements.
About the Goddess
Nalla Pochamma Thalli Ammavaru – The Divine Mother & Guardian
Nalla Pochamma Devi is not just a deity; she is Shakti personified — a radiant force of protection, justice, and motherly grace. Worshipped as a powerful Grama Devatha (village goddess) across Telangana, she is believed to be the ever-watchful guardian who shields her devotees from disease, misfortune, evil spirits, and unseen forces.
Depicted adorned in vibrant silks, heavy floral garlands, turmeric, and kumkum, her divine form exudes strength and warmth. Her eyes are said to reflect compassion for the suffering and fury against injustice, and her blessings are invoked for:
- Protection from illness and fear
- Harmony in family and community
- Fertility and childbirth blessings
- Justice in times of spiritual or physical unrest
- Inner peace, prosperity, and divine courage
Each day begins with Suprabhata Seva, followed by archana, abhishekam, and deepa harathi. On auspicious occasions like Amavasya, Pournami, Bonalu, Navaratri, and Jatara, the temple comes alive with drums, processions, kumkuma poojas, and cultural rituals that fill the air with sacred vibrations.
The Living Presence
For devotees, Nalla Pochamma Amma is not merely an idol — she is a living, breathing divine presence. She is known to respond swiftly to sincere prayers, and countless devotees have experienced her divine interventions in moments of illness, hardship, or uncertainty. Amma embodies the fierce protectiveness of a mother and the serene, unconditional embrace of divine love.
Her temple is more than a place of ritual — it is a sanctuary for connection, surrender, and transformation. Whether it's a single deepam lit in silence or an elaborate homam performed with devotion, every act of worship brings the devotee one step closer to her boundless grace.
Over time, this sacred space has become a haven of healing, fulfillment, and spiritual awakening. Some arrive carrying burdens, others in gratitude — but all leave feeling touched by her presence. Every namaskaram offered, every prayer whispered, every offering made — they don’t end at her feet. They rise through her energy, returning as blessings that ripple through the lives of those who believe.
“From Ancestors to Heirs – A Journey of Bhakti”
Ciddenki Family – Guardians of the Sacred Flame
Alukapalli Family – Roots of Reverence and Sacred Discipline
Alukapalli Family – Roots of Reverence and Sacred Discipline
From the earliest days of the temple's existence, the Ciddenki family has been at the spiritual forefront — nurturing the sanctity of the shrine with tireless devotion and daily seva. Beginning with Sri Ciddenki Durgaiah Garu and Smt. Maisamma Garu, whose humble service and discipline helped establish the deity’s presence, the family’s l
From the earliest days of the temple's existence, the Ciddenki family has been at the spiritual forefront — nurturing the sanctity of the shrine with tireless devotion and daily seva. Beginning with Sri Ciddenki Durgaiah Garu and Smt. Maisamma Garu, whose humble service and discipline helped establish the deity’s presence, the family’s lineage has carried forward a tradition rooted in faith, sacrifice, and dharma. Through generations, from ritual caretaking to temple renovation and event stewardship, the Ciddenki family has served as pillars of spiritual continuity, embodying devotion through action and silence alike.
Alukapalli Family – Roots of Reverence and Sacred Discipline
Alukapalli Family – Roots of Reverence and Sacred Discipline
Alukapalli Family – Roots of Reverence and Sacred Discipline
The Alukapalli family, led in the early years by Sri Durgaiah Garu and Smt. Narsamma Garu, offered steadfast service and devotional care that helped ground the temple’s spiritual rhythm. Their home was often a hub for ritual preparations, and their hearts, a reservoir of reverence. Through discipline, simplicity, and faith, the Alukapall
The Alukapalli family, led in the early years by Sri Durgaiah Garu and Smt. Narsamma Garu, offered steadfast service and devotional care that helped ground the temple’s spiritual rhythm. Their home was often a hub for ritual preparations, and their hearts, a reservoir of reverence. Through discipline, simplicity, and faith, the Alukapalli lineage upheld the spiritual vibration of the temple, providing strength and stability to its traditions. Their commitment lives on in every deepam lit, every kumkum applied, and every seva offered with folded hands.
Torthi Family – Pillars of Ritual and Community Support
Alukapalli Family – Roots of Reverence and Sacred Discipline
Torthi Family – Pillars of Ritual and Community Support
The Torthi family played a foundational role in the early spiritual ecosystem of the temple. Their devotion was expressed not only through daily worship but also by supporting sacred events, preparing offerings, and serving the needs of visiting devotees. Known for their humble dedication and commitment to collective upliftment, the Tort
The Torthi family played a foundational role in the early spiritual ecosystem of the temple. Their devotion was expressed not only through daily worship but also by supporting sacred events, preparing offerings, and serving the needs of visiting devotees. Known for their humble dedication and commitment to collective upliftment, the Torthi lineage ensured that the temple remained not just a space of individual prayer but a community’s spiritual anchor. Their role, quietly powerful, continues to shine in every festival and sacred chant that echoes through the temple halls.
The Journey Continues – Faith in Every Footstep
Second Generation – Revivers of the Sacred Space
Third Generation – Inheritors of Faith – Leading with Seva and Vision
Third Generation – Inheritors of Faith – Leading with Seva and Vision
With deep-rooted devotion inherited from their forefathers, Sri Ciddenki Shankar Garu and Smt. Lalitha Garu emerged as the visionary custodians of Shri Shri Nalla Pochamma Devalayam in its second generational phase. Recognizing the growing number of devotees and the need to give the goddess a sanctum befitting her grandeur, they undertoo
With deep-rooted devotion inherited from their forefathers, Sri Ciddenki Shankar Garu and Smt. Lalitha Garu emerged as the visionary custodians of Shri Shri Nalla Pochamma Devalayam in its second generational phase. Recognizing the growing number of devotees and the need to give the goddess a sanctum befitting her grandeur, they undertook the temple’s complete renovation in 2003, transforming the modest shrine into a beautiful architectural marvel that continues to inspire devotion.
Their commitment went beyond structural development — they reinvoked the divine presence through a grand Punarprana Prathistha Mahotsavam, re-consecrating Amma’s idol with all Vedic rituals. The celebrations included Kalyanam (divine wedding), homams, and alankarana, marking a new spiritual awakening for the temple. With grace and steadfast faith, this sacred couple bridged the legacy of the past with the vision of the future, ensuring that Amma’s blessings flow continuously to generations to come.
Third Generation – Inheritors of Faith – Leading with Seva and Vision
Third Generation – Inheritors of Faith – Leading with Seva and Vision
Third Generation – Inheritors of Faith – Leading with Seva and Vision
Walking in the sacred footsteps of their father and forefathers, Sri Ciddenki Shiva Kumar Garu and Sri Ciddenki Prashanth Garu have taken on the revered mantle of temple caretakers with deep devotion and disciplined stewardship. Representing the third generation of the Ciddenki lineage, they have not only preserved the rituals and custom
Walking in the sacred footsteps of their father and forefathers, Sri Ciddenki Shiva Kumar Garu and Sri Ciddenki Prashanth Garu have taken on the revered mantle of temple caretakers with deep devotion and disciplined stewardship. Representing the third generation of the Ciddenki lineage, they have not only preserved the rituals and customs established before them but have infused the temple with renewed energy, modern structure, and broader community engagement.
Their leadership was most profoundly witnessed during the Shikara Prathisthapana Mahotsavam in 2016, where the new temple tower (gopuram) was consecrated with grand rituals, vibrant cultural events, and immense community participation — marking a significant milestone in the temple’s evolution. Under their care, the temple continues to flourish with daily poojas, annual Bonalu Jatara, Navaratri Utsavams, and digital presence to reach devotees far and wide.
Through silent seva and visible leadership, they remain the spiritual torchbearers of today, ensuring that the sacred light of Nalla Pochamma Thalli Ammavaru continues to illuminate the hearts of every devotee, now and for generations to come.